bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Pediatric General Surgery: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Almogbel Gassan T. , Altokhais Tariq I. , Alhothali Abdulaziz , Aljasser Abdulaziz Sami , Al-Qahtani Khalid M. , Arab Sadiq F. , Alsweirki Helmi M. H. , Albassam Abdulrahman 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective Despite being the most common postoperative complication and having associated morbidity and mortality that increase health care costs, surgical site infection (SSI) has not received adequate attention and deserves further study. Previous reports in children were limited to SSI in certain populations. We conducted this retrospective case–control study to determine the incidence and possible risk factors for SSI following pediatric general surgical procedures.
Methods This was a retrospective case–control matched cohort study of all patients aged 0 to 14 years who underwent pediatric general surgical procedures between June 2015 and July 2018. The electronic medical records were searched for a diagnosis of SSI. Control subjects were randomly selected at a 4:1 ratio from patients who underwent identical procedures. Multiple risk factors were evaluated by bivariate analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression.
Results A total of 1,520 patients underwent a general pediatric procedure during the study period, and of these, 47 (3.09%) developed SSIs. A bivariate analysis showed that patients with SSIs were younger, were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit/pediatric intensive care unit (NICU/PICU) preoperatively, were more severely ill as measured by the ASA classification, underwent multiple procedures, had more surgical complications, and were transferred to the NICU/PICU postoperatively. A multivariate analysis identified four independent predictors of SSI: age, preoperative NICU/PICU admission, number of procedures, and ASA classification.
Conclusion Younger children with preoperative admission to the NICU/PICU, those who underwent multiple procedures and those who were severely ill as measured by their ASA classification were significantly more likely to develop SSIs.
Massively Parallel Sequencing of 43 Arrhythmia Genes in a Selected SUDI Cohort from Cape Town
Authors: Heathfield Laura Jane , Watkins Hugh , Martin Lorna Jean , Ramesar Raj 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI) is a devastating event, and unfortunately occurs frequently in developing countries. The emerging molecular autopsy has added value to post-mortem investigations, where genetic variants were able to explain the unexpected demise. Many of these variants have been found in genes involved in arrythmia pathways. The aim of this study was to sequence 43 genes previously associated with cardiac arrhythmia in a selected cohort of SUDI cases (n = 19) in South Africa. A total of 335 variants were found among the 19 infants, of which four were novel. The variants were classified as “likely pathogenic” (n = 1), “variant of unknown significance” (n = 54), “likely benign” (n = 56) or “benign” (n = 224). The likely pathogenic variant was LMNA NM_170707.2:c.1279C > T (p.Arg427Cys) and was found in a 3-week-old male infant of African ancestry. Variants in LMNA have previously been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, with a typical age of onset in adulthood; therefore, this may be the first report in an infant. The yield of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the classic genes typically associated with channelopathies and sudden death, was less in this study compared with other settings. This finding highlights the importance of population-specific research to develop a molecular autopsy which is locally relevant.
Preoperative Determination of the Size of the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon by Multidetector Row CT Scanner for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Truong Pham N. , Toan Ngo V. , Nam Vũ H. , Fang William H. , Vangsness Jr C. Thomas , Han Bo , Hoang Ba X. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAccurately measuring the length and diameter of the hamstring tendon autograft preoperatively is important for planning anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) scanning technique to produce the actual measurement of the gracilis and semitendinosus (GT and ST, respectively) tendon grafts' length and diameter for surgery. Ninety patients were scheduled for ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Before the surgery, patients were examined under the multidetector row CT scanner and the ST and GT tendons were qualitatively measured by a volume-rendering technique. The length of ST and GT was measured with 3D CT compared with the length of the harvested ST and GT. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of ST and GT measured with 3D CT compared with the ST and GT graft diameter. Tendon size measured preoperatively and during surgery were statistically compared and correlated. The GT tendons length and cross-sectional area measured during surgery was both shorter and smaller compared with the ST tendon. GT and ST tendon length were correlated to patients' body index such as the height and weight (p < 0.05). However, the correlation levels were low to medium (r = 0.23–0.49). There was strong correlation between the lengths of GT (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) and ST (r = 0.87; p < 0.001) measured with the 3D CT and tendon length at surgery. There was a moderate correlation between graft diameter measured at surgery and 3D CT cross-sectional area (r = 0.31; p < 0.05). A multidetector row CT scanner can determine the ST and GT tendons' length and diameter. These measurements can be used for preoperative planning to help determine the surgical method and counsel patients on appropriate graft choices prior to surgery.
Treatment of a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient with the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Filter
Authors: Pape Anke , Kielstein Jan T. , Krüger Tillman , Fühner Thomas , Brunkhorst Reinhard 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a serious impact on health and economics worldwide. Even though the majority of patients present with moderate and mild symptoms, yet a considerable portion of patients need to be treated in the intensive care unit. Aside from dexamethasone, there is no established pharmacological therapy. Moreover, some of the currently tested drugs are contraindicated for special patient populations like remdesivir for patients with severely impaired renal function. On this background, several extracorporeal treatments are currently explored concerning their potential to improve the clinical course and outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Here, we report the use of the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter, which is licensed in the European Union for the removal of pathogens. Authorization for emergency use in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit with confirmed or imminent respiratory failure was granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 17, 2020.A 53-year-old Caucasian male with a severe COVID-19 infection was treated with a Seraph Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion after clinical deterioration and commencement of mechanical ventilation. The 70-minute treatment at a blood flow of 200 mL/minute was well tolerated, and the patient was hemodynamically stable. The hemoperfusion reduced D-dimers dramatically.This case report suggests that the use of Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion might have positive effects on the clinical course of critically ill patients with COVID-19. However, future prospective collection of data ideally in randomized trials will have to confirm whether the use of Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion is an option of the treatment for COVID-19.
Aristaless-Related Homeobox (ARX): Epilepsy Phenotypes beyond Lissencephaly and Brain Malformations
Authors: Scalia Bruna , Venti Valeria , Ciccia Lina M. , Criscione Roberta , Lo Bianco Manuela , Sciuto Laura , Falsaperla Raffaele , Zanghì Antonio , Praticò Andrea D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) transcription factor is involved in the development of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. ARX mutations have been associated with a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans and are responsible for both malformation (in particular lissencephaly) and nonmalformation complex phenotypes. The epilepsy phenotypes related to ARX mutations are West syndrome and X-linked infantile spasms, X-linked myoclonic epilepsy with spasticity and intellectual development and Ohtahara and early infantile epileptic encephalopathy syndrome, which are related in most of the cases to intellectual disability and are often drug resistant. In this article, we shortly reviewed current knowledge of the function of ARX with a particular attention on its consequences in the development of epilepsy during early childhood.
Comparison of High CPAP versus NIPPV in Preterm Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ahmad Hussain Alsaid , Deekonda Veena , Patel Waseemoddin , Thabane Lehana , Shah Prakesh S. , Mukerji Amit 
Published: April 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes following receipt of high continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in extremely preterm neonates.
Study Design We retrospectively compared outcomes of preterm neonates (22–28 weeks' gestation) following their first episode of either high CPAP (≥ 9 cm H2O) or NIPPV. Primary outcome was failure of high CPAP or NIPPV within 7 days, as determined by either need for intubation or use of an alternate noninvasive mode.
Results During the 3-year study period, 53 infants received high CPAP, while 119 patients received NIPPV. There were no differences in the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 0.49–3.01). The use of alternate mode of noninvasive support was higher with the use of high CPAP but no other outcome differences were noted.
Conclusion Based on this cohort, there was no difference in incidence of failure between high CPAP and NIPPV, although infants receiving high CPAP were more likely to require an alternate mode of noninvasive support.
Key Points
WDR45 Gene and Its Role in Pediatric Epilepsies
Authors: Filosco Federica , Billone Sebastiano , Collotta Ausilia , Timpanaro Tiziana , Tosto Monica , Falsaperla Raffaele , Marino Silvia , Zanghì Antonio , Praticò Andrea D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWD repeat domain 45 (WDR45) gene has been increasingly found in patients with developmental delay (DD) and epilepsy. Previously, WDR45 de novo mutations were reported in sporadic adult and pediatric patients presenting iron accumulation, while heterozygous mutations were associated with β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a subtype of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation disorders, characterized by extrapyramidal movement disorders and abnormal accumulation of iron in the basal ganglia. Overall, people harboring WDR45 mutations have moderate to severe DD and different types of seizures. The phenotype of adult patients is characterized by extrapyramidal movement, dystonia, parkinsonism, language impairment, and involvement of the substantia nigra and in the globus pallidus at brain magnetic resonance imaging. Importantly, there are no findings of brain iron accumulation in brain in BPAN patients in the first decade of life, thus suggesting a progressive course of the disease. Comparatively, the main phenotype of pediatric patients is epilepsy with early onset, most of which present infantile spasms and arrest or regression of psychomotor development. The phenotype of patients with WDR45 mutations is variable, being different if caused by somatic mosaicism or germline mutations, and presenting with a different spectrum of manifestations in males and females. The treatment of affected individuals is symptomatic. Regarding the seizures, specific, gene-based approaches with specific antiepileptic drugs are not currently available. The early diagnosis of BPAN could be useful in some aspects, such as providing families a supportive treatment to their affected children.
Comparison of the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score with the Glasgow Coma Scale as a Coma Assessment Scale in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Misirlioglu Merve , Yildizdas Dincer , Ekinci Faruk , Ozgur Horoz Ozden , Mert Gulen Gul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRapid assessment of cerebral dysfunction is crucial for the management of patients in intensive care units. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses, but is insufficient to effectively evaluate patients on mechanical ventilation, or who are unable to speak. The Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score includes additional information such as brainstem reflexes and respiratory status to provide a more complete clinical assessment. In this study, we aimed to compare the FOUR score with GCS in the assessment of patients with coma. This prospective study included patients between 1 month and under 18 years of age, who were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit due to risk of coma or ongoing impairment of consciousness between May 2018 and June 2019. Information regarding FOUR scores, GCS values, patient demographics, duration of hospitalization, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and patient comorbidities were recorded and analyzed. Among the 80 patients included in the study, a statistically significant correlation was found between (low) GCS and FOUR scores during admission, and mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Monitoring the level of consciousness is important in pediatric intensive care units and may be predictive of the course and disease outcome. Similar to the GCS, the FOUR score is a good indicator for predicting mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation.
Parental bias in expression and interaction of genes in the equine placenta
Authors: Dini Pouya , Kalbfleisch Theodore , Uribe-Salazar José M. , Carossino Mariano , Ali Hossam El-Sheikh , Loux Shavahn C. , Esteller-Vico Alejandro , Norris Jamie K. , Anand Lakshay , Scoggin Kirsten E. , Rodriguez Lopez Carlos M. , Breen James , Bailey Ernest , Daels Peter , Ball Barry A. 
Published: April 2021

SignificanceThe placenta is the fetomaternal interface, which is essential for fetal growth and survival, playing a central role in the health of both the fetus and its mother. The dynamic gene expression during pregnancy dramatically contributes to the correct functionality of this temporary tissue. The epitheliochorial placenta of the horse is a valuable resource to understand parent-of-origin expression due to minimal bias associated with remnants of maternal tissue compared to other eutherian mammals. Here, we identified genes whose transcription is biased to either the paternal or maternal chromosome in the equine placenta. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of regulatory processes in placental function, evolution, and disease, using horses as a model for eutherian mammals’ placenta.
Multi-Locus Identification of Psilocybe Cubensis by High-Resolution Melting (HRM)
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Yu Huan , Wang Ziwei , Yang Qi , Xia Ruocheng , Qu Yiling , Tao Ruiyang , Shi Yan , Xiang Ping , Zhang Suhua , Li Chengtao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Hallucinogenic mushroom is a kind of toxic strain containing psychoactive tryptamine substances such as psilocybin, psilocin and ibotenic acid, etc. The mushrooms containing hallucinogenic components are various, widely distributed and lack of standard to define, which made a great challenge to identification. Traditional identification methods, such as morphology and toxicology analysis, showed shortcomings in old or processed samples, while the DNA-based identification of hallucinogenic mushrooms would allow to identify these samples due to the stability of DNA. In this paper, four primer sets are designed to target Psilocybe cubensis DNA for increasing resolution of present identification method, and the target markers include largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (marked as PC-R1), psilocybin-related phosphotransferase gene (marked as PC-PT), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (marked as PC-3) and translation EF1α (marked as PC-EF). Real-time PCR with high-resolution melting (HRM) assay were used for the differentiation of the fragments amplified by these primer sets, which were tested for specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity, mixture analysis and multiplex PCR. It was shown that the melting temperatures of PC-R1, PC-PT, PC-3 and PC-EF of P. cubensis were (87.93 ± 0.12) °C, (82.21 ± 0.14) °C, (79.72 ± 0.12) °C and (80.11 ± 0.19) °C in our kinds of independent experiments. Significant HRM characteristic can be shown with a low concentration of 62.5 pg/µL DNA sample, and P. cubensis could be detected in mixtures with Homo sapiens or Cannabis sativa. In summary, the method of HRM analysis can quickly and specifically distinguish P. cubensis from other species, which could be utilized for forensic science, medical diagnosis and drug trafficking cases.
Human Capital in Court: The Role of Attorney Experience in US Supreme Court Litigation
Authors: Nelson Michael J. , Epstein Lee 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHuman capital theory suggests that work experience acquired through on-the-job-training primes people to be more successful. Empirical validations of this hypothesis are numerous, but limited evidence of the relevance of human capital for courtroom advocacy exists. We examine whether the outcomes obtained by experienced attorneys are significantly better than the outcomes they would have obtained as novices. Adopting a strategy for credible causal inference that could be applied to almost any peak court, the analysis shows that attorneys with experience, relative to first timers, are significantly and consistently more likely to win their cases and capture the votes of judges.
State Court Influence on US Supreme Court Opinions
Authors: Bowie Jennifer , Savchak Elisha Carol 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDespite our understanding that the US Supreme Court influences lower courts in a top-down fashion, we examine whether state courts influence Supreme Court work, namely, its majority opinions. This study of lower court influence on Supreme Court opinion writing investigates whether and when justices borrow language from state court opinions. While our fundamental interest is in whether the writings of state court judges are influential in Supreme Court opinions, we further investigate whether justices’ biases against elected judiciaries and favor for appointed systems play a role here. Our original data set includes Supreme Court cases reviewing state court decisions from 1995 to 2015. Results show that the potential for lower court influence differs for appointed versus elected state court judges, lending valuable insight into the discussion of judicial power and institutional design. Meanwhile, state courts play an important role in the development of law at the Supreme Court.
Enhanced room temperature energy storage density of Bi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 substituted Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Karakaya Merve , Adem Umut 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
For high power electronics applications, relaxor ferroelectrics are promising materials due to their superior energy storage properties. In this study, we investigate the energy storage properties of novel lead free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics (1−x)(0.92Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.08BaTiO3)–xBi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 (abbreviated as BNT–8BT–xBLT). BNT–8BT composition which is close to morphotropic phase boundary was chosen as the base due to its large maximum polarization (P
m) and higher ratio of weakly polar tetragonal phase which is expected to facilitate ergodic relaxor behavior and improve energy storage density. The substitution of BLT to the BNT–8BT strongly disrupts the correlations between the polar nanoregions and the transition from nonergodic to ergodic relaxor state occurs already at x = 0.02 BLT at room temperature. Largest energy density (W
rec) at 61 kV cm−1 was obtained for x = 0.02 sample (0.656 J cm−3), followed by x = 0.03 (W
rec = 0.614 J cm−3) and x = 0.05 (W
rec= 0.559 J cm−3). The x = 0.02 sample keeps its energy storage density at high temperatures (i.e. W
rec= 0.88 J cm−3,
η = 97%, E
m= 65 kV cm−1 at 125 °C), while larger electric field (up to 89 kV cm−1) could be applied to the x = 0.05 sample with the smallest grain size and energy density of 1.03 J cm−3 was reached at room temperature. Energy storage density values of BLT substituted materials normalized per unit applied electric field are promising among BNT-based materials.
In situ synchrotron XRD measurements during solidification of a melt in the CaO–SiO2 system using an aerodynamic levitation system
Authors: Schraut Katharina , Kargl Florian , Adam Christian , Ivashko Oleh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Phase formation and evolution was investigated in the CaO–SiO2 system in the range of 70–80 mol% CaO. The samples were container-less processed in an aerodynamic levitation system and crystallization was followed in situ by synchrotron x-ray diffraction at the beamline P21.1 at the German electron synchrotron (DESY). Modification changes of di- and tricalcium silicate were observed and occurred at lower temperatures than under equilibrium conditions. Despite deep sample undercooling, no metastable phase formation was observed within the measurement timescale of 1 s. For the given cooling rates ranging from 300 K s−1 to about 1 K s−1, no decomposition of tricalcium silicate was observed. No differences in phase evolution were observed between reducing and oxidizing conditions imposed by the levitation gas (Ar and Ar + O2). We demonstrate that this setup has great potential to follow crystallization in refractory oxide liquids in situ. For sub-second primary phase formation faster detection and for polymorph detection adjustments in resolution have to be implemented.
Assessing radiation risk perception by means of a European stakeholder survey
Authors: Della Monaca Sara , Dini Valentina , Grande Sveva , Palma Alessandra , Tkaczyk Alan H , Koch Rein , Murakas Rein , Perko Tanja , Duranova Tatiana , Salomaa Sisko , Roivainen Päivi , Willrodt Christine , Grigioni Mauro , Bouffler Simon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credibility of those entrusted with protection of the public and workers against radiation risks, the robustness of the approaches to protection and the relevance of research underpinning radiation protection (RP). The CONCERT European Joint Programme of RP research included consideration of stakeholder views. These were evaluated by means of a publicly available survey, translated into 15 languages, to encourage responses from a wide range of European countries. The survey ran in 2017 and received some 1961 responses from many countries, although response rates varied widely between countries. The survey respondents were largely highly educated, with many having a professional connection to RP or the use of radiation in medicine or industry. Survey results indicated a high level of scientific/technical knowledge relevant to RP and indicated a general trust of most actors involved in the RP field, perhaps unsurprisingly given the nature of the sampled population. Most expressed a reasonable level of satisfaction with the information available to them on radiation risk, but there is clearly room for improvement. Additionally, the survey identified potential training needs amongst the groups who responded. It is concluded that, while the survey results are limited by the non-representativeness of the respondents by comparison with the population of the European Union as a whole, it has been successful in gaining insights into areas where communication could be improved, where professional training gaps are present and where research could help to build wider trust in RP.