bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult intestinal malrotation presenting as caecal volvulus with incidental findings of duplicate inferior vena cava and other rare abnormalities: case report
Authors: Thomson Samuel R , Hanna Sam M , Sarkar Amit , Das Atandrila , Perera Dayashan S 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntestinal malrotation and duplication of the inferior vena cava are rarely diagnosed in adult patients; however, incidence is likely underestimated as they are usually asymptomatic. These congenital malformations have been previously reported in the same patient twice but never with colonic obstruction or ischaemia. A 25-year-old female presented with nausea, vomiting, obstipation, and abdominal pain, and on computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis was diagnosed with a caecal volvulus and pneumatosis coli associated with intestinal malrotation requiring emergency right hemicolectomy. Incidentally, the patient was noted to have duplication of the inferior vena cava, azygos continuation of the inferior vena cava, and splenic fragmentation. This constellation of symptoms has not been reported in the literature previously. The pattern of malformations follows that of polysplenia syndrome. Although rare, awareness of these malformations can be useful to clinicians.
Concurrent, Web-First, or Web-Only? How Different Mode Sequences Perform in Recruiting Participants for a Self-Administered Mixed-mode Panel Study
Authors: Christmann Pablo , Gummer Tobias , Häring Armando , Kunz Tanja , Oehrlein Anne-Sophie , Ruland Michael , Schmid Lisa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many survey programs switched to self-administered modes of data collection, often offering respondents both web-based and paper-based questionnaires. However, there is little guidance as to when to offer which mode, especially when the aim is to recruit participants for a panel survey. This study examines the effectiveness of different mode-sequence designs by analyzing an experiment implemented in the recruitment wave of the German panel study “Family Research and Demographic Analysis.” We randomly assigned 108,256 individuals aged 18–49 years to one of three mode-sequence-design conditions: concurrent, web-first including a paper-based questionnaire with the second reminder (web-first-2), and web-first including a paper-based questionnaire with the third reminder (web-first-3). A fourth, simulated group did not receive a paper-based questionnaire (web-only). We analyzed how different mode-sequence designs affected outcome rates, sample composition, response distributions, data quality, share of paper-based questionnaires, postage costs, number of postal mailings in the recruitment wave, and participation in the first regular wave. Our results show no differences in response distributions and small differences in sample composition across the four mode-sequence designs. As the web-first-2 and simulated web-only designs yielded comparatively good response and recruitment rates at reasonable costs, we recommend their use when surveying adults between 18 and 49 years old.
Reconsidering Sampling and Costs for Face-to-Face Surveys in the 21st Century
Authors: Brick J Michael , Cook Tammy , DeMatteis Jill M , Edwards Brad , Hubbard Ryan , Simas Marcelo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Some fundamental factors important for designing multistage face-to-face household surveys in the United States have not been reconsidered since they were established in the 1940s despite vast changes in all aspects of conducting these surveys. This research examines how some changes, particularly data sources and data collection costs, might affect sample designs. Modern data collection methods and tools, address-based household lists, multimode designs, and training and management methods are critical components in the cost structure of today’s surveys. We explore a sample design that uses Census tracts at the first stage rather than counties as traditionally used. The tract design then samples households directly without the additional stages of subsampling of segments in the traditional design. We present statistical and operational issues associated with the designs and discuss the cost implications. Our examination finds that, for household surveys in the United States that include face-to-face data collection, tract designs that have twice as many sampled first-stage units (but the same overall sample size) have roughly the same cost as the county design, with effective sample sizes in the range of about 25 percent higher to as much as four times higher than the county design.
Three novel multiplex PCR assays for rapid detection of virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and toxin genes in Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex species
Authors: Sheikh Alexander A , Schneiderman Danielle , Sykes Ellen M E , Kumar Ayush , Chen Wen , Lapen David R , Khan Izhar U H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) complex is an often-overlooked group of nosocomial pathogens with a significant environmental presence. Rapid molecular screening methods for virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and toxin (VAT) genes are required to investigate the potential pathogenicity of environmental isolates. This study aimed to develop and apply novel ACB complex-specific multiplex PCR (mPCR) primers and protocols for the rapid detection of eight VAT genes. We optimized three single-tube mPCR assays using reference DNA from ACB complex and other Acinetobacter species. These assays were then applied to detect VAT genes in cultured ACB complex isolates recovered from clinical and environmental sources. Widespread detection of VAT genes in environmental isolates confirmed the validity, functionality, and applicability of these novel assays. Overall, the three newly developed ACB complex species-specific mPCR assays are rapid and simple tools that can be adopted in diagnostic and clinical lab settings. The detection of VAT genes in environmental isolates suggests that environmental niches could serve as a reservoir for potentially pathogenic ACB complex and warrants further investigation. The newly developed mPCR assays are specific, sensitive, and efficient, making them well-suited for high-throughput screening in epidemiological studies and evaluating the potential pathogenicity of ACB complex recovered from various sources.
Necessary and sufficient conditions of the enforcement problem for various argumentation semantics
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhang Songmao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the research on dynamics of argumentation frameworks (AFs), the enforcement problem deals with changing an AF for the purpose of ensuring that a certain set of desired arguments becomes (part of) an extension. In this paper we focus on expansions of an AF where solely the addition of new arguments and attacks is allowed and the original framework remains unchanged. Existing results about the enforcement problem are all sufficient conditions, and we argue that necessary and sufficient conditions are essential concerning the solvability of the enforcement problem. A suite of jointly necessary and sufficient conditions are identified for the enforcement problem under normal expansion. These conditions are presented from multiple perspectives including the sub-strict versus non-strict problem, constructive versus eliminative conditions and arbitrary AFs versus even(odd)-length cycle free AFs, determined by the nature of various argumentation semantics. Such necessary and sufficient conditions are of the essence to the enforcement problem by defining requirements that are both minimum and absolute, which can be used to determine when the enforcement problem is (un)solvable. We further infer solely sufficient and solely necessary conditions based on the partial order relation (w.r.t. set-inclusion) among various types of AF extensions.
Bimodal orientation distribution and head-tail asymmetry of a sample of filamentary molecular clouds
Authors: Ge Wen , Du Fujun , Yuan Lixia 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The morphology of molecular clouds is crucial for understanding their origin and evolution. In this work, we investigate the morphology of the filamentary molecular clouds (filaments for short) using a portion of the 12CO(J = 1 − 0) data from the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting project. The data cover an area spanning 104.75° &lt; l &lt; 150.25°, |b| &lt; 5.25° in Galactic coordinates, with VLSR ranging from −95 to 25 kms−1. Our primary focus is on the orientation and morphological asymmetry of the filaments. To achieve this, we apply several criteria on the data to create a sample of filaments with well-defined straight shape, and we use elliptical fitting to obtain the orientation of each filament, with an estimated error of ∼1.6° for the orientation. We find that the filament orientation with respect to the Galactic plane exhibits a bimodal distribution, a double-Gaussian fitting of which has two centres located at −38.1° and 42.0°, with 1σ of the two Gaussian functions being 35.4° and 27.4°. We do not find significant correlation between the orientation and other parameters, including the Galactic coordinates, radial velocity, velocity width, and physical scale. A considerable fraction of filaments (≳40 per cent) display head-tail asymmetry, which suggests that mass concentration tends to occur at one end of the filaments.
Work participation and the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and population controls
Authors: Butink Maarten , Boekel Laura , Boonen Annelies , deRijk Angelique , Wolbink Gertjan , Webers Casper 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (iRDs) might have been more vulnerable for adverse work outcomes (AWOs) and restrictions in work ability and work performance. Our objectives were to compare AWOs during the pandemic and current work ability between iRD patients and controls, understand which patients are most vulnerable for these outcomes and (3) explore the role of work characteristics on work performance while working remotely.

Methods
Patients and population controls in a Dutch COVID-19 cohort study provided information in March 2022 on work participation in March 2020 (pre-pandemic, retrospective) and March 2022 (current). AWOs comprised withdrawal from paid work, working hours reduction or long-term sick leave. Multivariable logistic/linear regression analyses compared outcomes (AWOs/work ability) between groups (patients/controls) and within patients.

Results
Of the pre-pandemic working participants, 227/977 (23%) patients and 79/430 (18%) controls experienced AWOs following pandemic onset. A minority of AWOs (15%) were attributed to COVID-19. Patients were more likely to experience any-cause AWOs (odds ratio range 1.63–3.34) but not COVID-related AWOs, with female patients and patients with comorbidities or physically demanding jobs being most vulnerable. Current work ability was lower in female patients compared with controls [β = −0.66 (95% CI −0.92 to −0.40)]. In both groups, when working remotely, care for children and absence of colleagues had varying effects on work performance (positive 19% and 24%, negative 34% and 57%, respectively), while employer support and reduced commuting had mainly positive effects (83% and 86%, respectively).

Conclusion
During the pandemic, people with iRDs remained at increased risk of AWOs. COVID-related AWOs, however, were infrequent.
Cannabinoid CB2receptors in primary sensory neurons are implicated in CB2agonist-mediated suppression of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception and sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance
Authors: Guenther Kelsey G. , Lin Xiaoyan , Xu Zhili , Makriyannis Alexandros , Romero Julian , Hillard Cecilia J. , Mackie Ken , Hohmann Andrea G. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCannabinoid CB2agonists show therapeutic efficacy without the unwanted side effects commonly associated with direct activation of CB1receptors. The G protein-biased CB2receptor agonist LY2828360 attenuates the maintenance of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic nociception in male mice and blocks the development of morphine tolerance in this model. However, the specific cell types involved in this phenomenon have never been investigated and whether this therapeutic profile is observed in female mice remains poorly understood. We used conditional deletion of CB2receptors from specific cell populations to determine the population(s) mediating the anti-allodynic and morphine-sparing effects of CB2agonists. Anti-allodynic effects of structurally distinct CB2agonists (LY2828360 and AM1710) were present in paclitaxel-treated CB2f/fmice of either sex. The anti-allodynic effect of the CB2agonists were absent in conditional knockout (KO) mice lacking CB2receptors in peripheral sensory neurons (AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/f) but preserved in mice lacking CB2receptors in CX3CR1 expressing microglia/macrophages (CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/f). The morphine-sparing effect of LY28282360 occurred in a sexually-dimorphic manner, being present in male mice but absent in female mice of any genotype. In mice with established paclitaxel-induced neuropathy, prior LY2828360 treatment (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 12 days) blocked the subsequent development of morphine tolerance in male CB2f/fmice but was absent in male (or female) AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/fmice. LY2828360-induced sparing of morphine tolerance was preserved in male CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/fmice, but this effect was not observed in female CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/fmice. Similarly, co-administration of morphine with a low dose of LY2828360 (0.1 mg/kg per day i.p. x 6 days) reversed tolerance to the anti-allodynic efficacy of morphine in paclitaxel-treated male CB2f/fmice, but this effect was absent in female CB2f/fmice and AdvillinCRE/+; CB2f/fmice of either sex. Additionally, LY2828360 (3 mg/kg per day i.p. x 8 days) delayed, but did not prevent, the development of paclitaxel-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in either CB2f/for CX3CR1CRE/+; CB2f/fmice of either sex. Our studies reveal that CB2receptors in primary sensory neurons are required for the anti-allodynic effects of CB2agonists in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic nociception. We also find that CB2agonists acting on primary sensory neurons produce a sexually-dimorphic sparing of morphine tolerance in males, but not female, paclitaxel-treated mice.
Modeling spatial contrast sensitivity in responses of primate retinal ganglion cells to natural movies
Authors: Sridhar Shashwat , Vystrčilová Michaela , Khani Mohammad H. , Karamanlis Dimokratis , Schreyer Helene M. , Ramakrishna Varsha , Krüppel Steffen , Zapp Sören J. , Mietsch Matthias , Ecker Alexander , Gollisch Tim 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRetinal ganglion cells, the output neurons of the vertebrate retina, often display nonlinear summation of visual signals over their receptive fields. This creates sensitivity to spatial contrast, letting the cells respond to spatially structured visual stimuli, such as a contrast-reversing grating, even when no net change in overall illumination of the receptive field occurs. Yet, computational models of ganglion cell responses are often based on linear receptive fields. Nonlinear extensions, on the other hand, such as subunit models, which separate receptive fields into smaller, nonlinearly combined subfields, are often cumbersome to fit to experimental data, in particular when natural stimuli are considered. Previous work in the salamander retina has shown that sensitivity to spatial contrast in response to flashed images can be partly captured by a model that combines signals from the mean and variance of luminance signals inside the receptive field. Here, we extend this spatial contrast model for application to spatiotemporal stimulation and explore its performance on spiking responses that we recorded from retinas of marmosets under artificial and natural movies. We show how the model can be fitted to experimental data and that it outperforms common models with linear spatial integration, in particular for parasol ganglion cells. Finally, we use the model framework to infer the cells’ spatial scale of nonlinear spatial integration and contrast sensitivity. Our work shows that the spatial contrast model provides a simple approach to capturing aspects of nonlinear spatial integration with only few free parameters, which can be used to assess the cells’ functional properties under natural stimulation and which provides a simple-to-obtain benchmark for comparison with more detailed nonlinear encoding models.
Multiple Isoforms of the Activin-like receptor Baboon differentially regulate proliferation and conversion behaviors of neuroblasts and neuroepithelial cells in theDrosophilalarval brain
Authors: Lee Gyunghee G. , Peterson Aidan J. , Kim Myung-Jun , O’Connor Michael B. , Park Jae H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInDrosophilacoordinated proliferation of two neural stem cells, neuroblasts (NB) and neuroepithelial (NE) cells, is pivotal for proper larval brain growth that ultimately determines the final size and performance of an adult brain. The larval brain growth displays two phases based on behaviors of NB and NEs: the first one in early larval stages, influenced by nutritional status and the second one in the last larval stage, promoted by ecdysone signaling after critical weight checkpoint. Mutations of thebaboon(babo) gene that produces three isoforms (BaboA-C), all acting as type-I receptors of Activin-type transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling, cause a small brain phenotype due to severely reduced proliferation of the neural stem cells. In this study we show that loss ofbabofunction severely affects proliferation of NBs and NEs as well as conversion of NEs from both phases. By analyzingbabo-null and newly generated isoform-specific mutants by CRISPR mutagenesis as well as isoform-specific RNAi knockdowns in a cell- and stage-specific manner, we further demonstrate differential contributions of the isoforms for these cellular events with BaboA playing the major role. Our data show that stage-specific expression of EcR-B1 in the brain is also regulated primarily by BaboA along with function of the other isoforms. Blocking EcR function in both neural stem cells results in a small brain phenotype that is more severe thanbaboA-knockdown alone. In summary, our study proposes that the Babo-mediated signaling promotes proper behaviors of the neural stem cells in both phases and achieves this by acting upstream of EcR-B1 expression in the second phase.Author SummaryEvolutionarily conserved TGF-β signaling pathway is widely utilized as a regulator of diverse processes of brain development in both vertebrates and invertebrates. A key element inDrosophilaActivin type TGF-β signaling pathway is the type-I receptor Babo. Thebabogene produces three isoforms, each with a unique ligand preference. Our study uncovers that Babo-mediated signaling promotes proper proliferation of NBs and NEs and conversion of NEs, together responsible for the magnitude of larval brain size growth. Three isoforms act individually or together to regulate these cellular events in coordination with developmental status. Our findings emphasize that Babo-mediated signaling is a crucial regulator of postembryonic neurogenesis that generates 90% of neuronal population for the adult brain.
SURVIVIN IN SYNERGY WITH BAF/SWI COMPLEX BINDS BIVALENT CHROMATIN REGIONS AND ACTIVATES DNA DAMAGE RESPONSE IN CD4+ T CELLS
Authors: Chandrasekaran Venkataragavan , Andersson Karin M.E. , Erlandsson Malin , Li Shuxiang , Garcia-Bonete Maria-Jose , Malmhäll-Bah Eric , Pegah Johansson , Katona Gergely , Bokarewa Maria I. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study explores a regulatory role of oncoprotein survivin on the bivalent regions of chromatin (BvCR) characterized by concomitant deposition of trimethylated lysine of histone H3 at position 4 (H3K4me3) and 27 (H3K27me3).Intersect between BvCR and chromatin sequences bound to survivin demonstrated their co-localization oncis-regulatory elements of genes which execute DNA damage control in primary human CD4+cells. Survivin anchored BRG1-complex to BvCR to repress DNA damage repair genes in IFNγ-stimulated CD4+cells. In contrast, survivin inhibition shifted the functional balance of BvCR in favor of H3K4me3, which activated DNA damage recognition and repair. Co-expression of BRG1, survivin and IFNγ in CD4+cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis identified arthritogenic BRG1hicells abundant in autoimmune synovia. Immunomodulating drugs inhibited the subunits anchoring BRG1-complex to BvCR, which changed the arthritogenic profile.Together, this study demonstrates the function of BvCR in DNA damage control of CD4+cells offering an epigenetic platform for survivin and BRG1-complex targeting interventions to combat autoimmunity.SummaryThis study shows that bivalent chromatin regions accommodate survivin which represses DNA repair enzymes in IFNγ-stimulated CD4+T cells. Survivin anchors BAF/SWI complex to these regions and supports autoimmune profile of T cells, providing novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
Microglia Depletion leads to Increased Susceptibility to Ocular Hypertension-Dependent Glaucoma
Authors: Diemler Cory A. , MacLean Michael , Heuer Sarah E. , Hewes Amanda A. , Marola Olivia J. , Libby Richard T. , Howell Gareth R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, microglia have been highlighted for playing integral roles in neurodegenerative diseases, like glaucoma. To better understand the role of microglia during chronic ocular hypertension, we depleted microglia from aged (9-12 months old) DBA/2J (D2) mice, which exhibit age-related increases in intraocular pressure, using a dietary CSF1R antagonist, PLX5622. Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas were counted, and optic nerve cross-sections stained and assessed for glaucomatous damage. Sustained administration of dietary PLX5622 significantly reduced the numbers of retinal microglia. Dietary PLX5622 did not lead to changes in intraocular pressure in D2 or normotensive DBA/2J-Gpnmb+(D2-Gpnmb+) control mice. While PLX5622-treated D2-Gpnmb+did not develop optic nerve damage, PLX5622-treated D2 mice showed a significant increase in moderate-to-severe optic nerve damage compared to D2 mice fed a control diet. In conclusion, global reduction of microglia exacerbated glaucomatous neurodegeneration in D2 mice suggesting microglia play an overall beneficial role in protecting from ocular hypertension associated RGC loss.
Unravelling the Interplay of Nitrogen Nutrition and theBotrytis cinereapectin lyase BcPNL1 in ModulatingArabidopsis thalianaSusceptibility
Authors: Davière Antoine , Voxeur Aline , Jolivet Sylvie , Vernhettes Samantha , Soulié Marie-Christine , Fagard Mathilde 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the intricate interplay between nitrogen nutrition, and the dynamics of pectin degradation during plant-pathogen interactions, usingArabidopsis thalianaandBotrytis cinereaas a model pathosystem. Our findings revealed a noteworthy impact of nitrogen availability on the pectin degrading activity of theB. cinereapectin lyase 1 (PNL) for which the mutant strains presented a reduced pathogenicity restored by complementation. More precisely, infected nitrogen-sufficient (high N) plants exhibited an increased release of PNL-derived oligogalacturonides compared to infected nitrogen-deficient (low N) plants. This correlated with an elevated expression of jasmonic acid repressor genes in high N plants, rendering them more susceptible toB. cinerea. UsingΔBcpnl1deletion mutants, we demonstrated that the increased production of BcPNL1 -derived oligogalacturonides under high N conditions was responsible for the increased expression of jasmonic acid repressor genes, significantly contributing to the higher susceptibility of high N plantstoB. cinerea.In conclusion, we demonstrated that BcPNL1 is a major pathogenicity factor duringB. cinereainteraction that is affected by the plant’s N nutrition conditions.