bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Patient Characteristics on Antibiotic Use Rates Among Preterm Infants
Authors: Flannery Dustin D , Mukhopadhyay Sagori , Jensen Erik A , Gerber Jeffrey S , Passarella Molly R , Dysart Kevin , Aghai Zubair H , Greenspan Jay , Puopolo Karen M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Background
The antibiotic use rate (AUR) has emerged as a potential metric for neonatal antibiotic use, but reported center-level AURs are limited by differences in case mix. The objective of this study was to identify patient characteristics associated with AUR among a large cohort of preterm infants.

Methods
Retrospective observational study using the Optum Neonatal Database, including infants born from January 1, 2010 through November 30, 2016 with gestational age 23–34 weeks admitted to neonatal units across the United States. Exposures were patient-level characteristics including length of stay, gestational age, sex, race/ethnicity, bacterial sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and survival status. The primary outcome was AUR, defined as days with ≥ 1 systemic antibiotic administered divided by length of stay. Descriptive statistics, univariable comparative analyses, and generalized linear models were utilized.

Results
Of 17 910 eligible infants, 17 836 infants (99.6%) from 1090 centers were included. Median gestation was 32.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 30.3–34) weeks. Median length of stay was 25 (IQR, 15–46) days and varied by gestation. Overall median AUR was 0.13 (IQR, 0–0.26) and decreased over time. Gestational age, sex, and race/ethnicity were independently associated with AUR (P &lt; .01). AUR and gestational age had an unexpected inverse parabolic relationship, which persisted when only surviving infants without bacterial sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis were analyzed.

Conclusions
Neonatal AURs are influenced by patient-level characteristics besides infection and survival status, including gestational age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Neonatal antibiotic use metrics that account for patient-level characteristics as well as morbidity case mix may allow for more accurate comparisons and better inform neonatal antibiotic stewardship efforts.
Development and Clinical Validation of a Multiplex Gene Fusion Assay
Authors: García Rolando , Patel Nirav , Uddin Naseem , Park Jason Y 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Objective
The detection of gene fusion events is important for the diagnosis and management of malignancies. In this study, we describe the validation of a next-generation sequencing assay for multiplex detection of gene fusions.

Methods
Based on previously described gene fusion events that occur in pediatric oncology, a custom anchored multiplex next-generation sequencing assay was designed to target 93 genes.

Results
A total of 24 previously characterized specimens were examined. Twenty specimens had 1 or more previously described fusion events, and 4 specimens were negative for fusion events. The accuracy across specimens was 100% (20 of 20 specimens). The analytical sensitivity and specificity were both 100%. Interday reproducibility for fusion events was 94%; in comparison, intraday reproducibility was 90%.

Conclusion
This multiple-gene fusion assay demonstrated appropriate sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for clinical use. We anticipate that this assay will improve the diagnosis and management of patients with pediatric solid tumors.
Characterization of an immunogenic cellulase secreted by Cryptococcus pathogens
Authors: Midiri Angelina , Mancuso Giuseppe , Lentini Germana , Famà Agata , Galbo Roberta , Zummo Sebastiana , Giardina Miriam , De Gaetano Giuseppe Valerio , Teti Giuseppe , Beninati Concetta , Biondo Carmelo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Members of the C. neoformans/C. gattiii species complex are an important cause of serious humans infections, including meningoencephalitis. We describe here a 45 kDa extracellular cellulase purified from culture supernatants of C. neoformans var. neoformans. The N-terminal sequence obtained from the purified protein was used to isolate a clone containing the full-length coding sequence from a C. neoformans var. neoformans (strain B-3501A) cDNA library. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that this gene is present, with variable homology, in all sequenced genomes of the C. neoformans/C. gattii species complex. The cDNA clone was used to produce a recombinant 45 kDa protein in E. coli that displayed the ability to convert carboxymethyl cellulose and was therefore designated as NG-Case (standing for Neoformans Gattii Cellulase). To explore its potential use as a vaccine candidate, the recombinant protein was used to immunize mice and was found capable of inducing T helper type 1 responses and delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, but not immune protection against a highly virulent C. neoformans var grubii strain. These data may be useful to better understand the mechanisms underlying the ability C. neoformans/C. gattii to colonize plant habitats and to interact with the human host during infection.
The embryonic linker histone dBigH1 alters the functional state of active chromatin
Authors: Climent-Cantó Paula , Carbonell Albert , Tatarski Milos , Reina Oscar , Bujosa Paula , Font-Mateu Jofre , Bernués Jordi , Beato Miguel , Azorín Fernando 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Linker histones H1 are principal chromatin components, whose contribution to the epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure and function is not fully understood. In metazoa, specific linker histones are expressed in the germline, with female-specific H1s being normally retained in the early-embryo. Embryonic H1s are present while the zygotic genome is transcriptionally silent and they are replaced by somatic variants upon activation, suggesting a contribution to transcriptional silencing. Here we directly address this question by ectopically expressing dBigH1 in Drosophila S2 cells, which lack dBigH1. We show that dBigH1 binds across chromatin, replaces somatic dH1 and reduces nucleosome repeat length (NRL). Concomitantly, dBigH1 expression down-regulates gene expression by impairing RNApol II binding and histone acetylation. These effects depend on the acidic N-terminal ED-domain of dBigH1 since a truncated form lacking this domain binds across chromatin and replaces dH1 like full-length dBigH1, but it does not affect NRL either transcription. In vitro reconstitution experiments using Drosophila preblastodermic embryo extracts corroborate these results. Altogether these results suggest that the negatively charged N-terminal tail of dBigH1 alters the functional state of active chromatin compromising transcription.
Percutaneous Trigeminal Stimulation for Intractable Facial Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Texakalidis Pavlos , Tora Muhibullah S , McMahon J Tanner , Greven Alexander , Anthony Casey L , Nagarajan Purva , Campbell Melissa , Boulis Nicholas M 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Facial pain syndromes can be refractory to medical management and often need neurosurgical interventions. Neuromodulation techniques, including percutaneous trigeminal ganglion (TG) stimulation, are reversible and have emerged as alternative treatment options for intractable facial pain.

OBJECTIVE
To report the complication rates and analgesic effects associated with TG stimulation and identify potential predictors for these outcomes.

METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 59 patients with refractory facial pain who underwent TG stimulation was conducted. Outcomes following trial period and permanent stimulation were analyzed. Patients with >50% pain relief during trial stimulation received permanent implantation of the stimulation system.

RESULTS
Successful trial stimulation was endorsed by 71.2% of patients. During the trial period, 1 TG lead erosion was identified. History of trauma (facial/head trauma and oral surgery) was the only predictor of a failed trial compared to pain of idiopathic etiology (odds ratio: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.66). Following permanent implantation, approximately 29.6% and 26.5% of patients were diagnosed with lead erosion and infection of the hardware, respectively. TG lead migrations occurred in 11.7% of the patients. The numeric rating scale score showed a statistically significant reduction of 2.49 (95% CI: 1.37-3.61; P = .0001) at an average of 10.8 mo following permanent implantation.

CONCLUSION
TG stimulation is a feasible neuromodulatory approach for the treatment of intractable facial pain. Facial/head trauma and oral surgery may predict a nonsuccessful trial stimulation. Future development of specifically designed electrodes for stimulation of the TG, and solutions to reduce lead contamination are needed to mitigate the relatively high complication rate.
Sensitivity and Specificity of On-Field Visible Signs of Concussion in the National Football League
Authors: Elbin Robert J , Zuckerman Scott L , Sills Allen K , Crandall Jeff R , Lessley David J , Solomon Gary S 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
On-field visible signs (VS) are used to help identify sport-related concussion (SRC) in the National Football League (NFL). However, the predictive utility of a VS checklist for SRC is unknown.

OBJECTIVE
To report the frequency, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of VS in a cohort of NFL athletes.

METHODS
On-field VS ratings from 2 experts who independently reviewed video footage of a cohort of 251 injury plays that resulted in an SRC diagnosis (n = 211) and no diagnosis (n = 40) from the 2017 NFL season were examined. The frequency, sensitivity, specificity, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each VS.

RESULTS
Slow to get up (65.9%) and motor incoordination (28.4%) were the most frequent VS in concussed athletes, and slow to get up (60.0%) was the most common VS among nonconcussed athletes. The most sensitive VS was slow to get up (66%); the most specific signs in concussed NFL athletes were blank/vacant look and impact seizure (both 100%). Approximately 26% of concussed NFL players did not exhibit a VS, and the overall sensitivity and specificity for the VS checklist to detect SRC were 73% and 65%, respectively. The VS checklist demonstrated “poor” ability to discriminate between SRC and non-SRC groups (AUC = 0.66).

CONCLUSION
In the NFL, the diagnosis of concussion cannot be made from on-field VS alone. The VS checklist is one part of the comprehensive sideline/acute evaluation of concussion, and the diagnosis remains a multimodal clinical decision.
Global production networks and the evolution of industrial capabilities: does production sharing warp the product space?
Authors: Thomson Russell , Athukorala Prema-Chandra 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDo production capabilities of countries evolve from existing capabilities or emerge de novo? The Product Space approach developed by Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabási and Hausmann postulates that a country’s existing industrial structure largely determines its opportunities for industrial upgrading. However, this is difficult to reconcile with the export dynamism of many developing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Costa Rica and Vietnam that transformed from primary commodity dependence to exporters of dynamic manufactured products. In each of these cases, global production sharing facilitated industrial transition. In this article, we advance the Product Space approach to accommodate the role of global production sharing. Using a newly constructed multi-country data set of manufacturing exports that distinguishes between trade within global production networks and traditional horizontal trade, we find that that existing industrial structure has a smaller impact, but trade openness has a greater impact, on industrial upgrading within vertically integrated global industries.
Financing Efficiency of Securities-Based Crowdfunding
Authors: Brown David C , Davies Shaun William 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We analyze early-venture fundraising from dispersed, endogenously informed investors. An entrepreneur chooses a payoff-maximizing offering, and investors communicate their information by either contributing capital or abstaining. The entrepreneur uses the information conveyed by fundraising amounts to decide whether or not to undertake a risky venture. His decision threshold hedges investors against bad projects, creating a “loser’s blessing” that encourages contributing without information. Making the offering less attractive to investors mitigates the loser’s blessing but can give rise to a winner’s curse. Both tensions reduce financing efficiency.
Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
ORGAN EQUIVALENT DOSE AND LIFETIME ATTRIBUTABLE RISK OF CANCER INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIAC CT ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Hosseini Nasab Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Deevband Mohammad Reza , Shabestani-Monfared Ali , Hoseini Amoli Seyed Ali , Fatehi Feyzabad Seyed Hasan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study is the calculation of equivalent organ dose and estimation of lifetime attributable risk (LAR) of cancer incidence and mortality related to cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) because the use of CT angiography as a noninvasive diagnostic method has increased. The organ dose has been calculated by ImPACT software based on the volumetric CT dose index (CTDIvol), and LAR of cancer risk incidence and mortality from CCTA has estimated according to the BEIR VII report. The median value of the effective dose was 13.78 ± 6.88 mSv for both genders. In all scanners, the highest median value for LAR of cancer incidence in males and females for lung cancer was 44.20 and 109.17 per 100 000, respectively. And in infants was 5.89 and 12 for lung cancer in males and breast cancer in females, respectively. Also, the median value of LAR of all cancer incidence from single CCTA in adult patients for males and females was 122 and 238 cases, respectively. Maximum LAR of cancer mortality in adults for lung cancer was 40.28 and 91.84 and in pediatrics was 5.69 and 8.50 in males and females, respectively. Despite many benefits of CTA in the heart disease evaluation, according to a high radiation dose in CCTA, to reduce the cancer risk: CCTA should be used cautiously, especially for pediatric and females.
RESEARCH ON DOSE MONITORING IN BACKSCATTERING NEUTRON HALL IN CHINA SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE
Authors: Wu Qingbiao , Zhuang Sixuan , Liu Qiongyao , Jing Hantao , Ye Rong , Li Lun , Wang Yufei , Wang Qingbin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The back-n project in China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) was launched primarily for nuclear data measurements. In the backscattering neutron hall, the neutron and gamma monitors were used for dose monitoring. Because of the dead time problem of monitors, performance of the monitors in such pulsed radiation field needs to be analyzed. In this research, experiments with dose monitors and personal dosemeters were conducted, and simulation by Monte Carlo code FLUKA was performed. Results showed that the values by monitors are smaller, and the larger the dose, the larger the difference. The reasons in term of energy response and dead time have been analyzed, and corrections were discussed. After corrections, the measured value can agree with the simulation results in the range of about a factor 3. Totally speaking, the values recorded by neutron and gamma monitors can be a reference for radiation safety management in CSNS.
The Relationship Between Dissociation and Symptoms of Psychosis: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Longden Eleanor , Branitsky Alison , Moskowitz Andrew , Berry Katherine , Bucci Sandra , Varese Filippo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Evidence suggests that dissociation is associated with psychotic experiences, particularly hallucinations, but also other symptoms. However, until now, symptom-specific relationships with dissociation have not been comprehensively synthesized. This is the first prospectively registered (CRD42017058214) meta-analysis to quantify the magnitude of association between dissociative experiences and all symptoms of psychosis. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched using exhaustive terms denoting dissociation and psychotic symptoms. We included both nonclinical (58 studies; 16 557 participants) and clinical (46 studies; 3879 patient participants) samples and evaluated study quality. Ninety-three eligible articles considering 20 436 participants were retained for analysis. There was a robust association between dissociation and clinical and nonclinical positive psychotic symptoms (r = .437; 95%CI: .386 −.486), with the observed effect larger in nonclinical studies. Symptom-specific associations were also evident across clinical and nonclinical studies, and included significant summary effects for hallucinations (r = .461; 95%CI: .386 −.531), delusions (r = .418; 95%CI: .370 −.464), paranoia (r = .447; 95%CI: .393 −.499), and disorganization (r = .346; 95%CI: .249 −.436). Associations with negative symptoms were small and, in some cases, not significant. Overall, these findings confirm that dissociative phenomena are not only robustly related to hallucinations but also to multiple positive symptoms, and less robustly related to negative symptoms. Our findings are consistent with proposals that suggest certain psychotic symptoms might be better conceptualized as dissociative in nature and support the development of interventions targeting dissociation in formulating and treating psychotic experiences.
Perinatal antecedents of sleep disturbances in schoolchildren
Authors: Brockmann Pablo E , Poggi Helena , Martinez Alejandro , D’Apremont Ivonne , Moore Rosario , Smith Dale , Gozal David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractStudy ObjectivesPrematurity has been associated with an increased risk for sleep apnea. However, sleep disturbances in children born preterm have not been extensively investigated. Considering that determinants of sleep may originate early in life, the potential impact of prematurity on sleep disturbances later in life could be important. To establish the role of prematurity on sleep disturbances in a cohort of schoolchildren that were born preterm and compare them with healthy controls.MethodsA cohort of 147 schoolchildren, 45 born at term (≥37 weeks) and 102 very preterm (&lt;32 weeks), was recruited and evaluated at school age (5–9 years). The Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) were used to assess sleep disturbances in different domains.ResultsPSQ score was significantly higher in former preterm children (0.26 ± 0.18 vs. 0.18 ± 0.14 in controls; p = 0.004), and SDSC total score was also significantly different among groups (21.7 ± 11.6 vs. 14.1 ± 12.6; p &lt; 0.001). Regression models showed significant mean differences in PSQ score, total SDSC score, and two SDSC subscale scores (i.e. sleep-wake transition disorders, sleep-breathing disorders, and sleep hyperhidrosis) even after adjustment for confounders. Maternal age and type of delivery were not significantly associated with total PSQ scores.ConclusionsSleep disturbances may originate early in life since children born preterm exhibit an increased risk for developing long-term sleep problems. These findings may have important implications for management of preterm children and for implementation of early interventions focused on optimizing sleep habits.
The effect of trichloroethylene metabolites on the hepatic vitamin B12-dependent methionine salvage pathway and its relevance to increased excretion of formic acid in the rat
Authors: Yaqoob Noreen , Bloch Katarzyna M , Evans Andrew R , Lock Edward A 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) and its two major metabolites trichloroethanol (TCE-OH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) cause formic aciduria in male F344 rats. Prior treatment of male F344 rats with 1-aminobenzotriazole a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, followed by TCE (16mk/kg, po), completely prevented formic aciduria, but had no effect on formic acid excretion produced by TCA (8 or 16 mg/kg, po), suggesting TCA may be the proximate metabolite producing this response. Dow and Green reported an increase in the concentration of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the plasma of rats treated with TCE-OH, suggesting a block in the cycling of 5-MTHF to tetrahydrofolate (THF). This pathway is under the control of the vitamin B12-dependent methionine salvage pathway. We therefore treated rats with three daily doses of methylcobalamin (CH3Cbl) or hydroxocobalamin (OHCbl), a cofactor for methionine synthase, or L-methionine, followed by TCE (16 mg/kg) to determine if they could alleviate the formic aciduria. These pretreatments only partially reduced the excretion of formic acid in the urine. Although prior treatment with S-adenosyl-L-methionine had no effect on formic acid excretion. Consistent with these findings, the activity of methionine synthase in the liver of TCE-treated rats was not inhibited. Transcriptomic analysis of the liver-identified nine differential expressed genes, of note, was downregulation of Lmbrd1 involved in the conversion of vitamin B12 into CH3Cbl, a cofactor for methionine synthase. Our findings indicate that the formic aciduria produced by TCE-OH and TCA may be the result of a block in the recycling of 5-MTHF to THF, the effect on the methionine salvage pathway being a secondary response following acute exposure.
Suppression of LINC00460 mediated the sensitization of HCT116 cells to ionizing radiation by inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zhang Jiani , Ding Lixin , Sun Gaofeng , Ning Huacheng , Huang Ruixue 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Radiation resistance is the most common challenge for improving radiotherapy. The mechanisms underlying the development of radioresistance remain poorly understood. This study aims to explore the role of LINC00460 in ionizing radiation-induced radioresistance as well as the mechanisms by which LINC00460 is regulated by radiation exposure. The expression of LINC00460 was measured. Cell proliferation and colony formation were measured in HCT116 cells after treatment by radiation. The development of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was determined with or without knockdown LINC00460 expression using western blot analysis. Transcription activity was determined using a series of LINC00460-promoter luciferase reporter gene vectors. LINC00460 expression was significantly higher in HCT116 cells, relative to other cell types, with LINC00460 expression significantly affecting HCT116 cell proliferation. Suppression of LINC00460 inhibits EMT development in HCT116 cells via regulation of ZEB1 expression. Furthermore, LINC00460 expression was induced by irradiation via the activation of c-jun transcription factor-binding element located on the LINC00460 promoter. LINC00460 was shown to play a crucial role in EMT-associated progression of colorectal cancer, indicating that LINC00460 may be an indicator or new potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer radiosensitization.
Perilous Politics: Morbidity and Mortality in the Pre-Roe Era
Authors: Rosenbaum L. 
Published: February 2020

(N Engl J Med. 2019;381:893–895)
Before the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, a significant number of women lost their lives due to injuries from illegal abortion attempts. As a result of 2 conservative Supreme Court justices being appointed, state legislatures are attempting to remove Roe’s safeguards and introduce laws to restrict abortion access in medical settings. These efforts will once again put the lives of many women at risk, especially poor and minority women with limited resources.