The PNUTS phosphatase complex controls transcription pause release.

Gene expression is regulated by controlling distinct steps of the transcriptional cycle, including initiation, pausing, elongation, and termination. Kinases phosphorylate RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) and associated factors to control transitions between these steps and to act as central gene regulatory nodes. Similarly, phosphatases that dephosphorylate these components are emerging as important regulators of transcription, although their roles remain less well understood.

A CpG island-encoded mechanism protects genes from premature transcription termination.

Transcription must be tightly controlled to regulate gene expression and development. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that influence transcription and how these are coordinated in cells to ensure normal gene expression remains rudimentary. Here, by dissecting the function of the SET1 chromatin-modifying complexes that bind to CpG island-associated gene promoters, we discover that they play a specific and essential role in enabling the expression of low to moderately transcribed genes.

Postoperative Disposition Following Pediatric Sistrunk Procedures: A National Database Query.

Objective/hypothesis: Variability exists in the postoperative disposition of children following Sistrunk procedures. Management options include discharge home versus overnight observation, with the latter allowing monitoring for immediate postoperative complications, presumably reducing the need for subsequent readmission. This study investigates the association between overnight observation and ambulatory management of children undergoing Sistrunk procedures and relevant postoperative complication and revisit rates to clarify best practice for these patients.

Understanding the interplay between CpG island-associated gene promoters and H3K4 methylation.

The precise regulation of gene transcription is required to establish and maintain cell type-specific gene expression programs during multicellular development. In addition to transcription factors, chromatin, and its chemical modification, play a central role in regulating gene expression. In vertebrates, DNA is pervasively methylated at CG dinucleotides, a modification that is repressive to transcription.

To drain or not to drain following a Sistrunk procedure: A dual institutional experience.

Introduction: A Sistrunk procedure is the standard operative management of patients with thyroglossal duct cysts. Drain placement is commonly employed with the goal of reducing postoperative complications. This study investigates the association between drain use and relevant postoperative complications following pediatric Sistrunk procedures.

Teaching a tracheotomy handoff tool to pediatric first responders.

Introduction: The Critical Airway Risk Evaluation (CARE) system is an airway classification system we designed to improve handoffs between caregivers by describing the risk of a patient's airway above the tracheotomy tube, and therefore the correct resuscitation maneuvers in the event of an airway emergency. It is designed to quickly communicate 3 categories: 1-easily intubatable; 2-intubatable with specialized techniques or equipment; or 3-not intubatable. We have demonstrated previously that the system is easily taught to and used by pediatric otolaryngologists.

Appropriateness of Tympanostomy Tubes in the Boston Metropolitan Area: Are the AAO-HNSF Guidelines Being Met?

Introduction Otitis media (OM) is the most common reason children receive general anesthesia, with bilateral tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion the second most common surgery in children. Prior research suggests overuse of TT. As part of a project designed to improve appropriateness of OM referrals, we evaluated appropriateness of TT insertion in a patient cohort.

Management of a large antenatally recognized foregut duplication cyst of the tongue causing respiratory distress at birth.

Importance: Foregut duplication cysts are benign developmental anomalies occurring along the foregut-derived portion of the alimentary tract. Several cases of foregut duplications in the head and neck region have been reported, most without airway symptoms. This case is an antenatally recognized anterior tongue lesion leading to respiratory difficulties at birth that was successfully managed by a coordinated fetal care team.

Dexamethasone otoprotection in a multidose cisplatin ototoxicity mouse model.

Objective: To develop a murine model for multidose administration of cisplatin that produces significant hearing threshold elevations and to use this model to assess the protective properties of intratympanic (IT) dexamethasone against cisplatin ototoxicity.

Study Design: Controlled repeated measures design.

Setting: Translational research laboratory.