bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Administration of a bacterial lysate to the airway compartment is sufficient to inhibit allergen-induced lung eosinophilia in germ-free mice
Authors: Michael Ashley N , Pivniouk Oksana , Ezeh Peace C , Banskar Sunil , Hahn Seongmin , DeVries Avery , O’Connell Kathryn , Pivniouk Vadim , Vercelli Donata 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The nexus between eosinophils and microbes is attracting increasing attention. We previously showed that airway administration of sterile microbial products contained in dust collected from traditional dairy farms virtually abrogated bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophilia and other cardinal asthma phenotypes in allergen-sensitized specific pathogen–free (SPF) mice. Interestingly, comparable inhibition of allergen-induced BAL eosinophilia and promotion of airway barrier integrity were found upon administration of a sterile, pharmacological-grade bacterial lysate, OM-85, to the airway compartment of allergen-sensitized SPF mice. Here, we asked whether intrinsic properties of airway-delivered microbial products were sufficient to inhibit allergic lung inflammation or whether these effects were mediated by reprogramming of the host microbiota. We compared germ-free (GF) mice and offspring of GF mice associated with healthy mouse gut microbiota and maintained under SPF conditions for multiple generations (Ex-GF mice). These mice were treated intranasally with OM-85 and evaluated in the ovalbumin and Alternaria models of allergic asthma focusing primarily on BAL eosinophilia. Levels of allergen-induced BAL eosinophilia were comparable in GF and conventionalized Ex-GF mice. Airway administration of the OM-85 bacterial lysate was sufficient to inhibit allergen-induced lung eosinophilia in both Ex-GF and GF mice, suggesting that host microbiota are not required for the protective effects of bacterial products in these models and local airway exposure to microbial products is an effective source of protection. OM-85–dependent inhibition of BAL eosinophilia in GF mice was accompanied by suppression of lung type 2 cytokines and eosinophil-attracting chemokines, suggesting that OM-85 may work at least by decreasing eosinophil lung recruitment.
Good Politicians: Experimental Evidence on Motivations for Political Candidacy and Government Performance
Authors: Gulzar Saad , Khan Muhammad Yasir 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
How can we motivate good politicians—those that will carry out policy that is responsive to citizens’ preferences—to enter politics? In a field experiment in Pakistan, we vary how political office is portrayed to ordinary citizens. Emphasizing prosocial motives for holding political office instead of personal returns—such as the ability to help others versus enhancing one’s own respect and status—raises the likelihood that individuals run for office and that voters elect them. A year later, the treatment improves the alignment of policy with citizens’ preferences. These effects emerge only when treatments are randomly delivered in a public setting. Taken together, the results demonstrate that how politics is perceived shapes who decides to run for office, who is elected, as well the policies that democracies deliver.
Incidence of Suboptimal Fluoroscopic Outlet Imaging of the Sacrum and Pelvic Retroversion Necessary for Optimal Views
Authors: Patterson Joseph T. , Brown Michael , Hasegawa Ian G. , Becerra Jacob A. , Duong Andrew M. , Reddy Akhil , Gary Joshua L. 
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES:
To estimate the prevalence of suboptimal fluoroscopy of sacral outlet images due to anatomic and equipment dimensions. Pelvic retroversion is hypothesized to mitigate this issue.

METHODS:

Design:
In silico simulations using retrospectively collected computed tomography (CT) data from human patients.

Setting:
Level I trauma center.

Patient Selection Criteria:
Adults with OTA/AO 61 pelvic ring disruptions treated with posterior pelvic fixation between July and December 2021.

Outcome Measures and Comparisons:
C-arm tilt angles required to obtain 3 optimal fluoroscopic sacral outlet images, defined as vectors from pubic symphysis to S2 and parallel to the first and second sacral neural foramina, were calculated from sagittal CT images. A suboptimal view was defined as collision of the C-arm radiation source or image intensifier with the patient/operating table at the required tilt angle simulated using the dimensions of 5 commercial C-arm models and trigonometric calculations. Incidence of suboptimal outlet views and pelvic retroversion necessary to obtain optimal views without collision, which may be obtained by placement of a sacral bump, was determined for each view for all patients and C-arm models.

RESULTS:
CT data from 72 adults were used. Collision between patient and C-arm would occur at the optimal tilt angle for 17% of simulations and at least 1 view in 68% of patients. Greater body mass index was associated with greater odds of suboptimal imaging (standard outlet: odds ratio [OR] 0.84, confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.89, P < 0.001; S1: OR 0.91, CI 0.87–0.97, P = 0.002; S2: OR 0.85, CI 0.80–0.91, P < 0.001). S1 anterior sacral slope was associated with suboptimal S1 outlet views (OR 1.12, Cl 1.07–1.17, P < 0.001). S2 anterior sacral slope was associated with suboptimal standard outlet (OR 1.07, Cl 1.02–1.13, P = 0.004) and S2 outlet (OR 1.16, Cl 1.09–1.23, P < 0.001) views. Retroversion of the pelvis 15–20 degrees made optimal outlet views possible without collision in 95%–99% of all simulations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:
Suboptimal outlet imaging of the sacrum is associated with greater body mass index and sacral slope at S1 and S2. Retroversion of the pelvis by 15–20 degrees with a bump under the distal sacrum may offer a low-tech solution to ensure optimal fluoroscopic imaging for percutaneous fixation of the posterior pelvic ring.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Practices and Outcomes Associated With Sublingual Buprenorphine Use in a Critically Ill Population
Authors: Vanini Denis J. , Corvelli Jenna M. , Maynard Kaylee M. , Rappaport Stephen H. , Grasso Gina , Jones Raquel , Acquisto Nicole M. , Schult Rachel F. 
Published: March 2024

IMPORTANCE:
Buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) is commonly used in the outpatient setting with increasing use in hospitalized patients. However, there is limited literature describing its use in critically ill populations.

OBJECTIVES:
The primary objective was to report the practices of buprenorphine prescribing among ICU teams. We also assessed the effect of a novel initiation strategy on opioid requirements in the ICU and the incidence of precipitated withdrawal.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS:
Single-center, retrospective, descriptive study of patients receiving buprenorphine in the ICU.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
The main outcome was to describe the use of buprenorphine in ICU patients through indication, initiation strategy, dosing information, and time from ICU admission to the first dose. We also detailed the incidence of precipitated withdrawal overall and the difference in opioid requirements before and after a low-dose induction strategy (buprenorphine initiated while receiving full agonist opioids [5-d titration from 150 μg to 4 mg four times daily]).

RESULTS:
A total of 153 patients were included. Most patients (86.3%) received buprenorphine for treatment of OUD. Of the 75 patients taking buprenorphine before admission, 46 (61%) had it restarted within 24 hours of ICU admission. Among 95 patients requiring buprenorphine induction, 57 (60%) underwent standard induction and 38 (40%) underwent low-dose induction, with only one instance of precipitated withdrawal. Median morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) of concomitant full agonist opioids in patients completing low-dose induction decreased from 1057.5 mg to 262.5 mg in the 24 hours before initiation compared with the 24 hours after target buprenorphine dose was reached (p < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
Use of sublingual buprenorphine was most often in patients with OUD. Timely continuation of home buprenorphine in the ICU was suboptimal. Both standard and low-dose induction strategies appear to be safe with a low risk of precipitating withdrawal. When implemented appropriately, low-dose buprenorphine induction may lead to significant reduction in full agonist opioids in critically ill patients.
Suture Net Technique for Mid-face Superficial Fat Compartments Restoration
Authors: Chen Lu , Liu Zhimo , Zhang Yuyu , Bian Weiwei , Cheng Liying 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Facial fold and groove formation is influenced by the ptosis of the superficial fat compartments in the mid-face region.

OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to design a facial rejuvenation technique that targets sagging of the mid-face fat compartments and achieves a youthful facial configuration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 102 patients underwent suture net restoration. Each specific ptosis fat compartment was carefully lifted and held at the regional facial ligaments to effectively restore volume distribution. Patient outcomes were evaluated through preoperative and postoperative photography comparison, 3-D photographic analysis, and postoperative evaluations.

RESULTS
Significant mid-cheek rejuvenation was observed. The procedure resulted in a remarkable, 10.89% increase in malar projection. The nasolabial fold improved by at least 1 grade in 61.43% of the patients and by at least 2 grades in 37.14%. A total of 87.65% of the patients expressed high satisfaction or satisfaction with the outcomes of the procedure.

CONCLUSION
By specifically targeting the mid-face ptosis fat compartments, the technique demonstrated significant enhancements of both the nasolabial fold and the malar projection. The results indicate that this novel technique holds promise as an efficient approach for satisfactorily addressing facial aging concerns.
Assessing the Reproducibility of Research Based on the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Data
Authors: Li Xinyu , Feng Yubo , Gong Yang , Chen You 
Published: March 2024

Objective
This article aims to assess the reproducibility of Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) data-driven studies by analyzing the data queries used in their research processes.

Methods
Studies using MAUDE data were sourced from PubMed by searching for “MAUDE” or “Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience” in titles or abstracts. We manually chose articles with executable queries. The reproducibility of each query was assessed by replicating it in the MAUDE Application Programming Interface. The reproducibility of a query is determined by a reproducibility coefficient that ranges from 0.95 to 1.05. This coefficient is calculated by comparing the number of medical device reports (MDRs) returned by the reproduced queries to the number of reported MDRs in the original studies. We also computed the reproducibility ratio, which is the fraction of reproducible queries in subgroups divided by the query complexity, the device category, and the presence of a data processing flow.

Results
As of August 8, 2022, we identified 523 articles from which 336 contained queries, and 60 of these were executable. Among these, 14 queries were reproducible. Queries using a single field like product code, product class, or brand name showed higher reproducibility (50%, 33.3%, 31.3%) compared with other fields (8.3%, P = 0.037). Single-category device queries exhibited a higher reproducibility ratio than multicategory ones, but without statistical significance (27.1% versus 8.3%, P = 0.321). Studies including a data processing flow had a higher reproducibility ratio than those without, although this difference was not statistically significant (42.9% versus 17.4%, P = 0.107).

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the reproducibility of queries in MAUDE data-driven studies is limited. Enhancing this requires the development of more effective MAUDE data query strategies and improved application programming interfaces.
The Functional Role of Pinwheel Topology in the Primary Visual Cortex of High-Order Animals for Complex Natural Image Representation
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhong Haixin , Dai Wei P , Yu Yuguo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe primary visual cortex (V1) of high-level animals exhibits a complex organization of neuronal orientation preferences, characterized by pinwheel structure topology, yet the functional role of those complex patterns in natural image representation remains largely unexplored. Our study first establishes a new self-evolving spiking neural network (SESNN) model, designed to mimic the functional topological structure of orientation selectivity within V1. We observe the emergence of a particularly new “spread-out” firing patterns from center to the surround of the pinwheel structures in response to natural visual stimuli in pinwheel structures, propagating from pinwheel centers and spreading to iso-orientation domains—a pattern not found in salt- and-pepper organizations. To investigate this phenomenon, we propose a novel deep recurrent U-Net architecture to reconstruct images from V1’s spiking activity across time steps and assess the encoded information entropy of different firing patterns via the model’s predicted uncertainty, offering a spatiotemporal analysis of V1’s functional structures. Our findings reveal a trade-off between visual acuity and coding time: the “spread-out” pattern enhances the representation of complex visual details at the cost of increased response latency, while salt-and-pepper organizations, lacking such domains, prioritize rapid processing at the expense of reduced visual acuity. Additionally, we demonstrate that this trade-off is modulated by the size of iso-orientation domains, with larger domains—supported by denser neuronal populations—substantially improving both visual acuity, coding efficiency, and robustness, features diminished in smaller domains and salt-and-pepper arrangements. Our research provides a foundational understanding of the principles underlying efficient visual information representation and suggests novel strategies for advancing the robustness and performance of image recognition algorithms in artificial intelligence.
VISUALIZING THE NUCLEATING AND CAPPED STATES OF F-ACTIN BY Ca2+-GELSOLIN: SAXS DATA BASED STRUCTURES OF BINARY AND TERNARY COMPLEXES
Authors: Sagar Amin , Peddada Nagesh , Choudhary Vikas , Mir Yawar , Garg Renu , Ashish  
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTStructural insight eludes on how full-length gelsolin depolymerizes and caps F-actin, while the same entity can nucleate polymerization of G-actins. Employing small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data analysis, we deciphered these two contrasting assemblies. Mixing Ca2+-gelsolin with F-actin in high salt F-buffer resulted in depolymerization of ordered F-actin rods to smaller sized species which became monodisperse upon dialysis with low salt G-buffer. These entities were the ternary (GA2) and binary (GA) complexes of gelsolin and actin with radius of gyration and maximum linear dimension of 4.55 and 4.68 nm, and 15 and 16 nm, respectively. In contrast, upon mixing G-actin with Ca2+-gelsolin in G-buffer, rapid association of higher order species started. Using size exclusion chromatography in-line with SAXS, we confirmed that initially GA and GA2species are formed as seen upon depolymerization of F-actin, followed by dialysis. Interestingly, while GA2could seed formation of native-like F-actin in both G- and F-buffer, GA failed in G-buffer. Thus, GA2and GA are the central species formed via depolymerization or towards nucleation. SAXS profile referenced modeling revealed that: 1) in GA, actin is bound to the C-terminal half of gelsolin, and 2) in GA2, second actin binds to the open N-terminal half accompanied by dramatic rearrangements across gelsolin’s g1-g2 and g3-g4 linkers. Importantly, first structural insight is provided into the two probable models for GA2with two actins in parallel, but differentially stacked: one in polymerization competent, and other in incompetent manner, suggesting latter to represent capped state along with the inert GA.TOC AbstractHighlightsOrderly decrement in the length of F-actin by Ca2+-gelsolin was tracked by SAXS.Residual re-association in 1:2 ratio in F-buffer was quenched by dialysis in G-buffer.Identical GA and GA2entities formed upon mixing F- or G-actin with Ca2+-gelsolin.Models of nucleation competent, GA2showed differential stacking of two G-actins.N-terminal half of gelsolin reposition as GA2changes to or from GA, the capped state.
Double-stranded RNA induces retinal pigment epithelium cell degeneration and inflammation
Authors: Klokman Garrett , Xu YongYao , Bond Kyle , Wu Xiaoqiu , Schustak Joshua , Mandelbaum Jorgi , Twarog Michael , Han Hongwei , Paulina Mary-Kate , Coble Matthew , Hayden Christopher , Galarneau Jean-Rene , Demirs John , Qiu Yubin , Esterberg Robert , Huang Qian , Prasanna Ganesh , Saint-Geniez Magali , Aranda Jorge , Bao Yi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRIG-I signaling has been previously implicated as a driver of inflammation to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) during age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is known to initiate RIG-I signaling and lead to a type I interferon response. We show through shRNA knockdown that RIG-I is essential for initiating an interferon response in iPS-RPE in response to both synthetic dsRNA-mimetic 3p-hpRNA and the double-stranded retrotransposable elementAlu. Analysis of human tissue from patients suffering from AMD show accumulation of dsRNA, peaking at the geographic atrophy (GA) stage. Using a new murine model of 3p-hpRNA subretinal challenge to RPE cells, we confirmed that accumulation of dsRNA initiates a type I interferon response, as well as RPE and photoreceptor degeneration. Although RPE response to synthetic dsRNA was acute, extensive leukocyte migration was observed. The results from this study verify the importance of RIG-I signaling in regulating inflammation in the subretinal space and implicates dsRNA accumulation as a driver of AMD pathogenesis.
Regulation of Interstitial Lung Diseases by Pulmonary Endothelial Cells via PLVAP
Authors: Zhang Xin , Jia Liping , Hou Ruijie , Zhao Yue-an , Zhang Liangliang , Tong Xia , Mo Yan , Zhang Lanlan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe lack of standardized treatments for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and non-IPF progressive fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (non-IPF-PF) highlights the need for identifying common therapeutic targets. We utilize single-cell RNA sequencing data from six disease groups, including IPF and non-IPF-PF such as Sarcoidosis, Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis (NSIP), myositis, and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (cHP), we conducted subpopulation analysis to identify cells exhibiting a trend of upregulated expression. Pulmonary venous endothelial cells (PVECs) were identified as a significant subpopulation, and targets regulating PVECs upregulation were discerned. In addition, molecular targets are validated through the utilization of in vivo and in vitro methodologies. PVECs showed upregulation in IPF and non-IPF-PF, linked to poorer lung function. PLVAP was consistently elevated across both conditions. In vivo PLVAP knockdown in endothelial cells mitigated pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin mouse model, also reducing mesenchymal macrophage interactions. Our findings reveal common therapeutic targets in IPF and non-IPF-PF, offering new directions for treatment strategies.
Turkey, the second home for Iranians: push and pull motivations in Turkish housing market
Authors: Ghaedrahmati Safar , Rezaei Ebrahim 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis paper examines the main drives of encouraging Iranian investors in the Turkish real estate market, focusing on the interface between push factors and pull factors that drive them abroad.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines the main drives of encouraging Iranian investors in the Turkish real estate market, focusing on the interface between push factors and pull factors that drive them abroad. For this purpose, the trend of housing price growth in Iran and Turkey was compared. The review of the 11-year trend of rates shows that housing prices in both countries have been continuously rising, and these prices have undoubtedly experienced increasing shocks in Iran. For further analysis, 13 main variables leading to the repulsion of investment in Iran's housing market and 15 variables shaping the attractiveness of investment in Turkey were identified in this sector. Thirty experts subsequently ranked the significant variables based on a closed-end questionnaire using quantitative strategic planning matrix. Examining housing investment elasticity in Turkey also shows that “Turkey's economic stability compared to neighboring countries” and “acquiring Turkish citizenship through real estate investment” are among the most important variables. On the other hand, the pressure variables of housing investment in Iran were “decrease in the value of the Iranian currency in recent years,” “currency price fluctuations” and “severe fluctuations and instability in the Iranian housing market.”FindingsExamining housing investment elasticity in Turkey also shows that “Turkey's economic stability compared to neighboring countries” and “acquiring Turkish citizenship through real estate investment” are among the most important variables. On the other hand, the pressure variables of housing investment in Iran were “decrease in the value of the Iranian currency in recent years,” “currency price fluctuations” and “severe fluctuations and instability in the Iranian housing market.”Originality/valueFrom a theoretical standpoint, foreign investment is in support of Turkey and harmful to Iran because the Turkish government is bolstering investment attractiveness to bring increased capital inflows into this country. Practically speaking, Turkey has aimed to create a rational framework for investors by strengthening and changing its economic system, as well as amending existing constitutions in this domain. Nevertheless, Iran resists any changes in its economic system and legislation. Therefore, a wide range of attractiveness and repulsion variables has led to the migration of Iranian investors to Turkey. In the present study, such variables are illuminated.