bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors That Influence Second-side Cochlear Implant Speech Recognition Outcomes
Authors: Dornhoffer James , Liu Yuan F. , Zhao Elise E. , Camposeo Elizabeth L. , Meyer Ted A. , McRackan Theodore R. 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
Assess relationships between patient, hearing, and cochlear implant (CI)-related factors and second-side CI speech recognition outcomes in adults who are bilaterally implanted.

Study Design:
Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained CI database.

Setting:
Tertiary academic center.

Patients:
One hundred two adults receiving bilateral sequential or simultaneous CIs.

Outcome Measures:
Postimplantation consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) word and AzBio sentence scores at ≥12 months.

Results:
Of patient, hearing and CI-specific, factors examined only postimplantation speech recognition scores of the first CI were independently associated with speech recognition performance of the second CI on multivariable regression analysis (CNC: ß = 0.471[0.298, 0.644]; AzBio: ß = 0.602[0.417, 0.769]). First-side postoperative CNC scores explained 24.3% of variation in second CI postoperative CNC scores, while change in first CI AzBio scores explained 40.3% of variation in second CI AzBio scores. Based on established 95% confidence intervals, 75.2% (CNC) and 65.9% (AzBio) of patients score equivalent or better with their second CI compared to first CI performance. Age at implantation, duration of hearing loss, receiving simultaneous versus sequential CIs, and preoperative residual hearing (measured by pure-tone average and aided speech recognition scores) were not associated with 12 month speech recognition scores at 12 months.

Conclusions:
The degree of improvement in speech recognition from first CI may predict speech recognition with a second CI. This provides preliminary evidence-based expectations for patients considering a second CI. Counseling should be guarded given the remaining unexplained variability in outcomes. Nonetheless, these data may assist decision making when considering a second CI versus continued use of a hearing aid for an unimplanted ear.

Level of Evidence:
III
Usefulness of the Video Head Impulse Test for the Evaluation of Vestibular Function in Patients With Otitis Media With Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Fujiwara Keishi , Morita Shinya , Fukuda Atsushi , Yanagi Hiroko , Hoshino Kimiko , Nakamaru Yuji , Homma Akihiro 
Published: December 2020

Objectives:
To investigate usefulness of the video Head Impulse Test (vHIT) as a method for evaluating semicircular canal function in patients with otitis media with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (OMAAV).

Study Design:
Retrospective case review.

Setting:
Tertiary referral center.

Patients:
Fourteen patients with OMAAV underwent vestibular examination.

Main Outcome Measures:
The gain in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and the presence of catch-up saccade were examined for each semicircular canal.

Results:
Seven (50.0%) of the 14 patients felt subjective symptoms of disequilibrium. Dysfunction in at least one semicircular canal was detected in all ears of the OMAAV patients evaluated by vHIT. Dysfunction in posterior semicircular canal was detected more frequently than that in the anterior or horizontal canal. There were no significant correlations between the gain in VOR and hearing loss.

Conclusions:
vHIT is thought to be the most suitable method for evaluating semicircular canal function in patients with OMAAV as vHIT is not influenced by middle ear pathology and was able to evaluate vertical canal function including the posterior canal.
Attitudes of Potential Participants Towards Potential Gene Therapy Trials in Autosomal Dominant Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Levie Camille , Moyaert Julie , Janssens de Varebeke Sebastien , Verdoodt Dorien , Vanderveken Olivier M. , Topsakal Vedat , Van Wijk Erwin , de Vrieze Erik , Pennings Ronald , Van de Berg Raymond , Van Camp Guy , Ponsaerts Peter , Van Rompaey Vincent 
Published: December 2020

Background:
Advances in gene therapeutic approaches to treat sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) confront us with future challenges of translating these animal studies into clinical trials. Little is known on patient attitudes towards future innovative therapies.

Objective:
We aimed to better understand the willingness of patients with progressive SNHL and vestibular function loss of autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance to participate in potential gene therapy trials to prevent, stabilize, or slow down hearing loss.

Methods:
A survey was performed in carriers of the P51S and G88E pathogenic variant in the COCH gene (DFNA9). Various hypothetical scenarios were presented while using a Likert scale.

Results:
Fifty three participants were included, incl. 49 symptomatic patients, one presymptomatic patient, and three participants at risk. Their attitude towards potential trials studying innovative therapies was overall affirmative, even if the treatment would only slow down the decline of hearing and vestibular function, rather than cure the disease. Among the different potential scenarios, the less invasive and less frequent treatments increased the likelihood to enroll. Daily oral medication and annual intravenous infusion were awarded the highest scores. The more invasive, more frequent, and more at-risk treatments were still likely to be accepted but decreased the willingness to participate. The presence of a placebo arm was met with the lowest scores of willingness to participate.

Conclusions:
Overall, most symptomatic DFNA9 patients would likely consider participation in future innovative inner ear therapy trials, even if it would only slow down the decline of hearing and vestibular function.
Point Prevalence of Gastrostomy in a Paediatric Population
Authors: Pardy Caroline , Kharma Nasir , Lau Rachel , Kelly Veronica , Yardley Iain 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of gastrostomy in a paediatric population.Methods:A population‐based cross‐sectional point prevalence study of paediatric gastrostomy was performed. Patients included were ages 0 to 19 years, living within 3 inner‐city London boroughs; Southwark, Lambeth, and Lewisham. Patients were identified as having a gastrostomy in situ via Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) and community nursing databases. Electronic healthcare records were scrutinised to confirm current use of a gastrostomy. The main outcome measures were the point prevalence of gastrostomy in the paediatric population (gastrostomies/100,000 children), primary diagnosis, indication underlying gastrostomy insertion, and age at insertion.Results:The total population studied was 946,709, of whom 213,920 were of age 0 to 19 years. Of these, 179 had a gastrostomy in situ giving a point prevalence for gastrostomy in the paediatric population of 83.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.4–96.0)/100,000 children. This varied between age groups: 0 to 4 years: 79.6 (57.3–102.0)/100,000, 5 to 9 years: 116.3 (88.7–143.9)/100,000, 10 to 14: years 87.9 (61.9–113.9)/100,000 and 15 to 19: years 41.4 (22.1–60.1)/100,000. The most common primary diagnoses were neurological disorders (57.1%), and structural abnormalities (16.2%). Unsafe swallow was the most common indication (61%), followed by nutritional or fluid supplementation (28.6%), and behavioural reasons (8.7%). The majority (85.1%) of gastrostomies were inserted under the age of 2 years.Conclusions:This is the first UK population‐based study of paediatric gastrostomy, identifying a point prevalence of 84/100,000 children. The peak prevalence is in children ages 5 to 9 years. Gastrostomy insertion after a child reaches school age is uncommon.
Elongated Styloid Process With Skeletal Mandibular Protrusion
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Yokoo Satoshi , Takayama Yu , Musha Atsushi , Ogawa Masaru , Makiguchi Takaya 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An elongated styloid process (ESP) causes symptoms such as pharyngeal pain, swallowing pain, and discomfort during mouth opening. The main treatment is surgical resection of the ESP. The authors present a case of ESP with skeletal mandibular protrusion. Because mandibular setback by sagittal splitting ramus osteotomy (SSRO) may lead to deterioration of symptoms of ESP, resection of ESP and bilateral SSRO were performed simultaneously. The patient was a 50-year-old man who visited our department with chief complaints of mandibular protrusion and pain in the left pharynx on mouth opening and swallowing. A lateral cephalogram helped in diagnosis of skeletal mandibular protrusion. In addition, an approximately 42-mm left styloid process elongated inferomedially was observed. Left styloidectomy was first performed via the cervical approach, followed by SSRO. Occlusion, facial appearance, and preoperative symptoms due to the ESP improved after surgery. The cervical appearance was esthetically satisfactory. In a case of ESP with skeletal mandibular protrusion with potential aggravation of symptoms because of mandibular setback of the ESP, resection of the styloid process is necessary together with orthognathic surgery.
SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immunity in renal transplant and haemodialysis patients treated with convalescent plasma
Authors: Lindemann Monika , Krawczyk Adalbert , Dolff Sebastian , Konik Margarethe , Rohn Hana , Platte Maximillian , Thümmler Laura , Schwarzkopf Sina , Schipper Leonie , Bormann Maren , van de Sand Lukas , Breyer Marianne , Klump Hannes , Knop Dietmar , Lenz Veronika , Temme Christian , Dittmer Ulf , Horn Peter A. , Witzke Oliver 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhen patients with chronic kidney disease are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) they can face two specific problems: Virus-specific immune responses may be impaired and remdesivir, an antiviral drug described to shorten the time to recovery, is contraindicated. Antiviral treatment with convalescent plasma could be an alternative treatment option.MethodsIn this case series we present two kidney transplant recipients and two patients dependent on haemodialysis who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and received convalescent plasma. Antibodies against the spike 1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 were determined sequentially by IgG ELISA and neutralization assay and specific T cell responses by interferon-gamma ELISpot.ResultsPrior to treatment, in three patients antibodies were undetectable by ELISA (ratio < 1.1), corresponding to low neutralizing antibody titers (≤ 1:40). One patient was also negative to the ELISpot and two showed weak responses. After convalescent plasma treatment we observed an increase of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies (IgG ratio and neutralization titer) and of specific T cell responses. After intermittent clinical improvement one kidney transplant recipient again developed typical symptoms at day 12 after treatment and received a second cycle of convalescent plasma treatment. Altogether, three patients clinically improved and could be discharged from hospital. However, one multimorbid female in her early eighties deceased.ConclusionsOur data suggest that the success of convalescent plasma therapy may only be temporary in patients with chronic kidney disease; which requires an adaptation of the treatment regimen. Close monitoring after treatment is needed for this patient group.
Impact of Nasopharyngeal Specimen Quality on SARS-CoV-2 Test Sensitivity
Authors: Richard-Greenblatt Melissa , Ziegler Matthew J. , Bromberg Valerie , Huang Elizabeth , Abdallah Hatem , Tolomeo Pam , Lautenbach Ebbing , Glaser Laurel , Kelly Brendan J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle of threshold (Ct) has been used to estimate quantitative viral load, with the goal of targeting isolation precautions for individuals with COVID-19 and guiding public health interventions. However, variability in specimen quality can alter the Ct values obtained from SARS-CoV-2 clinical assays. We sought to define how variable nasopharyngeal (NP) swab quality impacts clinical SARS-CoV-2 test sensitivity.MethodsWe performed amplification of a human gene target (β-actin) in parallel with a clinical RT-PCR targeting the SARS-CoV-2ORF1abgene for 1311 NP specimens collected from patients with clinical concern for COVID-19. We evaluated the relationship between NP specimen quality, characterized by high Ct values for the human gene target β-actin Ct, and the probability of SARS-CoV-2 detection via logistic regression, as well as the linear relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and β-actin Ct.ResultsLow quality NP swabs are less likely to detect SARS-CoV-2 (odds ratio 0.654, 95%CI 0.523 to 0.802). We observed a positive linear relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and β-actin Ct values (slope 0.169, 95%CI 0.092 to 0.247). COVID-19 disease severity was not associated with β-actin Ct values.ConclusionsVariability in NP specimen quality accounts for significant differences in the sensitivity of clinical SARS-CoV-2 assays. If unrecognized, low quality NP specimens, which are characterized by a low level of amplifiable human DNA target, may limit the application of SARS-CoV-2 Ct values to direct infection control and public health interventions.
The trade-off between mobility and vaccination for COVID-19 control: a metapopulation modeling approach
Authors: Saldaña Fernando , Velasco-Hernández Jorge X. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNovember 2020 received a string of encouraging results from leading vaccine developers raising hopes for the imminent availability of an effective and safe vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2. In the present work, we discuss the theoretical impact of introducing a vaccine across a range of scenarios. In particular, we investigate how vaccination coverage, efficacy, and delivery time affect the control of the transmission dynamics in comparison to mobility restrictions. The analysis is based on a metapopulation epidemic model structured by risk. We perform a global sensitivity analysis using the Sobol method. Our analysis suggest that the reduction of mobility among patches play a significant role in the mitigation of the disease close to the effect of immunization coverage of 30% achieved in 4 months. Moreover, for an immunization coverage between 20%-50% achieved in the first half of 2021 with a vaccine efficacy between 70%-95%, the percentage reduction in the total number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is between 30%-50% by the end of 2021 in comparison with the no vaccination scenario.
PD-L1 – PD-1 interactions limit effector Treg cell populations at homeostasis and during infection
Authors: Perry J.A. , Clark J.T. , Gullicksrud J. , DeLong J. , Shallberg L. , Douglas B. , Hart A. , Konradt C. , Park J. , Glatman-Zaretzky A. , de Waal Malefyt R. , Christian D.A. , Sharpe A. H. , Hunter C.A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWhile much is known about the factors that promote the development of diverse Treg cell responses, less is known about the pathways that constrain Treg cell activities. The studies presented here reveal that at homeostasis there is a population of effector Treg cells that express PD-1, and that blockade of PD-L1 or loss of PD-1 results in increased Treg cell activity. In response to infection with the parasiteT. gondii, the early production of IFN-γ results in widespread upregulation of PD-L1. Moreover, blockade of PD-L1, whole body deletion of PD-1, or lineage-specific deletion of PD-1 in Foxp3+cells prevented the loss of the effector Treg cells but resulted in reduced pathogen specific CD4+T cell responses during infection. Thus, at homeostasis basal PD-L1 expression constrains and tunes the pool of Treg cells, but during infection the upregulation of PD-L1 provides a mechanism to contract the Treg cell population required to maximize the development of pathogen specific CD4+T cell responses.
Plasma glutathione status as indicator of pre-analytical centrifugation delay
Authors: Tomin Tamara , Bordag Natalie , Zügner Elmar , Al-Baghdadi Abdullah , Schinagl Maximillian , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Schittmayer Matthias 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTProlonged incubation of blood prior to plasma preparation can significantly influence the quality of the resulting data. Different markers for this pre-clinical variability have been proposed over the years but with limited success.In this study we explored the usefulness of glutathione (GSH) status, namely ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG), as potential marker of plasma preparation delay. For that purpose, blood from 20 healthy volunteers was collected into tubes with a cysteine quencher (N-ethylmaleimide; NEM) for GSH stabilization. Plasma preparation was delayed at room temperature for up to 3 hours and every hour, a plasma sample was prepared and the GSH/GSSG ratio measured.We report that over the course of the investigation, plasma concentrations of both GSH and GSSG increased linearly (R2= 0.99 and 0.98, respectively). Since GSH increased at a much faster rate compared to GSSG, the GSH/GSSG ratio also increased linearly in a time dependent manner (R2= 0.99). As GSH is an intracellular antioxidant, we speculated that this might stem from ongoing blood hemolysis, which was confirmed by the time dependent rise in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the plasma samples. Moreover, we demonstrate that the addition of the thiol alkylating reagent NEM directly to the blood tubes does not seem to influence downstream analysis of clinical parameters. In conclusion we propose that the glutathione status could be used as an indicator of the centrifugation delay prior to plasma preparation.
Role of left motor cortex in post-stroke fatigue: a corticospinal excitability study
Authors: De Doncker William , Kuppuswamy Annapoorna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe neural mechanisms that underlie post-stroke fatigue are poorly understood. Previous work show an inverse relationship between motor cortex excitability and post-stroke fatigue, however, it is unclear if the side of lesion influences this relationship. The left hemisphere plays a dominant role in motor control, therefore we hypothesised that left hemisphere strokes are more likely to show a significant inverse relationship between corticospinal excitability and fatigue.MethodsResting motor threshold (measure of corticospinal excitability) using transcranial magnetic stimulation was measured in the affected hemisphere of 98 stroke survivors. Fatigue was measured using the fatigue severity scale. The effect of fatigue and hemisphere affected on corticospinal excitability was analysed using a multiple linear regression.ResultsA multiple linear regression with trait fatigue as the outcome variable (F(4,93)=12.04, p < 0.001, adj R2= 0.313) revealed that RMT was not a significant predictor of FSS-7 (β = −0.063, p = 0.706, CI[-0.394, 0.268]), while the interaction between lesioned hemisphere and RMT was a significant predictor of FSS-7 (β = 0.339, p = 0.039, CI[0.018, 0.659]). The additional explanatory variables of HADSDepressionand sex were also significant predictors of FSS-7 (β = 903, p < 0.001, CI[0.584, 1.223] and β = 1.127, p = 0.002, CI[0.425, 1.830] respectively).ConclusionLower corticospinal excitability of the left hemisphere may indicate altered perception of effort and reduced sensory attenuation. This provides evidence to support the sensory attenuation model of fatigue.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals time- and sex-specific responses of spinal cord microglia to peripheral nerve injury and links ApoE to neuropathic pain
Authors: Tansley Shannon , Uttam Sonali , Ureña Guzmán Alba , Yaqubi Moein , Pacis Alain , Parisien Marc , Rabau Oded , Haglund Lisbet , Ouellet Jean , Santaguida Carlo , Ragoussis Jiannis , Zhang Ji , Salter Michael W , Diatchenko Luda , Healy Luke M. , Mogil Jeffrey S. , Khoutorsky Arkady 
Published: December 2020

AbstractActivation of microglia in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury is critical for the development of long-lasting pain hypersensitivity. However, it remains unknown whether distinct microglia subpopulations or states contribute to different stages of pain development and maintenance. We show, using single-cell RNA-sequencing, that nerve injury induces the generation of a male-specific inflammatory microglia subtype, and demonstrate increased proliferation of microglia in males as compared to females. We also show time- and sex-specific transcriptional changes in different microglial subpopulations following injury. Apolipoprotein E (Apoe) is the top upregulated gene in microglia at chronic time points after nerve injury in mice and polymorphisms in theAPOEgene in humans are associated with chronic pain. Single-cell analysis of human spinal cord microglia reveals a subpopulation with a disease-related transcriptional signature. Our data provide a detailed analysis of transcriptional states of mouse and human spinal cord microglia, and identify a previously unrecognized role for ApoE in neuropathic pain.
COVID-19 Spreading Dynamics with Vaccination – Allocation Strategy, Return to Normalcy and Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Shayak B , Sharma Mohit M 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTIn this work we use mathematical modeling to analyse the dynamics of COVID-19 spread after a vaccination program is initiated. The model used is a delay differential equation developed earlier by our group. Basis of currently available data, our principal findings are as follows. (a) For fastest deceleration of the pandemic, people with high interaction rate such as grocers and airline cabin crew should be given priority in vaccine access. (b) Individuals who have been vaccinated may be selectively cleared to return to normal activities without significant risk of a resurgence in cases. (c) If an infection as well as a vaccine confers immunity for a duration τ0, then the pandemic can be eliminated by vaccinating people at a sufficiently high rate. Unless τ0 is very small, the cutoff rate required appears feasible to achieve in practice. (d) The presence of a substantial minority of vaccine-hesitant population might not amount to a significant threat or even an inconvenience to a vaccine-compliant majority population.
A membrane-associated condensate drives paternal epigenetic inheritance inC. elegans
Authors: Schreier Jan , Dietz Sabrina , de Jesus Domingues Antonio M. , Seistrup Ann-Sophie , Nguyen Dieu An H. , Gleason Elizabeth J. , Ling Huiping , L’Hernault Steven W. , Phillips Carolyn M. , Butter Falk , Ketting René F. 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYTransgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI) describes the transmission of gene-regulatory information across generations without altering DNA sequences, and allows priming of offspring towards transposable elements (TEs) and changing environmental conditions. One important mechanism that acts in TEI is based on small non-coding RNAs. Whereas factors for maternal inheritance of small RNAs have been identified, paternal inheritance is poorly understood, as much of the cellular content is extruded during spermatogenesis. We identify a phase separation-based mechanism, driven by the protein PEI-1, which is characterized by a BTB-BACK domain and an intrinsically disordered region (IDR). PEI-1 specifically secures the Argonaute protein WAGO-3 within maturing sperm inC. elegans. Localization of PEI granules in mature sperm is coupled, via S-palmitoylation, to myosin-driven transport of membranous organelles.pei-1-like genes are also found in human and often expressed in testis, suggesting that the here identified mechanism may be broadly conserved.