bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The rs6576457 G &gt; A variant in the MKRN3 gene promoter significantly increases the risk of central precocious puberty and lung cancer in Hubei Chinese population
Authors: Wu Feng , Zhou Weiguang , Yue Zhengchu , Deng Xiangyuan , Kang Wenqiang , Yu Zhiyan , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Bixin , Feng Xianhong , Xiong Qiantao , Chen Bifeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is a key inhibitor of the hypothalamic–pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The association between MKRN3 gene variants and central precocious puberty (CPP) has been repeatedly examined. In a recent study, MKRN3 has been assigned a role of tumor suppressor in lung carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that MKRN3 may be the link between CPP and lung cancer (LC), and certain MKRN3 gene variants may affect individuals' susceptibility to CPP and LC. The rs12441287, rs6576457 and rs2239669 in the MKRN3 gene were selected as the target variants. Sanger sequencing was applied to genotype them in two sets of case–control cohorts, namely 384 CPP girls and 422 healthy girls, 550 LC patients and 800 healthy controls. The results showed that rs6576457 but not rs12441287 or rs2239669 was significantly associated with the risk of CPP and LC. Their association with CPP risk was further confirmed in the following meta-analysis. Subsequent functional assays revealed that the rs6576457 genotypes were correlated with differentially expressed MKRN3, and the rs6576457 alleles affected the transcription repressor Oct-1 binding affinity to the MKRN3 promoter. Collectively, the MKRN3 gene rs6576457 may participate in the CPP pathology and LC tumorigenesis in the Hubei Chinese population. However, the present findings should be validated in additional investigations with larger samples from different ethnic populations.
Low-Frequency, Sustained CD4 T-Cell Responses Chlamydia trachomatis in Women: Predominant Targeting of Chlamydial Proteaselike Activity Factor (CPAF)
Authors: Li Yanli , Warren Joanna A , Poston Taylor B , Clutton Genevieve , Shaw Fiona R , Conrad Shayla Z , Xu Yinyan , Zheng Xiaojing , Yount Kacy S , O’Connell Catherine M , Wiesenfeld Harold C , Darville Toni , Goonetilleke Nilu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection that can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility in women. Currently, there is no prophylactic vaccine.

Methods
This study examined T-cell immunity in a cohort of women recently infected with CT. Participants were screened against peptides spanning 33 of 894 possible CT proteins, either ex vivo or using short-term cell lines. CT-specific T cells were characterized by interferon (IFN) γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and flow cytometry.

Results
Ex vivo CT-specific T cells were rarely detected; however, in vitro expanded CT-specific T cells were detected by IFN-γ ELISPOT in 90% (27 of 30) of participants. Notably, &gt;50% of participants had T-cell responses targeting chlamydial proteaselike activity factor (CPAF). T-cell epitopes were dispersed across the CPAF protein. Flow cytometric analysis of short-term cell lines found that CT-specific cells, mainly CD4, produced IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and were sustained over 12 months. Ex vivo analysis suggested that CT-specific T cells mostly exhibited a central memory phenotype.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that CT infection elicits low-frequency, persistent CD4 T-cell responses in most women and that the secreted protein, CPAF, is an immunoprevalent CT antigen. Altogether, these data support development and testing of CT vaccines that enhance CD4 T cells against CPAF.
The impact of print exposure on deaf student literacy
Authors: Colin Stéphanie , Ecalle Jean , Magnan Annie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Recent studies suggest that benefiting early from both a cochlear implant (CI) and exposure to cued speech (CS, support system for the perception of oral language) positively impacts deaf children’s speech perception, speech intelligibility, and reading. This study aims to show how: 1/CS-based speech perception (“cue reading”), and speech intelligibility might also constitute precise measures for determining the impact of CI and CS on deaf students’ literary performance; 2/print exposure might also be a predictive factor in this equation. We conducted regression analyses to examine the impact of these three variables in two experiments conducted on Grade 2–3 deaf children and Grade 6–9 deaf adolescents. Results indicate print exposure significantly contributes to literacy skills across experiments, with additional contributions from cue reading and speech intelligibility in older students. The predictive aspect of the print exposure, cue reading, and speech intelligibility variables will be discussed, as will the consequences for educational and pedagogical practices.
Leishmania amazonensis-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
Authors: Pereira-Silva Gean C , Medina Jorge Mansur , Paschoaletto Letícia , Mangeth Luana , Coelho Felipe Soares , Attias Márcia , Domont Gilberto B , Nogueira Fábio C S , Sosa-Acosta Patrícia , de Oliveira Santos Eidy , Ferreira Carlos Vinicius , de Miranda Beatriz Toja , Mignaco Julio Alberto , Calegari-Silva Teresa , Lopes Ulisses Gazos , Saraiva Elvira Maria 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Neutrophils interact with Leishmania when the sandfly vector inoculates these parasites in the host with saliva and promastigotes-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). It has been shown that this co-injection induces inflammation and exacerbates leishmaniasis lesions. EVs are a heterogeneous group of vesicles released by cells that play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Neutrophils are among the first cells to interact with the parasites and release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that ensnare and kill the promastigotes. Here, we show that Leishmania amazonensis EVs induce NET formation and identify molecular mechanisms involved. We showed the requirement of neutrophils’ toll-like receptors for EVs-induced NET. EVs carrying the virulence factors lipophosphoglycan and the zinc metalloproteases were endocytosed by some neutrophils and snared by NETs. EVs-induced NET formation required reactive oxygen species, myeloperoxidase, elastase, peptidyl arginine deiminase, and Ca++. The proteomic analysis of the EVs cargo revealed 1,189 proteins; the 100 most abundant identified comprised some known Leishmania virulent factors. Importantly, L. amazonensis EVs-induced NETs lead to the killing of promastigotes and could participate in the exacerbated inflammatory response induced by the EVs, which may play a role in the pathogenesis process.
What role for law in refugee studies? Towards a transdisciplinary agenda
Authors: Gammeltoft-Hansen Thomas , Ghezelbash Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Refugee law has historically formed an important part of refugee studies. Yet, in the past decades, the legal study of refugees has increasingly developed out of sync with refugee studies more generally. The purpose of this special issue is to help bridge the gap between refugee law and refugee studies and foster a broader transdisciplinary research agenda on law within refugee studies scholarship. The special issue serves two overarching purposes. The first is to exemplify and celebrate methodological heterodoxy in refugee law scholarship—deliberately foregrounding perspectives often marginalized within more mainstream legal scholarship. To this end, this issue presents a range of contributions that draw on methods and theories from different disciplines in the study of refugee law, including anthropology, history, psychology, political science, organization studies, and data science. Second, by anchoring this special issue in the Journal of Refugee Studies, we hope to convince the wider refugee studies community that empirical and interdisciplinary legal methods may provide new and important insights into some of the core debates on and long-standing challenges to refugee law.
Granulosis rubra nasi from plastic surgery perspective
Authors: Almutairi Rahaf H , Shah Mardan Qutaiba N M , Al Qurashi Abdullah A , Mrad Mohamed Amir 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Affecting the eccrine glands, granulosis rubra nasi (GRN) is an inherited disorder that manifests itself as redness, sweating, and papules distributed mainly in the center of the face. It is diagnosed clinically and the cornerstone of management is reassurance and education about the benign nature of the condition. A wide array of treatment modalities has been proposed, such as Botox and corticosteroids injections; however curative measures are yet to be discovered. In this paper, we present a case of a 26-year-old man complaining of chronic nose sweating. The case was successfully managed with Botox injections, though we suggested our theory of undercutting the glands through aggressive defatting as part of open rhinoplasty to the patient; he declined our suggested modality. It remains an untested option and caution should be exercised in high-risk patients to avoid compromising blood supply to the skin and risking skin necrosis.
The two lives of the Mental Capacity Act: rethinking East-west binaries in comparative analysis
Authors: Chua Hillary , Kong Camillia , Dunn Michael 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 in England and Wales and Singapore’s Mental Capacity Act 2008 (which substantially transplants provisions from the former statute) might appear to be twins on paper, but they have gone on to lead very different lives. In this article, we examine how two broadly identical laws have taken on divergent identities within their respective jurisdictions when implemented and interpreted in the courtroom. We reveal and analyse differences in parliamentary intent concerning at what stage a person’s decision-making agency is putatively empowered; judicial development of central concepts; underlying socio-cultural commitments; and outline opportunities for bi-directional learning in mental capacity law across both jurisdictions.
Systemic Mycoses by Novel Onygenalean Fungal Pathogens Emergomyces spp and Blastomyces percursus in Rwanda
Authors: Laga Alvaro C , Ruhangaza Deogratias , Izimukwiye Annie Isabelle , Vilela Raquel , Mendoza Leonel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
We report 2 cases of infection by fungi unprecedented in Rwanda. One patient with emergomycosis presented with disseminated disease and prominent cutaneous involvement and one patient with African blastomycosis had cutaneous and osseous disease. These cases illustrate the clinicopathologic and molecular traits of novel dimorphic onygenalean species in Rwanda.
Traditional “Asset Locks” in non-traditional mixed legal systems: a journey from West to East
Authors: Puder Markus G 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
This article endeavors to broaden the discussions through a case study on asset locks that identifies solutions fashioned in four non-traditional mixed jurisdictions. Asset locks are understood here broadly as legal institutions that allow property to be separated, isolated, bound and shielded for designated purposes. Our selection of legal institutions along a journey from West to East includes Louisiana’s trust, Liechtenstein’s foundation, Russia’s fiduciary management, and Irans’ property endowment. After highlighting the essentials of each institution, a comparative screen will explore in more detail how the four sample jurisdictions differ with regard to how a particular asset lock is accomplished.
The classification, origin, and evolutionary dynamics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus circulating in East Asia
Authors: Sang Shaowei , Chen Peng , Li Chuanxi , Zhang Anran , Wang Yiguan , Liu Qiyong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The classification of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) lacked consistency due to limited virus sequences used across previous studies, and the origin and transmission dynamics of the SFTSV remains not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the diversity and phylodynamics of SFTSV using the most comprehensive and largest dataset publicly available for a better understanding of SFTSV classification and transmission. A total of 1267 L segments, 1289 M segments, and 1438 S segments collected from China, South Korea, and Japan were included in this study. Maximum likelihood trees were reconstructed to classify the lineages. Discrete phylogeographic analysis was conducted to infer the phylodynamics of SFTSV. We found that the L, M, and S segments were highly conserved, with mean pairwise nucleotide distances of 2.80, 3.36, and 3.35% and could be separated into 16, 13, and 15 lineages, respectively. The evolutionary rate for L, M, and the S segment was 0.61 × 10−4 (95% HPD: 0.48–0.73 × 10−4), 1.31 × 10−4 (95% HPD: 0.77–1.77 × 10−4) and 1.27 × 10−4 (95% HPD: 0.65–1.85 × 10−4) subs/site/year. The SFTSV most likely originated from South Korea around the year of 1617.6 (95% HPD: 1513.1–1724.3), 1700.4 (95% HPD: 1493.7–1814.0), and 1790.1 (95% HPD: 1605.4–1887.2) for L, M, and S segments, respectively. Hubei Province in China played a critical role in the geographical expansion of the SFTSV. The effective population size of SFTSV peaked around 2010 to 2013. We also identified several codons under positive selection in the RdRp, Gn–Gc, and NS genes. By leveraging the largest dataset of SFTSV, our analysis could provide new insights into the evolution and dispersal of SFTSV, which may be beneficial for the control and prevention of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome.
Performance Pay Increases Dog Vaccinations to Reduce Human Rabies
Authors: Lankester Felix , Manian Shanthi , Yoder Jonathan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Rural development projects often depend on local community members to coordinate community participation. Using a randomized controlled trial, this paper examines how pay-for-performance for community coordinators affects participation in dog vaccination events to prevent human rabies in Tanzania. Three treatments were implemented: fixed payment only, pay-for-performance only, or a mix of fixed payment and pay-for-performance. Using dog vaccination histories, the experiment equalizes the total expected payment across treatments, isolating the effect of payment type. Mixed payment increases dog vaccinations by 16 percent compared to fixed payment. Each 10 percent increase in per-dog payment raises vaccinations by 0.4 percent. Changing the fixed payment rate has a negligible effect. Thus, pay-for-performance induces higher effort than the fixed component. The findings suggest pay-for-performance can improve the effectiveness of rural development projects such as mass immunization events.
Simulation Training to Interrupt Microaggressions
Authors: Srinivasan Sushant , Evaristo Claudia E. , Ali Haroon , Tranel Gina E. , DiMarco Shannon M. , Takahashi Naomi , Bidar-Sielaff Shiva , Ruedinger Emily 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Microaggressions in health care occur frequently and negatively impact the well-being of trainees. High-realism simulation can effectively train health care providers to communicate in emotionally difficult situations. In 2023, we developed and piloted 4 simulation scenarios for pediatric residents centered on addressing microaggressions in the clinical environment that built on an existing didactic curriculum. These scenarios included single and intersecting forms of oppression including racism, sexism, ableism, ethnocentrism, and weight bias. We also trained faculty, who had no prior simulation debriefing experience, to facilitate and debrief the simulation sessions. Thirty-three residents participated and reported an increase in confidence immediately following the simulation training; this increase was sustained at 3 months. Faculty participants reported increased empathy for residents, recognition of microaggressions, and confidence facilitating conversation after microaggressions that occur both in the simulated setting and in real life. High-realism simulation holds promise as a way to bridge the gap between classroom and real-life interruption of microaggressions, a necessary skill to improve the health care environment for learners and patients.
Simulation vs RISE UP: A Comparative Study of Approaches for Teaching Emergency Medicine Trainees How to Manage Microaggressions
Authors: Fernandez David , Gorgens Sophia , McCann-Pineo Molly , Sperandeo Michael , Cassara Michael , Moadel Tiffany 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Microaggressions are discriminatory actions or words targeted at people for their perceived or expressed identities. The study aimed to address the critical need for training emergency medicine (EM) resident-physicians to manage microaggressions. The authors compared the effectiveness of the Realizing Inclusion and Systemic Equity in Medicine: Upstanding in the Medical Workplace (RISE UP) curriculum from Inova Children’s Hospital and a simulation (SIM) curriculum created by a research team specifically for this study. The new SIM curriculum was guided by the original RISE UP curriculum but incorporates simulation as a learning tool. These 2 educational modalities were selected based upon previous literature showing their efficacy as tools in medical education.

Method
Through a collaboration with residency leadership, EM residents were recruited to participate in a comparison study in which they received either the RISE UP or newly created SIM curriculum as part of their regular simulation training. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed perceived knowledge on handling microaggressions. A follow-up survey was sent 1 month post-intervention to evaluate retention of self-reported knowledge.

Results
Out of 81 eligible residents, 69 residents participated: 37 in the new SIM curriculum group and 32 in the RISE UP curriculum group. Participants in both groups self-reported significant improvements in perceived knowledge immediately post-intervention. At the 1-month follow-up, both intervention groups retained higher levels of perceived knowledge. Additionally, while both curricula were effective, the RISE UP group showed slightly higher retention rates of self-reported knowledge compared with the SIM group, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Both the SIM and RISE UP curricula were effective in improving resident knowledge about handling workplace microaggressions, with participants in the RISE UP curriculum showing marginally better retention of skills. Implementing such educational programs may enhance workplace awareness and response to microaggressions among EM residents.
Using Machine Learning and Multifaceted Preoperative Measures to Predict Adult Cochlear Implant Outcomes: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Patro Ankita , Lawrence Patrick J. , Tamati Terrin N. , Ning Xia , Moberly Aaron C. 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
To use machine learning and a battery of measures for preoperative prediction of speech recognition and quality of life (QOL) outcomes after cochlear implant (CI) surgery.

Design:
Demographic, audiologic, cognitive-linguistic, and QOL predictors were collected from 30 postlingually deaf adults before CI surgery. K-means clustering separated patients into groups. Reliable change index scores were computed for speech recognition and QOL from pre-CI to 6 months post-CI, and group differences were determined.

Results:
Clustering yielded three groups with differences in reliable change index for sentence recognition. One group demonstrated low baseline sentence recognition and only small improvements post-CI, suggesting a group “at risk” for limited benefits. This group showed lower pre-CI scores on verbal learning and memory and lack of musical training.

Conclusions:
Preoperative assessments can prognosticate CI recipients’ postoperative performance and identify individuals at risk for experiencing poor sentence recognition outcomes, which may help guide counseling and rehabilitation.
Cost-effectiveness of Risk Stratified Care vs Usual Care for Low Back Pain in the Military Health System
Authors: Rhon Daniel I. , Kim Minchul , Asche Carl , George Steven Z. 
Published: September 2024

Study Design.
Cost-effectiveness of two trial interventions for low back pain

Objective.
To investigate the incremental cost-effectiveness between risk-stratified and usual care for low back pain.

Summary of Background Data.
A recent trial compared risk-stratified care to usual care for patients with low back pain (LBP) in the US Military Health System. While the outcomes were no different between groups, risk-stratified care is purported to use fewer resources and therefore could be a more cost-effective intervention. Risk-stratified care matches treatment based on low, medium, or high risk for poor prognosis.

Methods.
The cost-effectiveness of usual care versus risk-stratified care for low back pain was assessed, using the healthcare perspective. Patients were recruited from primary care. The main outcome was indicating incremental cost-effectiveness between two alternative treatments. Acceptability curves of bootstrapped incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICER) were used to identify the proportion of ICERs under the specific willingness-to-pay (WTP) level ($50,000 to $100,000). Health system costs (total and back-related) and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) based on quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) were obtained.

Results.
271 participants (33.6% female), mean age 34.3 +/-8.7 were randomized 1:1 and followed for 1 year. Mean back-related medical costs were not significantly different (mean difference $5; 95CI -$398, $407; P=0.982), nor were total medical costs (mean difference $827, 95CI -$1748, $3403; P=0.529). The mean difference in QALYs was not significantly different between groups (0.009; 95CI -0.014, 0.032; P=0.459). The incremental net monetary benefit (NMB) at the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $100,000 was $792 for back-related costs, with the lower bound confidence interval negative at all WTP levels.

Conclusion.
Risk-stratified care was not cost-effective for medium- and low-risk individuals compared to usual care. Further research is needed to assess whether there is value for high-risk individuals or for other risk-stratification approaches.