bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implant-based Breast Reconstruction Outcomes Comparing Freeze-dried Aseptic Alloderm and Sterile Ready-to-use Alloderm
Authors: Widmyer Anna S. , Mirhaidari Shayda J. , Wagner Douglas S. 
Published: December 2019

Background:
The use of acellular dermal matrix has revolutionized implant-based breast reconstruction in the 21st century. There have been a number of different dermal matrices introduced to clinical use and their equivalence has been debated. The purpose of this study is to examine a sequential series of acellular dermal matrix assisted implant-based breast reconstructions by a single surgeon and to compare the outcomes between a freeze-dried (FD) Alloderm cohort and a sterile ready to use Alloderm cohort.

Methods:
After institutional review board approval, all consecutive implant-based breast reconstructions of a single surgeon (D.S.W.) from January 2009 to June 2016 were examined. Two hundred thirty-six patients received either FD Alloderm in the first 151 breasts reconstructed or sterile ready-to-use Alloderm in the last 227 breasts.

Results:
The FD Alloderm patients had more tissue expander reconstructions performed and were all subpectoral placement. The ready-to-use Alloderm patients had more direct-to-implant procedures and some prepectoral placements. The complication rates were similar for seroma, hematoma, skin necrosis, and dehiscence. There were more infections, implant losses, and unexpected reoperations in the FD Alloderm group.

Conclusion:
The rate of infection, explantation, and unexpected reoperation was lower in the sterile ready-to-use Alloderm group versus the FD Alloderm group.
Comparison of Fasciocutaneous and Muscle-based Free Flaps for Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Upper Extremity
Authors: Koepple Christoph , Kallenberger Ann-Katrin , Pollmann Lukas , Hundeshagen Gabriel , Schmidt Volker J. , Kneser Ulrich , Hirche Christoph 
Published: December 2019

Background:Soft tissue free flap reconstruction of upper extremities has proven to be reliable and essential for limb salvage and function. Nevertheless, comparative data regarding flap outcome are still lacking. The present study aimed to compare procedural features and individual complication rates of different free flaps used for upper extremity reconstruction.Methods:The authors evaluated retrospectively the results of 164 free flaps in 149 patients with upper extremity defects. Chart reviews were performed from April 2000 to June 2014, analyzing flap choices, complication, and success rate assessment for patients >18 years old, with a soft tissue defect of the upper extremity. Chosen flap types were classified as fasciocutaneous (including adipocutaneous) and muscle-based, respectively. We comparatively analyzed total flap loss, flap survival after microsurgical revisions, and susceptibility rates for thromboses rates and partial flap necrosis.Results:Defect size was larger when muscle-based flaps were used (231 ± 38.6 versus 164 ± 13.7 cm2,P< 0.05). Outcome analysis revealed a tendency towards higher arterial thrombosis rates for muscle flaps (10.2% versus 4.3%) and venous thrombosis rates for fasciocutaneous flaps (2% versus 7%). Total flap loss (6.1% versus 7.8%) and flap survival after vascular revisions (75% versus 70.6%) showed comparable rates. Partial flap necrosis was generally higher in muscle-based flaps (22.4% versus 8.6%,P= 0.02) with impact on patients’ hospital stay (37.2 ± 4.69 and 27.11 ± 1.62 days, n = 115,P= 0.01), while no differences in partial necrosis rates were noted in flaps larger than 300 cm2(25% versus 10%,P= 0.55). There was a trend over time towards using fasciocutaneous-based flaps more frequently with a final overall percentage of 83.7% between 2012 and 2014.Conclusions:Microsurgical tissue transfer to the upper extremity is safe and reliable, but flap-type specific procedural and measures should be taken into consideration. Total flap loss as well as flap survival after microsurgical revisions are not altered between these flaps. They differ, however, in their susceptibilities for thromboses rates, partial flap necrosis and thus require individual risk stratification and flap placement.
Application of Orbital Septum Fat Flap Stuffing to Correct Inferior Orbital Sulcus Deformities
Authors: Jiang Ling , Deng Ying , Li Wei 
Published: December 2019

Summary:
The inferior orbitopalpebral sulcus deformity is challenging during lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Plastic surgeons are currently addressing each case individually, depending on the patient’s unique circumstances. Nevertheless, patients with large orbital grooves often complain that the inferior orbitopalpebral sulcus is not sufficiently improved. Altogether, 189 patients underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty. According to their local anatomy, 98 underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty surgery only, 59 had it combined with arcus marginalis release, and 32 had it combined with orbital septum fat flap stuffing. For the latter 32 patients, the orbital fat was trimmed and flipped to roll over the edge 10 mm from the infraorbital rim to form a base to repair the tear trough deformity and palpebromalar groove. Excessive dermatochalasis was removed, excrescent bulging fat was released, and the sulcus deformity was flattened using the orbital fat flap. The cosmetic results were satisfactory. Releasing the orbital septal fat helped restructure the deformity. The lower eyelid bags and lower orbital sulcus deformities were well corrected, allowing recovery with a convex-type facial contour. Using an orbital fat flap to treat a tear trough deformity and palpebromalar groove is effective and safe. Careful performances by surgeons can avoid serious complications. This operation satisfies both patients and surgeons.
Regular Statin Use and Incidence of Postendoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis
Authors: Hakuta Ryunosuke , Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Yukari , Inokuma Akiyuki , Oyama Hiroki , Kanai Sachiko , Nakamura Tomoka , Sato Tatsuya , Ishigaki Kazunaga , Saito Kei , Saito Tomotaka , Takahara Naminatsu , Mizuno Suguru , Kogure Hirofumi , Tada Minoru , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2019

Goals and Background:
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is widely utilized to diagnose and treat various pancreaticobiliary diseases, but postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP) can be a fatal adverse event. Evidence suggests that statins may exhibit suppressive effects on inflammation in the pancreas. We carried out an observational cohort study to examine the protective effect of statins on PEP.

Study:
We retrospectively identified consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a tertiary care center in Japan between January 2010 and January 2019. The incidences of PEP were compared between regular and nonregular statin users. Using the multivariable logistic regression model, we examined the association of regular statin use with the incidence of PEP controlling for potential risk factors for PEP.

Results:
We included 2664 patients (328 regular statin users and 2336 nonregular users). The incidence of PEP did not differ by statin use status (P=0.52): 8.8% in regular statin users and 7.9% in nonregular users. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio for PEP comparing regular statin use with nonregular use was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.72; P=0.76). When we examined specific statin types (hydrophilic and lipophilic statins), we consistently observed the null association: 6.8% of 132 hydrophilic statin users and 10% of 196 lipophilic statin users (P=0.74 and 0.27, respectively, compared with nonregular users).

Conclusions:
Regular statin use was not shown to be protective against PEP. A further investigation is warranted before this medication is tested in prospective randomized trials.
Long-term Outcome in Severe Left Ventricular Primary Graft Dysfunction Post Cardiac Transplantation Supported by Early Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Connolly Sophie , Granger Emily , Hayward Christopher , Huang David , Kerr Stephen , McCanny Peter , Buscher Hergen 
Published: December 2019

Background.
Severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is the leading cause of early death following cardiac transplantation. The early use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may facilitate graft rescue. However, the additional risks of its use are unknown.

Methods.
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all adult patients who underwent cardiac transplantation from January 2009 to February 2016 at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, to evaluate risk factors for the use of VA-ECMO and related morbidity and long-term survival.

Results.
One hundred ninety-two transplanted patients were identified, 49 (25%) of whom developed left or biventricular PGD requiring VA-ECMO. The total operation time (median 495 [interquartile range 139.8] versus 412.8 [132] min, P < 0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass time (220 [63] versus 176 [73] min, P < 0.001) and the presence of a previous sternotomy (29 [59%] versus 51 [36%], P = 0.019) were associated with the use of VA-ECMO. One-year survival in the VA-ECMO cohort was 71%. After a median follow-up time of 696 days (interquartile range 1201 d), survival was significantly higher in the non-ECMO group (P = 0.004) but not when conditioned on hospital survival (P = 0.34). Patients with shorter than median ECMO runtime (<108 h) had a similar long-term survival to patients who did not require ECMO (P = 0.559). In the ECMO cohort, multivariable logistic regression revealed baseline creatinine in µmol/L (odds ratio 0.99 [95% confidence interval 0.99-1.00], P = 0.019) and duration of ECMO support in days (odds ratio 0.65 [95% confidence interval 0.44-0.97], P = 0.034) were inversely and independently associated with 1-year survival.

Conclusions.
Short- and long-term survival of PGD supported with VA-ECMO was better than previously described. Early recovery of PGD on VA-ECMO support negates its negative impact on short- and long-term survival.
The co-stimulatory activity of Tim-3 requires Akt and MAPK signaling and immune synapse recruitment
Authors: Kataoka Shunsuke , Manandhar Priyanka , Lee Judong , Workman Creg J. , Banerjee Hridesh , Szymczak-Workman Andrea L. , Kvorjak Michael , Lohmueller Jason , Kane Lawrence P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractExpression of the transmembrane protein Tim-3 is increased on dysregulated T cells undergoing chronic T cell activation, including in chronic infection and solid tumors. We and others previously reported that Tim-3 exerts apparently paradoxical co-stimulatory activity in T cells (and other cells), including enhancement of ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation (pS6). Here we examined the upstream signaling pathways that control Tim3-mediated increases in pS6 in T cells. We have also defined the localization of Tim-3 relative to the T cell immune synapse and impacts on downstream signaling. Recruitment of Tim-3 to the immune synapse was mediated exclusively by the transmembrane domain, replacement of which impaired Tim-3 co-stimulation of pS6. Strikingly, enforced localization of the Tim-3 cytoplasmic domain to the immune synapse in the context of a chimeric antigen receptor still allowed for robust T cell activation. Our findings are consistent with a model whereby Tim-3 enhances TCR-proximal signaling under acute conditions.One Sentence SummaryHere we define elements of signaling and localization associated with Tim-3 co-stimulatory function in T cells.
Higher cognitive reserve is associated with better neural efficiency in the cognitive performance of young adults. An event-related potential study
Authors: Velasco Gabriela Gutiérrez-Zamora , Fernández Thalía , Silva-Pereyra Juan , Alcántara Vicenta Reynoso 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTo examine the effects of cognitive reserve (CR) and working memory (WM) load on the cognitive performance of young adults, we performed two event-related potential (ERP) experiments. The first experiment aims to show how high CR influences young adult performance as a function of two levels of working memory load (high vs. low) during a Sternberg task. For both positive and negative probes, participants with high and low CR showed larger P300 amplitudes to low WM loads than to high WM loads. Both CR groups showed a longer P300 latency to high WM loads than to low WM loads, but this difference was greater for the low CR group than for the high CR group. The high CR group displayed larger P300 amplitudes for every experimental condition compared to the low CR group. The second experiment analyzed grammatical gender agreement in sentence processing when CR and WM load were manipulated. Sentences varied according to the gender agreement of the noun and adjective, where the gender of the adjective either agreed or disagreed with that of the noun (agreement), and with regard to the number of words between the noun and the adjective in the sentence (WM load). Participants with high CR showed greater modulation of left anterior negativity (LAN) and P600a effects as WM increased than that observed in participants with low CR. The findings together suggest that higher levels of cognitive reserve improve neural efficiency, which may result in better working memory performance and sentence processing.
Phloem-mediated spreading of SIGS-derived non-coding RNAs inHordeum vulgare
Authors: Biedenkopf D , Will T , Knauer T , Jelonek L , Furch ACU , Busche T , Koch A 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSmall (s)RNA molecules are crucial factors in the communication between hosts and their interacting pathogens/pests that can modulate both host defense and microbial virulence/pathogenicity known as cross-kingdom RNA interference (ckRNAi). Consistent with this, sRNAs and their double-stranded (ds)RNA precursors have been adopted to control plant diseases through exogenously applied RNA biopesticides, known as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). While RNA spray proved to be effective, the mechanisms underlying the transfer and uptake of SIGS-associated RNAs are inadequately understood. Moreover, the use of the SIGS-technology as a biopesticide will require the systemic spreading of dsRNA/siRNA signals. Our results strongly support the notion of phloem-mediated long-distance movement of SIGS-associated dsRNA and/or siRNA. These findings are significant contributions to our mechanistic understanding of RNA spray technology, as our previous data indicate that SIGS requires the processing of dsRNAs by the fungal RNAi machinery. In summary, our findings support the model that SIGS involves: (i) uptake of sprayed dsRNA by the plant (via stomata); (ii) transfer of apoplastic dsRNAs into the symplast (DCL processing into siRNAs); (iii) systemic translocation of siRNA or unprocessed dsRNA via the vascular system (phloem/xylem); (iv) uptake of apoplastic dsRNA or symplastic dsRNA/siRNA depending on the lifestyle/feeding behavior of the pathogen/pest.
Comparative proteomics of octocoral and scleractinian skeletomes and the evolution of coral calcification
Authors: Conci Nicola , Lehmann Martin , Vargas Sergio , Wörheide Gert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCorals are ecosystem engineers of the coral reefs, one of the most biodiverse but severely threatened marine ecosystems. The ability of corals to form the three dimensional structure of reefs depends on the precipitation of calcium carbonate under biologically control. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this biologically controlled biomineralization remain to be fully unelucidated, for example whether corals employ a different molecular machinery for the deposition of different calcium carbonate (CaCO3) polymorphs (i.e., aragonite or calcite). Here we used tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to compare skeletogenic proteins, i.e., the proteins occluded in the skeleton of three octocoral and one scleractinian species:Tubipora musicaandSinulariacf.cruciata, both forming calcite sclerites, the blue coralHeliopora coeruleawith an aragonitic rigid skeleton, and the scleractinian aragoniticMontipora digitata. We observed extremely low overlap between aragonitic and calcitic species, while a core set of proteins is shared between octocorals producing calcite sclerites. However, the same carbonic anhydrase (CruCA4) is employed for the formation of skeletons of both polymorphs. Similarities could also be observed between octocorals and scleractinians, including the presence of a galaxin-like protein. Additionally, as in scleractinians, some octocoral skeletogenic proteins, such as acidic proteins and scleritin, appear to have been secondarily co-opted for calcification and likely derive from proteins playing different extracellular functions. InH. coerulea, co-option was characterized by aspartic acid-enrichment of proteins. This work represents the first attempt to identify the molecular basis underlying coral skeleton polymorph diversity, providing several new research targets and enabling both future functional and evolutionary studies aimed at elucidating the origin and evolution of biomineralization in corals.
Global redistribution and local migration in semi-discrete host-parasitoid population dynamic models
Authors: Emerick Brooks , Singh Abhyudai 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTHost-parasitoid population dynamics is often probed using a semi-discrete/hybrid modeling framework. Here, the update functions in the discrete-time model connecting year-to-year changes in the population densities are obtained by solving ordinary differential equations that mechanistically describe interactions when hosts become vulnerable to parasitoid attacks. We use this semi-discrete formalism to study two key spatial effects: local movement (migration) of parasitoids between patches during the vulnerable period; and yearly redistribution of populations across patches outside the vulnerable period. Our results show that in the absence of any redistribution, constant density-independent migration and parasitoid attack rates are unable to stabilize an otherwise unstable host-parasitoid population dynamics. Interestingly, inclusion of host redistribution (but not parasitoid redistribution) before the start of the vulnerable period can lead to stable coexistence of both species. Next, we consider a Type-III functional response (parasitoid attack rate increases with host density), where the absence of any spatial effects leads to a neutrally stable host-parasitoid equilibrium. As before, density-independent parasitoid migration by itself is again insufficient to stabilize the population dynamics and host redistribution provides a stabilizing influence. Finally, we show that a Type-III functional response combined with density-dependent parasitoid migration leads to stable coexistence, even in the absence of population redistributions. In summary, we have systematically characterized parameter regimes leading to stable/unstable population dynamics with different forms of spatial heterogeneity coupled to the parasitoid’s functional response using mechanistically formulated semi-discrete models.
Kirrel3-mediated synapse formation is attenuated by disease-associated missense variants
Authors: Taylor Matthew R. , Martin E. Anne , Sinnen Brooke , Trilokekar Rajdeep , Ranza Emmanuelle , Antonarakis Stylianos E. , Williams Megan E. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTMissense variants in Kirrel3 are repeatedly identified as risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability but it has not been reported if or how these variants disrupt Kirrel3 function. Previously, we studied Kirrel3 loss-of-function using knockout mice and showed that Kirrel3 is a synaptic adhesion molecule necessary to form one specific type of hippocampal synapse in vivo. Here, we developed a new gain-of-function assay for Kirrel3 and find that wild-type Kirrel3 induces synapse formation selectively between Kirrel3-expressing cells via homophilic, trans-cellular binding. We tested six disease-associated Kirrel3 missense variants and find that five attenuate this synaptogenic function. All variants tested traffic to the cell surface and localize to synapses similar to wild-type Kirrel3. Two tested variants lack homophilic trans-cellular binding, which likely accounts for their reduced synaptogenic function. Interestingly, we also identified variants that bind in trans but cannot induce synapses, indicating Kirrel3 trans-cellular binding is necessary but not sufficient for its synaptogenic function. Collectively, these results suggest Kirrel3 functions as a synaptogenic, cell-recognition molecule, and this function is attenuated by missense variants associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Thus, we provide critical insight to Kirrel3 function in typical brain development and the consequences of missense variants associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHere, we advance our understanding of mechanisms mediating target-specific synapse formation by providing evidence that Kirrel3 trans-cellular interactions mediate contact recognition and signaling to promote synapse development. Moreover, this is the first study to test the effects of disease-associated Kirrel3 missense variants on synapse formation, and thereby, provides a framework to understand the etiology of complex neurodevelopmental disorders arising from rare missense variants in synaptic genes.
The pattern of Nodal morphogen signaling is shaped by co-receptor expression
Authors: Lord Nathan D. , Carte Adam N. , Abitua Philip B. , Schier Alexander F. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEmbryos must communicate instructions to their constituent cells over long distances. These instructions are often encoded in the concentration of signals called morphogens. In the textbook view, morphogen molecules diffuse from a localized source to form a concentration gradient, and target cells adopt fates by measuring the local morphogen concentration. However, natural patterning systems often incorporate numerous co-factors and extensive signaling feedback, suggesting that embryos require additional mechanisms to generate signaling patterns. Here, we examine the mechanisms of signaling pattern formation for the mesendoderm inducer Nodal during zebrafish embryogenesis. We find that Nodal signaling activity spans a normal range in the absence of signaling feedback, suggesting that diffusion is sufficient for Nodal gradient formation. We further show that the range of endogenous Nodal ligands is set by the EGF-CFC co-receptor Oep: in the absence of Oep, Nodal ligands spread to form a nearly uniform distribution throughout the embryo. In turn, increasing Oep levels sensitizes cells to Nodal ligands. We recapitulate these experimental results with a computational model in which Oep regulates the diffusive spread of Nodal ligands by setting the rate of capture by target cells. This model predicts, and we confirmin vivo, the surprising observation that a failure to replenish Oep during patterning transforms the Nodal signaling gradient into a travelling wave. These results reveal that patterns of Nodal morphogen signaling are shaped by co-receptor-mediated restriction of ligand spread and cell sensitization.