bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conservation of imprinted expression across genotypes is correlated with consistency of imprinting across endosperm development in maize
Authors: Higgins Kaitlin , Nyabashi Vital , Anderson Sarah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Imprinted expression is an essential process for seed viability affecting hundreds of genes in Zea mays endosperm; however, most studies have examined just one time point for analysis. The focus on single time points can limit our ability to identify imprinted genes and our ability to draw conclusions for the role of imprinting in endosperm. In this study, we examine imprinted expression across 4 time points ranging from the transition to endoreduplication from mitotic division through the beginning of programmed cell death. Additionally, we assessed imprinting variation across 8 diverse maize lines, 6 of which have never before been assessed for imprinting. Through this analysis, we identify over 700 imprinted genes with varying consistency across time points including 255 genes imprinted at every time point and 105 genes displaying transient imprinting. We find a correlation between high consistency of imprinting across time and high conservation of parental bias across 8 diverse maize lines reciprocally crossed with B73. Additionally, we identify evidence of imprinting for 3 zein genes that are critical for nutrient accumulation in the endosperm, suggesting that imprinting may play a more important role in seed composition than previously thought. Taken together, this study provides a more holistic view of imprinting variation across time and across genotypes in maize and enables us to more thoroughly investigate the complex imprinting landscape.
Dynamic changes in neuronal and glial GAL4 driver expression during Drosophila aging
Authors: Delandre Caroline , McMullen John P D , Marshall Owen J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Understanding how diverse cell types come together to form a functioning brain relies on the ability to specifically target these cells. This is often done using genetic tools such as the GAL4/UAS system in Drosophila melanogaster. Surprisingly, despite its extensive usage during studies of the aging brain, detailed spatiotemporal characterization of GAL4 driver lines in adult flies has been lacking. Here, we show that 3 commonly used neuronal drivers (elav[C155]-GAL4, nSyb[R57C10]-GAL4, and ChAT-GAL4) and the commonly used glial driver repo-GAL4 all show rapid and pronounced decreases in activity over the first 1.5 weeks of adult life, with activity becoming undetectable in some regions after 30 days (at 18°C). In addition to an overall decrease in GAL4 activity over time, we found notable differences in spatial patterns, mostly occurring soon after eclosion. Although all lines showed these changes, the nSyb-GAL4 line exhibited the most consistent and stable expression patterns over aging. Our findings suggest that gene transcription of key loci decreases in the aged brain, a finding broadly similar to previous work in mammalian brains. Our results also raise questions over past work on long-term expression of disease models in the brain and stress the need to find better genetic tools for ageing studies.
Building HOPE: Integrating community-based doula care in public hospitals in New York City
Authors: Maru Sheela , Porchia-Albert Chanel , Lockworth Karen , Hall Cheryl , Boychuk Natalie , Calliste Naphtali , Cooke Caroline , Gebara Sherley , Haq Kanwal , Harishankar Krupa , James Rochelle , Janevic Teresa , Mathurin Kimberly , Nowlin Sarah , Rivera Anabel , Rodriguez Alva , Schwartz Rachel , St. Clair Victoria , Whaley Stacey , Whitney Alison 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Maternal morbidity and mortality in the US is an urgent public health issue, and there are stark differences by race and ethnicity. Community-based doula care is an evidence-based strategy to improve maternal health through accompaniment, healthcare engagement, addressing social needs, and promoting respectful care. Yet there is a gap in access to doula care for people who are low-income or publicly-insured, due to cost and availability. New York has recently joined a growing number of states providing Medicaid coverage for doula services. There are many challenges to overcome for this benefit to succeed: limited workforce capacity, minimal integration of doulas into hospitals, and reimbursement challenges. We offer a case study for integrating doula services into hospital-based maternity care: the HOPE Program, “Helping Promote Birth-Equity through Community-Based Doula Care.” Through community engagement, we have co-designed a model that centers birthing people, and the team that cares for them. The model illustrates strategies for hospital-community-engagement, tailored doula workforce expansion, and integration of doulas into clinical spaces and teams. Investment in these components will lead to a meaningful expansion of doula services to the populations around the state and country who need it most.
RNA-Seq analysis in macrophages infected with Trypanosoma cruzi: focus on TLR2 and TLR7, iron metabolism, and extracellular matrix biosynthesis
Authors: Callejas-Hernández Francisco , Herreros-Cabello Alfonso , Poveda Cristina , Maza María C , Mares José Francisco , Santos-Peñaloza Diana Karolina , Fresno Manuel , Gironès Núria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite responsible for Chagas disease affecting millions globally. This parasite infects mammalian host cells, particularly macrophages. The interaction between T. cruzi and macrophages involves intricate signaling pathways mediated by pattern recognition receptors, which lead to the production of immune mediators, that are parasite-strain dependent and not completely understood.

Methods
We conducted an unbiased transcriptomic analysis of the immune response in mouse macrophages 24 h post-infection with the Y strain of T. cruzi using RNA-Seq and validated and compared the results using quantitative RT-PCR in macrophages infected with the Y and the VFRA T. cruzi strains.

Results
Bioinformatics analysis of the transcriptomics results evidenced a key role of Tlr2 and Tlr7 in the immune response against the parasite that was parasite-dependent. The Tlr2 signaling was more activated with the VFRA strain and the Tlr7 with the Y strain. Gene ontology analyses predicted a blockage in iron transport mediated by clathrin and the modulation of the extracellular matrix biosynthesis which were validated by RT-qPCR. The infection with the VFRA strain provoked the inhibition of ferritin which correlates with parasite proliferation.

Conclusions
Our study recapitulates the knowledge on the response of macrophages and provides insights on the importance of TLR2 and TLR7, the iron metabolism, and the extracellular matrix in the infected macrophage that help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying T. cruzi infection in macrophages in strains with different virulence. These findings are crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets and advancing strategies to combat Chagas disease.
Development of a policy model for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia to facilitate economic evaluation
Authors: Pechlivanoglou Petros , Luu Linda , Li Qing , Rios J David , Moskalewicz Alexandra , Gupta Sumit 
Published: February 2025

Abstract:

Background
New highly effective, but expensive, immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of relapsed pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) but their long-term clinical and economic impact is unclear. We developed the ALL Policy microsimulation model to estimate long-term clinical and economic outcomes for patients with pediatric ALL aged 0-17 in Ontario, Canada. We also illustrate the model’s clinical utility through a cost-effectiveness analysis of blinatumomab in relapsed B-cell ALL.

Methods
The ALL Policy model is informed using health administrative data and chart abstracted data from Ontario, Canada, and published literature. The model estimates lifetime risk of relapse, bone marrow transplant (BMT), conditional life expectancy, quality-adjusted life years (QALY), and total healthcare costs for individuals with pediatric ALL, and can be stratified by relevant clinical characteristics (eg, B-cell or T-cell lineage). Additionally, we subset the model to patients with relapsed B-cell ALL to illustrate use of the model in estimating the cost-effectiveness of blinatumomab vs standard chemotherapy.

Results
Simulated pediatric ALL patients diagnosed from 2002-2012 had a projected conditional life expectancy of 64.90 years. The lifetime risk of BMT was estimated at 12.5%. Lifetime healthcare costs were $244,433 CAD (95% CI $213,314, $303,430). Treatment with blinatumomab compared to standard chemotherapy post-relapse was estimated to result in 1.08 additional QALYs and an additional cost of $59,410 CAD (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $54,885/QALY).

Conclusion
The ALL policy model can serve as a modeling foundation for timely economic evaluation. Introduction of blinatumomab in relapsed B-cell ALL may be a cost-effective strategy.
A plasmid-encoded inactive toxin–antitoxin system MtvT/MtvA regulates plasmid conjugative transfer and bacterial virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Li Meng , Guo Hua , Wang Lecheng , Tao Ruixue , Song Gaoyu , Cao Linke , Yan Wenbo , Wu Ziyuan , Liu Qian , Chen Yaodong , Gong Lei , Wang Tietao , Zhang Yani 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Plasmid-encoded toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems are known for their role in plasmid maintenance via post-segregational killing. Here, we identified an inactive type II TA system, MtvT/MtvA (MtvTA), encoded on the conjugative plasmid pPAD8 from the clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAD8. Despite its annotation as a toxin, MtvT exhibited no detectable toxicity in our assays. Interestingly, the deletion of the MtvTA significantly increased the transfer efficiency of pPAD8 from PAD8 to P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. Functional assays revealed that the MtvTA complex negatively regulates plasmid transfer by binding to the promoters of dot/icm system genes. In addition, pPAD8ΔmtvTA attenuated the pathogenicity of the host strain compared to pPAD8, highlighting a regulatory role for MtvTA in virulence. Mechanistically, the MtvTA complex positively regulates the type III and type VI secretion systems and pyocyanin biosynthesis by directly binding to the promoters of exsA and rsmY/rsmZ and indirectly influencing lasI expression, respectively. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory roles of an inactive plasmid-encoded TA system, expanding our understanding of the interplay between plasmids and their bacterial hosts.
Decoupling the pleiotropic effects of VRT-A2 during reproductive development enhances wheat grain length and weight
Authors: Liu Jing , Dong Chaoqun , Liu Xiangqing , Guo Jinquan , Chai Lingling , Guo Weilong , Ni Zhongfu , Sun Qixin , Liu Jie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
VEGETATIVE TO REPRODUCTIVE TRANSITION 2 (VRT-A2) is a subspecies-forming gene that confers the long-glume and large-grain traits of tetraploid Polish wheat (Triticum polonicum; AABB) and hexaploid Xinjiang rice wheat (T. petropavlovskyi; AABBDD). Transcriptional activation of VRT-A2 due to a natural sequence variation in its Intron-1 region significantly enhances grain weight but also causes some basal spikelets to fail to completely develop, thus decreasing grain number per spike and yield. This yield penalty has presented a challenge for the use of VRT-A2 in breeding high-yield wheat. Here, we report the characterization of 2 regulatory modules that fine-tune VRT-A2 expression in bread wheat (T. aestivum): (i) the APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF)-type transcription factor MULTI-FLORET SPIKELET1 (TaMFS1) represses VRT-A2 expression by recruiting a transcriptional corepressor and a histone deacetylase and (ii) the STRUCTURE-SPECIFIC RECOGNITION PROTEIN 1 (TaSSRP1) facilitates VRT-A2 activation by assembling Mediator and further RNA polymerase II. Deleting TaMFS1 triggered moderate upregulation of VRT-A2 results in significantly increased grain weight without the yield penalty. Our study thus provides a feasible strategy for overcoming the tradeoffs of pleotropic genes by editing their upstream transcriptional regulators.
Affective Polarization towards Parties and Leaders, and Electoral Participation in 13 Parliamentary Democracies, 1980–2019
Authors: Ferreira da Silva Frederico , Garzia Diego 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Comparative research on affective polarization provides evidence that this phenomenon is present also in parliamentary democracies. Although it has been typically understood as the difference in levels of affect toward in- and out-parties, more recent research has established the relevance of polarized feelings toward party leaders as objects of affective polarization also in parliamentary systems. While several studies have cross-sectionally examined the effect of affective polarization on turnout, recent research has taken an innovative approach by systematically comparing the impact of polarized feelings toward parties and candidates in the probability of turning out in US presidential elections, showing the primacy of the latter in predicting patterns of electoral participation. We expand the contribution of those studies by providing the first longitudinal account of the relationship between affective polarization and turnout in multi-party systems, as well as the first systematic comparison of the effects of party and leader affective polarization on turnout beyond the United States. Using post-electoral survey data covering 87 elections from 13 Western parliamentary democracies collected between 1980 and 2019, our results confirm that polarized feelings toward both parties and leaders are positively associated with turnout in parliamentary democracies. More importantly, our findings highlight the growing relevance of leader affective polarization in accounting for patterns of electoral participation. These results are robust to the use of self-reported and validated measures of turnout in selected countries, as well as different model specifications. Our conclusions contribute both theoretically and methodologically to the literature on affective polarization.
Social cognition in basal ganglia pathologies: Theory of Mind in Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases
Authors: Di Tella Sonia , Zinzi Paola , Anzuino Isabella , Lo Monaco Maria Rita , Tondinelli Alice , Magistri Marianna , Petracca Martina , Solito Marcella , Calabresi Paolo , Bentivoglio Anna Rita , Silveri Maria Caterina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Theory of Mind (ToM) is the ability to predict the behaviour of others by inferring their cognitive and affective states. The literature suggests that different neural substrates within the basal ganglia are involved in the affective (ventral striatum) and cognitive (dorsal striatum) components of ToM. We investigated ToM dysfunction in two different basal ganglia pathologies, Huntington’s disease (HD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), in their early stages. Indeed, a different progression of neurodegeneration from the dorsal striatum to the ventral striatum is described in the two diseases. We also investigated whether there is a correlation between ToM and executive function. Twenty-one patients with HD, 21 with PD, and 22 healthy subjects (HS) were recruited. All participants completed a ToM assessment using the Yoni task, which assesses both cognitive and affective components at two levels of meta-representational difficulty (i.e. first-order items only require inferring the mental state of a person, while second-order items also require inferring the mental states of a person about others). The clinical groups also underwent a full neuropsychological assessment. In HD patients, both cognitive and affective ToM were equally impaired, whereas in PD patients, impairment of the cognitive component predominated. Specifically, compared to HS, HD patients scored lower on both inferential levels and on both cognitive and affective components, whereas PD patients scored lower than HS only on second-order and cognitive items. In the clinical groups, there was an imbalance between the cognitive and affective components, with higher accuracy on affective items. Performance on the Yoni task did not correlate with tests assessing executive functions. We suggest that the different pattern of ToM alteration in HD and PD may be a result of differential involvement of the ventral and dorsal striatum and that ToM abilities in these clinical populations are not directly supported by executive functioning.
Impact of Surgery Timing on Outcomes After Nerve Transfer to Restore Elbow Flexion
Authors: Hicks Katie , Haas Justin , Saggaf Moaath , Novak Christine B. , Dengler Jana 
Published: February 2025

Background:
Nerve reconstruction following brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a time-sensitive procedure, and surgical delay may negatively impact muscle reinnervation and outcomes. This study investigated the impact of surgical timing on elbow flexion strength in patients with BPI undergoing nerve transfer to restore elbow flexion.

Methods:
Following PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. English-language studies investigating the single fascicular transfer (SFT) or double fascicular transfer (DFT) to restore elbow flexion in BPI were included. Data were analyzed to identify the predictors of elbow flexion strength: surgery timing, age, injury level, and SFT versus DFT.

Results:
The literature search identified 1051 articles. Studies (n = 31) reporting data of individual patients who underwent SFT (n = 341) or DFT (n = 67) were included; the mean age was 29.6 ± 11.2 years, time from injury to surgery was 6.5 ± 5.0 months, and follow-up was 27.1 ± 24.3 months. Good elbow flexion strength was found: Medical Research Council grade greater than or equal to 3 in 352 (86.3%) and Medical Research Council grade greater than or equal to 4 in 288 (70.6%). In the adjusted analysis, poorer motor recovery was associated with increased age (P = 0.02), surgical delay (P < 0.0001), C5-7 injuries (P < 0.01), and pan-plexus injuries (P < 0.0001). A 32% reduction in the odds of favorable motor recovery was observed with a 3-month delay to surgery. Patients who had a nerve transfer 6 months or earlier from injury had 2.4 times the odds of favorable motor recovery (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
SFT and DFT provide excellent elbow flexion strength in the majority of patients. Following nerve transfers in individuals with BPI, poorer motor recovery was observed with each 3-month delay to surgery.
Flexibility of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Free Flap for Hand Reconstruction
Authors: To Linh Tuan , Hoang Tuan-Anh , Nguyen Ha Hong , Tran Son Thiet , Chuang Sung-Kiang , Lee Kevin C. 
Published: February 2025

Background:
The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap has several advantages in hand reconstruction. It is thin and pliable, the extensive branching of the arterial system allows for multiple components, and the donor site can be closed inconspicuously. This article reports our experience using the SCIP flap for hand reconstruction, and we highlight the flexibility of the SCIP for extended and chimeric flaps.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study from November 2022 to January 2024 of patients with complex hand defects (exposure and/or defect of the bone or tendon) who underwent reconstruction with an SCIP flap. The plane of dissection was above the layer of superficial fascia. In overweight patients, the superficial fat lobules were removed under the microscope to thin the flap. Tailoring, chimeric, and supercharged flaps were constructed as needed for complicated hand defects. Data collected included defect characteristics, flap design, and outcomes.

Results:
A total of 44 flaps were performed on 43 patients. The average flap length was 17.8 cm (range 10–42 cm), the average flap width was 7.6 cm (range 2–11 cm), and the average flap thickness was 2.5 mm (range 2–4 mm). Hand defects were reconstructed with 9 chimeric flaps, 8 tailored flaps, 3 chimeric and tailored flaps, and 2 supercharged flaps. Overall, 42 flaps (95.5%) survived and 2 flaps (4.5%) experienced necrosis.

Conclusions:
The SCIP flap is a reliable option for complex hand defect reconstruction. This technique can provide a large, thin, pliable skin paddle incorporating components from the external oblique fascia and iliac bone. We did not encounter any recurrent issues when using it as a supercharged flap, tailored flap, or chimeric flap. Reconstructive surgeons should develop comfort with the SCIP flap in hand reconstruction given its versatility.
Utilization of a Skin Graft From an Amputated Hand to Cover Reservent Below-elbow Amputation Wound
Authors: Ali Hassan A. , Almojel Yazeed A. , Alhathlol Hussam A. , Alsulami Yazeed M. , Elkhalifa Zuhair G. , Jaffry Syed M. 
Published: February 2025

Summary:
This case involves a 58-year-old man who sustained a severe left forearm injury from a motor vehicle accident. Imaging revealed comminuted fractures and arterial occlusions in the left forearm. As the injury was crush type and exploration revealed vessels with avulsion, the decision was made to perform amputation due to nonsalvageability. The patient underwent irrigation, debridement, and amputation, followed by coverage via a full-thickness skin graft from the amputated hand. Postoperatively, the patient received antibiotics and wound care, resulting in successful graft integration and healing. This case highlights the use of a full-thickness skin graft from the amputated limb for stump coverage, demonstrating that if the patient refuses to take a graft from other common sites, the amputated dorsum of the hand can be an excellent alternative site.
Lumbar Fusion Debris Resulting in Painful Foreign-body Reaction in Abdominal Scar
Authors: Drayton Ka’la D. , Babigian Alan 
Published: February 2025

Summary:
Scar formation is a foreseeable outcome in wound healing. Patients frequently undergo scar revision to improve aesthetic appearance or function. Herein, we present the case of a 49-year-old woman who presented with a painful scar on the abdominal wall. High-resolution computed tomography failed to reveal any underlying source of the abdominal pain. During scar revision, she was found to have extensive fibrosis resulting from a foreign-body response to spinal debris.
Management of diabetic tractional retinal detachments: surgical experiences from a large tertiary academic institution
Authors: Liao Albert , Fortes Blake , Au Adrian , Hou Kirk 
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review
Management of diabetic tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) remains technically challenging. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of current surgical techniques and important considerations when treating this condition.

Recent findings
Recent advances in imaging have provided critical insights into hyaloid status and tractional forces in diabetic TRDs, greatly aiding surgical planning. Updates in vitrectomy instruments have also greatly improved anatomic success rates. However, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and plan remains key in optimizing visual outcomes for this difficult condition.

Summary
The surgical management of diabetic TRDs requires several key elements for successful outcomes. Timely intervention and presurgical planning are crucial, particularly in rapidly progressing cases. The use of advanced imaging and instruments enhances visualization and precision during surgery. Finally, a collaborative multispecialty approach with clear communication with patients about their prognosis is fundamental to effective care. These strategies collectively improve patient outcomes and promote visual recovery in those affected by diabetic TRDs.