bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic associations with kidney disease in individuals of African ancestry with APOL1 high-risk genotypes and HIV
Authors: Hung Rachel K Y , Costeira Ricardo , Chen Junyu , Schlosser Pascal , Grundner-Culemann Franziska , Booth John W , Sharpe Claire C , Bramham Kate , Sun Yan V , Marconi Vincent C , Teumer Alexander , Winkler Cheryl A , Post Frank A , Bell Jordana T 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) high-risk variants are major determinants of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people of African ancestry. Previous studies have identified epigenetic changes in relation to kidney function and CKD, but not in individuals with APOL1 high-risk genotypes. We conducted an epigenome-wide analysis of CKD and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in in people of African ancestry and APOL1 high-risk genotypes with HIV.

Methods
DNA methylation profiles from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 119 individuals with APOL1 high-risk genotypes (mean age 48 years, 49% female, median CD4 count 515 cells/mm3, 90% HIV-1 RNA &lt;200 copies/mL, 23% with CKD) were obtained by Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Differential methylation analysis of CKD considered technical and biological covariates. We also assessed associations with eGFR. Replication was pursued in three independent multi-ancestry cohorts with and without HIV.

Results
DNA methylation levels at 14 regions were associated with CKD. The strongest signals were located in SCARB1, DNAJC5B and C4orf50. Seven of the 14 signals also associated with eGFR, and most showed evidence for a genetic basis. Four signals (in SCARB1, FRMD4A, CSRNP1 and RAB38) replicated in other cohorts, and 11 previously reported epigenetic signals for kidney function or CKD replicated in our cohort. We found no significant DNA methylation signals in, or near, the APOL1 promoter region.

Conclusions
We report several novel as well as previously reported epigenetic associations with CKD and eGFR in individuals with HIV having APOL1 high-risk genotypes. Further investigation of pathways linking DNA methylation to APOL1 nephropathies is warranted.
Prospective longitudinal analysis of physiologic MRI-based tumor habitat predicts short-term patient outcomes in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma
Authors: Moon Hye Hyeon , Park Ji Eun , Kim NakYoung , Park Seo Young , Kim Young-Hoon , Song Sang Woo , Hong Chang Ki , Kim Jeong Hoon , Kim Ho Sung 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
This study validates MRI-based tumor habitats in predicting time-to-progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and progression sites in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype glioblastoma patients.

Methods
Seventy-nine patients were prospectively enrolled between January 2020 and June 2022. MRI, including diffusion-weighted and dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging, were obtained immediately postoperation and at three serial timepoints. Voxels from cerebral blood volume and apparent diffusion coefficient maps were grouped into three habitats (hypervascular cellular, hypovascular cellular, and nonviable tissue) using k-means clustering. Predefined cutoffs for increases in hypervascular and hypovascular cellular habitat were applied to calculate the habitat risk score. Associations between spatiotemporal habitats, habitat risk score, TTP, and OS were investigated using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Habitat risk score was compared to tumor volume using time-dependent receiver operating characteristics analysis. Progression sites were matched with spatial habitats.

Results
Increases in hypervascular and hypovascular cellular habitats and habitat risk scores were associated with shorter TTP and OS (all P &lt; .05). Hypovascular cellular habitat and habitat risk scores 1 and 2 independently predicted TTP (hazard ratio [HR], 4.14; P = .03, HR, 4.51; P = .001 and HR, 10.02; P &lt; .001, respectively). Hypovascular cellular habitat and habitat risk score 2 independently predicted OS (HR, 4.01, P = .003; and HR, 3.27, P &lt; .001, respectively). Habitat risk score outperformed tumor volume in predicting TTP (12-month AUC, 0.762 vs. 0.646, P = .048). Hypovascular cellular habitat predicted progression sites (mean Dice index: 0.31).

Conclusions
Multiparametric physiologic MRI-based spatiotemporal tumor habitats and habitat risk scores are useful biomarkers for early tumor progression and outcomes in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma patients.
Deciphering decadal urban ozone trends from historical records since 1980
Authors: Wang Haolin , Lu Xiao , Palmer Paul I , Zhang Lin , Lu Keding , Li Ke , Nagashima Tatsuya , Koo Ja-Ho , Tanimoto Hiroshi , Wang Haichao , Gao Meng , He Cheng , Wu Kai , Fan Shaojia , Zhang Yuanhang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Ozone pollution is a major environmental threat to human health. Timely assessment of ozone trends is crucial for informing environmental policy. Here we show that for the most recent decade (2013–2022) in the northern hemisphere, warm-season (April–September) mean daily 8-h average maximum ozone increases much faster in urban regions with top ozone levels (mainly in the North China Plain, 1.2 ± 1.3 ppbv year−1) than in other, low-ozone regions (0.2 ± 0.9 ppbv year−1). These trends widen the ozone differences across urban regions, and increase extreme pollution levels and health threats from a global perspective. Comparison of historical trends in different urban regions reveals that ozone increases in China during 2013–2022 differ in magnitude and mechanisms to historical periods in other regions since 1980. This reflects a unique chemical environment characterized by exceptionally high nitrogen oxides and aerosol concentrations, where reducing ozone precursor emissions leads to substantial ozone increase. Ozone increase in China has slowed down in 2018–2022 compared to 2013–2017, driven by ongoing emission reductions, but with ozone-favorable weather conditions. Historical ozone evolution in Japan and South Korea indicates that ozone increases should be suppressed with continuous emission reduction. Increasing temperature and associated wildfires have also reversed ozone decreases in the USA and Europe, with anthropogenic ozone control slowing down in recent decades.
Micronutrients, Vitamin D, and Inflammatory Biomarkers in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Causal Inference Studies
Authors: Alcalá-Santiago Ángela , Rodriguez-Barranco Miguel , Sánchez María-José , Gil Ángel , García-Villanova Belén , Molina-Montes Esther 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Context
Experimental and observational studies suggest that circulating micronutrients, including vitamin D (VD), may increase COVID-19 risk and its associated outcomes. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies provide valuable insight into the causal relationship between an exposure and disease outcomes.

Objectives
The aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of causal inference studies that apply MR approaches to assess the role of these micronutrients, particularly VD, in COVID-19 risk, infection severity, and related inflammatory markers.

Data Sources
Searches (up to July 2023) were conducted in 4 databases.

Data Extraction and Analysis
The quality of the studies was evaluated based on the MR-STROBE guidelines. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted where possible.

Results
There were 28 studies (2 overlapped) including 12 on micronutrients (8 on VD) and COVID-19, 4 on micronutrients (all on VD) and inflammation, and 12 on inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Some of these studies reported significant causal associations between VD or other micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium) and COVID-19 outcomes. Associations in terms of causality were also nonsignificant with regard to inflammation-related markers, except for VD levels below 25 nmol/L and C-reactive protein (CRP). Some studies reported causal associations between cytokines, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and other inflammatory markers and COVID-19. Pooled MR estimates showed that VD was not significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes, whereas ACE2 increased COVID-19 risk (MR odds ratio = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01–1.19) but did not affect hospitalization or severity of the disease. The methodological quality of the studies was high in 13 studies, despite the majority (n = 24) utilizing 2-sample MR and evaluated pleiotropy.

Conclusion
MR studies exhibited diversity in their approaches but do not support a causal link between VD/micronutrients and COVID-19 outcomes. Whether inflammation mediates the VD–COVID-19 relationship remains uncertain, and highlights the need to address this aspect in future MR studies exploring micronutrient associations with COVID-19 outcomes.

Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022328224.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Immunogenicity and Safety of a Serum-Free Purified Vero Rabies Vaccine (PVRV-NG2) Using a Simulated Postexposure Zagreb Regimen With Human Rabies Immunoglobulin in Adults in Thailand
Authors: Chansinghakul Danaya , Tantawichien Terapong , Limkittikul Kriengsak , Ratanasuwan Winai , Wang Yuancheng , Petit Celine , Guinet-Morlot Francoise , Frago Carina , Pineda-Peña Andrea-Clemencia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A serum-free, highly purified Vero rabies vaccine–next generation (PVRV-NG2) is under development. We conducted a phase III trial to describe the safety and immunogenicity profile of PVRV-NG2 compared with those of licensed purified Vero rabies vaccine (PVRV) in a simulated rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) Zagreb regimen in Thailand.

Methods
Healthy adults aged ≥18 years (n = 201) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive PVRV-NG2 or PVRV in a rabies PEP Zagreb (days 0, 7, 21 [2-1-1]) regimen, with concomitant human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) at day 0. Immunogenicity end points included the proportion of participants with rabies virus–neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers ≥0.5 IU/mL at days 0, 14, and 35. Safety outcomes were also assessed.

Results
A total of 199 participants completed the study (PVRV-NG2 n = 133, PVRV n = 66). In the PVRV-NG2 group and PVRV group, respectively, 91.0% (95% CI, 84.1%–95.6%) and 94.6% (95% CI, 85.1%–98.9%) had RVNA titers ≥0.5 IU/mL at day 14, increasing to 100% (95% CI, 96.8%–100%) and 100% (95% CI, 93.5%–100%) by day 35. The vaccines had similar safety profiles, and there were no safety concerns.

Conclusions
PVRV-NG2 showed acceptable safety and immunogenicity profiles when co-administered with HRIG in a simulated PEP Zagreb regimen in healthy adults in Thailand.
Let's Have a Chat: How Well Does an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Answer Clinical Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy Questions?
Authors: Kufel Wesley D , Hanrahan Kathleen D , Seabury Robert W , Parsels Katie A , Gallagher Jason C , MacDougall Conan , Covington Elizabeth W , Chahine Elias B , Britt Rachel S , Steele Jeffrey M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
It is unknown whether ChatGPT provides quality responses to infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy questions. This study surveyed ID pharmacist subject matter experts (SMEs) to assess the quality of ChatGPT version 3.5 (GPT-3.5) responses.

Methods
The primary outcome was the percentage of GPT-3.5 responses considered useful by SME rating. Secondary outcomes were SMEs' ratings of correctness, completeness, and safety. Rating definitions were based on literature review. One hundred ID pharmacotherapy questions were entered into GPT-3.5 without custom instructions or additional prompts, and responses were recorded. A 0–10 rating scale for correctness, completeness, and safety was developed and validated for interrater reliability. Continuous and categorical variables were assessed for interrater reliability via average measures intraclass correlation coefficient and Fleiss multirater kappa, respectively. SMEs' responses were compared by the Kruskal-Wallis test and chi-square test for continuous and categorical variables.

Results
SMEs considered 41.8% of responses useful. Median (IQR) ratings for correctness, completeness, and safety were 7 (4–9), 5 (3–8), and 8 (4–10), respectively. The Fleiss multirater kappa for usefulness was 0.379 (95% CI, .317–.441) indicating fair agreement, and intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.820 (95% CI, .758–.870), 0.745 (95% CI, .656–.816), and 0.833 (95% CI, .775–.880) for correctness, completeness, and safety, indicating at least substantial agreement. No significant difference was observed among SME responses for percentage of responses considered useful.

Conclusions
Fewer than 50% of GPT-3.5 responses were considered useful by SMEs. Responses were mostly considered correct and safe but were often incomplete, suggesting that GPT-3.5 responses may not replace an ID pharmacist's responses.
Detection of solar internal flows with numerical simulation and machine learning
Authors: Masaki Hiroyuki , Hotta Hideyuki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The solar interior is filled with turbulent thermal convection, which plays a key role in energy and momentum transport and generation of the magnetic field. Turbulent flows in the solar interior cannot be optically detected due to its significant optical depth. Currently, helioseismology is the only way to detect the internal dynamics of the Sun. However, long-duration data with a high cadence is required and only a temporal average can be inferred. To address these issues effectively, in this study, we develop a novel method to infer solar internal flows using a combination of radiation magnetohydrodynamic numerical simulations and machine/deep learning. With the application of our new method, we can evaluate the large-scale flow at 10 Mm depth from the solar surface with three snapshots separated by an hour. We also apply the method to observational data. Our method is highly consistent with the helioseismology, although the amount of input data is significantly reduced.
Leaf nutrient basis for the differentiation of photosynthetic traits between subtropical evergreen and deciduous trees
Authors: Shi Qi , He Bin , Knauer Jürgen , Peguero-Pina Jose Javier , Zhang Shi-Bao , Huang Wei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Compared with evergreens, deciduous tree species usually have higher photosynthetic efficiency to complete vegetative and reproductive growth in a shorter growing season. However, the nutrient basis for the differentiation of photosynthesis functional traits between evergreen and deciduous tree species has not yet been clarified. Thirty evergreen and 20 deciduous angiosperm tree species from a subtropical common garden were compared in terms of photosynthetic traits and leaf nutrients. Generally, their differences in area-based photosynthetic capacity were uncorrelated with area-based leaf nutrient content but were caused by the fraction of nitrogen allocated to photosynthetic components. By comparison, the differences in mass-based photosynthetic capacity were more correlated with leaf nitrogen content than leaf phosphorus and potassium content. Convergence in phosphorus and potassium constraints to photosynthesis occurred in deciduous tree species but not in evergreen tree species. Furthermore, leaf C/N ratio played a more significant role than leaf mass per area in determining the differentiation of photosynthetic traits between evergreen and deciduous groups. Our findings provide insight into the nutrient basis for photosynthetic carbon gain and functional strategies across tree species.
Reducing Racial Asymmetries in the Survey Overestimation of Voter Turnout
Authors: Barker David C , Block Ray , Johnson Marcus , Leighley Jan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Research has consistently demonstrated that Black respondents are more likely than their White counterparts to overstate their plans or previous decisions to vote. We propose that by using a single question regarding turnout intention and candidate preference (rather than the typical approach of using two separate questions), survey researchers can reduce these racial asymmetries. The reason, we suggest, is that doing so encourages Black respondents to consider the turnout question through the lens of candidates and parties, rather than as a civic responsibility they have toward other Black Americans, which therefore mitigates the social desirability bias that leads to overestimation. We evaluate this argument using a survey experiment that randomly asks a control group of survey respondents to answer two voting questions—one about turnout and one about vote choice—and asks the other half of the sample, the treatment group, a single question that combines the two. Using original data from a nationally representative survey, we find that using the single turnout/preference question reduces the racial asymmetry in turnout overestimation substantially. We further observe that the decrease is concentrated among respondents with relatively high levels of campaign indifference and especially racial civic consciousness, a condition that is much more common among Black respondents than among White respondents. We believe these findings are particularly relevant to election scholars and campaign professionals, given their focus on understanding the thought processes of survey respondents and prospective voters, as well as improving the validity of self-reports in survey research.
Mass Beliefs about the Working Poor and Support for Redistributive Policies
Authors: Newman Benjamin J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Past research demonstrates that the working poor are politically relevant, yet little is known about public opinion toward this group. This research note explores public beliefs about working poverty in the United States. The results suggest that most Americans are aware of the working poor and view working poverty as problematic and due to structural factors. Like many political attitudes, beliefs about the working poor are linked to Americans’ personal experiences—namely, their level of local exposure to low-income people. However, consistent with research on the role of race in shaping the politics of poverty and inequality, the linkage between local low-income populations and beliefs about the working poor is conditioned by the race of the local poor. Finally, the political relevance of beliefs about the working poor is illustrated by their substantively large relationships to preferences over spending on the poor and taxing the rich.
The Effects of House Prices and Home Equity Extraction on Career Outcomes
Authors: Cespedes Jacelly , Liu Zack , Parra Carlos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of housing wealth shocks on workers’ career decisions related to job quality and long-term career outcomes. Using a novel data set of career histories in the film industry, we find that homeowners facing greater house price declines reduce participation in high-quality projects but increase involvement in low-quality films. Conversely, renters are not affected by these shocks. Consistent with individuals using home equity during job searches, these shocks have a greater impact on homeowners who extracted home equity during the housing boom. Moreover, house price declines from the housing crisis affect long-term career paths. (JEL J01, R20, D14, G51)
Scrub typhus–leptospirosis co-infection in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Govekar Siddhant , Puri Oshin , Bhatia Mohit 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Scrub typhus and leptospirosis are re-emerging zoonotic infections with significant morbidity and mortality rates in India. Overlapping aetiological and epidemiological patterns indicate a high possibility of their co-infection in India, which can be a diagnostic challenge due to non-specific clinical features. A systematic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Embase databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published through 31 August 2023. Studies reporting co-infection of scrub typhus and leptospirosis among the Indian population were included. Data extraction, quality assessment and statistical analysis were performed in accordance with established guidelines. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 58 co-infection cases. Pooled prevalence of scrub typhus–leptospirosis co-infection among acute undifferentiated febrile illness patients was 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00 to 0.126). Among scrub typhus patients, the prevalence of co-infection with leptospirosis was 13.7% (95% CI 0.027 to 0.304). Significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation of prevalence estimates. This meta-analysis underscores the clinical importance of scrub typhus–leptospirosis co-infection in India and emphasizes the need for enhanced clinical awareness, improved diagnostic strategies and targeted research efforts to address this emerging infectious disease threat.
Impact of Twin Lockdowns on Hunger, Labor-Market Outcomes, and Household Coping Mechanisms: Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Pörtner Claus C , Alam Shamma A , Ahmed Ishraq 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Uganda had two of the strictest COVID-19 lockdowns in Sub-Saharan Africa. These severe lockdowns provide a unique case study for understanding the implications of such public-health measures on economic well-being. We use longitudinal data to examine the lockdowns’ short- and medium-term impacts on household food insecurity, labor-market outcomes, and coping strategies. Lockdowns significantly exacerbated food insecurity immediately and continued to do so in the medium term. The effect was more pronounced after the second lockdown, likely from a combination of reduced resilience after the first lockdown and lower-than-normal rainfall immediately before. There were substantial decreases in income from various sources—including agriculture, non-farm businesses, and wage employment—contributing to the heightened food insecurity. Notably, agricultural households were less adversely affected, and there was a significant switch to agricultural activities as a coping mechanism. The other coping mechanisms households typically rely on for idiosyncratic shocks, such as remittances and government assistance, failed, contributing to the sizeable increase in food insecurity.