bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique to treat a full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Sborgia Giancarlo , Niro Alfredo , Coassin Marco , Sborgia Luigi , D’Oria Francesco , Pastore Valentina , Albano Valeria , Tritto Tiziana , Sborgia Alessandra , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni 
Published: November 2019

Background/purpose: Full-thickness macular hole is a complication of idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 with a low surgical closure rate and a poor functional recovery. We analyze morphologic and functional outcomes after an inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique for full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 using optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. Case report: A 77-year-old man presented us complaining visual impairment in the left eye (20/40) due to a full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2. The patient underwent vitrectomy with an inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique and injection of 22% SF6 gas. Optical coherence tomography and functional analysis, including visual acuity test and microperimetry, were performed before surgery and over 3 months. Optical coherence tomography scans revealed macular hole closure at 1-month follow-up. Visual acuity and retinal sensitivity improved from 20/40 to 20/20 and from 13.1 to 14.9 dB, respectively. Fixation stability (bivariate contour ellipse area) improved from 2.02 to 1.58 deg2, from 5.44 to 4.24 deg2 and from 9.72 to 7.58 deg2, at 68%, 95%, and 99% of fixation points, respectively. Conclusion: Inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique may be an alternative approach in patients with full-thickness macular hole complicating diopathic macular telangiectasia type 2, and microperimetry may be a useful tool to analyze related functional changes.
Pre- and post-review of a standardized ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization curriculum evaluating procedural skills acquisition and clinician confidence
Authors: Spencer Timothy R , Bardin-Spencer Amy J 
Published: November 2019

Background: To evaluate novice and expert clinicians’ procedural confidence utilizing a blended learning mixed fidelity simulation model when applying a standardized ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization curriculum. Methods: Simulation-based education and ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion aims to provide facility-wide efficiencies and improves patient safety through interdisciplinary collaboration. The objective of this quality improvement research was to evaluate both novice (<50) and expert (>50) clinicians’ confidence across 100 ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion courses were performed at a mixture of teaching and non-teaching hospitals across 26 states within the United States between April 2015 and April 2016. A total of 1238 attendees completed a pre- and post-survey after attending a mixed method clinical simulation course. Attendees completed a 4-h online didactic education module followed by 4 h of hands-on clinical simulation stations (compliance/sterile technique, needling techniques, vascular ultrasound assessment, and experiential complication management). Results: The use of a standardized evidence-based ultrasound-guided central venous catheter curriculum improved confidence and application to required clinical tasks and knowledge across all interdisciplinary specialties, regardless of level of experience. Both physician and non-physician groups resulted in statistically significant results in both procedural compliance ( p < 0.001) and ultrasound skills ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of a standardized clinical simulation curriculum enhanced all aspects of ultrasound-guided central venous catheter insertion skills, knowledge, and improved confidence for all clinician types. Self-reported complications were reported at significantly higher rates than previously published evidence, demonstrating the need for ongoing procedural competencies. While there are growing benefits for the role of simulation-based programs, further evaluation is needed to explore its effectiveness in changing the quality of clinical outcomes within the healthcare setting.
The RISE trial: A Randomized Trial on Intra-Saccular Endobridge devices
Authors: Raymond Jean , Januel Anne-Christine , Iancu Daniela , Roy Daniel , Weill Alain , Carlson Andrew , Darsaut Tim E 
Published: November 2019

Background Wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) are a difficult subset of aneurysms to successfully repair endovascularly, and a number of treatment adjuncts have been designed to improve on the results of coiling, including stenting and flow diversion of the parent vessel. Surgical clipping is commonly performed for certain WNBAs, such as middle cerebral aneurysms, in some centres. Intra-saccular flow diversion (ISFD) using the Woven Endo-Bridge (WEB) or similar devices, has been developed as a new endovascular alternative to coiling for WNBAs. Meta-analyses of case series suggest satisfactory results, both in terms of safety and efficacy, but in the absence of randomized evidence, whether ISFD leads to better outcomes for patients with WNBA remains unknown. There is a need to offer ISFD within the context of a randomized care trial. Methods The proposed trial is a multicentre, randomized controlled care trial comparing ISFD and best conventional management option (surgical or endovascular), as determined by the treating physician prior to randomized allocation. At least 250 patients will be recruited in at least 10 centres over a four-year period, and followed for one year, to show that ISFD can increase the incidence of successful therapy from 75 to 90% of patients, defined as complete or near-complete occlusion of the aneurysm AND a good clinical outcome (mRS ≤ 2) at one year. The trial will be followed by an independent data safety monitoring committee to assure the safety of participants. Conclusion Introduction of intra-saccular flow diversion can be accomplished within a care trial context.
Nonparticipation reasons in a randomized international trial of a new latent tuberculosis infection regimen
Authors: Hedges Kimberley N Chapman , Borisov Andrey S , Saukkonen Jussi J , Scott Nigel A , Hecker Emily J , Bozeman Lorna , Dukes Hamilton Carol , Kerrigan Amy , Bessler Patricia , Moreno-Martinez Antonio , Arevalo Bert , Goldberg Stefan V 
Published: November 2019

Background/aimsEfficient recruitment of eligible participants, optimizing time and sample size, is a crucial component in conducting a successful clinical trial. Inefficient participant recruitment can impede study progress, consume staff time and resources, and limit quality and generalizability or the power to assess outcomes. Recruitment for disease prevention trials poses additional challenges because patients are asymptomatic. We evaluated candidates for a disease prevention trial to determine reasons for nonparticipation and to identify factors that can be addressed to improve recruitment efficiency.MethodsDuring 2001–2009, the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium conducted Study 26 (PREVENT TB), a randomized clinical trial at 26 sites in four countries, among persons with latent tuberculosis infection at high risk for tuberculosis disease progression, comparing 3 months of directly observed once-weekly rifapentine plus isoniazid with 9 months of self-administered daily isoniazid. During March 2005–February 2008, non-identifying demographic information, risk factors for experiencing active tuberculosis disease, and reasons for not enrolling were collected from screened patients to facilitate interpretation of trial data, to meet Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials standards, and to evaluate reasons for nonparticipation.ResultsOf the 7452 candidates screened in Brazil, Canada, Spain, and the United States, 3584 (48%) were not enrolled, because of ineligibility (41%), site decision (10%), or patient choice (49%). Among those who did not enroll by own choice, and for whom responses were recorded on whether they would accept treatment outside of the study (n = 1430), 68% reported that they planned to accept non-study latent tuberculosis infection treatment. Among 1305 patients with one or more reported reasons for nonparticipation, study staff recorded a total of 1886 individual reasons (reason count: median = 1/patient; range = 1–9) for why patients chose not to enroll, including grouped concerns about research (24% of 1886), work or school conflicts (20%), medication or health beliefs (16%), latent tuberculosis infection beliefs (11%), and patient lifestyle and family concerns (10%).ConclusionEducational efforts addressing clinical research concerns and beliefs about medication and health, as well as study protocols that accommodate patient-related concerns (e.g. work, school, and lifestyle) might increase willingness to enter clinical trials. Findings from this evaluation can support development of communication and education materials for clinical trial sites at the beginning of a trial to allow study staff to address potential participant concerns during study screening.
Plasma metabolomic profile in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Heresi Gustavo A. , Mey Jacob T. , Bartholomew John R. , Haddadin Ihab S. , Tonelli Adriano R. , Dweik Raed A. , Kirwan John P. , Kalhan Satish C. 
Published: November 2019

We aimed to characterize the plasma metabolome of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients using a high‐throughput unbiased omics approach. We collected fasting plasma from a peripheral vein in 33 operable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients, 31 healthy controls, and 21 idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patients matched for age, gender, and body mass index. Metabolomic analysis was performed using an untargeted approach (Metabolon Inc. Durham, NC). Of the total of 862 metabolites identified, 362 were different in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension compared to controls: 178 were higher and 184 were lower. Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, 147 metabolites were different in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: 45 were higher and 102 were lower. The plasma metabolome allowed us to distinguish subjects with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and healthy controls with a predictive accuracy of 89%, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension versus idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension with 80% accuracy. Compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and healthy controls, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients had higher fatty acids and glycerol; while acyl cholines and lysophospholipids were lower. Compared to healthy controls, both idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients had increased acyl carnitines, beta‐hydroxybutyrate, amino sugars and modified amino acids and nucleosides. The plasma global metabolomic profile of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension suggests aberrant lipid metabolism characterized by increased lipolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis, concomitant with reduced acyl choline and phospholipid moieties. Future research should investigate the pathogenetic and therapeutic potential of modulating lipid metabolism in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Genome editing of HBG1 and HBG2 to induce fetal hemoglobin
Authors: Métais Jean-Yves , Doerfler Phillip A. , Mayuranathan Thiyagaraj , Bauer Daniel E. , Fowler Stephanie C. , Hsieh Matthew M. , Katta Varun , Keriwala Sagar , Lazzarotto Cicera R. , Luk Kevin , Neel Michael D. , Perry S. Scott , Peters Samuel T. , Porter Shaina N. , Ryu Byoung Y. , Sharma Akshay , Shea Devlin , Tisdale John F. , Uchida Naoya , Wolfe Scot A. , Woodard Kaitly J. , Wu Yuxuan , Yao Yu , Zeng Jing , Pruett-Miller Shondra , Tsai Shengdar Q. , Weiss Mitchell J. 
Published: November 2019

Key Points
Cas9 editing of the γ-globin gene promoters in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) increases red cell HbF by ≤40%. No deleterious effects on hematopoiesis or off-target mutations were detected 16 weeks after xenotransplantation of edited HSCs.
Thrombus stability explains the factor V Leiden paradox: a mouse model
Authors: Shaya S. A. , Westrick R. J. , Gross P. L. 
Published: November 2019

Key Points
FVL homozygous mice have increased thrombus size and reduced pulmonary embolism burden compared with WT mice. FVL carriers develop more stable thrombi, which become clinical deep vein thrombosis more often than noncarriers, explaining the FVL paradox.
Accelerated evolution at chaperone promoters among Antarctic notothenioid fishes
Authors: Bogan Samuel N. , Place Sean P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundAntarctic fishes of the Notothenioidei suborder constitutively upregulate multiple inducible chaperones, a highly derived adaptation that preserves proteostasis in extreme cold, and represent a system for studying the evolution of gene frontloading. We screened forHsf1-binding sites, asHsf1is a master transcription factor of the heat shock response, and highly-conserved non-coding elements within proximal promoters of chaperone genes across 10 Antarctic notothens, 2 subpolar notothens, and 17 perciform fishes. We employed phylogenetic models of molecular evolution to determine whether (i) changes in motifs associated withHsf1-binding and/or (ii) relaxed purifying selection or exaptation at ancestralcis-regulatory elements coincided with the evolution of chaperone frontloading in Antarctic notothens.ResultsAntarctic notothens exhibited significantly fewerHsf1-binding sites per bp at chaperone promoters than subpolar notothens and Serranoidei, the most closely-related suborder to Notothenioidei included in this study. 90% of chaperone promoters exhibited accelerated substitution rates among Antarctic notothens relative to other perciformes. The proportion of bases undergoing accelerated evolution (i) was significantly greater in Antarctic notothens than in subpolar notothens and Perciformes in 70% of chaperone genes and (ii) increased among bases that were more conserved among perciformes. Lastly, we detected evidence of relaxed purifying selection and exaptation acting on ancestrally conservedcis-regulatory elements in the Antarctic notothen lineage and its major branches.ConclusionA large degree of turnover has occurred in Notothenioidei at chaperone promoter regions that are conserved among perciform fishes following adaptation to the cooling of the Southern Ocean. Additionally, derived reductions inHsf1-binding site frequency suggestcis-regulatory modifications to the classical heat shock response. Of note, turnover events within chaperone promoters were less frequent in the ancestral node of Antarctic notothens relative to younger Antarctic lineages. This suggests thatcis-regulatory divergence at chaperone promoters may be greater between Antarctic notothen lineages than between subpolar and Antarctic clades. These findings demonstrate that strong selective forces have acted uponcis-regulatory elements of chaperone genes among Antarctic notothens.
Comparative myoanatomy of Tardigrada: new insights from the heterotardigrades Actinarctus doryphorus (Tanarctidae) and Echiniscoides sigismundi (Echiniscoididae)
Authors: Persson Dennis Krog , Halberg Kenneth Agerlin , Neves Ricardo Cardoso , Jørgensen Aslak , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg , Møbjerg Nadja 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Tardigrada is a group of microscopic invertebrates distributed worldwide in permanent and temporal aquatic habitats. Famous for their extreme stress tolerance, tardigrades are also of interest due to their close relationship with Arthropoda and Cycloneuralia. Despite recent efforts in analyzing the musculature of a number of tardigrade species, data on the class Heterotardigrada remain scarce. Aiming to expand the current morphological framework, and to promote the use of muscular body plans in elucidating tardigrade phylogeny, the myoanatomy of two heterotardigrades, Actinarctus doryphorus and Echiniscoides sigismundi, was analyzed by cytochemistry, scanning electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy and 3D imaging. We discuss our findings with reference to other tardigrades and internal phylogenetic relationships of the phylum.

Results
We focus our analyses on the somatic musculature, which in tardigrades includes muscle groups spanning dorsal, ventral, and lateral body regions, with the legs being musculated by fibers belonging to all three groups. A pronounced reduction of the trunk musculature is seen in the dorsoventrally compressed A. doryphorus, a species that generally has fewer cuticle attachment sites as compared to E. sigismundi and members of the class Eutardigrada. Interestingly, F-actin positive signals were found in the head appendages of A. doryphorus. Our analyses further indicate that cross-striation is a feature common to the somatic muscles of heterotardigrades and that E. sigismundi—as previously proposed for other echiniscoidean heterotardigrades—has relatively thick somatic muscle fibers.

Conclusions
We provide new insights into the myoanatomical differences that characterize distinct evolutionary lineages within Tardigrada, highlighting characters that potentially can be informative in future phylogenetic analyses. We focus our current analyses on the ventral trunk musculature. Our observations suggest that seven paired ventromedian attachment sites anchoring a large number of muscles can be regarded as part of the ground pattern of Tardigrada and that fusion and reduction of cuticular attachment sites is a derived condition. Specifically, the pattern of these sites differs in particular details between tardigrade taxa. In the future, a deeper understanding of the tardigrade myoanatomical ground pattern will require more investigations in order to include all major tardigrade lineages.
Desiccation resistance and pigmentation variation reflects bioclimatic differences in the Drosophila americana species complex
Authors: Davis Jeremy S. , Moyle Leonie C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDisentangling the selective factors shaping adaptive trait variation is an important but challenging task. Many studies—especially inDrosophila—have documented trait variation along latitudinal or altitudinal clines, but frequently lack resolution about specific environmental gradients that could be causal selective agents, and often do not investigate covariation between traits simultaneously. Here we examined variation in multiple macroecological factors across geographic space and their associations with variation in three physiological traits (desiccation resistance, UV resistance, and pigmentation) at both population and species scales, to address the role of abiotic environment in shaping trait variation.ResultsUsing environmental data from collection locations of three North AmericanDrosophilaspecies—D. americana americana, D. americana texanaandD. novamexicana—we identified two primary axes of macroecological variation; these differentiated species habitats and were strongly loaded for precipitation and moisture variables. In nine focal populations (three per species) assayed for each trait, we detected significant species-level variation for both desiccation resistance and pigmentation, but not for UV resistance. Species-level trait variation was consistent with differential natural selection imposed by variation in habitat water availability, although patterns of variation differed between desiccation resistance and pigmentation, and we found little evidence for pleiotropy between traits.ConclusionsOur multi-faceted approach enabled us to identify potential agents of natural selection and examine how they might influence the evolution of multiple traits at different evolutionary scales. Our findings highlight that environmental factors influence functional trait variation in ways that can be complex, and point to the importance of studies that examine these relationships at both population- and species-levels.
Organelle genome composition and candidate gene identification for Nsa cytoplasmic male sterility in Brassica napus
Authors: Sang Shi-Fei , Mei De-Sheng , Liu Jia , Zaman Qamar U. , Zhang Hai-Yan , Hao Meng-Yu , Fu Li , Wang Hui , Cheng Hong-Tao , Hu Qiong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Nsa cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a novel alloplasmic male sterility system derived from somatic hybridization between Brassica napus and Sinapis arvensis. Identification of the CMS-associated gene is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the origin and molecular mechanism of this CMS. With the development of genome sequencing technology, organelle genomes of Nsa CMS line and its maintainer line were sequenced by pyro-sequencing technology, and comparative analysis of the organelle genomes was carried out to characterize the organelle genome composition of Nsa CMS as well as to identify the candidate Nsa CMS-associated genes.

Results
Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome showed a higher collinearity with that of S. arvensis than B. napus, indicating that Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome was mainly derived from S. arvensis. However, mitochondrial genome recombination of parental lines was clearly detected. In contrast, the chloroplast genome of Nsa CMS was highly collinear with its B. napus parent, without any evidence of recombination of the two parental chloroplast genomes or integration from S. arvensis. There were 16 open reading frames (ORFs) specifically existed in Nsa CMS mitochondrial genome, which could not be identified in the maintainer line. Among them, three ORFs (orf224, orf309, orf346) possessing chimeric and transmembrane structure are most likely to be the candidate CMS genes. Sequences of all three candidate CMS genes in Nsa CMS line were found to be 100% identical with those from S. arvensis mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic and homologous analysis showed that all the mitochondrial genes were highly conserved during evolution.

Conclusions
Nsa CMS contains a recombined mitochondrial genome of its two parental species with the majority form S. arvensis. Three candidate Nsa CMS genes were identified and proven to be derived from S. arvensis other than recombination of its two parental species. Further functional study of the candidate genes will help to identify the gene responsible for the CMS and the underlying molecular mechanism.
RNA-seq analysis provides insights into cold stress responses of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri
Authors: Liao Jin-Xing , Li Kai-Huai , Wang Jin-Pei , Deng Jia-Ru , Liu Qiong-Guang , Chang Chang-Qing 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) is a citrus canker causing Gram-negative bacteria. Currently, little is known about the biological and molecular responses of Xcc to low temperatures.

Results
Results depicted that low temperature significantly reduced growth and increased biofilm formation and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) ratio in Xcc. At low temperature Xcc formed branching structured motility. Global transcriptome analysis revealed that low temperature modulates multiple signaling networks and essential cellular processes such as carbon, nitrogen and fatty acid metabolism in Xcc. Differential expression of genes associated with type IV pilus system and pathogenesis are important cellular adaptive responses of Xcc to cold stress.

Conclusions
Study provides clear insights into biological characteristics and genome-wide transcriptional analysis based molecular mechanism of Xcc in response to low temperature.