bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Planning and Osteotomy Designs in the Correction of Single-Suture Craniosynostosis
Authors: Bertrand Anthony A. , Hu Allison C. , Lee Justine C. 
Published: January 2021

Background
Craniosynostosis is among the abnormalities that are more commonly encountered by craniofacial surgeons. Although the overall concepts for cranial vault remodeling are relatively simple, osteotomy designs and methods for calvarial rearrangement are highly varied. In this work, we present a summary of the known designs for correction of single-suture craniosynostosis.

Methods
A review of the literature was performed of the more frequently used osteotomy designs for single-suture craniosynostosis, as well as their reported results and outcomes. Also reviewed are some of the current available approaches for the diagnosis and surgical planning for single-suture craniosynostosis.

Results
There remains a diversity of techniques available for the reconstruction of each fused cranial suture. Certain osteotomy designs are reported in the literature and are used by craniofacial surgeons more frequently. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages, and there is a growing body of outcome data available to guide surgical decision-making. Regarding diagnosis and surgical planning, computed tomography with 3-dimensional reconstruction remains the diagnostic standard of care, and efforts are ongoing to develop and implement new diagnostic modalities like Black Bone MRI to reduce radiation exposure.

Conclusions
There has been ongoing evolution of the surgical techniques available to reconstruct single-suture craniosynostosis, leading to ever-improving patient outcomes.
Feasibility of Customised Polymethyl Methacrylate Implants Fabricated Using 3D Printed Flexible Moulds for Correction of Facial Skeletal Deformities
Authors: Jain Rahul , Mahendru Sanjay , Aggarwal Aditya , Brajesh Vimalendu , Aulakh Hardeep Singh , Singh Sukhdeep , Jain Ankit , Khazanchi Rakesh K. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Use of patient specific Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants for the reconstruction of cranial defects has become a standard practice with excellent long-term results. However, for the reconstruction of midface and mandibular osseous defects other alloplastic materials are preferred but their use is limited due to high cost. This is a report of our experience with the use of low-cost patient specific PMMA implants fabricated using 3D printed moulds in the reconstruction of osseous defects involving different areas of the facial skeleton not limited to cranium.

Methods:
The 25 consecutive patients with craniofacial osseous defects who underwent reconstruction using customized PMMA implants were analyzed. All PMMA implants were fabricated intraoperatively with the use of 3D printed flexible moulds or templates.

Results:
A total of 34 implants were used in 25 consecutive patients. Out of 34 implants 25 were used for midface and mandibular osseous defects. Most common etiology was post-traumatic deformity (n = 19) followed by tumor (n = 3), craniofacial anomalies (n = 2) and post-craniotomy (n = 1). One patient out of 25 (n = 1) had postoperative implant exposure. The follow-up was ranged from 3 to 19 months with an average of 12 months. The aesthetic outcome was found to be good to excellent with mean visual analogue score of 4.08.

Conclusions:
Polymethyl methacrylate implants fabricated intraoperatively using 3D printed moulds provide accurate and precise reconstruction at an exceptionally low cost. PMMA has an excellent moulding property with low infection rates. As shown in our study its application may be easily extended to all areas of the craniofacial skeleton.
Infraorbital Nerve Decompression for Chronic Post Traumatic Neuralgia: A Novel Approach and Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Piezoelectric Surgery on Soft Tissues and Nerves
Authors: Viennas Lambros K. , Wagner Maxwell S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Chronic post traumatic infraorbital nerve (ION) hyperesthesia is a rare complication of orbital floor fractures. Surgical decompression of the ION has been reported to relieve chronic post traumatic infraorbital neuralgia. This case report describes a novel approach for ION decompression in a patient who suffered from chronic infraorbital neuralgia associated with a healed displaced orbital floor fracture. We used an intraoperative 3D image-guided navigation system to accurately localize the fracture site and employed piezoelectric surgery for nerve decompression. We further review the literature on the safety and efficacy of piezoelectric surgery on soft tissue and nerves.
Time Reduction by Prebending Osteosynthesis Plates Using 3D-Printed Anatomical Models, In Patients Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
Authors: Rendón-Medina Marco Aurelio , Hanson-Viana Erik , Montoya-García Silvia Claudia , Vázquez-Morales Hecly Lya , Pacheco-López Ricardo César 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
The incidence of facial bones fractures is 18 to 32 for each 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected population are young working people. Fractures are most commonly caused by assaults and motor vehicle accidents. Its cost of care reaches 1.06 billion dollars. Premodeling osteosynthesis plates with anatomical models can decrease surgical time, bleeding, and increase patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of premodeled osteosynthesis plates, using anatomical models in patients with facial fractures.

Material and Methods:
Patients with facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation were included—Group A without premolding plates and Group B with premolding. The variables studied were: age, sex, etiology of the fractures, number of fractures, among other variables that reflect the quality of the results.

Results:
A total of 17 osteosynthesis plates were included in 6 patients. The age was 22 to 47 years; all patients were male. The maximum surgery time was 129 to 300 minutes. The average time to start work was 4.8 weeks. When comparing the variables between the groups, we found no difference between the groups for bleeding P = 0.24, the start of work P = 0.19, the time of surgery P = 0.082, or for osteosynthesis time P = 0.15. There was only a significant difference in patient satisfaction, P = 0.04.

Conclusions:
The evidence collected shows that premodeling the plates only improves patients’ satisfaction among facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation.
Motor Protein MYO1C is Critical for Photoreceptor Opsin Trafficking and Visual Function
Authors: Solanki Ashish K. , Walterhouse Stephen , Martin René , Obert Elisabeth , Arif Ehtesham , Rahman Bushra , Rohrer Barbel , Lipschutz Joshua , Mukherjee Rupak D. , Norris Russell A. , Sundstrom Jeffery , Knölker Hans-Joachim , Husain Shahid , Biswal Manas R. , Nihalani Deepak , Lobo Glenn P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnconventional myosins linked to deafness are also proposed to play a role in retinal cell physiology. However, their direct role in photoreceptor function remains unclear. We demonstrate that systemic loss of the unconventional myosin MYO1C in mice specifically affected opsin trafficking, leading to loss of visual function. Electroretinogram analysis ofMyo1cknockout (Myo1c-KO) mice showed a progressive loss of photoreceptor function. Immunohistochemistry and binding assays demonstrated MYO1C localization to photoreceptor inner and outer segments (OS) and identified a direct interaction of rhodopsin with the MYO1C cargo domain. InMyo1c-KO retinas, rhodopsin mislocalized to rod inner segments (IS) and cell bodies, while cone opsins in OS showed punctate staining. In aged mice, the histological and ultrastructural examination of the phenotype ofMyo1c-KO retinas showed progressively shorter photoreceptor OS. These results demonstrate that MYO1C is critical for opsin trafficking to the photoreceptor OS and for normal visual function.
Vaccination in a two-group epidemic model
Authors: Aniţa Sebastian , Banerjee Malay , Ghosh Samiran , Volpert Vitaly 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEpidemic progression depends on the structure of the population. We study a two-group epidemic model with the difference between the groups determined by the rate of disease transmission. The basic reproduction number, the maximal and the total number of infected individuals are characterized by the proportion between the groups. We consider different vaccination strategies and determine the outcome of the vaccination campaign depending on the distribution of vaccinated individuals between the groups.
Prioritizing the Role of Major Lipoproteins and Subfractions as Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Levin Michael G. , Zuber Verena , Walker Venexia M. , Klarin Derek , Lynch Julie , Malik Rainer , Aday Aaron W. , Bottolo Leonardo , Pradhan Aruna D. , Dichgans Martin , Chang Kyong-Mi , Rader Daniel J. , Tsao Philip S. , Voight Benjamin F. , Gill Dipender , Burgess Stephen , Damrauer Scott M. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundCirculating lipid and lipoprotein levels have consistently been identified as risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), largely on the basis of studies focused on coronary artery disease (CAD). The relative contributions of specific lipoproteins to risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) have not been well-defined. Here, we leveraged large scale genetic association data to identify genetic proxies for circulating lipoprotein-related traits, and employed Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate their effects on PAD risk.MethodsGenome-wide association study summary statistics for PAD (Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program, 31,307 cases) and CAD (CARDIoGRAMplusC4D, 60,801 cases) were used in the Mendelian Randomization Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) framework to prioritize the most likely causal major lipoprotein and subfraction risk factors for PAD and CAD. Mendelian randomization was used to estimate the effect of apolipoprotein B lowering on PAD risk using gene regions that proxy potential lipid-lowering drug targets. Transcriptome-wide association studies were performed to identify genes relevant to circulating levels of prioritized lipoprotein subfractions.ResultsApoB was identified as the most likely causal lipoprotein-related risk factor for both PAD (marginal inclusion probability 0.86, p = 0.003) and CAD (marginal inclusion probability 0.92, p = 0.005). Genetic proxies for ApoB-lowering medications were associated with reduced risk of both PAD (OR 0.87 per 1 standard deviation decrease in ApoB, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.91, p = 9 × 10−10) and CAD (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.69, p = 4 × 10−73), with a stronger predicted effect of ApoB-lowering on CAD (ratio of ORs 1.33, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.42, p = 9 × 10−19). Among ApoB-containing subfractions, extra-small VLDL particle concentration (XS.VLDL.P) was identified as the most likely subfraction associated with PAD risk (marginal inclusion probability 0.91, p = 2.3 × 10−4), while large LDL particle concentration (L.LDL.P) was the most likely subfraction associated with CAD risk (marginal inclusion probability 0.95, p = 0.011). Genes associated with XS.VLDL.P and L.LDL.P included canonical ApoB-pathway components, although gene-specific effects varied across the lipoprotein subfractions.ConclusionApoB was prioritized as the major lipoprotein fraction causally responsible for both PAD and CAD risk. However, diverse effects of ApoB-lowering drug targets and ApoB-containing lipoprotein subfractions on ASCVD, and distinct subfraction-associated genes suggest possible biologic differences in the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of PAD and CAD.
A national survey of potential acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in healthcare workers in Egypt
Authors: Hussein Aliae AR Mohamed , Galal Islam , Makhlouf Nahed A , Makhlouf Hoda A , Abd-Elaal Howaida K , Kholief Karima MS , Saad Mahmoud M , Abdellah Doaa A 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSince the start of COVID-19 outbreak investigators are competing to develop and exam vaccines against COVID-19. It would be valuable to protect the population especially health care employees from COVID-19 infection. The success of COVID-19 vaccination programs will rely heavily on public willingness to accept the vaccine.AimsThis study aimed to describe the existing COVID-19 vaccine approval landscape among the health care providers and to identify the most probable cause of agreement or disagreement of COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was done.ResultsThe present study included 496 health care employees, 55% were at age group from 18-45 years old. History of chronic diseases was recorded in 40.4%, and definite history of drug/food allergy in 10.1%. Only 13.5% totally agree to receive the vaccine, 32.4% somewhat agree and 40.9% disagreed to take the vaccine. Causes of disagreement were none safety, fear of genetic mutation and recent techniques and believe that the vaccine is not effective (57%, 20.2%, 17.7% and 16.6% respectively). The most trusted vaccine was the mRNA based vaccine. The age of health care employees and the presence of comorbidities or chronic diseases were the main factors related to COVID-19 acceptance (P<0.001 and 0.02 respectively).ConclusionVaccine hesitancy is not uncommon in healthcare employees in Egypt and this may be an alarming barrier of vaccine acceptance in the rest of population. There is an urgent need to start campaigns to increase the awareness of the vaccine importance.
Maternal prenatal stress during the first trimester and infant birthweight in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Kim Andrew Wooyoung , Mohamed Rihlat Said , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Norris Shane A. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundApproximately 14.2% of newborns are estimated to be born low birth weight (LBW) in South Africa. Past work has implicated maternal prenatal stress as a potent predictor of poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, and LBW. However, less is presently known about the impacts of prenatal stress during early gestation in low- and middle-income contexts, where public health burdens due to LBW are much higher.ObjectiveWe assess the effects of psychosocial stress during the first trimester on birthweight in a large sample of women (n = 657) in Soweto, South Africa, a peri-urban township located in the Greater Johannesburg area.MethodsData come from the Soweto First 1000 Days Cohort, a study of maternal and fetal predictors of infant birth outcomes. Multiple regression models were used to examine the impact of prenatal stress on infant birthweight.ResultsThe prevalence of LBW was 16.6%. Adjusting for maternal age, gestational age, fetal gender, body mass index, and parity, maternal prenatal stress during the first trimester was a borderline predictor of lower birthweight in this sample (β = 12.7, p = 0.071, 95% CI [-26.4, 1.10]). Women who reported greater levels of stress appeared to have non-significantly longer gestations, and the negative impact of maternal stress on birthweight only appeared after adjusting for this pattern.ConclusionsThese results suggest that fetal growth restriction associated with first trimester maternal stress may contribute to lower birthweights in this sample. Our findings report modest relationships between maternal stress specific to early gestation as likely important to birth outcomes in this urban South African sample.
High Throughput Screening for Expanded CTG repeats in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Using Melt Curve Analysis
Authors: Butterfield Russell J , Imburgia Carina , Mayne Katie , Newcomb Tara , Dunn Diane M , Duval Brett , Feldkamp Marcia L , Johnson Nicholas E , Weiss Robert B 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by CTG repeat expansions in the DMPK gene and is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. Patients can have long delays from onset to diagnosis, since clinical signs and symptoms are often non-specific and overlapping with other disorders. Clinical genetic testing by Southern blot or triplet-primed PCR (TP-PCR) is technically challenging and cost prohibitive for population surveys.MethodsHere, we present a high throughput, low-cost screening tool for CTG repeat expansions using TP-PCR followed by high resolution melt curve analysis with saturating concentrations of SYBR GreenER dye.ResultsWe determined that multimodal melt profiles from the TP-PCR assay are a proxy for amplicon length stoichiometry. In a screen of 10,097 newborn blood spots, melt profile analysis accurately reflected the tri-modal distribution of common alleles from 5 to 35 CTG repeats, and identified the premutation and full expansion alleles.ConclusionWe demonstrate that robust detection of expanded CTG repeats in a single tube can be achieved from samples derived from specimens with minimal template DNA such as dried blood spots (DBS). This technique is readily adaptable to large-scale testing programs such as population studies and newborn screening programs.
Acquired olfactory loss alters functional connectivity and morphology
Authors: Iravani Behzad , Peter Moa G. , Arshamian Artin , Olsson Mats J. , Hummel Thomas , Kitzler Hagen H. , Lundström Johan N. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTRemoving function from a developed and functional sensory system is known to alter both cerebral morphology and functional connections. To date, a majority of studies assessing sensory-dependent plasticity have focused on effects from either early onset or long-term sensory loss and little is known how the recent sensory loss affects the human brain. With the aim of determining how recent sensory loss affects cerebral morphology and functional connectivity, we assessed differences between individuals with acquired olfactory loss (duration 7-36 months, n=20) and matched healthy controls (n=23) in their grey matter volume, using multivariate pattern analyses, and functional connectivity, using dynamic connectivity analyses, within and from the olfactory cortex. Our results demonstrate that acquired olfactory loss alters grey matter volume in, among others, posterior piriform cortex, a core olfactory processing area, as well as the inferior frontal gyrus and angular gyrus. In addition, compared to controls, individuals with acquired anosmia displayed significantly stronger dynamic functional connectivity from the posterior piriform cortex to, among others, the angular gyrus, a known multisensory integration area. No significantly stronger connectivity in healthy control participants were demonstrated. When assessing differences in dynamic functional connectivity from the angular gyrus, individuals with acquired anosmia had stronger connectivity from the angular gyrus to areas primary responsible for basic visual and taste processing. These results demonstrate that recently acquired sensory loss alters both cerebral morphology within core olfactory areas and increase dynamic functional connectivity from olfactory cortex to cerebral areas processing multisensory integration.
The visual cortex produces gamma band echo in response to broadband visual flicker
Authors: Zhigalov Alexander , Duecker Katharina , Jensen Ole 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to uncover the network dynamics of the human visual cortex by driving it with a broadband random visual flicker. We here applied a broadband flicker (1–720 Hz) while measuring the MEG and then estimated the temporal response function (TRF) between the visual input and the MEG response. This TRF revealed an early response in the 40–60 Hz gamma range as well as in the 8–12 Hz alpha band. While the gamma band response is novel, the latter has been termed the alpha band perceptual echo. The gamma echo preceded the alpha perceptual echo. The dominant frequency of the gamma echo was subject-specific thereby reflecting the individual dynamical properties of the early visual cortex. To understand the neuronal mechanisms generating the gamma echo, we implemented a pyramidal-interneuron gamma (PING) model that produces gamma oscillations in the presence of constant input currents. Applying a broadband input current mimicking the visual stimulation allowed us to estimate TRF between the input current and the population response (akin to the local field potentials). The TRF revealed a gamma echo that was similar to the one we observed in the MEG data. Our results suggest that the visual gamma echo can be explained by the dynamics of the PING model even in the absence of sustained gamma oscillations.Author SummaryThe properties of the neuronal dynamics governing the visual system are highly debated. While some emphasize the neuronal firing rate and evoked activity in response to visual stimuli, others emphasize the oscillatory neuronal dynamics. To investigate the dynamical properties of the visual system, we recorded the magnetoencephalography while stimulating the visual system using a broadband (1–720 Hz) visual flicker. By estimating the temporal response function (similar to cross-correlation) between the visual input and neuronal activity, we demonstrated a clear response in the gamma band that we term the gamma echo. We then constructed a physiologically realistic network model that could generate gamma-band oscillations by a pyramidal-interneuron gamma (PING) mechanism. This model allowed us to account for empirically observed response in the gamma band, and to provide novel insight on the neuronal dynamics governing the early visual system. The stage is now set for further investigating how the gamma echo is modulated by tasks such as spatial attention as well as uncovering how the echo might propagate in the visual hierarchy.
Lymphotoxin β receptor: A crucial role in innate and adaptive immune responses againstToxoplasmagondii
Authors: Tersteegen Anne , Sorg Ursula R. , Virgen-Slane Richard , Helle Marcel , Petzsch Patrick , Dunay Ildiko R. , Köhrer Karl , Degrandi Daniel , Ware Carl F. , Pfeffer Klaus 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe LTβR plays an essential role in the initiation of immune responses to intracellular pathogens. In mice, the LTβR is crucial for surviving acute toxoplasmosis, however, up to now a functional analysis is largely incomplete. Here, we demonstrate that the LTβR is a key regulator required for the intricate balance of adaptive immune responses.T. gondiiinfected LTβR−/−mice show globally altered IFNγ regulation, reduced IFNγ-controlled host effector molecule expression, impaired T cell functionality and an absent anti-parasite specific IgG response resulting in a severe loss of immune control of the parasites. Reconstitution of LTβR−/−mice with toxoplasma immune serum significantly prolongs the survival followingT. gondiiinfection. Notably, analysis of RNAseq data clearly indicates a specific effect ofT. gondiiinfection on the B cell response and isotype switching. This study unfolds the decisive role of the LTβR in cytokine regulation and adaptive immune responses to controlT. gondii.