bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative autologous platelet pheresis reduces allogeneic platelet use and improves the postoperative PaO2/FiO2 ratio in complex aortic surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Duan Lian , Wang E , Hu Guo-Huang , Zhang Cheng-Liang , Liu Si-Ni , Duan Yan-Ying 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOBJECTIVESAn autologous platelet-rich plasma pheresis (aPP) strategy can harvest partial whole blood that is separated into erythrocytes, plasma and platelets, and can reduce blood loss and transfusion during cardiovascular surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, the blood and organ conservation effects of this technique have not been confirmed in the context of complex aortic surgery.METHODSPerioperative records of 147 adult patients who underwent complex aortic surgery were analysed retrospectively.RESULTSAll patients received regular blood conservation treatment, and 57 patients received aPP. Whether or not the participants were propensity matched, decreased platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusions were found in the aPP group (both P &lt; 0.001), but there were non-significant differences in erythrocyte transfusion, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores and other outcomes when compared with the same parameters in the non-aPP group. The aPP group had a higher arterial oxygen partial pressure to inhaled oxygen concentration ratio on postoperative days 1, 2 and 7 than the non-aPP group (P &lt; 0.001, P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.048, respectively).CONCLUSIONSThe utilization of aPP was associated with a reduction in allogeneic platelet and cryoprecipitate transfusions as well as minor lung-protective effects during complex aortic surgery using CPB.
Treating infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE): a pragmatic approach to antimicrobial stewardship on behalf of the UKCPA Pharmacy Infection Network (PIN)
Authors: Hughes Stephen , Gilchrist Mark , Heard Katie , Hamilton Ryan , Sneddon Jacqueline 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe emergence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) as a major cause of invasive infection both within the UK and internationally poses a very real concern for all providers of healthcare. The burden of morbidity and mortality associated with CPE infections is well described. The need for early, targeted, effective and safe antimicrobial therapy remains key for the management of these infected patients yet reliable antimicrobial treatment options remain scarce. In the absence of a universal treatment for these CPE invasive infections, individual treatment options tailored to susceptibilities and severity of infection are required. This working group from within the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) Pharmacy Infection Network has developed evidence-based treatment recommendations to support infection specialists in managing these complex infections. A systematic review of peer-reviewed research was performed and analysed. We report consensus recommendations for the management of CPE-associated infections. The national expert panel makes therapeutic recommendations regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drugs and pharmacokinetic targets, dosing, dosage adjustment and monitoring of parameters for novel and established antimicrobial therapies with CPE activity. This manuscript provides the infection specialist with pragmatic and evidence-based options for the management of CPE infections.
Validation of a New Protocol to Collect and Isolate Plasma from Pregnant Women for Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
Authors: Giroux Sylvie , Badeau Mylene , Jeuken Julie , Caron Andre , Girouard Joël , Rousseau François 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
Most laboratories use specialized tubes (e.g., Streck) to recover circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). We validated a low cost, simple procedure for collecting NIPT samples in remote laboratories that avoids highspeed centrifugation. EDTA gel blood sampling tube allows simple separation of plasma from blood cells. Decanted plasma is filtered to remove cell debris. The procedure can be performed within a few minutes after the blood centrifugation step, and ccfDNA-grade plasma can be frozen for transportation.

Methods
We recruited 51 pregnant women and collected blood in one EDTA-gel Greiner tube and two Streck tubes. All tubes were centrifuged at 1600 g x 10 min within 6 h of sample collection. Plasma from EDTA tubes was poured into a syringe cylinder and filtered through a 0.45 µm Millipore filter. Plasma from Streck tubes was recovered with a pipette and one was filtered as above while the second was centrifuged at 16 000 g. The ccfDNA was isolated and NGS sequencing libraries were prepared and sequenced on an Illumina system. Fetal fractions were estimated using SeqFF. This study had a power of 79% to detect a decrease of 1% in fetal fractions with the new method.

Results
We did not observe any significant difference between the three procedures for the fetal fraction nor for the quality or quantity of libraries produced.

Conclusion
EDTA-gel tubes with filtration provide high quality plasma for ccfDNA analysis and can be sent frozen to the NIPT laboratory. This is economical and it frees the laboratory of time-consuming steps.
Pathways regulating equine skeletal muscle protein synthesis respond in a dose-dependent manner to graded levels of protein intake
Authors: Loos Caroline M M , McLeod Kyle R , Stratton Sophie C , van Doorn David A , Kalmar Isabelle D , Vanzant Eric S , Urschel Kristine L 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-controlled anabolic signaling pathways in skeletal muscle of rodents and humans is responsive to the level of dietary protein supply, with maximal activation and rates of protein synthesis achieved with 0.2 to 0.4 g protein/kg body weight (BW). In horses, few data are available on the required level of dietary protein to maximize protein synthesis for maintenance and growth of skeletal muscle. To evaluate the effect of dietary protein level on muscle mTOR pathway activation, five mares received different amounts of a protein supplement that provided 0, 0.06, 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5 g of crude protein (CP)/kg BW per meal in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. On each sample day, horses were fasted overnight and were fed only their protein meal the following morning. A preprandial (0 min) and postprandial (90 min) blood sample was collected and a gluteus medius muscle sample was obtained 90 min after feeding the protein meal. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and amino acid concentrations. Activation of mTOR pathway components (mTOR and ribosomal protein S6 [rpS6]) in the muscle samples was measured by Western immunoblot analysis. Postprandial plasma glucose (P = 0.007) and insulin (P = 0.09) showed a quadratic increase, while total essential amino acid (P &lt; 0.0001) concentrations increased linearly with the graded intake of the protein supplement. Activation of mTOR (P = 0.02) and its downstream target, rpS6 (P = 0.0008), increased quadratically and linearly in relation to the level of protein intake, respectively. Comparisons of individual doses showed no differences (P &gt; 0.05) between the 0.25 and 0.5 g of protein intake for either mTOR or rpS6 activation, indicating that protein synthesis may have reached near maximal capacity around 0.25 g CP/kg BW. This is the first study to show that the activation of muscle protein synthetic pathways in horses is dose-dependent on the level of protein intake. Consumption of a moderate dose of high-quality protein resulted in near maximal muscle mTOR pathway activation in mature, sedentary horses.
Giant benign teratoma occupying the left hemithorax with pleural effusion: a rare presentation
Authors: Bellido-Yarlequé David , Meza Kelly , Palacios José , Cervera Jorge , Anicama Fernando 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Mature teratomas are the third most common mediastinal tumors. Giant teratoma in pediatric population is rare. A resection of giant benign teratoma in left hemithorax was performed in a 4-year-old patient. The computed tomography scan showed the presence of a large multiloculated mediastinal mass extending to the left pleural space and pleural effusion. The patient underwent total resection of the mediastinal mass via a median sternotomy associated to left anterior thoracotomy. Entry into the pleural space was performed through the sixth intercostal space to obtain safe visualization of the cavity and proceed to tumor excision. The collapsed left lung was re-expanded, and the patient was extubated. Despite the size and the surrounding structures of the teratoma, our preoperative preparation and surgical technique were effective and resulted in favorable recovery without complications and a posterior normal left lung function.
Projecting Local Survey Response in a Changing Demographic Landscape: A Case Study of the Census in New York City
Authors: Jacoby Annette , Lobo Arun Peter , Salvo Joseph J 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Low rates of survey response are a problem that survey organizations increasingly experience across the world. Understanding local socio-demographic reasons for low response, and projecting future response, can inform targeted outreach and messaging to communities. Using the US Census as a case study, we study mail response behavior both cross-sectionally and over time. The cross-sectional part of this study (2010) helps inform the selection of explanatory variables for a two-panel difference model (2000–2010). In turn, the two-panel difference model offers an in-depth understanding of which demographic indicators shape response across time. Increases in response between 2000 and 2010 were found to be associated with growth in the elderly and in the Dominican populations, while growth in blacks, renters, and those with low educational attainment were associated with decreases in response. Coefficients from the two-panel difference model are then applied to demographic changes from 2008–2012 to 2013–2017, to project response rates for the most recent period. While much of our findings are in line with prior survey research, we demonstrate the importance of projecting response behavior using a local perspective, as national-level results do not always apply to smaller jurisdictions. In a diverse country such as the United States, a hyper-diverse city such as New York often carves its own path. To our knowledge, this is the first paper that connects shifts in socio-demographic neighborhood characteristics with changes in response rates. As racial and ethnic diversity increases in cities across western societies, our methodology allows jurisdictions to project response rates using shifts in socio-demographic neighborhood characteristics that are tied to self-response. Such a tailored approach can be replicated across different kinds of surveys, countries, and time points, which will allow for the identification of local factors that drive changes in survey response and help establish a precisely customized outreach plan.
NBS1 interacts with Notch signaling in neuronal homeostasis
Authors: Zhou Zhong-Wei , Kirtay Murat , Schneble Nadine , Yakoub George , Ding Mingmei , Rüdiger Tina , Siniuk Kanstantsin , Lu Ruiqing , Jiang Yi-Nan , Li Tang-Liang , Kaether Christoph , Barzilai Ari , Wang Zhao-Qi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNBS1 is a critical component of the MRN (MRE11/RAD50/NBS1) complex, which regulates ATM- and ATR-mediated DNA damage response (DDR) pathways. Mutations in NBS1 cause the human genomic instability syndrome Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome (NBS), of which neuronal deficits, including microcephaly and intellectual disability, are classical hallmarks. Given its function in the DDR to ensure proper proliferation and prevent death of replicating cells, NBS1 is essential for life. Here we show that, unexpectedly, Nbs1 deletion is dispensable for postmitotic neurons, but compromises their arborization and migration due to dysregulated Notch signaling. We find that Nbs1 interacts with NICD-RBPJ, the effector of Notch signaling, and inhibits Notch activity. Genetic ablation or pharmaceutical inhibition of Notch signaling rescues the maturation and migration defects of Nbs1-deficient neurons in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of Notch by Nbs1 deletion is independent of the key DDR downstream effector p53 and inactivation of each MRN component produces a different pattern of Notch activity and distinct neuronal defects. These data indicate that neuronal defects and aberrant Notch activity in Nbs1-deficient cells are unlikely to be a direct consequence of loss of MRN-mediated DDR function. This study discloses a novel function of NBS1 in crosstalk with the Notch pathway in neuron development.
Genome-wide binding of SEPALLATA3 and AGAMOUS complexes determined by sequential DNA-affinity purification sequencing
Authors: Lai Xuelei , Stigliani Arnaud , Lucas Jérémy , Hugouvieux Véronique , Parcy François , Zubieta Chloe 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The MADS transcription factors (TF), SEPALLATA3 (SEP3) and AGAMOUS (AG) are required for floral organ identity and floral meristem determinacy. While dimerization is obligatory for DNA binding, SEP3 and SEP3–AG also form tetrameric complexes. How homo and hetero-dimerization and tetramerization of MADS TFs affect genome-wide DNA-binding and gene regulation is not known. Using sequential DNA affinity purification sequencing (seq-DAP-seq), we determined genome-wide binding of SEP3 homomeric and SEP3–AG heteromeric complexes, including SEP3Δtet-AG, a complex with a SEP3 splice variant, SEP3Δtet, which is largely dimeric and SEP3–AG tetramer. SEP3 and SEP3–AG share numerous bound regions, however each complex bound unique sites, demonstrating that protein identity plays a role in DNA-binding. SEP3–AG and SEP3Δtet-AG share a similar genome-wide binding pattern; however the tetrameric form could access new sites and demonstrated a global increase in DNA-binding affinity. Tetramerization exhibited significant cooperative binding with preferential distances between two sites, allowing efficient binding to regions that are poorly recognized by dimeric SEP3Δtet-AG. By intersecting seq-DAP-seq with ChIP-seq and expression data, we identified unique target genes bound either in SEP3–AG seq-DAP-seq or in SEP3/AG ChIP-seq. Seq-DAP-seq is a versatile genome-wide technique and complements in vivo methods to identify putative direct regulatory targets.
Histone chaperone FACT represses retrotransposon MERVL and MERVL-derived cryptic promoters
Authors: Chen Fuquan , Zhang Weiyu , Xie Dan , Gao Tingting , Dong Zhiqiang , Lu Xinyi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEndogenous retroviruses (ERVs) were usually silenced by various histone modifications on histone H3 variants and respective histone chaperones in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, it is still unknown whether chaperones of other histones could repress ERVs. Here, we show that H2A/H2B histone chaperone FACT plays a critical role in silencing ERVs and ERV-derived cryptic promoters in ESCs. Loss of FACT component Ssrp1 activated MERVL whereas the re-introduction of Ssrp1 rescued the phenotype. Additionally, Ssrp1 interacted with MERVL and suppressed cryptic transcription of MERVL-fused genes. Remarkably, Ssrp1 interacted with and recruited H2B deubiquitinase Usp7 to Ssrp1 target genes. Suppression of Usp7 caused similar phenotypes as loss of Ssrp1. Furthermore, Usp7 acted by deubiquitinating H2Bub and thereby repressed the expression of MERVL-fused genes. Taken together, our study uncovers a unique mechanism by which FACT complex silences ERVs and ERV-derived cryptic promoters in ESCs.
The Role of Prophylactic Intraventricular Antibiotics in Reducing the Incidence of Infection and Revision Surgery in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Shunt Placement
Authors: Lakomkin Nikita , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement remains the primary treatment modality for children with hydrocephalus. However, morbidity and revision surgery secondary to infection remains high, even while using antibiotic-impregnated shunts.

OBJECTIVE
To determine whether intraoperative injection of antibiotics is independently associated with reduced rates of infection and revision surgery in children undergoing shunt placement.

METHODS
This is an analysis of a prospectively collected, multicenter, shunt-specific neurosurgical registry consisting of data from over 100 hospitals collected between 2016 and 2017. All patients under 18 yr of age undergoing first-time shunt placement for the definitive treatment of hydrocephalus were included. The primary exposure of interest was injection of intraventricular antibiotics into the shunt catheter following shunt placement and prior to closure. The use of additional surgical adjuncts, such as antibiotic-impregnated shunts, stereotactic guidance, and endoscopy was collected. The primary outcome metric was the need for additional intervention because of an infection.

RESULTS
A total of 2007 pediatric patients undergoing shunt placement for hydrocephalus were identified. Postoperatively, 97 (4.8%) patients had additional intervention. In a multivariable regression model controlling for patient characteristics, etiology of hydrocephalus, prior temporizing measures, and placement of an antibiotic-impregnated shunt, injection of intraventricular antibiotics was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative infections (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.04-0.89, P = .038). Of those receiving intraventricular antibiotics, only 2 (0.38%) went on to undergo re-intervention due to infection.

CONCLUSION
These data suggest that for this select group of patients, use of intraventricular antibiotics was associated with decreased rates of re-intervention secondary to infection.
Prepontine Shunting for Pseudotumor Cerebri in Previously Failed Shunt Patients: A 5-Year Analysis
Authors: White Ian , Tuohy Megan , Turner Michael , Lee Albert 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Shunting procedures have a high failure rate when used to treat pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) patients who have failed medical therapy. This failure is believed to be attributable to the collapsibility of the ventricular system when exposed to increased differential pressure gradients in the cerebral spinal fluid compartments caused by ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS).

OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether prepontine/interpeduncular cistern shunting may be a reasonable alternative to VPS intervention in PTC patients with history of shunt failure. There have been no large series of cisternal-peritoneal shunt (CPS) patients in the PTC population.

METHODS
A retrospective review of 49 patients with placement of CPS for PTC with 2 failed prior shunting procedures was performed. Shunt survivability was based on shunt patency and resolution of ophthalmologic symptoms and cranial nerve deficits. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 yr with serial ophthalmologic and neurosurgical evaluations.

RESULTS
At 3 yr, 44 of the 49 (88.9%) patients had working CPS. Three patients in this group had infections requiring complete shunt removal. Excluding infections, 44 of 46 (95.5%) shunts were functional at 3 yr. There were 3 small, asymptomatic hemorrhages that did not increase patient length of stay, and there were no catastrophic hemorrhages or strokes. There were also no abdominal complications related to shunt placement.

CONCLUSION
CPS is a viable alternative to VPS in PTC patients who have failed traditional shunting methods to give these patients a persistent benefit of a working shunt. The procedure provides this solution with low operative and perioperative morbidity.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a multi-institutional cohort of pediatric spinal cord low-grade gliomas
Authors: Grob Sydney T , Nobre Liana , Campbell Kristen R , Davies Kurtis D , Ryall Scott , Aisner Dara L , Hoffman Lindsey , Zahedi Shadi , Morin Andrew , Crespo Michele , Nellan Anandani , Green Adam L , Foreman Nicholas , Vibhakar Rajeev , Hankinson Todd C , Handler Michael H , Hawkins Cynthia , Tabori Uri , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters B K , Mulcahy Levy Jean M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background
The mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracelluar signal-regulated kinases pathway is involved in cell growth and proliferation, and mutations in BRAF have made it an oncogene of interest in pediatric cancer. Previous studies found that BRAF mutations as well as KIAA1549–BRAF fusions are common in intracranial low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Fewer studies have tested for the presence of these genetic changes in spinal LGGs. The aim of this study was to better understand the prevalence of BRAF and other genetic aberrations in spinal LGG.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 46 spinal gliomas from patients aged 1–25 years from Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO) and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). CHCO utilized a 67-gene panel that assessed BRAF and additionally screened for other possible genetic abnormalities of interest. At SickKids, BRAFV600E was assessed by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. BRAF fusions were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, or NanoString platform. Data were correlated with clinical information.

Results
Of 31 samples with complete fusion analysis, 13 (42%) harbored KIAA1549–BRAF. All 13 (100%) patients with confirmed KIAA1549–BRAF survived the entirety of the study period (median [interquartile range] follow-up time: 47 months [27–85 months]) and 15 (83.3%) fusion-negative patients survived (follow-up time: 37.5 months [19.8–69.5 months]). Other mutations of interest were also identified in this patient cohort including BRAFV600E, PTPN11, H3F3A, TP53, FGFR1, and CDKN2A deletion.

Conclusion
KIAA1549–BRAF was seen in higher frequency than BRAFV600E or other genetic aberrations in pediatric spinal LGGs and experienced lower death rates compared to KIAA1549–BRAF negative patients, although this was not statistically significant.
Remdesivir Treatment for Severe COVID-19 in Third-Trimester Pregnancy: Case Report and Management Discussion
Authors: Maldarelli Grace A , Savage Megan , Mazur Shawn , Oxford-Horrey Corrina , Salvatore Mirella , Marks Kristen M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We report a case of COVID-19 in third-trimester pregnancy, who required support in an intensive care unit and received remdesivir. After discharge, she had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery at term. COVID-19 in pregnancy may be managed without emergent delivery; a multispecialty team is critical in caring for these patients.