bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MFEprimer-3.0: quality control for PCR primers
Authors: Wang Kun , Li Haiwei , Xu Yue , Shao Qianzhi , Yi Jianming , Wang Ruichao , Cai Wanshi , Hang Xingyi , Zhang Chenggang , Cai Haoyang , Qu Wubin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Quality control (QC) for lab-designed primers is crucial for the success of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Here, we present MFEprimer-3.0, a functional primer quality control program for checking non-specific amplicons, dimers, hairpins and other parameters. The new features of the current version include: (i) more sensitive binding site search using the updated k-mer algorithm that allows mismatches within the k-mer, except for the first base at the 3′ end. The binding sites of each primer with a stable 3′ end are listed in the output; (ii) new algorithms for rapidly identifying self-dimers, cross-dimers and hairpins; (iii) the command-line version, which has an added option of JSON output to enhance the versatility of MFEprimer by acting as a QC step in the ‘primer design → quality control → redesign’ pipeline; (iv) a function for checking whether the binding sites contain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which will affect the consistency of binding efficiency among different samples. In summary, MFEprimer-3.0 is updated with the well-tested PCR primer QC program and it can be integrated into various PCR primer design applications as a QC module. The MFEprimer-3.0 server is freely accessible without any login requirement at: https://mfeprimer3.igenetech.com/ and https://www.mfeprimer.com/. The source code for the command-line version is available upon request.
Contralateral Interhemispheric Transfalcine Approach for Intra-Axial Medial Occipital Lesion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Zhao Xiaochun , Cavallo Claudio , Labib Mohamed A , Borba Moreira Leandro , Lee Michaela , Liebelt Brandon D , Nakaji Peter 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Safe access to intra-axial mesial cortical lesions is challenging. When approached through standard transcortical approaches, normal white matter tracts such as the superior longitudinal fasciculus, corona radiata, and optic radiations may be violated en route to the lesion. Conversely, use of ipsilateral interhemispheric approaches necessitates retraction and manipulation of edematous and friable perilesional tissue. The contralateral interhemispheric transfalcine (CIHTF) approach may circumvent these challenges. The CIHTF approach uses a gravity-created window between the ipsilateral hemisphere and the falx and allows direct access contralaterally by opening the falx.
We demonstrate the CIHTF approach for an intra-axial, medial occipital/precuneus lesion in a 69-yr-old man presenting with left homonymous hemianopia. MRI revealed a heterogeneously enhancing intra-axial lesion in the right mesial occipital lobe. After the patient gave voluntary informed consent, a CIHTF approach was planned, with the patient positioned laterally, right side up (IRB approval was unnecessary). A lumber drain facilitated gravity autoretraction of the ipsilateral lobe. Within the created trajectory, the falx was opened with use of a nerve hook attached to monopolar electrocautery. The contralateral lesion was visualized and removed piecemeal with the assistance of fluorescence imaging. Postoperative MRI showed complete removal. The patient reported a significant vision improvement. The diagnosis was metastatic adenocarcinoma from the lung; subsequent radiosurgery was recommended. MRI at the 8-mo follow-up revealed no recurrence of the lesion.
The CIHTF approach is feasible for a mesial intra-axial lesion because it offers gravity autoretraction, a large working angle, and avoidance of parenchymal swelling. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute.
MaizeEmpty Pericarp602Encodes a P-Type PPR Protein That Is Essential for Seed Development
Authors: Ren Zhenjing , Fan Kaijian , Fang Ting , Zhang Jiaojiao , Yang Li , Wang Jianhua , Wang Guoying , Liu Yunjun 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins play crucial roles in intron splicing, which is important for RNA maturation. Identification of novel PPR protein with the function of intron splicing would help to understand the RNA splicing mechanism. In this study, we identified the maize empty pericarp602 (emp602) mutants, the mature kernels of which showed empty pericarp phenotype. We cloned the Emp602 gene from emp602 mutants and revealed that Emp602 encodes a mitochondrial-localized P-type PPR protein. We further revealed that Emp602 is specific for the cis-splicing of mitochondrial Nad4 intron 1 and intron 3, and mutation of Emp602 led to the loss of mature Nad4 transcripts. The loss of function of Emp602 nearly damaged the assembly and accumulation of complex I and arrested mitochondria formation, which arrested the seed development. The failed assembly of complex I triggers significant upregulation of Aox expression in emp602 mutants. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of mitochondrial-related genes, e.g. the genes associated with mitochondrial inner membrane presequence translocase complex and electron carrier activity, were extensively upregulated in emp602 mutant. These results demonstrate that EMP602 functions in the splicing of Nad4 intron 1 and intron 3, and the loss of function of Emp602 arrested maize seed development by disrupting the mitochondria complex I assembly.
Assessing the Threat Posed by Registered Firearms Dealers in the UK
Authors: Bryant Robin , Arditti Roger , Gustafson Kristian 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This article examines the threat posed by Registered Firearms Dealers (RFDs) in the UK, based on an analysis of 12 case studies of dealers found to have committed serious criminal acts and 29 semi-structured interviews with law enforcement agencies and representatives of ‘shooting’ organizations. The analysis reveals a number of concerns with the regulatory and enforcement regimes surrounding RFDs. Our research demonstrates that RFDs have the capability and opportunity to pose a threat to public security but a key challenge remains to identify and assess the likelihood of RFD criminal intent. At the time of writing, there were no standardized structured methodologies to identify intent during the RFD licencing process. However, via a novel ‘Indicators and Warnings’ analysis, we provide a basis for how this might be undertaken. The article concludes with a discussion about how the potential threat posed by a small minority of RFDs might be reduced.
Trade Effects of Customs Reform: Evidence from Albania
Authors: Fernandes Ana Margarida , Hillberry Russell , Alcántara Alejandra Mendoza 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite enormous academic interest in international trade costs and keen policy interest in efforts to reduce them, little is known about the effects of trade facilitation measures. This study evaluates a significant Albanian reform that sharply reduced physical inspections of import shipments. An estimation strategy that isolates quasi-random variation in the allocation of shipments to physical inspections is used to show that reduced inspections significantly increase imports. Import flows that are observed least frequently see the largest trade responses to reduced inspections. The effect of inspections on imports is virtually independent of changes in clearance time and clearance time uncertainty. Tariff and other tax revenues collected at the border rise in direct proportion to growth in declared import value. There is no compelling evidence that reduced inspections increase evasive behavior, perhaps because most of Albania's imports are tariff-free.
The Reverse Oblique Supracondylar Humerus Fracture: Description of a Novel Fracture Pattern
Authors: Heffernan Michael J. , Lucak Thomas , Igbokwe Linus , Yan Justin , Gargiulo Dominic , Khadim Muayad 
Published: April 2019

Background:
Sagittal profile descriptions of supracondylar humerus fractures are limited. We describe a reverse oblique (RO) pattern in which the distal fragment has a prominent anterior spike that is displaced posterior to the proximal fragment. This pattern presents a challenge during closed manipulation utilizing traditional reduction maneuvers. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic characteristics of the RO and non-RO patterns of supracondylar humerus fractures. We hypothesized that the RO pattern would be associated with greater soft tissue trauma.

Methods:
Retrospective evaluation of operative supracondylar humerus fractures treated at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2014 to 2016. Patients were categorized into RO and non-RO groups for analysis. Associated neurovascular injuries were compared between groups.

Results:
Two hundred ninety-nine consecutive patients were reviewed. The RO fracture pattern was seen in 12 patients. All displaced RO fractures were able to be closed reduced with a modification to the traditional reduction sequence. Overall cohort rates of preoperative soft tissue injury included antecubital ecchymosis 16.8%, nerve palsies 15%, and vascular compromise 6.4%. Compared with non-RO fractures, the RO fracture group had significantly higher rates of anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) palsies (P=0.013), antecubital ecchymosis (P=0.018), and compartment syndrome (P=0.043). When comparing RO with non-RO type II fractures, there were no differences in soft tissue injury (P=0.439). Compared with non-RO type III fractures, RO type III fractures had higher rates of AIN injury (P=0.047), antecubital ecchymosis (P=0.007), and overall soft tissue injury (P=0.009).

Conclusions:
This study introduces a previously undescribed supracondylar humerus fracture subtype: the RO fracture. We found increased rates of soft tissue compromise including antecubital ecchymosis and AIN palsy in this fracture type. Further, traditional reduction methods proved to be ineffectual for this fracture pattern. We utilized a simple modification that allowed for closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of displaced RO fractures.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—prognostic.
Assessing brain injury after cardiac arrest, towards a quantitative approach
Authors: Cronberg Tobias 
Published: April 2019

Purpose of reviewWithdrawal of life-sustaining therapy due to a presumed poor neurological prognosis precedes most deaths in patients who have been resuscitated after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and are being treated in an ICU. Guidelines to support these critical decisions recommend a multimodal strategy based on advanced diagnostic methods. This review will discuss clinical experience with the 2015 guidelines and recent developments towards more accurate quantification of posthypoxic brain injury.Recent findingsQualitative assessment of clinical findings, neurophysiological signals and radiological images are prone to error due to the individual assessors’ experience and competence. Currently, the only quantitative method for assessment of postarrest brain injury in regular clinical use is the measurement of neuron-specific enolase in serum. Since 2015 several promising methods to standardize assessment have been introduced including pupillometry, standardized electroencephalography interpretation and the quantification of somatosensory evoked potentials, computed tomography and MRI-signals. In addition, novel and superior blood biomarkers are on the verge of clinical introduction.SummaryThe current guidelines for neuroprognostication include a step-by-step multimodal algorithm but many patients will still be left with an uncertain prognosis 4–5 days after cardiac arrest. Novel quantitative methods are a necessary step to a more nuanced prediction of outcome for this group of patients.
Cardiac arrest: prediction models in the early phase of hospitalization
Authors: Dumas Florence , Bougouin Wulfran , Cariou Alain 
Published: April 2019

Purpose of review
There is a need for an early assessment of outcome in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest. During the last decade, several models were developed in order to identify predictive factors that may facilitate prognostication and stratification of outcome.

Recent findings
In addition to prognostication tools that are used in intensive care, at least five scores were recently developed using large datasets, based on simple and immediately available parameters, such as circumstances of arrest and early in-hospital indicators. Regarding neurological outcome, predictive performance of these models is good and even excellent for some of them. These scores perform very well for identifying patients at high-risk of unfavorable outcome. The most important limitation of these scores remains the lack of replication in different communities. In addition, these scores were not developed for individual decision- making, but they could instead be useful for the description and comparison of different cohorts, and also to design trials targeting specific categories of patients regarding outcome. Finally, the recent development of big data allows extension of research in epidemiology of cardiac arrest, including the identification of new prognostic factors and the improvement of prediction according to the profile of populations.

Summary
In addition to the development of artificial intelligence, the prediction approach based on adequate scores will further increase the knowledge in prognostication after cardiac arrest. This strategy may help to develop treatment strategies according to the predicted severity of the outcome.
Efficacy and safety of Gelidium elegans intake on bowel symptoms in obese adults
Authors: Choi Hyoung Il , Cha Jae Myung , Jeong In-Kyung , Cho In-Jin , Yoon Jin Young , Kwak Min Seob , Jeon Jung Won , Kim Soo Jin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background/aims:

Gelidium elegans (GE) is known to have antiobesity effects and beneficial effects on functional bowel symptoms in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of GE intake on bowel symptoms in obese human adults.

Methods:
This 12-week single-center randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was performed from September 2016 to May 2017. Consecutive obese subjects were randomly assigned (1:1) to either GE (1 g) or placebo (1 g) once daily group for 12 weeks. Patients’ bowel symptoms were evaluated using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, Constipation Scoring System (CSS), and Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaire.

Results:
The stool symptom score of PAC-SYM significantly improved in the GE group compared with the placebo group after the 12-week treatment (P = .041). Abdominal discomfort score of CSS significantly decreased at 12 weeks compared to that at baseline in the GE group (P = .003), but not in the placebo group (P = .398). In addition, abdominal discomfort score of CSS slightly decreased in the GE group compared with the placebo group after the 12-week treatment (P = .060). However, stool consistency, total CSS score, and PAC-SYM score did not change significantly in both GE group and the placebo group over the 12-week treatment period.

Conclusions:

GE treatment for 12 weeks improved the stool symptom score on the PAC-SYM and abdominal discomfort score on the CSS in obese adults. However, further research is needed in large-scale human studies.
Acute exacerbation of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in a patient treated with dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ciurleo Rosella , Sessa Edoardo , Marino Silvia , D’Aleo Giangaetano , Bramanti Placido , Rifici Carmela 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction:
Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been recently approved for first-line monotherapy of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Its effects are due to mechanism modulating the immune system and activating antioxidative and neuroprotective pathways.

Patient concerns:
A 59-year-old female patient affected by chronic Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) from 10 years was diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2013. She started therapy with DMF in November 2016.

Diagnosis:
After 2 months of therapy with DMF, the results of thyroid function test were abnormal. Thyroid ultrasonography confirmed the diagnosis of acute exacerbation of HT.

Interventions:
This condition led to discontinuation of DMF therapy.

Outcome:
Two months after the interruption of DMF therapy, the findings of thyroid function test were within normal limits.

Conclusion:
The association of MS with autoimmune thyroid diseases supports a common immune-mediated pathogenic mechanism. We assume that the acute exacerbation of HT in our MS patient is associated not with the immunomodulatory effect of DMF but rather with its antioxidative mechanism.
Constant monitoring of thyroid hormone levels should be recommended especially if the MS patients in treatment with DMF are affected by concomitant autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Disseminated histoplasmosis from a calcified lung nodule after long-term corticosteroid therapy in an elderly Japanese patient
Authors: Kobayashi Keigo , Asakura Takanori , Kawada Ichiro , Hasegawa Hanako , Chubachi Shotaro , Ohara Kentaro , Kuramoto Junko , Sugiura Hiroaki , Fujishima Seitaro , Iwata Satoshi , Umeyama Takashi , Katano Harutaka , Uwamino Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Yoshitsugu , Kamei Katsuhiko , Hasegawa Naoki , Betsuyaku Tomoko 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Rationale:
Histoplasmosis occurs most commonly in Northern and Central America and Southeast Asia. Increased international travel in Japan has led to a few annual reports of imported histoplasmosis. Healed sites of histoplasmosis lung infection may remain as nodules and are often accompanied by calcification. Previous studies in endemic areas supported the hypothesis that new infection/reinfection, rather than reactivation, is the main etiology of symptomatic histoplasmosis. No previous reports have presented clinical evidence of reactivation.

Patient concerns:
An 83-year-old Japanese man was hospitalized with general fatigue and high fever. He had been treated with prednisolone at 13 mg/d for 7 years because of an eczematous skin disease. He had a history of travel to Los Angeles, Egypt, and Malaysia 10 to 15 years prior to admission. Five years earlier, computed tomography (CT) identified a solitary calcified nodule in the left lingual lung segment. The nodule size remained unchanged throughout a 5-year observation period. Upon admission, his respiratory condition remained stable while breathing room air. CT revealed small, randomly distributed nodular shadows in the bilateral lungs, in addition to the solitary nodule.

Diagnosis:
Disseminated histoplasmosis, based on fungal staining and cultures of autopsy specimens.

Interventions:
The patient's fever continued despite several days of treatment with meropenem, minocycline, and micafungin. Although he refused bone marrow aspiration, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and prednisolone were administered for a tentative diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis.

Outcomes:
His fever persisted, and a laboratory examination indicated severe thrombocytopenia with disseminated intravascular coagulation. He died on day 43 postadmission. During autopsy, the fungal burden was noted to be higher in the calcified nodule than in the disseminated nodules of the lung, suggesting a pathogenesis involving endogenous reactivation of the nodule and subsequent hematogenous and lymphatic spread.

Lessons:
Physicians should consider histoplasmosis in patients with calcified nodules because the infection may reactivate during long-term corticosteroid therapy.
Efficacy of postprocedural anticoagulation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Song Pil Sang , Kim Min Jeong , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Lim Sungmin , Park Jin-Sik , Choi Rak Kyeong , Kim Je Sang , Lee Hyun Jong , Kim Tae-Hoon , Choi Young Jin , Lim Do-Sun , Yu Cheol Woong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
There exists controversy on whether and for how long anticoagulation is necessary after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
We aimed to study the impact of prolonged (>24 h) or brief (<24 h) postprocedural anticoagulation on infarct size assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after 30 days as well as on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling evaluated by 2D-echocardiography after 9 months from the INNOVATION trial (Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02324348).
Of the 114 patients (mean age: 59.5 years) enrolled, 76 (66.7%) received prolonged anticoagulation therapy (median duration: 72.6 h) and 38 (33.3%) patients received brief anticoagulation therapy (median duration: 5 h) after primary PCI. There was no significant difference in infarct size (mean size: 15.6% after prolonged anticoagulation versus 19.8% after brief anticoagulation, P = .100) and the incidence of microvascular obstruction (50.7% versus 52.9%, P = .830) between the groups. Even after adjusting, prolonged anticoagulation therapy could not reduce larger infarct (defined as >75 percentile of infarct size; 19.7% versus 35.3%; adjusted odd ratio [OR]: 0.435; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.120–1.57; P = .204). Similar results were observed in subanalyses of major high-risk subgroups. Moreover, follow-up LVEF <35% (3.2% versus 7.4%; adjusted OR: 0.383; 95% CI: 0.051–2.884; P = .352) and LV remodeling (defined as >20% increase in LV end-diastolic volume; 37.1% versus 18.5%; adjusted OR: 2.249; 95% CI: 0.593–8.535; P = .234) were similar between groups.
These data suggest that prolonged postprocedural anticoagulation may not provide much benefit after successful primary PCI in patients with STEMI. However, further studies are needed.
Transfusions and cost-benefit of oral versus intravenous tranexamic acid in primary total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Ning , Xiong Xiaojiang , Xu Lixin , Ji Ming , Yang Tao , Tang Jin , Yang Yong , Liu Wangwei , Chen Hongxia 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background:
The purpose of this study was to assess the cost benefit and transfusions of oral and IV tranexamic acid (TXA) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods:
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing oral and IV TXA in primary THA. Primary outcomes were total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop, transfusion requirements, and cost benefit. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results:
Four independent RCTs were included involving 391 patients. There was no difference in the total blood loss (P = .99), maximum hemoglobin drop (P = .73), and the length of stay (P = .95) between the 2 groups. Transfusion requirements (P = .97) were similar. The total mean cost was the US $75.41 in oral TXA group and the US $580.83 in IV TXA group. The incidence of DVT (P = .3) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, and no PE was reported in all studies.

Conclusion:
Oral TXA shows similar efficacy and safety as IV TXA in reducing total blood loss, maximum hemoglobin drop and transfusion requirements in primary THA. However, oral TXA may be more cost-benefit than IV TXA.

Level of Evidence:
Level I, therapeutic study.