bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annexin A2 acts as an adherent molecule under the regulation of steroids during embryo implantation
Authors: Wang Bing , Shao Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe previously showed that annexin A2 (Axna2) was transiently expressed at the embryo-uterine luminal epithelium interface during the window of implantation and was involved in mouse embryo implantation. At the same time, Axna2 was reported to be upregulated in human receptive endometrium, which was critical for embryo attachment as an intracellular molecule. Here, we identified Axna2 as a membrane-bound molecule on human endometrial epithelial cells and trophoblast cells, and the outer surface membrane-bound Axna2 was involved in human embryo attachment. In addition, physiological levels of estrogen and progesterone increased the expression of overall Axna2 as well as that in the extracellular surface membrane protein fraction in human endometrial cells. Furthermore, p11 (or S100A10, a member of the S100 EF-hand family protein, molecular weight 11 kDa) was involved in the translocation of Axna2 to the outer surface membrane of endometrial epithelial cells without affecting its overall expression. Finally, the surface relocation of Axna2 was also dependent on cell–cell contact and calcium binding. A better understanding of the function and regulation of Axna2 in human endometrium may help us to identify a potential therapeutic target for subfertile and infertile patients.
DNA and RNA editing without sequence limitation using the flap endonuclease 1 guided by hairpin DNA probes
Authors: Tian Kun , Guo Yongjian , Zou Bingjie , Wang Liang , Zhang Yun , Qi Zhen , Zhou Jieying , Wang Xiaotang , Zhou Guohua , Wei Libin , Xu Shu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Here, we characterized a flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) plus hairpin DNA probe (hpDNA) system, designated the HpSGN system, for both DNA and RNA editing without sequence limitation. The compact size of the HpSGN system make it an ideal candidate for in vivo delivery applications. In vitro biochemical studies showed that the HpSGN system required less nuclease to cleave ssDNA substrates than the SGN system we reported previously by a factor of ∼40. Also, we proved that the HpSGN system can efficiently cleave different RNA targets in vitro. The HpSGN system cleaved genomic DNA at an efficiency of ∼40% and ∼20% in bacterial and human cells, respectively, and knocked down specific mRNAs in human cells at a level of ∼25%. Furthermore, the HpSGN system was sensitive to the single base mismatch at the position next to the hairpin both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, this study demonstrated the potential of developing the HpSGN system as a small, effective, and specific editing tool for manipulating both DNA and RNA without sequence limitation.
Beyond direct neighbourhood effects: higher-order interactions improve modelling and predicting tree survival and growth
Authors: Li Yuanzhi , Mayfield Margaret M , Wang Bin , Xiao Junli , Kral Kamil , Janik David , Holik Jan , Chu Chengjin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIt is known that biotic interactions are the key to species coexistence and maintenance of species diversity. Traditional studies focus overwhelmingly on pairwise interactions between organisms, ignoring complex higher-order interactions (HOIs). In this study, we present a novel method of calculating individual-level HOIs for trees, and use this method to test the importance of size- and distance-dependent individual-level HOIs to tree performance in a 25-ha temperate forest dynamic plot. We found that full HOI-inclusive models improved our ability to model and predict the survival and growth of trees, providing empirical evidence that HOIs strongly influence tree performance in this temperate forest. Specifically, assessed HOIs mitigate the competitive direct effects of neighbours on survival and growth of focal trees. Our study lays a foundation for future investigations of the prevalence and relative importance of HOIs in global forests and their impact on species diversity.
Treating COVID-19 With Hydroxychloroquine (TEACH): A Multicenter, Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Ulrich Robert J , Troxel Andrea B , Carmody Ellie , Eapen Jaishvi , Bäcker Martin , DeHovitz Jack A , Prasad Prithiv J , Li Yi , Delgado Camila , Jrada Morris , Robbins Gabriel A , Henderson Brooklyn , Hrycko Alexander , Delpachitra Dinuli , Raabe Vanessa , Austrian Jonathan S , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Mulligan Mark J 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Effective therapies to combat coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are urgently needed. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has in vitro antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the clinical benefit of HCQ in treating COVID-19 is unclear. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of HCQ for the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter, double-blind randomized clinical trial of HCQ among patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to HCQ or placebo for 5 days and followed for 30 days. The primary efficacy outcome was a severe disease progression composite end point (death, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and/or vasopressor use) at day 14.

Results
A total of 128 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were similar between the HCQ (n = 67) and placebo (n = 61) arms. At day 14, 11 (16.4%) subjects assigned to HCQ and 6 (9.8%) subjects assigned to placebo met the severe disease progression end point, but this did not achieve statistical significance (P = .350). There were no significant differences in COVID-19 clinical scores, number of oxygen-free days, SARS-CoV-2 clearance, or adverse events between HCQ and placebo. HCQ was associated with a slight increase in mean corrected QT interval, an increased D-dimer, and a trend toward an increased length of stay.

Conclusions
In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, our data suggest that HCQ does not prevent severe outcomes or improve clinical scores. However, our conclusions are limited by a relatively small sample size, and larger randomized controlled trials or pooled analyses are needed.
DEVELOPMENT OF A SPECIALISED TAPE MEASURE TO ESTIMATE THE SIZE-SPECIFIC DOSE ESTIMATE
Authors: Shohji Tomokazu , Kuriyama Kazuki , Yanano Nobutaka , Katoh Yo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The risk in computed tomography (CT) examinations is radiation exposure. We aimed to develop a specialised tape measure for determining the size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) for patients undergoing CT scans. The scanning parameters used were those of the abdominal protocol in our institute. With this method, the SSDE220 and standard deviations obtained from CT images for the liver, pelvic and lung areas, corresponded closely to the SSDEtape and standard deviations obtained using the tape measure. We thus devised a new idea that allows the estimation of the SSDE220 using a specialised tape measure before the CT examination, allowing for an informed explanation of the radiation dose to the patient. Although the tape measure developed in this study is specific to one particular CT instrument, the method could be adapted to a wide range of radiography applications.
ANALYSIS BY SCANNER OF TRACKS PRODUCED BY RADON ALPHA PARTICLES IN CR-39 DETECTORS
Authors: Sabbarese C , Ambrosino F , Roca V 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The most used passive detectors for Radon measurement are the CR39s, both for the good stability of the material and for the practicality of use. But, commercial reading systems are expensive and not always fast. The aim of the present work was the development of a method for a rapid, efficient and economic evaluation of the result of the indoor Radon measurement performed with CR39 detectors. The analysis and acquisition of detector images were performed using a photo scanner and the free ImageJ software. Several groups of CR-39 detectors were exposed, developed and analysed. Calibration curve was obtained in a wide range of exposure values (200–12 000 kBq·h·m −3) to allow the procedure to be applied in all possible measurement environments. Furthermore, a statistical study was carried out on the shape and size of nuclear tracks after chemical development. The dependence of the track size on Radon exposure was effective in showing the trace saturation effect as well.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF RADON-IN-WATER MEASUREMENTS BY EMANOMETRY TECHNIQUE
Authors: Di Carlo C , Venoso G , Lepore L , Ampollini M , Carpentieri C , Antignani S , Caprio M , Remetti R , Bochicchio F 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The emanometry test method is one of the detection techniques of radon in water satisfying requirements of Directive 2013/51/Euratom with regards to the detection limit. Quality assurance (QA) procedures were developed and implemented for a measuring system relying on such a technique. These procedures mainly address the following: (i) the assembling of each component of the degassing circuit, (ii) the sample transfer from the transport container to the degassing vessel and (iii) the control of all the influencing quantities. Three identical measuring systems have been used to analyse in parallel 39 water samples with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of QA procedures in terms of reproducibility. The results showed quite low variability (&lt;15% for the 84% of measurements in the range 10–100 Bq L−1) among the three different measuring systems.
PERIPHERAL RETINAL ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN MACULAR TELANGIECTASIS TYPE 2
Authors: Moysidis Stavros N. , Koulisis Nicole , Rao Prethy , Govindaraju Viren K. , Gamsky Samuel , Mahmoud Tamer H. , Randhawa Sandeep , Faia Lisa J. , Wolfe Jeremy D. , Drenser Kimberly A. , Ruby Alan J. , Garretson Bruce R. , Hassan Tarek S. , Williams George A. , Trese Michael T. , Capone Antonio 
Published: September 2020

Purpose:
To evaluate the retinal periphery in patients with idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasis or macular telangiectasis Type 2 (MacTel2), using widefield fluorescein angiography.

Methods:
Single-center, retrospective, observational case series of 50 eyes of 50 patients with MacTel2 and 50 eyes of 50 age-matched controls.

Results:
Thirty-seven eyes in the MacTel2 group (74%) showed peripheral capillary nonperfusion or dropout, compared with 37 eyes in the control group (74%, P = 1.0). Morphologically, the MacTel2 group trended toward having a higher proportion of pruning-type capillary dropout (44%) compared with controls (28%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Patients with MacTel2 had a higher incidence of microaneurysms compared with controls (MacTel2 56%; controls 42%; P = 0.048), independent of age or systemic risk factors. There was no difference in the incidence of venous–venous shunts (MacTel2 10%; controls 10%; P = 1.0), arteriovenous shunts (MacTel2 14%; controls 18%; P = 0.60), venous tortuosity (MacTel2 60%; controls 66%; P = 0.58), or arterial tortuosity (MacTel2 54%; controls 68%; P = 0.20), which was mild in most cases.

Conclusion:
We note a high incidence of peripheral vascular and retinal findings in both patients with MacTel2 and age-matched controls, using widefield fluorescein angiography. Patients with MacTel2 had significantly more microaneurysms, independent of age or other systemic risk factors.
Atypical Endovascular Cells in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia
Authors: Barna Nicholas , Chapman Jennifer , Hutchins Kenneth , Garavan Fintan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The autopsy findings for 3 cases of SARS-(CoV-2) pneumonia-related deaths are reported with pulmonary histology and immunohistochemistry findings. In 2 cases (cases 1 and 2), the time interval from presentation to death was approximately 1 week, whereas for case 3, the time interval from presentation to death was hours. Case 1 and case 2 presented with shortness of breath, cough, and flu-like symptoms. The decedent from case 3 died shortly after presenting to a local emergency room with high fever, chest and abdominal pain, and shortness of breath. All 3 cases had 1 or more comorbidities. The postmortem interval for cases 1 and 2 was 2 weeks as they died at sea and were stored on board within the respective cruise ships' refrigeration units, whereas case 3 was examined within 24 hours of death. The autopsies were conducted at the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiners Department under routine infectious precautions. Salient clinical history and autopsy findings are summarized. Microscopic examination revealed pneumonia with associated atypical endovascular cells.
Spring-Assisted Surgery for Treatment of Sagittal Craniosynostosis
Authors: Jones Veronica Morgan , Thomas Sydney Gillian , Siska Robert , Massary Dominic , David Lisa Renee , Dillingham Claire Sanger , Crihan Anatolie , Railean Silvia , Runyan Christopher M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Craniosynostosis (CSS), the premature fusion of calvarial sutures, most commonly involves the sagittal suture. Cranial vault remodeling (CVR) is a traditional method of CSS correction. Minimally invasive methods are becoming widely accepted, including spring-assisted surgery (SAS). The equipment required for SAS is minimal therefore adaptable to resource challenged health systems. This paper outlines the experience of SAS in Moldova.
A retrospective study was performed for patients treated with SAS for sagittal CSS from 2011 to 2018 in Moldova. Perioperative data were recorded including age, length of surgery, blood loss, volume transfused and length of stay. Four patients had pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans which were used to calculate changes in cephalic index, normative cephalic index, and intracranial volume.
Thirteen patients underwent SAS. Diagnoses were made clinically and confirmed with CT. Mean age at surgery was 4.0 months, and length of surgery 62.7 minutes. All but one patient received a blood transfusion, as is standard of practice in Moldova. The mean length of post-operative recovery in ICU was 30.9 hours. No complications required surgical revision. Springs were removed after 4 to 5 months. All patients had a subjective improvement in scaphocephaly. Based on the available CT scans, an increase in cephalic index (7.3%), normative cephalic index (11.8%), and intracranial volume (38.1%) was observed. One patient underwent SAS at 11 months and required cranioplasty for asymmetry at the time of spring removal.
SAS is a safe and cost-effective method of CSS correction that can be utilized in countries with limited health system resources.
Orthoptic Vision Therapy: Establishing a Protocol for Management of Diplopia Following Orbital Fracture Repair
Authors: De Ruiter Brandon J. , Kotha Vikas S. , Peiffer Adam J. , Lesko Robert P. , Tannen Barry , Tannen Noah , Davidson Edward H. 
Published: September 2020

Introduction:
Persistent diplopia following orbital fracture is a well-recognized problem. While observation is the standard-of-care, symptoms may be protracted. Orthoptic vision therapy is a form of ocular physical therapy that achieves functional rehabilitation through targeted exercises. This study presents a protocol for post-traumatic orthoptics and describes preliminary results.

Materials and Methods:
Protocols for home-therapy/office-assessment were developed using commercial software and exercises targeting motility and fusion. Office-assessment also included validated questionnaire chronicling symptomatology. Healthy-volunteers (n = 10) trailed the protocol three times (n = 30) and normative data was compiled. Comparative measurements were made in chronic (>1year; n = 8) and acute (<2 weeks; n = 4) fracture cohorts. Time-of-therapy was recorded, monetary cost-analysis performed, and side-effects assessed.

Results:
Severe/moderate motility limitation was found in 3 of 4 acute fracture patients but not in chronic or healthy cohorts. The acute cohort had worse fusion when comparing convergence (mean break/recovery of 8.0/6.5 prism diopters (pd) versus 31.87/21.23pd; P = 0.001/0.015) and divergence (3.00/1.50pd versus 18.37/12.83pd; P = 0.000/0.001) to the healthy cohort. Those with chronic fracture had lower convergence (15.71/5.00pd; P = 0.01/0.001) and divergence (12.29/4.71pd; P = 0.04/0.002) when compared with healthy subjects, but better function than acute patients. Acute fracture patients reported greater symptomatology than chronic (mean score 18.8 versus 4.6; P = 0.003) or healthy (5.0; P = 0.02) groups, but there was no difference between chronic and healthy groups (P = 0.87). Assessment took <10 minutes. Per patient software cost was <$70. Mild eyestrain related to therapy was self-resolving in all cases.

Conclusions:
Orthoptic therapy may improve fusion and motility following orbital fracture. This protocol serves as basis for prospective work.
Proteomics identifies a type I IFN, prothrombotic hyperinflammatory circulating COVID-19 neutrophil signature distinct from non-COVID-19 ARDS
Authors: Reyes Leila , Sanchez-Garcia Manuel A. , Morrison Tyler , Howden Andrew J.M. , Watts Emily R. , Arienti Simone , Sadiku Pranvera , Coelho Patricia , Mirchandani Ananda S , Hope David , Clark Sarah K. , Singleton Jo , Johnston Shonna , Grecian Robert , Poon Azin , Mcnamara Sarah , Harper Isla , Fourman Max Head , Brenes Alejandro J. , Pathak Shalini , Lloyd Amy , Blanco Gio Rodriguez , Kriegsheim Alex von , Ghesquiere Bart , Vermaelen Wesley , Cologna Camila T. , Dhaliwal Kevin , Hirani Nik , Dockrell David , Whyte Moira K. , Griffith David , Cantrell Doreen A. , Walmsley Sarah R. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryUnderstanding the mechanisms by which infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is of significant clinical interest given the mortality associated with severe and critical coronavirus induced disease 2019 (COVID-19). Neutrophils play a key role in the lung injury characteristic of non-COVID-19 ARDS, but a relative paucity of these cells is observed at post-mortem in lung tissue of patients who succumb to infection with SARS-CoV-2. With emerging evidence of a dysregulated innate immune response in COVID-19, we undertook a functional proteomic survey of circulating neutrophil populations, comparing patients with COVID-19 ARDS, non-COVID-19 ARDS, moderate COVID-19, and healthy controls. We observe that expansion of the circulating neutrophil compartment and the presence of activated low and normal density mature and immature neutrophil populations occurs in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS. In contrast, release of neutrophil granule proteins, neutrophil activation of the clotting cascade and formation of neutrophil platelet aggregates is significantly increased in COVID-19 ARDS. Importantly, activation of components of the neutrophil type I IFN responses is specific to infection with SARS-CoV-2 and linked to metabolic rewiring. Together this work highlights how differential activation of circulating neutrophil populations may contribute to the pathogenesis of ARDS, identifying processes that are specific to COVID-19 ARDS.
Inflammatory leptomeningeal cytokines mediate delayed COVID-19 encephalopathy
Authors: Remsik Jan , Wilcox Jessica A. , Babady N. Esther , McMillen Tracy A. , Vachha Behroze A. , Halpern Neil A. , Dhawan Vikram , Rosenblum Marc , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine A. , Avila Edward K. , Santomasso Bianca , Boire Adrienne 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection induces a wide spectrum of neurologic dysfunction. Here we show that a particularly vulnerable population with neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 harbor an influx of inflammatory cytokines within the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of viral neuro-invasion. The majority of these inflammatory mediators are driven by type 2 interferon and are known to induce neuronal injury in other disease models. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase-10 within the spinal fluid correlate with the degree of neurologic dysfunction. Furthermore, this neuroinflammatory process persists weeks following convalescence from the acute respiratory infection. These prolonged neurologic sequelae following a systemic cytokine release syndrome lead to long-term neurocognitive dysfunction with a wide range of phenotypes.
Clinically distinct COVID-19 cases share strikingly similar immune response progression: A follow-up analysis
Authors: Hausburg Melissa A. , Banton Kaysie L. , Roshon Michael , Bar-Or David 
Published: September 2020

AbstractInflammatory responses to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, range from asymptomatic to severe. Here we present a follow-up analysis of a longitudinal study characterizing COVID-19 immune responses from a father and son with distinctly different clinical courses. The father required a lengthy hospital stay for severe symptoms, whereas his son had mild symptoms and no fever yet tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 for 29 days. Father and son, as well as another unrelated COVID-19 patient, displayed a robust increase of SERPING1, the transcript encoding C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH). We further bolstered this finding by incorporating a serum proteomics dataset and found that serum C1-INH was consistently increased in COVID-19 patients. C1-INH is a central regulator of the contact and complement systems, potentially linking COVID-19 to complement hyperactivation, fibrin clot formation, and immune depression. Furthermore, despite distinct clinical cases, significant parallels were observed in transcripts involved interferon and B cell signaling. As symptoms were resolving, widespread decreases were seen in immune-related transcripts to levels below those of healthy controls. Our study provides insight into the immune responses of likely millions of people with extremely mild symptoms who may not be aware of their infection with SARS-CoV-2 and implies a potential for long-lasting consequences that could contribute to reinfection risk.