bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution after Whole-Genome Duplication: Teleost MicroRNAs
Authors: Desvignes Thomas , Sydes Jason , Montfort Jerôme , Bobe Julien , Postlethwait John H 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene expression regulators implicated in many biological processes, but we lack a global understanding of how miRNA genes evolve and contribute to developmental canalization and phenotypic diversification. Whole-genome duplication events likely provide a substrate for species divergence and phenotypic change by increasing gene numbers and relaxing evolutionary pressures. To understand the consequences of genome duplication on miRNA evolution, we studied miRNA genes following the teleost genome duplication (TGD). Analysis of miRNA genes in four teleosts and in spotted gar, whose lineage diverged before the TGD, revealed that miRNA genes were retained in ohnologous pairs more frequently than protein-coding genes, and that gene losses occurred rapidly after the TGD. Genomic context influenced retention rates, with clustered miRNA genes retained more often than nonclustered miRNA genes and intergenic miRNA genes retained more frequently than intragenic miRNA genes, which often shared the evolutionary fate of their protein-coding host. Expression analyses revealed both conserved and divergent expression patterns across species in line with miRNA functions in phenotypic canalization and diversification, respectively. Finally, major strands of miRNA genes experienced stronger purifying selection, especially in their seeds and 3′-complementary regions, compared with minor strands, which nonetheless also displayed evolutionary features compatible with constrained function. This study provides the first genome-wide, multispecies analysis of the mechanisms influencing metazoan miRNA evolution after whole-genome duplication.
Metabolic imaging detects elevated glucose flux through the pentose phosphate pathway associated with TERT expression in low-grade gliomas
Authors: Viswanath Pavithra , Batsios Georgios , Ayyappan Vinay , Taglang Céline , Gillespie Anne Marie , Larson Peder E Z , Luchman H Artee , Costello Joseph F , Pieper Russell O , Ronen Sabrina M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is essential for tumor proliferation, including in low-grade oligodendrogliomas (LGOGs). Since TERT is silenced in normal cells, it is also a therapeutic target. Therefore, noninvasive methods of imaging TERT are needed. Here, we examined the link between TERT expression and metabolism in LGOGs, with the goal of leveraging this information for noninvasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)-based metabolic imaging of LGOGs.

Methods
Immortalized normal human astrocytes with doxycycline-inducible TERT silencing, patient-derived LGOG cells, orthotopic tumors, and LGOG patient biopsies were studied to determine the mechanistic link between TERT expression and glucose metabolism. The ability of hyperpolarized [U-13C, U-2H]-glucose to noninvasively assess TERT expression was tested in live cells and orthotopic tumors.

Results
TERT expression was associated with elevated glucose flux through the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), elevated NADPH, which is a major product of the PPP, and elevated glutathione, which is maintained in a reduced state by NADPH. Importantly, hyperpolarized [U-13C, U-2H]-glucose metabolism via the PPP noninvasively reported on TERT expression and response to TERT inhibition in patient-derived LGOG cells and orthotopic tumors. Mechanistically, TERT acted via the sirtuin SIRT2 to upregulate the glucose transporter GLUT1 and the rate-limiting PPP enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Conclusions
We have, for the first time, leveraged a mechanistic understanding of TERT-associated metabolic reprogramming for noninvasive imaging of LGOGs using hyperpolarized [U-13C, U-2H]-glucose. Our findings provide a novel way of imaging a hallmark of tumor immortality and have the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment response assessment for LGOG patients.
Anterior Petrosal Approach for Enlarging Previously Radiated Recurrent Trigeminal Schwannoma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Rinaldo Lorenzo , Patel Neil S , Driscoll Colin L W , Link Michael J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Trigeminal nerve schwannomas (TNSs) are rare lesions that typically present with symptoms of trigeminal neuropathy or other cranial nerve palsies. These lesions classically have a dumbbell shape, with an anterior component within Meckel's cave and posterior component extending into the posterior fossa through the porus trigeminus. Surgical resection of TNSs can often be achieved via an extradural subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave without an anterior petrousectomy, even for tumors with a significant posterior fossa component, as the tumor often erodes a portion of the petrous apex.
1
We present the case of a 53-yr-old female presenting to our institution with complete trigeminal neuropathy secondary to a right-sided, previously resected and radiated TNS. Serial imaging demonstrated an interval growth of significant residual tumor despite multiple adjuvant therapies, and, thus, the patient was recommended to undergo additional surgical resection. The lesion was approached through a right-sided subtemporal approach to Meckel's cave,
2
with a plan to utilize an anterior petrousectomy only if difficulty resecting the posterior fossa component of the tumor was encountered. Intraoperatively, the posterior fossa component was found to be densely adherent to the adjacent brainstem, likely secondary to prior surgery and radiation therapy, and, thus, an anterior petrousectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient had stable trigeminal neuropathy without any new neurological deficits and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a gross total resection. In the accompanying video, we hope to demonstrate the steps and nuances of both the subtemporal approach to accessing Meckel's cave and anterior petrousectomy when employed for the resection of TNSs.
The patient in question provided formal consent for the making of this video.
Unexpected Decrease in Shunt Surgeries Performed during the Shelter-in-Place Period of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Laxpati Nealen , Bray David P , Wheelus Jennifer , Hamilton Kimberly , Boydston William , Reisner Andrew , Sawvel Michael , Chern Joshua J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It is expected that the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt malfunctions would remain unchanged during the shelter-in-place period related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE
To examine the number of shunt surgeries performed in a single institution during this time interval in comparison to equivalent periods in past years.

METHODS
The numbers of elective and emergent/urgent shunt surgeries performed at a single institution were queried for a 28-d period starting on the third Monday of March, between years 2015 and 2020. These were further stratified by how they presented as well as the type of surgery performed.

RESULTS
During the 28-d period of interest, in the years between 2015 and 2020, there was a steady increase in the number of shunt surgeries performed, with a maximum of 64 shunt surgeries performed in 2019. Of these, approximately 50% presented in urgent fashion in any given year. In the 4-wk period starting March 16, 2020, a total of 32 shunt surgeries were performed, with 15 of those cases presenting from the outpatient setting in emergent/urgent fashion. For the surgeries performed, there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of revision shunt surgeries performed.

CONCLUSION
During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, there was an unexpected decrease in the number of shunt surgeries performed, and particularly in the number of revision surgeries performed. This suggests that an environmental factor related to the pandemic is altering the presentation rate of shunt malfunctions.
A MODEL FOR EVALUATING THE USE OF IMAGING IN IMAGE-GUIDED INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES—POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS ON OPTIMISATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION
Authors: Lundh C , Ivarsson J , Falkenberg M , Båth M , Almén A 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present study focuses on introducing the concept of optimisation and proposing a model, including evaluation of image quality, to be used in the clinical routines where image-guided intervention is being performed. The overall aim of the study was to develop a model for evaluating the use of imaging in X-ray-guided interventional procedures and its possible implications on optimisation of radiation protection. In the search for an adequate evaluation model, data from endovascular interventions of the aorta (EVAR procedures) were used. The procedure was schematically described in steps. Every imaging event was connected to the steps in the medical procedure and was also described with the purpose of the imaging event. Available technical, as well as procedural parameters, were studied and analysed. Data were collected from the X-ray equipment for 70 EVAR procedures and, out of these, 12 procedures were randomly selected to be recorded on video to understand the procedure better. It was possible to describe the EVAR procedures in a general way with explanations of the clinical purpose connected to each imaging event. Possible quality parameters of the procedure were identified for the imaging events (radiation dose, image quality). The model method still needs to be refined and will then be applied to clinical data and to other clinical procedures to test the validity.
The more the merrier? Inventor team size, diversity, and innovation quality
Authors: Hu Die , She Maoyan , Ye Lingfeng , Wang Zhiwei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Although teamwork shows stronger innovation ability than individuals and this advantage has been increasing over time, the negative effects of larger teams also appear as the number of inventor members increases. This study discusses the double-edged sword role of inventor teams in innovation quality at two extremes: the high quality and the low quality. We argue that, inventor team size influences innovation quality because diversity works in the evolutionary process of innovation, but different types of diversity play distinct moderating roles in these relationships. Using patent data from the US pharmaceutical industry, empirical results show that there is an inverted U-shape relationship between inventor team size and high-quality innovation, and a negative relationship between inventor team size and low-quality innovation. These relationships are moderated at different degree by technological and geographic diversity. Our findings contribute to existing literature of innovation and also provide meaningful implications for innovation management.
The “Stuff” of Class: How Property Rules in Preschool Reproduce Class Inequality
Authors: Stockstill Casey 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
How does access to property shape children’s experiences of institutions? Can access to property in preschool counter class inequality? Using two years of ethnographic data from a preschool serving middle-class, white children and a preschool serving poor children of color, I explore how access to and control over objects such as toys shapes children’s school experiences. I found that preschools created different experiences of property: precarious property and protected property. Poor children of color experienced precarious property: personal objects were forbidden at school due to the risk of theft or loss. Teachers’ loose supervision meant that children sometimes had classroom toys taken by peers. In contrast, middle-class, white children experienced protected property; teachers’ rules encouraged children to bring some personal property, which was kept safe at school. Teachers’ close supervision also allowed children to securely enjoy classroom toys. These property rules meant that white, middle-class preschoolers could assert individuality and control through property. Meanwhile, poor preschoolers of color had limited school-sponsored opportunities to assert individuality through personal property. I argue that property rules at preschool can reproduce class inequality.
Norepinephrine-Induced Peripheral Ischemia Leading to Gangrene: A Case Series
Authors: Wilson Michael , Schafer Kristin , Goldschmidt Eric , Wu Benita , Simman Richard 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Norepinephrine is used in the acute care setting to establish and maintain hemodynamic stability in patients with hypotension. Although it is often a lifesaving medication, norepinephrine may lead to profound vascular insufficiency in the extremities, resulting in dry gangrene and skin necrosis. The purpose of this article is to present a case series of skin complications related to treatment with norepinephrine and review the pathophysiology behind these complications. The authors also explore risk stratification as it relates to history and clinical presentation with subsequent focus on contingencies to mitigate the adverse effects of vasoconstriction on peripheral tissues.
Impact of montelukast as add on treatment to the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19): protocol for an investigator-initiated open labeled randomized controlled pragmatic trial
Authors: Tavares Margarida , Farraia Mariana , Silva Susana , Ribeiro Ana Margarida , Severo Milton , Paciência Inês , Ribeiro Raquel , Hespanhol Venceslau , Guimarães João Tiago , Almeida Jorge , Magro Fernando , Sarmento António , Oliveira Ana Marta , Moreira André 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background:
Montelukast, a safe drug widely use in asthmatic patients, may be an adjuvant in the treatment of Covid-19, either by improving lung injury and inflammation, or by acting as an anti-viral drug. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of montelukast as add-on treatment in patients with Covid-19.

Methods:
We propose a randomized, controlled, parallel, open-label trial involving 160 hospitalized adult patients with confirmed Covid-19. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either montelukast 10 mg, once a day for 14 days, in addition to standard of care (SoC), or SoC alone. SoC will follow the best practice for treating these patients, according to updated recommendations. The primary outcome is time to recovery. Participants will be assessed using diary cards to capture data on treatment-related improvements in an 8-point ordinal scale. Secondary endpoints will include changes in respiratory and inflammatory parameters, and adverse events. This phase IV clinical trial will take place at the University Hospital of São João, Porto. EudraCT number: 2020-001747-21.

Results:
This study intends to generate scientific evidence on efficacy and safety of montelukast as add-on treatment in Covid-19. The results will be essential to improve clinical outcomes which remains to be determined.

Conclusion:
Montelukast has been suggested as a potential drug with 2 main actions on Covid-19. The validation of montelukast as an adjuvant treatment may improve lung injury, inflammation, and symptoms leading to a better prognosis. The use of this drug may fulfil the existing gap on therapeutic options.
Antibody Response after First-dose of ChAdOx1-nCOV (Covishield™®) and BBV-152 (Covaxin™®) amongst Health Care Workers in India: Preliminary Results of Cross-sectional Coronavirus Vaccine-induced Antibody Titre (COVAT) study
Authors: Singh Awadhesh Kumar , Phatak Sanjeev Ratnakar , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Gupta Arvind , Sharma Arvind , Bhattacharjee Kingshuk , Singh Ritu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundTwo vaccines are currently being administered in India to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We assessed the humoral immune response after the first dose of two vaccines ChAdOx1-nCOV (Covishield™) and BBV-152 (Covaxin™) in Indian health care workers (HCW).MethodsThis ongoing, Pan-India, Cross-sectional, Coronavirus Vaccine-induced Antibody Titre (COVAT) study is being conducted amongst HCW, with or without past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike binding antibody is being assessed quantitatively at four timepoints between 21 days or more after the first dose to 6 months after the second dose. Primary aim is to analyze antibody response following each dose of both vaccines and its correlation to age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities. Here we report the preliminary results of anti-spike antibody response after the first dose.ResultsAmongst the 552 HCW (325 Male, 227 Female), 456 and 96 received first dose of Covishield and Covaxin respectively. Overall, 79.3% showed seropositivity after the first dose. Responder rate and median (IQR) rise in anti-spike antibody was significantly higher in Covishield vs. Covaxin recipient (86.8 vs. 43.8%; 61.5 vs. 6 AU/ml; both p<0.001). This difference persisted in propensity-matched (age, sex and BMI) analysis in 172 subjects. No difference was observed with age, gender and BMI. History of hypertension had lower responder rate (65.7 vs. 82.3%, p=0.001). Covishield recipient had more adverse event vs. Covaxin arm (46.7 vs. 31.2%, p=0.006). Presence of comorbidities, past SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine types used were independent predictors for seropositivity after the first dose, in multiple logistic regression analysis.ConclusionsWhile both vaccines elicited immune response, seropositivity rates to anti-spike antibody were significantly higher in Covishield recipient compared to Covaxin after the first dose. Ongoing COVAT study will further enlighten the immune response between two vaccines after the second dose.HighlightsThis study evaluated the humoral antibody response of two SARS-CoV-2 vaccines Covishield™ and Covaxin™ in Indian health-care workers.Both vaccines showed seropositivity to anti-spike antibody, 21 days or more after the first dose.Responder rates were higher in Covishield recipient compared to Covaxin in propensity-matched cohorts.Past SARS-CoV-2 infection, presence of comorbidities and vaccine type received were independent predictors of antibody response after the first dose.
Critical Care Resources and Disaster Preparedness Survey 2020
Authors: Finfer Simon , Hammond Naomi , Vijayaraghavan Bharath Kumar Tirupakuzhi , Ling Lowell , Thwaites Louise , Abbenbroek Brett 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate critical care resourcing and the clinical management of sepsis in lower-middle income, upper-middle income and high income countries across the Asia Pacific region.BackgroundSepsis is a time-critical complex condition that requires evidence-based care delivered by appropriate levels of well trained, qualified and experienced staff supported by proactive organisational and quality processes, sophisticated technologies and reliable infrastructure. In 2017, the estimated sepsis incidence in the Asia Pacific region ranged from 120 to 200 per 100,000 population in Australia and New Zealand to 2500 to 3400 per 100,000 population in India. Currently, there is limited information on the organisational structures, human resources, clinical standards, laboratory support and the therapeutic options available in the Asia Pacific region to treat sepsis.MethodProspective electronic survey.ResultsRepresentatives of 59 hospitals from 15 countries responded. Provision of critical care and the management of sepsis varied considerably between lower-middle income, upper-middle income and high income countries. Specific differences include nurse to patient ratios and availability of allied health services.Conventional organ support modalities such as mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation were commonly available. Even advanced life support like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was available in at least 60% of surveyed ICUs. However, in contrast, essential monitoring devices including EtCO2 were not universally available.Lower-middle income countries had considerably lower provisions for isolation and surge capacity to support pandemic and disaster management, though basic personal protective equipment was widely available.A majority of ICUs used the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines or the adapted version for lower-middle income countries, though only 21% of ICUs in lower-middle income countries used the adapted version. While essential antimicrobials were accessible across most ICUs, availability of reserve antibiotics was limited.ConclusionThe disparities identified in this survey inform healthcare workers and health services, policy makers and governments on the priorities for action to improve the delivery of critical care and sepsis outcomes in this region.
Probability and Estimated Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in the Air Travel System: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pang Jenna K. , Jones Stephen P. , Waite Lindsay L. , Olson Nels A. , Atmur Robert J. , Cummins Joshua J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs an emerging virus, SARS-CoV-2 and the risk of transmission during air travel is of high interest. This paper estimates the probability of an infectious index passenger in the air travel system transmitting the SARS-CoV-2 virus to a fellow passenger during air travel. Literature was reviewed from May–September 2020 to identify COVID-19 cases related to the air travel system. The studies were limited to publicly available literature for passengers starting in January 2020; studies on other persons such as flight crews were not reviewed. A novel quantitative approach was developed to estimate air travel transmission risk that considers secondary cases, the overall air travel passenger population, and two correction factors for asymptomatic transmission and underreporting. There were at least 2866 index infectious passengers documented to have passed through the air travel system in a 1.4 billion passenger population. With correction factors, the global risk of transmission during air travel is 1:1.7 million. Uncertainty in the correction factors and a 95% credible interval indicate risk ranges from 1 case for every 712,000 travelers to 1 case for every 8 million travelers. The risk of COVID-19 transmission on an aircraft is low, even with infectious persons onboard.
First record of ‘tail-belting’ in two species of free-ranging rodents (Apodemus flavicollis and Apodemus agrarius): Adaptation to prevent frostbite?
Authors: Stryjek Rafal , Parsons Michael H. , Bebas Piotr 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRodents are among the most successful mammals because they have the ability to adapt to a broad range of environmental conditions. Here, we present the first record of a hitherto unknown thermal adaptation to low temperatures that repeatedly occurred in two species of non-commensal rodents (Apodemus flavicollisandApodemus agrarius) between January 16 and February 11, 2021. The classic rodent literature implies that rodents prevent heat loss via a broad range of behavioral adaptations including sheltering, sitting on their tails, curling into a ball, or huddling with conspecifics. Yet, we have repeatedly observed an undescribed behavior which we refer to as “tail-belting”. The behavior was performed during the lowest temperatures, whereby animals - which were attracted out of their over-wintering burrows for a highly-palatable food reward - lift and curl the tail medially, before resting it on the dorsal, medial rump while feeding or resting between feeding bouts. We documented 115 instances of the tail-belting behavior; 38 inApodemus agrarius, and 77 inApodemus flavicollis. InA. flavicollis, this behavior was only observed below −6.9C, and occurred more often than inA. Agrarius. The latter only demonstrated the behavior below −9.5C. We further detail the environmental conditions under which the behavior is performed, and provide possible functions. We then set several directions for future research in this area.