bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid CO gas dispersal from NO Lup’s class III circumstellar disc
Authors: Lovell J B , Kennedy G M , Marino S , Wyatt M C , Ansdell M , Kama M , Manara C F , Matrà L , Rosotti G , Tazzari M , Testi L , Williams J P 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
We observed the K7 class III star NO Lup in an ALMA survey of the 1–3 Myr Lupus association and detected circumstellar dust and CO gas. Here we show that the J = 3–2 CO emission is both spectrally and spatially resolved, with a broad velocity width ∼19 km s−1 for its resolved size ∼1 arcsec (∼130 au). We model the gas emission as a Keplerian disc, finding consistency, but only with a central mass of ∼11M⊙, which is implausible given its spectral type and X-Shooter spectrum. A good fit to the data can also be found by modelling the CO emission as outflowing gas with a radial velocity ∼22 km s−1. We interpret NO Lup’s CO emission as the first imaged class III circumstellar disc with outflowing gas. We conclude that the CO is continually replenished, but cannot say if this is from the breakup of icy planetesimals or from the last remnants of the protoplanetary disc. We suggest further work to explore the origin of this CO, and its higher than expected velocity in comparison to photoevaporative models.
Interactions between the land snails Theba pisana and Cernuella virgata in the laboratory
Authors: Baker Geoff H 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Two Mediterranean snails, Theba pisana and Cernuella virgata, are agricultural pests in southern Australia. The two species are rarely found together in large numbers in the field, at small scales (&lt;1 m2). In laboratory experiments, the presence of T. pisana reduced the survival of C. virgata, but only when food (carrot + lettuce) was provided. When C. virgata was exposed to only the mucus trails and faeces of T. pisana, produced while feeding on lettuce, both the survival and activity of C. virgata were reduced. When carrot was substituted for lettuce, there was less effect. In addition, when C. virgata was exposed to T. pisana’s faeces only, derived from access to a mix of lettuce and carrot, there was no effect on C. virgata’s survival. The observed reductions in the survival of C. virgata were stronger in autumn (the breeding season for both snail species) compared with spring. Inhibitory components within the mucus trails of T. pisana may (1) help explain the observed distribution patterns of the two species at small scales in the field and (2) provide a novel method for control of pest populations of C. virgata, in some situations.
Deploying MMEJ using MENdel in precision gene editing applications for gene therapy and functional genomics
Authors: Martínez-Gálvez Gabriel , Joshi Parnal , Friedberg Iddo , Manduca Armando , Ekker Stephen C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Gene-editing experiments commonly elicit the error-prone non-homologous end joining for DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) can generate more predictable outcomes for functional genomic and somatic therapeutic applications. We compared three DSB repair prediction algorithms – MENTHU, inDelphi, and Lindel – in identifying MMEJ-repaired, homogeneous genotypes (PreMAs) in an independent dataset of 5,885 distinct Cas9-mediated mouse embryonic stem cell DSB repair events. MENTHU correctly identified 46% of all PreMAs available, a ∼2- and ∼60-fold sensitivity increase compared to inDelphi and Lindel, respectively. In contrast, only Lindel correctly predicted predominant single-base insertions. We report the new algorithm MENdel, a combination of MENTHU and Lindel, that achieves the most predictive coverage of homogeneous out-of-frame mutations in this large dataset. We then estimated the frequency of Cas9-targetable homogeneous frameshift-inducing DSBs in vertebrate coding regions for gene discovery using MENdel. 47 out of 54 genes (87%) contained at least one early frameshift-inducing DSB and 49 out of 54 (91%) did so when also considering Cas12a-mediated deletions. We suggest that the use of MENdel helps researchers use MMEJ at scale for reverse genetics screenings and with sufficient intra-gene density rates to be viable for nearly all loss-of-function based gene editing therapeutic applications.
Spetzler-Martin Grade III Arteriovenous Malformations: A Multicenter Propensity-Adjusted Analysis of the Effects of Preoperative Embolization
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Frisoli Fabio A , Nguyen Candice L , Wilkinson D Andrew , Majmundar Neil , Cole Tyler S , Baranoski Jacob F , Whiting Alexander C , Kim Helen , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C , Cooke Daniel L , Spetzler Robert F , Lawton Michael T 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade III arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are at the boundary of safe operability, and preoperative embolization may reduce surgical risks.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the benefits of preoperative AVM embolization by comparing neurological outcomes in patients with grade III AVMs treated with or without preoperative embolization.

METHODS
All microsurgically treated grade III AVMs were identified from 2011 to 2018 at 2 medical centers. Neurological outcomes, measured as final modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) and changes in mRS from preoperative baseline to last follow-up evaluation, were compared in patients with and without preoperative embolization.

RESULTS
Of the 102 patients with grade III AVMs who were treated microsurgically, 57 (56%) underwent preoperative embolization. Significant differences were found between the patients with and without embolization in AVM eloquence (74% vs 93%, P = .02), size ≥ 3 cm (47% vs 73%, P = .01), diffuseness (7% vs 22%, P = .04), and mean final mRS (1.1 vs 2.0, P = .005). Poor outcomes were more frequent in patients without embolization (38%) than with embolization (7%) (final mRS > 2; P < .001). Propensity-adjusted analysis revealed AVM resection without embolization was a risk factor for poor outcome (mRS score > 2; odds ratio, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.1-16; P = .03).

CONCLUSION
Nonembolization of SM grade III AVMs is associated with an increased risk of poor neurological outcomes after microsurgical resection. Preoperative embolization of intermediate-grade AVMs selected because of large AVM size, surgical inaccessibility of feeding arteries, and high flow should be employed more often than anticipated, even in the context of increasing microsurgical experience with AVMs.
Beyond adverse outcome pathways: making toxicity predictions from event networks, SAR models, data and knowledge
Authors: Ball Thomas , Barber Christopher G , Cayley Alex , Chilton Martyn L , Foster Robert , Fowkes Adrian , Heghes Crina , Hill Emma , Hill Natasha , Kane Steven , Macmillan Donna S , Myden Alun , Newman Daniel , Polit Artur , Stalford Susanne A , Vessey Jonathan D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Adverse outcome pathways have shown themselves to be useful ways of understanding and expressing knowledge about sequences of events that lead to adverse outcomes (AOs) such as toxicity. In this paper we use the building blocks of adverse outcome pathways—namely key events (KEs) and key event relationships—to construct networks which can be used to make predictions of the likelihood of AOs. The networks of KEs are augmented by data from and knowledge about assays as well as by structure activity relationship predictions linking chemical classes to the observation of KEs. These inputs are combined within a reasoning framework to produce an information-rich display of the relevant knowledge and data and predictions of AOs both in the abstract case and for individual chemicals. Illustrative examples are given for skin sensitization, reprotoxicity and non-genotoxic carcinogenicity.
Predictors of transfusion in adults undergoing elective posterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion: a retrospective case series
Authors: AlSaleh Khalid , Aldawsari Khalifah , Alsultan Omar , Awwad Waleed , Alrehaili Osama 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Posterior thoracolumbar spinal fusion surgery can be associated with significant blood loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate suspected risk factors of blood transfusion in posterior thoracolumbar fusion patients and determine if blood transfusion had a negative impact on the outcomes for those patients after surgery.

Methods:
All adults undergoing posterior thoracolumbar spine fusion in our institution from May 2015 to May 2018 were included. Data collected included demographic data as well as body mass index (BMI), preoperative hemoglobin, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, change in hemoglobin, estimated blood loss, incidence of blood transfusion, number of units transfused, number of levels fused, length of stay, and readmission within 30 days. The data were analyzed to correlate these variables with the frequency of blood transfusion and to assess the association of adverse outcomes after blood transfusion.

Results:
This study included 125 patients. Six patients (4.8%) required readmission within the first 30 days after discharge. Length of stay averaged 8.4 days (range 3 to 74). Eighteen patients (14.4%) required blood transfusion perioperatively. When multiple variables were analyzed for any correlations, the number of levels fused, age, and BMI had statistically significant correlations with the need for blood transfusion (P<0.005). None of the other factors showed any statistically significant correlation. Patients who required blood transfusion were more likely to stay in the hospital more than 7 days (P<0.005).

Conclusions:
Patients undergoing posterior thoracolumbar fusion are more likely to require blood transfusion if they are older, have a higher BMI, or have a multilevel fusion. Receiving a blood transfusion is associated with increased complication rates.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Prosthetic joint infection in culture-negative and alpha-defensin-positive patients versus culture-positive and alpha-defensin-negative patients: a retrospective cohort study of the differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Vajapey Sravya P. , Li Daniel , Lynch Daniel , Li Mengnai 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Culture-negative (CN) prosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a challenge for the clinician for both diagnosis and management. We compared the clinical presentation and outcomes between patients with CN alpha-defensin-positive PJI and culture-positive (CP) alpha-defensin-negative PJI.

Methods:
This was a retrospective study of 15 patients who underwent treatment for PJI (four hips and 11 knees) at a tertiary referral center by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2019. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on their culture results: one group had negative cultures but positive alpha-defensin test (n=7) and the other had positive cultures but negative alpha-defensin test (n=8). These two cohorts were compared in terms of clinical presentation, laboratory values, treatment duration, and functional outcome. Statistical analysis was performed on variables of interest.

Results:
Patients in both PJI groups most commonly presented with pain and swelling of the involved joint. There was a greater proportion of CN PJI patients with a history of infection, such as bacteremia or urinary tract infection (UTI) requiring antibiotics, than CP PJI patients (42.9% vs. 0%). There was no statistically significant difference in inflammatory marker elevation for either group. Only 57% of the CN PJI patients underwent surgical debridement versus all CP PJI patients. There were no differences in outcomes at final follow-up between the two groups.

Conclusions:
Prior history of infection requiring antimicrobial therapy is a risk factor for negative cultures. CN PJI is not a negative prognostic indicator and results in outcomes similar to CP PJI.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
A bloodless technique for correction of equinovarus deformities by Taylor spatial frame: a prospective case series
Authors: Meselhy Mohammed Anter , Adawy Adel H. , Halawa Abdelsamie M. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Rigid ankle and foot deformities as a sequela of relapsed talipes equinovarus or vascular or neurological disorders are a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study introduces a bloodless technique to correct the deformities of the ankle in patients with these disorders using the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF).

Methods:
Eighteen feet in 18 patients with equinovarus deformities were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent preoperative clinical evaluation that included neurovascular assessment. Deformity components were measured using a goniometer. All patients had gradual correction of the rigid equinovarus ankle and foot by TSF without any soft-tissue or bony procedures. Preoperative and postoperative ankle and foot equinus and varus angles, in association with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, were used for assessment of the functional outcome.

Results:
There were 13 male patients (72.2%) and five female patients (27%). The mean age of the patients was 25.89 (range 14 to 43, SD 7.28) years. The right side was affected in 11 patients (61.1%), and left side was affected in seven patients (38.9%). At the final follow-up the average AOFAS ankle hindfoot scores improved from 25.17 (range 12 to 39, SD 9.91) preoperatively to 74.78 (range 48 to 88, SD 15.33) postoperatively, (t=22.13, P<0.001). Fifteen patients (83.3%) were categorized as “good”, and three patients (16.7%) were categorized as “fair”.

Conclusions:
TSF is a safe, effective, and simple method of correcting rigid equinovarus deformities of the ankle without soft-tissue releases or bone osteotomies and is a bloodless technique.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Analysis of National Football League preseason injuries resulting in roster cuts: a retrospective review
Authors: Baker Hayden P. , Volchenko Elan , Rossi David , Dayton Steven R. , Tjong Vehniah K. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
The National Football League (NFL) schedule consists of 16 regular season games and four additional preseason games each season. The structure of the NFL preseason allows franchises to evaluate 90 players in four games to determine which 53 should make the final roster. The purpose of this study was to investigate preseason injuries in NFL players and to identify risk factors for being cut from NFL teams after preseason injury.

Methods:
This study was a retrospective review of all injuries suffered by NFL athletes during the 2014 through 2019 NFL preseasons. The data were compiled using publicly available injury reports published on multiple websites.

Results:
We identified 110 injuries during the period of study involving players that were later cut from an NFL team during the preseason. The incidence of a preseason injury before being cut from the team was 1.59 per 1000 athletic exposures. The majority of NFL players who were cut after being injured were undrafted free agents (69 players, 63%). Rookies (38 players, 35%) most commonly were cut after being injured. Most athletes cut from NFL teams after preseason injury did not play another year in the NFL (82 players, 75%). The lower extremity was the most frequently injured body area, accounting for 45% (49 players) of all injuries.

Conclusions:
No prior NFL experience and being undrafted in the NFL draft were two common characteristics identified among athletes that sustained preseason injury and were later cut from the roster.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Impact of an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Intensivist-Led Multidisciplinary Team on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Outcomes
Authors: Goh Ken Junyang , Tan Qiao Li , Tay Chee Kiang , Sewa Duu Wen , Lee Ken Cheah Hooi , Phua Ghee Chee 
Published: November 2020

Objectives:
Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being established as a treatment option for severe acute respiratory failure. We sought to evaluate the impact of a dedicated specialist team-based approach on patient outcomes.

Design:
Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:
Single-center medical ICU in an academic tertiary hospital.

Patients:
Adult patients initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure.

Interventions:
Initiation of an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team; critical decisions on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation management were jointly made by a dedicated team of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivists, together with the multidisciplinary team.

Measurements and Main Results:
Eighty-one patients (75%) and 27 patients (35%) were initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team (before January 2018) and postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period (after January 2018), respectively. Inhospital (14.8% vs 44.4%, p = 0.006) and ICU mortality (11.1% vs 40.7%, p = 0.005) were significantly lower in the postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period. On multivariate analysis correcting for possible confounding factors (ICU severity and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-specific mortality prediction scores, body mass index, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation vasopressor support, preextracorporeal membrane oxygenation cardiac arrest, and days on mechanical ventilation before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation), management by an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team remained associated with improved hospital survival (odds ratio, 5.06; 95% CI, 1.20–21.28). Patients in the postextracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team period had less nosocomial infections (18.5% vs 46.9%, p = 0.009), a shorter ICU stay (12 days [interquartile range, 6–16 d] vs 15 days [interquartile range, 10–24 d]; p = 0.049), and none suffered an intracranial hemorrhage or nonhemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions:
An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intensivist-led multidisciplinary team approach is associated with improved outcomes in patients initiated on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute respiratory failure.
Small interfering RNA targeting of keratin 17 reduces inflammation in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis
Authors: Xiao Chun-Ying , Zhu Zhen-Lai , Zhang Chen , Fu Meng , Qiao Hong-Jiang , Wang Gang , Dang Er-Le 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with 2% to 3% prevalence worldwide and a heavy social-psychological burden for patients and their families. As the exact pathogenesis of psoriasis is still unknown, the current treatment is far from satisfactory. Thus, there is an urgent need to find a more effective therapy for this disease. Keratin 17 (K17), a type I intermediate filament, is overexpressed in the psoriatic epidermis and plays a critical pathogenic role by stimulating T cells in psoriasis. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibiting K17 may be a potential therapeutic approach for psoriasis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of K17-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) on mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis.

Methods
Eight-week-old female BALB/c mice were administered a 5% IMQ cream on both ears to produce psoriatic dermatitis. On day 3, K17 siRNA was mixed with an emulsion matrix and applied topically to the left ears of the mice after IMQ application every day for 7 days. The right ears of the mice were treated in parallel with negative control (NC) siRNA. Inflammation was evaluated by gross ear thickness, histopathology, the infiltration of inflammatory cells (CD3+ T cells and neutrophils) using immunofluorescence, and the expression of cytokine production using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The obtained data were statistically evaluated by unpaired t-tests and a one-way analysis of variance.

Results
The severity of IMQ-induced dermatitis on K17 siRNA-treated mice ears was significantly lower than that on NC siRNA-treated mice ears, as evidenced by the alleviated ear inflammation phenotype, including decreased ear thickness, infiltration of inflammatory cells (CD3+ T cells and neutrophils), and inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression levels (interleukin 17 [IL-17], IL-22, IL-23, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 20) (P < 0.05 vs. the Blank or NC siRNA groups). Compared to the NC siRNA treatment, the K17 siRNA treatment resulted in increased K1 and K10 expression, which are characteristic of keratinocyte differentiation (vs. NC siRNA, K17 siRNA1 group: K1, t = 4.782, P = 0.0050; K10, t = 3.365, P = 0.0120; K17 siRNA2 group: K1, t = 4.104, P = 0.0093; K10, t = 4.168, P = 0.0042; siRNA Mix group: K1, t = 3.065, P = 0.0221; K10, t = 10.83, P < 0.0001), and decreased K16 expression, which is characteristic of keratinocyte proliferation (vs. NC siRNA, K17 siRNA1 group: t = 4.156, P = 0.0043; K17 siRNA2 group: t = 2.834, P = 0.0253; siRNA Mix group: t = 2.734, P = 0.0250).

Conclusions
Inhibition of K17 expression by its specific siRNA significantly alleviated inflammation in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Thus, gene therapy targeting K17 may be a potential treatment approach for psoriasis.
Sleep-related symptoms in multiple system atrophy: determinants and impact on disease severity
Authors: Lin Jun-Yu , Zhang Ling-Yu , Cao Bei , Wei Qian-Qian , Ou Ru-Wei , Hou Yan-Bing , Liu Kun-Cheng , Xu Xin-Ran , Jiang Zheng , Gu Xiao-Jing , Liu Jiao , Shang Hui-Fang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background:
Sleep disorders are common but under-researched symptoms in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). We investigated the frequency and factors associated with sleep-related symptoms in patients with MSA and the impact of sleep disturbances on disease severity.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study involved 165 patients with MSA. Three sleep-related symptoms, namely Parkinson's disease (PD)-related sleep problems (PD-SP), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), were evaluated using the PD Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and RBD Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), respectively. Disease severity was evaluated using the Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS).

Results:
The frequency of PD-SP (PDSS-2 score of ≥18), EDS (ESS score of ≥10), and RBD (RBDSQ score of ≥5) in patients with MSA was 18.8%, 27.3%, and 49.7%, respectively. The frequency of coexistence of all three sleep-related symptoms was 7.3%. Compared with the cerebellar subtype of MSA (MSA-C), the parkinsonism subtype of MSA (MSA-P) was associated with a higher frequency of PD-SP and EDS, but not of RBD. Binary logistic regression revealed that the MSA-P subtype, a higher total UMSARS score, and anxiety were associated with PD-SP; that male sex, a higher total UMSARS score, the MSA-P subtype, and fatigue were associated with EDS; and that male sex, a higher total UMSARS score, and autonomic onset were associated with RBD in patients with MSA. Stepwise linear regression showed that the number of sleep-related symptoms (PD-SP, EDS, and RBD), disease duration, depression, fatigue, and total Montreal Cognitive Assessment score were predictors of disease severity in patients with MSA.

Conclusions:
Sleep-related disorders were associated with both MSA subtypes and the severity of disease in patients with MSA, indicating that sleep disorders may reflect the distribution and degree of dopaminergic/non-dopaminergic neuron degeneration in MSA.