Andrews University

Type I interferon (IFN) induction is a central component of the innate immune response to viral infection, and the cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) has been identified as a key mediator of IFN production during human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. However, how cGAS detects HCMV remains unresolved, as the viral genome is encapsidated and trafficked directly to the nucleus, limiting cytoplasmic exposure. Here, we show that IFN induction during HCMV infection of primary fibroblasts is largely driven by cGAS recognition of exogenous DNA present in standard laboratory virus preparations rather than the encapsidated viral genome. DNase treatment of AD169 and low-passage TB40/E-GFP viral stocks substantially reduced total DNA content without affecting infectivity, yet markedly abrogated IFN induction, IFN-stimulated gene expression and IRF3 nuclear translocation. Immunofluorescence analysis further revealed cytoplasmic accumulation of DNA in cells infected with untreated virus stocks, which was absent following DNase treatment. Together, these findings demonstrate that contaminating DNA in viral preparations is sufficient to activate cGAS and drive IFN responses during HCMV infection in vitro, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting innate immune sensing mechanisms in experimental infection systems.

The use of a biblical motif as an integrative center or principle of articulation in a theological system is commonly practiced and methodologically discussed in theological literature. In the context of Adventist theology, the sanctuary is considered one of the main integrative motifs for the development of a theological system. The purpose of the present article is to depict proposals regarding the foundational place of the biblical sanctuary for the articulation of theological topics in Scripture from a systematic and biblical perspective. In interaction with these proposals, the complex debates concerning the definition of a theological (integrative) center in Scripture are taken into account. From a methodological standpoint, an interdisciplinary approach is adopted that involves the areas of Adventist studies, biblical theology, and systematic theology. In the area of Adventist studies, it is described how the sanctuary played a role in the development of a theological system in the history of Adventist theology. Then, in the areas of biblical theology and systematic theology, different proposals concerning the integrative use of the sanctuary by biblical and systematic theologians are described and examined in light of the problematization of the use of a theological unifying center.

Fecal incontinence is a common, yet underdiagnosed condition, disproportionately affecting women and significantly impacting health and quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training and biofeedback are recommended first-line treatments, yet access, adherence, and stigma remain substantial barriers to care. Digital therapies may offer an effective alternative to address barriers. To evaluate real-world outcomes with use of a prescription digital therapeutic device for treatment of fecal incontinence in women. This observational cohort study analyzed de-identified data from women who used the device between July 1, 2023-August 1, 2024. Commercial users of the device in the United States. Adult women with fecal incontinence, identified by self-report or clinical diagnosis, who completed baseline and 8-week Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-CRADI-8 symptom surveys. Eight weeks of use of an intravaginal motion-based biofeedback device paired with smartphone application to guide pelvic floor muscle training. Baseline-to-8-week Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-CRADI-8 score change; achievement of Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory-CRADI-8 minimum clinically important difference, global improvement scores, adherence, pelvic floor performance metrics. Among 214 eligible users, 200 self-reported FI symptoms and 14 had a clinical diagnosis with mean age 58.8 years and mean body mass index 27.5 kg/m 2. Mean CRADI-8 score change was -8.2 points (±15.5; p < 0.0001); 58.4% met the minimum clinically important difference. Of 142 respondents, 73% reported global improvement. Device-captured pelvic floor performance improved significantly. Weekly adherence remained high. No serious device-related adverse events were reported. Selection bias, lack of comparator, reliance on patient reported outcomes, limited clinical diagnostic confirmation, generalizability. Use of a digital therapeutic device was associated with significant improvements in fecal incontinence and pelvic floor function in a real-world cohort of women. High user engagement and clinically important symptom reduction support the potential of home-based digital interventions to expand access to conservative management and address persistent gaps in women's pelvic health care. See Video Abstract.

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. All underlying data are reported in the paper.

In this paper, we present our approach to adding the first layers of syntactic information to an open dataset containing the text of the Samaritan Pentateuch with linguistic annotations. The Samaritan Pentateuch, written in Samaritan Hebrew, is the sacred text of the Samaritan community. The updated dataset now includes boundaries for phrase atoms and phrases. These were added using a parser previously employed to annotate Hebrew and Syriac texts morphologically. While the model predicts the locations of phrase atom and phrase boundaries, its output is not always accurate, so manual corrections were applied. This project highlights the potential of machine learning to enrich ancient texts. The syntactic features developed here can support linguistic research in the humanities and facilitate textual comparisons across ancient corpora—extending beyond morphological analysis to deepen our understanding of textual transmission. Additionally, the corrected data can be incorporated into the existing training set to improve future models.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in African American (AA) women. In this study we evaluated the serum proteomic profile of AA women with breast cancer using an integrated proteomic framework with multivariate pattern analysis. Using 2D-DIGE, thousands of serum protein spots were detected across 33 gels; 46 spots met criteria for presence, statistical significance, and differential expression. Proteins from the spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF and matched in curated databases, highlighting serum biomarkers including ceruloplasmin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement component C3 and C6, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and haptoglobin-related protein. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed 163 differentiating peptides after imputing and filtering 286 peptides. These were evaluated using cumulative distribution function (CDF) analysis, a nonparametric method suited for limited sample sizes. Peptide patterns were explored with Random Forest, showing concordance with CDF. The model achieved an AUC of 0.85 at the peptide level. This workflow identified differentiating proteins (CERU, A2MG, CO3, VTDB, HEMO, APOB, APOA4, CFAH, CO4A, AACT, K1C10, ITIH2, ITIH4), highlighting CERU, A2MG, and CO3 with overexpression and reproducible identification across platforms. We present an integrated, non-invasive serum protein biomarker signature panel specific to AA women, through reproducible proteomic sensor framework to support early detection and breast cancer prevention.

BackgroundAnatomical variations in the neurovascular structures of the hand have critical implications for surgical procedures, diagnostic accuracy, and nerve conduction studies. This study examined the morphology of the superficial palmar arch (SPA), the course of common digital palmar (CDP) arteries relative to Kaplan’s line, and the prevalence and types of Berrettini anastomosis.MethodsThirty-six embalmed cadaveric upper limbs (18 right, 18 left) from the Universities of Belgrade and St Andrews were dissected following standard anatomical protocols. Specimens with visible trauma or deformity were excluded. The SPA was classified as complete or incomplete. Origins of CDP artery distances from Kaplan’s line were measured and analyzed for sex differences using the t- test (p < 0.05). Median-ulnar nerve communications were identified and categorized as Type I (ulnar to median), Type II (median to ulnar), or Type III (bidirectional/multiple).ResultsComplete SPAs were observed in 55.6% (n=20) of specimens, predominantly in males, while 44.4% (n=16) showed incomplete patterns, more frequently in females. CDP arteries were significantly farther from Kaplan’s line in male specimens (p < 0.05). The Berrettini anastomosis was present in 33.3% (n=12) of hands, with Type III being most common (66.7%, n=8/12), and no Type I anastomoses were identified.ConclusionsOur findings highlight clinically significant variations in hand neurovascular anatomy, with notable sex-based differences in SPA configuration and arterial topography. The frequent occurrence of complex Berrettini anastomoses underscores the importance of detailed anatomical awareness to avoid complications in hand surgery and to enhance diagnostic procedures.

Altruistic behaviour is evolutionarily favoured through the action of kin selection. A simple mechanism for kin selection is population viscosity, whereby individuals do not move very far over the course of their lives, such that even indiscriminate helping of neighbours is liable to benefit one's genetic relatives. However, population viscosity is also associated with intensified resource competition among kin, which acts to inhibit the evolution of altruism. In standard models of population structure, these opposing effects of viscosity exactly cancel so that the evolutionary potential for altruism is completely invariant with respect to the rate of dispersal. Here, we investigate the consequences of load-balancing dispersal-whereby dispersers exhibit a preference for settling in less-crowded areas-for the evolution of altruism. Using mathematical modelling and individual-based computer simulations, we find that load-balancing dispersal dramatically reduces the kin-competition consequences of altruism, and thereby strongly promotes the evolution of altruism in viscous populations. We discuss other implications of such load-balancing dispersal for social evolution.

• Measuring effect of digital financial inclusion on economic growth and environmental sustainability of 15 sub-Saharan African countries over a 10-year period. • The cointegration test which evaluates the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between the dependent variables, signifying the existence synchronized movement over time. • Digital financial inclusion, through ATMs and debit cards significantly impacts environmental sustainability. • The insights gained from our analysis have practical implications for policymakers. Our study contributes to the need for policymakers to focus on additional initiatives such as creating a favorable business environment, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation beyond digital financial inclusion. Digital financial inclusion is essential for economic growth as it gives individuals and businesses access to financial services. However, as people and companies access these services, they often become more affluent, leading to increased consumption of luxury and energy-intensive products, thus impacting CO₂ emissions and, consequently, environmental sustainability. Examining how digital financial inclusion influences economic growth and environmental sustainability has become crucial. Therefore, this study investigates how digital financial inclusion influences economic growth and environmental sustainability in 15 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) economies. We used panel data covering 11-year period (2011–2021) and employed a Random Effects regression model. The findings reveal that ATMs have an insignificant negative effect on economic growth whiles debit cards have a positive insignificant effect on economic growth. In relation to environmental sustainability, the study reveals that ATMs have significant negative effect whiles Debit cards have positive significant effect on environmental sustainability. It is recommended that policymakers focus on additional initiatives such as creating a favorable business environment, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering innovation beyond digital financial inclusion.

Abstract How animals react to violations of expectations offers a valuable lens into their perception of the world. Kea (Nestor notabilis) and Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) are optimal animal models to examine susceptibility to violations of expectations owing to their sophisticated physical exploration and cognition skills. This study involved a bait-and-switch of food items varying in desirability, followed by an information-seeking phase to examine not only violation susceptibility but also surprise behaviours expressed overtly and covertly in both positive and negative violation directions. We found that the kea, and not the cockatoos, exhibited susceptibility to the violation via likelihood to explore the violating stimulus. Furthermore, while this project serves, to our knowledge, as the first cognitive study using infrared thermography in fully unrestrained avian subjects, no conclusive results can be reported as to the effect of violations of expectation on subjects’ periorbital temperature, and thus physiological response. Implications for this research include novel perspectives into studying overt and covert responses following violated expectations, as well as expressions of information seeking in non-human species.