bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Both middle and large envelope proteins can mediate neutralization of hepatitis B virus infectivity by anti-preS2 antibodies: escape by naturally occurring preS2 deletions
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Qianru , Yuan Wenqing , Li Jing , Yuan Quan , Zhang Jiming , Xia Ningshao , Wang Yongxiang , Li Jisu , Tong Shuping 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) expresses co-terminal large (L), middle (M), and small (S) envelope proteins containing preS1/preS2/S, preS2/S, and S domain alone, respectively. S and preS1 domains mediate sequential virion attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), respectively, which can be blocked by anti-S and anti-preS1 antibodies. How anti-preS2 antibodies neutralize HBV infectivity remains enigmatic. The late stage of chronic HBV infection often selects for mutated preS2 translation initiation codon to prevent M protein expression, or in-frame preS2 deletions to shorten both L and M proteins. When introduced to infectious clone of genotype C or D, both M-minus mutations and most 5’ preS2 deletions sustained virion production. Such mutant progeny viral particles were infectious in NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells. Neutralization experiments were performed on the genotype D clone. Although remaining susceptible to anti-preS1 and anti-S neutralizing antibodies, M-minus mutants were only partially neutralized by two anti-preS2 antibodies tested while preS2 deletion mutants were resistant. By infection experiments using viral particles with lost versus increased M protein expression, or a neutralization escaping preS2 deletion only present on L or M protein, we found that both full-length L and M proteins contributed to virus neutralization by the two anti-preS2 antibodies. Thus, immune escape could be a driving force for the selection of M-minus mutations, and especially preS2 deletions. The fact that both L and M proteins could mediate neutralization by anti-preS2 antibodies may shed light on the underlying molecular mechanism.

IMPORTANCE
The large (L), middle (M), and small (S) envelope proteins of hepatitis B virus (HBV) contain preS1/preS2/S, preS2/S, and S domain alone, respectively. The discovery of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as the low- and high-affinity HBV receptors could explain neutralizing potential of anti-S and anti-preS1 antibodies, respectively, but how anti-preS2 neutralizing antibodies work remains enigmatic. In this study, we found two M-minus mutants in the context of genotype D partially escaped two anti-preS2 neutralizing antibodies in NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells, while several naturally occurring preS2 deletion mutants escaped both antibodies. By point mutations to eliminate or enhance M protein expression, and by introducing preS2 deletion selectively to L or M protein, we found binding of anti-preS2 antibodies to both L and M proteins contributed to neutralization of wild-type HBV infectivity. Our finding may shed light on the possible mechanism(s) whereby anti-preS2 antibodies neutralize HBV infectivity.
The structural setting and evolution of the Upper Beaver gold–copper deposit, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Orlóci-Goodison Ruth A. , Lafrance Bruno , Beaudoin Georges , Côté-Mantha Olivier 
Published: July 2024

The ca. 2680 Ma Upper Beaver deposit is an Archean intrusion-related gold–copper deposit located in the Abitibi greenstone belt, Ontario. The deposit is associated with the Upper Beaver Intrusive Complex, which was emplaced in the hanging wall of an extensional listric fault rooted in metavolcanic rocks of the ca. 2704–2695 Ma Blake River assemblage. The fault formed during the development of an overlying basin of fluvial metasedimentary and alkalic metavolcanic rocks of the ca. 2679–2669 Ma Timiskaming assemblage. The Upper Beaver deposit was subsequently rotated to its current position during the formation of a post-Timiskaming fold, the Spectacle Lakes Anticline, associated with the development of the Larder Lake–Cadillac deformation zone, located 7 km south of the deposit. The Upper Beaver deposit is overprinted by the axial planar cleavage of the anticline but is less deformed than other gold deposits located along the deformation zone. Alteration and other pre-existing planar anisotropies enhanced strain partitioning and the development of folds and fabrics in strained mineralized zones of the deposit. Steeply dipping, sericite-altered mineralized zones developed a continuous foliation surrounding boudinaged and recrystallized quartz–calcite–anhydrite veins, whereas strong, shallowly dipping, stratiform, and skarnoid mineralized zones developed a wavy disjunctive cleavage and deformed mainly by folding. The mineralized zones acted as pre-existing anisotropies during deformation and their orientation and composition were key factors in the development of structures at the Upper Beaver deposit, which can be used as a guide for interpreting the development of structures in similar but more complexly deformed deposits along major deformation zones.
A Cautionary Tale for Polycentric Climate Governance: Sweden’s Roles in Orchestrating Decarbonization
Authors: Widerberg Oscar , Bäckstrand Karin , Lövbrand Eva , Marquardt Jens , Nasiritousi Naghmeh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Paris Agreement ushered in an era of climate governance underpinned by a polycentric theory of change, emphasizing experimentation, collaboration, and innovation while downplaying political contestation, power asymmetries, and the need for regulatory action by the state. This article explores the roles the state plays in polycentric climate governance, focusing on the tension between the regulatory state, where authorities set, monitor, and enforce rules, and the orchestrating state, which facilitates collaboration with nonstate actors to induce behavioral change. Using decarbonization in Sweden as an illustrative case study, the article synthesizes the results of two research projects evaluating the promises and limits of polycentric climate governance. The results problematize the view that Sweden is a forerunner in climate governance, suggesting that while the Swedish government has mobilized support from important industries and cities in favor of decarbonization, that support may be insufficient to achieve necessary societal transformation for deep decarbonization. Finally, the study reflects on the conditions necessary for polycentric governance to effectively decarbonize society, highlighting the pivotal role of the regulatory state.
Association of nutritional intake with clinical and imaging activity in pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mohan Sonam D , Peterson Skyler , Brenton J Nicholas , Carmichael Suzan L , Virupakshaiah Akash , Rodriguez Moses , Tillema Jan-Mendelt , Mar Soe , Rensel Mary R , Abrams Aaron , Chitnis Tanuja , Benson Leslie , Gorman Mark , Lotze Tim , Shukla Nikita , Graves Jennifer , Aaen Gregory , Casper T Charles , Waubant Emmanuelle 
Published: July 2024

Background: Understanding nutrition’s role in multiple sclerosis (MS) can guide recommendations and intervention-based studies. Objective: Evaluate the association between nutrition and pediatric-onset MS outcomes. Methods: Prospective longitudinal multicenter study conducted as part of the US Network of Pediatric MS centers. Predictors were collected using a food screener estimating intake of various dietary food groups (e.g. dairy and fruits) and additional calculated indices (e.g. Healthy Eating Index (HEI)). Outcomes included time-from-enrollment to clinical relapse, new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 lesions, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) increase. Results: 353 children with MS were enrolled (mean ± SD age 15.4 ± 2.9, follow-up 3.9 ± 2.6 years). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that increased dairy by 50% of recommended intake was associated with increased relapse risk by 41% (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.07–1.86), and risk of T2 progression by 40% (1.40, 1.12–1.74). Increased intake of fruit or vegetable above recommended, and every five-point HEI increase decreased relapse risk by 25% (0.75, 0.60–0.95), 45% (0.55, 0.32–0.96), and 15% (0.84, 0.74–0.96), respectively. No associations were found with EDSS. Conclusion: This work supports the influence of dietary intake on MS course, particularly with dairy intake. Future prospective study is required to establish causation.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Earnings Management: Empirical Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Dang Anh Tuan , Khanh Dung Nguyen Ngoc 
Published: July 2024

Earnings management (EM) is the practice of adjusting profits or earnings on financial statements at the discretion of the management. This study undertook a regression analysis of the earnings management model, with data from 300 non-financial listed companies on the Vietnamese stock exchange during the period 2016 to 2021 to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on earnings management. To estimate earnings management, compared with the original model, we add the leverage variable (LV) was used as earnings management proxy in this research. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic positively and significantly impact the earnings management of non-financial listed companies. Moreover, it was found that managers are more involved in real earnings management than accrual earnings management, implying that financially distressed firms need to reassure investors to raise more capital during the pandemic. However, there is no evidence of a trade-off between these two techniques during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Additionally, this study provides evidence that the model by Roychowdhury, following Cohen et al., and the performance-matched model by Jones, following Kothari et al. are more suitable for detecting EM behavior when factoring in the financial leverage (LV) variable for firms with a high debt ratio in developing countries. JEL Classification: H8, M42
Morphology and ITS sequences provide insights into the phylogeny of Tongoloa (Apiaceae) from China
Authors: Gui Lingjian , Peng Chang , Yu Liying , Liu Lijia , Wei Shugen , Yan Zhigang , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhou Songdong , He Xingjin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Tongoloa is a genus comprising approximately 20 species, primarily distributed in the mountainous regions of southwest China. The insufficiency of specimen materials and morphological similarities among species render it a taxonomically challenging genus within the Apiaceae family. To elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of Chinese Tongoloa, this study utilized a total of 115 nrITS sequences, including 47 recently obtained sequences, for phylogenetic reconstruction.

Results
Phylogenetic relationships reconstructed from ITS sequences indicate that the East Asia Clade and the Komarovia Clade are sister groups, and Tongoloa belongs to the East Asia Clade. Species of Tongoloa are subdivided into 3 distinct groups, all sharing similar fruit morphologies and are clearly differentiated from related taxa. Several Tongoloa-like members classified under other genera are interpreted to be closely related to Tongoloa. Morphological and molecular data indicate that Tongoloa, Sinolimprichtia subclade and Chinese Trachydium subclade are separate yet genetically contiguous taxa. It is confirmed that Tongoloa zhongdianensis belongs to the Hymenidium Clade, while Sinocarum is classified within the Acronema Clade. Two new taxa are found in the Hengduan Mountains.

Conclusion
Tongoloa is a genus within the East Asia Clade of Apiaceae, and the phylogeny reconstructed based on ITS sequences divides it into 3 main groups. By integrating fruit morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we preliminary clarified the intricate taxonomic relationships among Tongoloa and related taxa. These results provide valuable opportunities for a deeper understanding of the phylogeny of Tongoloa.
Perinatal maternal factors influencing postpartum feeding practices at six weeks
Authors: Wang Yanchi , Mao Kai , Chu Minjie , Lu Xiaopeng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
Despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for the initial 6 months, breastfeeding rates decline within the first 6 weeks after delivery. This study aimed to (1) investigate the breastfeeding rate at 6 weeks postpartum and (2) explore the influence of perinatal factors on feeding patterns at 6 weeks postpartum.

Method
A total of 635 participants were enrolled from February to August 2023 at outpatient clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Nantong City. Variables were collected through questionnaires during the third trimester of pregnancy, including demographic information, pregnancy stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and resilience. At 6 weeks postpartum, information regarding feeding patterns, delivery and postpartum situations, postpartum stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and resilience was gathered. Initial single-factor analyses were conducted using feeding pattern as the dependent variable, and variables with significance were chosen as independent variables. The disordered multi-classification logistic regression model was then established using the stepwise forward method.

Results
Within the first 6 weeks, 35.28% (224/635) of postpartum women exclusively breastfed their infants. Factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding and formula feeding at 6 weeks postpartum included breast pain, sleep quality, mental resilience, difference between postpartum and late pregnancy anxiety, insufficient milk supply, and maternal herself caring for the infant (P < 0.05). Factors influencing the transition from exclusive to partial breastfeeding were insufficient milk supply and maternal herself caring for the infant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The study reveals a relative low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in China’s first 6 weeks postpartum, along with a comparison of perinatal factors affecting three different feeding patterns. Our findings may contribute additional evidence to the association between perinatal factors and feeding patterns. This study guides healthcare professionals in developing strategies to promote exclusive breastfeeding and improve personalized counseling for exclusive breastfeeding and mental health.
Comparison of factors affecting Turkish citizens’ search for online health information before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alkan Ömer , Küçükoğlu Uğur , Ünver Şeyda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Health information consumers can acquire knowledge regarding health problems, combat health problems, make health-related decisions, and change their behaviour by conducting health information searches. This study aims to identify the sociodemographic and economic factors affecting individuals’ search for health information on the internet before and during COVID-19.

Methods
In this study, micro data sets of the Household Information Technologies (IT) Usage Survey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2018 and 2021 were used. The binary logistic regression analysis was also used in the study.

Results
It was determined that age, gender, education level, occupation, social media use, searching for information about goods and services, internet banking use, e-government use, having a desktop computer, having a tablet computer, and region variables were associated with the status of searching for health information on the internet during the COVID-19 period.

Conclusion
The main reasons for the increase in health information searches during the COVID-19 epidemic can be attributed to several key factors, such as society’s need for information and meeting its need for information, access to up-to-date health data and increased trust in official sources. The study’s findings serve as a valuable resource for health service providers and information sources attempting to identify the health information-seeking behaviour of the public and to meet their needs in this context.
Traditional Chinese medicine for sjögren’s syndrome: a national survey of attitudes and perceptions among Chinese patients and rheumatologists
Authors: Liu Ruihua , Guo Zilin , Xu Haodong , He Jing , Wang Bei , Jin Yuebo , Zhao Ziying , Tang Xiaopo , Zhou Xinyao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This study explored similarities and differences among Chinese patients and rheumatologists in their attitudes towards and perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), including analyzing factors that influenced their decision making.

Methods
An anonymous questionnaire was used to conduct a multicenter survey among patients with SS at three tertiary care medical centers in Beijing and among rheumatology clinicians at several hospitals across China. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results
There were 942 valid questionnaires from patients from 31 provinces and cities in China, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 1:14, a mean age of 48.81 years, and a median disease duration of 7 (4, 10) years. There were 320 valid questionnaires from rheumatologists, covering 30 provinces and cities in China, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 0.87:1, a mean age of 48 years, and a median work duration of 10.5 (6, 15) years. The rheumatologists treated a median of 15 (11, 50) SS cases per month, and the median proportion of SS to all rheumatic diseases was 6.66% (6–10%). Many patients believed TCM could cure the root of the disease, and the most expected TCM therapies were TCM patent prescriptions and medicinal teas. Conversely, rheumatologists placed high value on the efficacy of TCM, and most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal decoctions. Most doctor-patient groups were positive about TCM treatment, citing the low side effects as the major advantage. Regression analysis showed that for patients over 40 years old with a course of disease > 4 years, the probability of using TCM has increased by 1–6 times; the probability of recommending TCM in clinical work of doctors who have worked for more than 15 years, TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine has increased 1–2 times.

Conclusions
TCM has become widely accepted and earned attention from doctor-patient groups, especially among older patients and experienced rheumatologists. However, negative prejudices and absence of accurate information about TCM treatments and SS itself require improvement. The contradiction between TCM dosage form and efficacy is a major problem, and patient demand for convenient and efficient TCM patent preparations suggests future work should focus on developing TCM patent preparations with clear compositions and mechanisms.
Unspoken expectations and situational participation: a qualitative study exploring the instantiation of next of kin involvement within the trust model
Authors: Slåtsveen Ruth-Ellen , Wibe Torunn , Halvorsrud Liv , Lund Anne 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Demographic changes, such as an increase in older adults, present a challenge to the healthcare service’s current capacity. Moreover, the need for healthcare personnel is rising, while the availability of labour is dwindling, leading to a potential workforce shortage. To address some of these challenges, enhanced collaboration between home-based healthcare frontline workers, service users, and next of kin is a necessity. The trust model is an organisational model where home-based healthcare services are organised into smaller interdisciplinary teams aiming to tailor the services in collaboration with service-users and their next of kin’. This study explores how the next of kin and frontline workers perceive and perform involvement in making decisions regarding tailoring the services for the users of home-based healthcare services organised after the trust model.

Methods
Four in-depth interviews and 32 observations were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to identify meaningful patterns across the datasets.

Results
The results are presented as two themes: (i) unspoken expectations and (ii) situational participation. The results highlight the complex nature of next-of-kin involvement and shared decision making, raising questions about meeting expectations, evaluating available resources, and developing sustainable involvement processes.

Conclusion
This study indicates that despite of an interdisciplinary organisational model aiming for shared decision making as the trust model, the involvement of next of kin continues to be a challenge for frontline workers in home-based healthcare services. It also points to the importance of transparent communication and how it is deemed essential for clarifying implicit expectations.
Insight into the role of Streptococcus suis zinc metalloprotease C from the new serotype causing meningitis in piglets
Authors: Gu Qibing , He Peijuan , Bai Qiankun , Zhong Xiaojun , Zhang Yue , Ma Jiale , Yao Huochun , Pan Zihao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractStreptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important gram-positive pathogen and an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes meningitis in swine and humans. Although several virulence factors have been characterized in S. suis, the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis are not fully understood. In this study, we identified Zinc metalloproteinase C (ZmpC) probably as a critical virulence factor widely distributed in S. suis strains. ZmpC was identified as a critical facilitator in the development of bacterial meningitis, as evidenced by the detection of increased expression of TNF-α, IL-8, and matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9). Subcellular localization analysis further revealed that ZmpC was localized to the cell wall surface and gelatin zymography analysis showed that ZmpC could cleave human MMP-9. Mice challenge demonstrated that ZmpC provided protection against S. suis CZ130302 (serotype Chz) and ZY05719 (serotype 2) infection. In conclusion, these results reveal that ZmpC plays an important role in promoting CZ130302 to cause mouse meningitis and may be a potential candidate for a S. suis CZ130302 vaccine.