bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of Malaria Following Untreated Subpatent Plasmodium falciparum Infections: Results Over 4 Years From a Cohort in a High-Transmission Area in Western Kenya
Authors: Zeno Erica E , Obala Andrew A , Pence Brian , Freedman Elizabeth , Mangeni Judith N , Lin Jessica T , Abel Lucy , Edwards Jessie K , Gower Emily W , Taylor Steve M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
People with suspected malaria may harbor Plasmodium falciparum undetected by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The impact of these subpatent infections on the risk of developing clinical malaria is not fully understood.

Methods
We analyzed subpatent P. falciparum infections using a longitudinal cohort in a high-transmission site in Kenya. Weighted Kaplan-Meier models estimated the risk difference (RD) for clinical malaria during the 60 days following a symptomatic subpatent infection. Stratum-specific estimates by age and transmission season assessed modification.

Results
Over 54 months, we observed 1128 symptomatic RDT-negative suspected malaria episodes, of which 400 (35.5%) harbored subpatent P. falciparum. Overall, the 60-day risk of developing clinical malaria was low following all episodes (8.6% [95% confidence interval, 6.7%–10.4%]). In the low-transmission season, the risk of clinical malaria was slightly higher in those with subpatent infection, whereas the opposite was true in the high-transmission season (low-transmission season RD, 2.3% [95% confidence interval, .4%–4.2%]; high-transmission season RD, −4.8% [−9.5% to −.05%]).

Conclusions
The risk of developing clinical malaria among people with undetected subpatent infections is low. A slightly elevated risk in the low-transmission season may merit alternate management, but RDTs identify clinically relevant infections in the high-transmission season.
Immune cells in skin inflammation, wound healing, and skin cancer
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Lu Qianjin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Given the self-evident importance of cutaneous immunity in the maintenance of body-surface homeostasis, disturbance of the steady-state skin is inextricably intertwined with dysfunction in cutaneous immunity. It is often overlooked by people that skin, well-known as a solid physical barrier, is also a strong immunological barrier, considering the abundant presence of immune cells including lymphocytes, granulocytes, dendritic cells, and macrophages. What's more, humoral immune components including cytokines, immunoglobulins, and antimicrobial peptides are also rich in the skin. This review centers on skin inflammation (acute and chronic, infection and aseptic inflammation), wound healing, and skin cancer to elucidate the elaborate network of immune cells in skin diseases.
Impact of state telehealth policies on telehealth use among patients with newly diagnosed cancer
Authors: Yen Tina W F , Pan I-Wen , Shih Ya-Chen Tina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundTelehealth restrictions were relaxed under the COVID-19 public health emergency. We examined telehealth use before and during the pandemic among patients with newly diagnosed cancers and the association between state policies and telehealth use.MethodsThe study cohort was constructed from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart and included patients with lymphoma, female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer diagnosed between March 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021. We performed an interrupted time series analysis to examine the trend of cancer-related telehealth use within 1 month of diagnosis relative to the timing of the COVID-19 public health emergency and multivariable logistic regressions to examine factors—specifically, state parity laws and regulations on cross-state practice—associated with telehealth.ResultsOf 110 461 patients, the rate of telehealth use peaked at 33.4% in April 2020, then decreased to 12% to 15% between September 2020 and March 2021. Among the 53 982 patients diagnosed since March 2020, telehealth use was statistically significantly lower for privately insured patients residing in states with coverage-only parity or no or unspecified parity than those in states with coverage and payment parity (adjusted rate = 20.2%, 19.1%, and 23.3%, respectively). The adjusted rate was lower for patients in states with cross-state telehealth policy limitations than for those in states without restrictions (14.9% vs 17.8%).ConclusionsTelehealth use by patients diagnosed with cancer during the pandemic was higher among those living in states with more generous parity and less restrictive rules for cross-state practice. Policy makers contemplating whether to permanently relax certain telehealth policies must consider the impact on vulnerable patient populations who can benefit from telehealth.
Equitable representation on international benches and the appointment of tribunal members in investor–State dispute settlement: a historical perspective
Authors: Zhang Yanwen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The lack of diversity in the appointment of tribunal members in investment arbitration has long been subject to criticism. This article analyses the design of adjudicator appointment mechanisms and challenges the mainstream view that investment arbitration is modelled after the structures and procedures of commercial arbitration. Instead, drafters of the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes Between States and Nationals of Other States (ICSID Convention) largely drew inspiration from the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. Following this institutional pedigree, the development of the equitable representation requirement is linked to the growing appreciation of the public aspects of the international judicial function. Nevertheless, drafters adopted Article 14(2) of the ICSID Convention mainly to facilitate the performance of the private function of dispute resolution. Through the historical lens, controversies surrounding different approaches for addressing diversity concerns in the ongoing investor–State dispute settlement reform are essentially surface products of deeper disagreements on the private and public aspects of the judicial function.
Monte Carlo goodness-of-fit tests for degree corrected and related stochastic blockmodels
Authors: Karwa Vishesh , Pati Debdeep , Petrović Sonja , Solus Liam , Alexeev Nikita , Raič Mateja , Wilburne Dane , Williams Robert , Yan Bowei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We construct Bayesian and frequentist finite-sample goodness-of-fit tests for three different variants of the stochastic blockmodel for network data. Since all of the stochastic blockmodel variants are log-linear in form when block assignments are known, the tests for the latent block model versions combine a block membership estimator with the algebraic statistics machinery for testing goodness-of-fit in log-linear models. We describe Markov bases and marginal polytopes of the variants of the stochastic blockmodel and discuss how both facilitate the development of goodness-of-fit tests and understanding of model behaviour. The general testing methodology developed here extends to any finite mixture of log-linear models on discrete data, and as such is the first application of the algebraic statistics machinery for latent-variable models.
Assessing the neuroprotective efficacy of atorvastatin in traumatic brain injury: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mugenyi Nathan , Sakaiwa Neontle , Darko Kwadwo , Shituluka Musakanya , Tango Tamara , Tunde Olobatoke , Lordstrong Akano , Saeed Ali Awadallah , Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Mduma Emmanuel , Kyaruzi Victor , Shimber Emnet , Azouz Heba , Gankpe Fortune , Esene Ignatius , Tirsit Abenezer 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant public health threat, with an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States alone living with a disability related to TBI (1). The most common therapies for individuals with TBI at this time include supportive measures, direct monitoring and surgical interventions, but the treatment outcomes following TBI are still poor. Atorvastatin is one of 3-hydroxy–3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors commonly used for treatment reduction of low-density lipoprotein and relief of symptoms in cerebrovascular diseases, however, the recent randomized trials in animal models and human subjects have revealed a promising therapeutic effect for its use in the treatment of TBI that has shown a significant alleviation of neurological dysfunctions. Hence, this systematic review will streamline and provide a comprehensive avenue for understanding more about the dynamics of atorvastatin and its neuroprotective efficacy for the treatment of the severity of TBI and the improvement of functional outcomes. This systematic review will follow the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Information sources will be obtained from electronic databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and SCOPUS. All patients with TBI that received Atorvastatin will be included. The review will also include original peer-reviewed research articles addressing the efficacy of Atorvastatin in TBI in English. Ethical approval will not be required as there will be no human participant involvement in this study. The findings from this study will be disseminated at scientific conferences and published in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.Strengths A wide range of study types will be included increasing the pool of information.Accuracy will be upheld as two to three reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts.Limitations Only studies in English will be included, hence studies in other languages that may be very informative will be excluded.
Spatially and temporally distinct Ca2+ changes in Lotus japonicus roots orient fungal-triggered signalling pathways towards symbiosis or immunity
Authors: Binci Filippo , Offer Elisabetta , Crosino Andrea , Sciascia Ivan , Kleine-Vehn Jürgen , Genre Andrea , Giovannetti Marco , Navazio Lorella 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Plants activate an immune or symbiotic response depending on the detection of distinct signals from root-interacting microbes. Both signalling cascades involve Ca2+ as a central mediator of early signal transduction. In this study, we combined aequorin- and cameleon-based methods to dissect the changes in cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ concentration caused by different chitin-derived fungal elicitors in Lotus japonicus roots. Our quantitative analyses highlighted the dual character of the evoked Ca2+ responses taking advantage of the comparison between different genetic backgrounds: an initial Ca2+ influx, dependent on the LysM receptor CERK6 and independent of the common symbiotic signalling pathway (CSSP), is followed by a second CSSP-dependent and CERK6-independent phase, that corresponds to the well-known perinuclear/nuclear Ca2+ spiking. We show that the expression of immunity marker genes correlates with the amplitude of the first Ca2+ change, depends on elicitor concentration, and is controlled by Ca2+ storage in the vacuole. Our findings provide an insight into the Ca2+-mediated signalling mechanisms discriminating plant immunity- and symbiosis-related pathways in the context of their simultaneous activation by single fungal elicitors.
A novel pectin methylesterase inhibitor, PMEI3, in common bean suggests a key role of pectin methylesterification in Pseudomonas resistance
Authors: De la Rubia Alfonso G , Largo-Gosens Asier , Yusta Ricardo , Sepúlveda-Orellana Pablo , Riveros Aníbal , Centeno María Luz , Sanhueza Dayan , Meneses Claudio , Saez-Aguayo Susana , García-Angulo Penélope 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The mechanisms underlying susceptibility to and defense against Pseudomonas syringae (Pph) of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) have not yet been clarified. To investigate these, 15-day-old plants of the variety Riñón were infected with Pph and the transcriptomic changes at 2 h and 9 h post-infection were analysed. RNA-seq analysis showed an up-regulation of genes involved in defense/signaling at 2 h, most of them being down-regulated at 9 h, suggesting that Pph inhibits the transcriptomic reprogramming of the plant. This trend was also observed in the modulation of 101 cell wall-related genes. Cell wall composition changes at early stages of Pph infection were associated with homogalacturonan methylation and the formation of egg boxes. Among the cell wall genes modulated, a pectin methylesterase inhibitor 3 (PvPMEI3) gene, closely related to AtPMEI3, was detected. PvPMEI3 protein was located in the apoplast and its pectin methylesterase inhibitory activity was demonstrated. PvPMEI3 seems to be a good candidate to play a key role in Pph infection, which was supported by analysis of an Arabidopsis pmei3 mutant, which showed susceptibility to Pph, in contrast to resistant Arabidopsis Col-0 plants. These results indicate a key role of the degree of pectin methylesterification in host resistance to Pph during the first steps of the attack.
Improved photosynthetic performance under unilateral weak light conditions in a wide–narrow-row intercropping system is associated with altered sugar transport
Authors: Chen Guopeng , Liu Ming , Zhao Xuyang , Bawa George , Liang Bing , Feng Liang , Pu Tian , Yong Taiwen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Jiang , Du Junbo , Yang Feng , Wu Yushan , Liu Chunyan , Wang Xiaochun , Yang Wenyu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Intercropping improves resource utilization. Under wide–narrow-row maize (Zea mays) intercropping, maize plants are subjected to weak unilateral illumination and exhibit high photosynthetic performance. However, the mechanism regulating photosynthesis under unilateral weak light remains unknown. We investigated the relationship between photosynthesis and sugar metabolism in maize under unilateral weak light. Our results showed that the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of unshaded leaves increased as the level of shade on the other side increased. On the contrary, the concentration of sucrose and starch and the number of starch granules in the unshaded leaves decreased with increased shading due to the transfer of abundant C into the grains. However, sink loss with ear removal reduced the Pn of unshaded leaves. Intense unilateral shade (40% to 20% normal light), but not mild unilateral shade (60% normal light), reduced grain yield (37.6% to 54.4%, respectively). We further found that in unshaded leaves, Agpsl, Bmy, and Mexl-like expression significantly influenced sucrose and starch metabolism, while Sweet13a and Sut1 expression was crucial for sugar export. In shaded leaves, expression of Sps1, Agpsl, and Sweet13c was crucial for sugar metabolism and export. This study confirmed that unshaded leaves transported photosynthates to the ear, leading to a decrease in sugar concentration. The improvement of photosynthetic performance was associated with altered sugar transport. We propose a narrow-row spacing of 40 cm, which provides appropriate unilateral shade and limits yield reduction.
The role of branched-chain aminotransferase 1 in driving glioblastoma cell proliferation and invasion varies with tumor subtype
Authors: Fala Maria , Ros Susana , Sawle Ashley , Rao Jyotsna U , Tsyben Anastasia , Tronci Laura , Frezza Christian , Mair Richard , Brindle Kevin M 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Branched-chain aminotransferase 1 (BCAT1) has been proposed to drive proliferation and invasion of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioblastoma cells. However, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset shows considerable variation in the expression of this enzyme in glioblastoma. The aim of this study was to determine the role of BCAT1 in driving the proliferation and invasion of glioblastoma cells and xenografts that have widely differing levels of BCAT1 expression and the mechanism responsible.

Methods
The activity of BCAT1 was modulated in IDH wild-type patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines, and in orthotopically implanted tumors derived from these cells, to examine the effects of BCAT1 expression on tumor phenotype.

Results
In cells with constitutively high BCAT1 expression and a glycolytic metabolic phenotype, inducible shRNA knockdown of the enzyme resulted in reduced proliferation and invasion by increasing the concentration of α-ketoglutarate, leading to reduced DNA methylation, HIF-1α destabilization, and reduced expression of the transcription factor Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1). Conversely, overexpression of the enzyme increased HIF-1α expression and promoted proliferation and invasion. However, in cells with an oxidative phenotype and very low constitutive expression of BCAT1 increased expression of the enzyme had no effect on invasion and reduced cell proliferation. This occurred despite an increase in HIF-1α levels and could be explained by decreased TCA cycle flux.

Conclusions
There is a wide variation in BCAT1 expression in glioblastoma and its role in proliferation and invasion is dependent on tumor subtype.
The Market Inside the Market: Odd-Lot Quotes
Authors: Bartlett Robert P , McCrary Justin , O’Hara Maureen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We show current market practices relating to odd-lot quotes create a large “inside” market where better prices routinely exist relative to the National Best Bid or Offer. We show that odd-lot quotes play a price discovery role, and these quotes provide valuable information to traders with access to proprietary data feeds. Using a XGBoost machine learning algorithm that uses odd-lot data to predict future prices, we demonstrate a simple and profitable trading strategy. We argue the SEC’s proposed round-lot redefinition reduces—but does not eliminate—the high incidence of superior odd-lot quotes within the NBBO.
Risk Factors for Self-Harm Ideation Among Persons Treated With Opioids for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Jamison Robert N. , Edwards Robert R. , Brown Roger , Barrett Bruce P. , Burzinski Cindy A. , Lennon Robert P. , Nakamura Yoshio , Schiefelbein Tony , Garland Eric L. , Zgierska Aleksandra E. 
Published: September 2023

Objectives:Chronic pain is a significant health concern that adversely affects all aspects of life, including emotional well-being. Opioids are prescribed for the management of refractory, severe chronic pain although they have been associated with adverse effects, including addiction and overdose. The aim of this study was to examine factors that predict thoughts of self-harm among adults with chronic pain who are prescribed opioids.Methods:Seven hundred sixty-five (N=765) persons with opioid-treated chronic lower back pain completed the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) and other validated questionnaires as part of a larger study. Response to one question from the COMM (“How often have you seriously thought about hurting yourself?”) was used to assess suicide risk on a 5-point scale (0=Never; 4=Very Often).Results:Participants were categorized into 3 groups according to their responses on the self-harm question: Never (N=628; 82.1%), Seldom or Sometimes (N=74; 9.7%) and Often or Very Often (N=63; 8.2%). Multivariate adjusted odds ratio (aOR) analyses indicated that reports of alcohol or drug overuse within the past month (aOR=1.41,[95% conf interval 1.11-1.78]), post-traumatic stress (PTSD; aOR=1.24,[1.07-1.44]), pain catastrophizing (aOR=1.03,[1.01-1.05]), not loving oneself (aOR=0.99,[.98-1.00]) and poor perceived mental health (aOR=0.94,[.92-.97]) were most associated with thoughts of self-harm. Importantly, ideation frequency of self-harm was highest among individuals treated with higher daily doses of opioids.Discussion:These results support the need for continued monitoring of adults treated with opioids for chronic pain, particularly among those on high-dose opioids who present with increased negative affect and concerns of substance misuse.
Preventing the Slide in High-Energy Intertrochanteric Fractures With Intramedullary Nails
Authors: Chan Daniel S. , Moghadamian Eric S. 
Published: September 2023

Summary:
Intramedullary nailing is the gold standard treatment for high-energy intertrochanteric femur fractures. Despite being associated with higher union and lower complication rates, it is not uncommon to see the proximal head and neck fragment “slide” and result in a shortened femoral neck and/or prominent cephalomedullary screws laterally. This type of subsidence in alignment can ultimately lead to suboptimal patient outcomes. In an effort to reduce this effect, surgeons should be able to identify preventable factors, as well as incorporate novel surgical techniques, to reduce the potential for malreduction and consequential “slide.”

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level V.
‘Immunization during ART and ATI for HIV-1 vaccine discovery/development’
Authors: Stamatatos Leonidas 
Published: September 2023

Purpose of review
Explore whether immunization with germline-targeting Env immunogens during ART, followed by ATI, leads to the identification of viral envelope glycoproteins (Envs) that promote and guide the full maturation of broadly neutralizing antibody responses.

Recent findings
The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) does not efficiently engage the germline precursors of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). However, Env-derived proteins specifically designed to precisely do that, have been recently developed. These ‘germline-targeting’ Env immunogens activate naïve B cells that express the germline precursors of bnAbs but by themselves cannot guide their maturation towards their broadly neutralizing forms. This requires sequential immunizations with heterologous sets of Envs. These ‘booster’ Envs are currently unknown.

Summary
Combining germline-targeting Env immunization approaches during ART with ATI could lead to the identification of natural Envs that are responsible for the maturation of broadly neutralizing antibody responses during infection. Such Envs could then serve as booster immunogens to guide the maturation of glBCRs that have become activated by germline-targeting immunogens in uninfected subjects.
Effect of Double Povidone-Iodine Wash on Rate of Positive Donor Corneoscleral Rim Cultures: A 7-Year Eye Bank Analysis
Authors: Tran Tu M. , Fraser Daniel , Gillmor Christina L. , Roberts Edwin , Dahl Patricia , Meduri Alessandro , Kaufman Stephen C. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Starting October 2018, the Eye Bank Association of America modified the national standard protocol to incorporate a double povidone-iodine (P-I) wash at the time of procurement.

Purpose:
To determine if double P-I wash resulted in a reduced rate of positive donor rim cultures.

Methods:
A comprehensive database review was performed on consecutive corneoscleral tissue handled by The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration (New York, NY) from January 2015 to December 2021. The primary outcome was the rate of positive corneoscleral rim cultures for bacteria or fungus. Secondary outcomes included rate of postoperative infection (eg, keratitis or endophthalmitis). For analysis, statistical significance was determined as P < 0.05.

Results:
Of 6079 corneal transplants performed, 3491 were done before implementation of double P-I wash with a total culture positive rate of 0.43%. There were 2588 corneal transplants performed after implementation of double P-I wash with a total positive culture rate of 0.23%, which is a significant reduction (Poisson regression incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.35 [95% CI 0.089–0.61], P = 0.007). The most common organisms preimplementation were Candida species (46.7% of culture-positive rims), whereas no candida species were isolated postimplementation (logit regression, P = 0.034). Cutibacterium acnes culture positivity rate increased postimplementation to 50.0% versus 13.3% preimplementation (logit regression, P = 0.116). The rate of postoperative infection was 1.55% and 1.00% for preimplementation and postimplementation, respectively (IRR 0.30 [95% CI, 0.18–0.50], P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
The use of double P-I wash was associated with a decrease in the rate of positive corneoscleral donor rim cultures and a decrease in the rate of postoperative infection.