bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dnmt2-null sperm block maternal transmission of a paramutant phenotype†
Authors: Yu Tian , Xie Yeming , Tang Chong , Wang Yue , Yuan Shuiqiao , Zheng Huili , Yan Wei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that Dnmt2-null sperm block the paternal transmission (through sperm) of certain acquired traits, e.g., high-fat diet–induced metabolic disorders or white tails due to a Kit paramutation. Here, we report that DNMT2 is also required for the transmission of a Kit paramutant phenotype (white tail tip) through the female germline (i.e., oocytes). Specifically, ablation of Dnmt2 led to aberrant profiles of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) and other small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) in sperm, which correlate with altered mRNA transcriptomes in pronuclear zygotes derived from wild-type oocytes carrying the Kit paramutation and a complete blockage of transmission of the paramutant phenotype through oocytes. Together, the present study suggests that both paternal and maternal transmissions of epigenetic phenotypes require intact DNMT2 functions in the male germline.
Movement-Related Gamma Synchrony Differentially Predicts Behavior in the Presence of Visual Interference Across the Lifespan
Authors: Spooner Rachel K , Arif Yasra , Taylor Brittany K , Wilson Tony W 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ability to allocate neural resources to task-relevant stimuli, while inhibiting distracting information in the surrounding environment (i.e., selective attention) is critical for high-level cognitive function, and declines in this ability have been linked to functional deficits in later life. Studies of age-related declines in selective attention have focused on frontal circuitry, with almost no work evaluating the contribution of motor cortical dynamics to successful task performance. Herein, we examined 69 healthy adults (23–72 years old) who completed a flanker task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were imaged in the time-frequency domain using a beamformer to evaluate the contribution of motor cortical dynamics to age-related increases in behavioral interference effects. Our results showed that gamma oscillations in the contralateral motor cortex (M1) were a robust predictor of reaction time, regardless of interference level. Additionally, we observed condition-wise differences in gamma-by-age interactions, such that in younger adults, increases in M1 gamma power were predictive of faster reaction times during incongruent trials, while older adults did not receive this same behavioral benefit. Importantly, these data indicate that M1 gamma oscillations are differentially predictive of behavior in the presence, but not absence of visual interference, resulting in exhausted compensatory strategies with age.
Recurrent massive pulmonary embolism following catheter directed thrombolysis in a 21-year-old with COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Hirschbaum Julian H , Bradley C Pierce , Kingsford Philip , Mehra Anilkumar , Kwan Wilson 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with increased incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE), even among patients at low risk for venous thrombo-embolic (VTE) events.

Case summary
We present the case of a 21-year-old male, with no previous medical history, who presented with cough, fevers, shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and 1 day of dizziness with near syncope as well as acutely worsened dyspnoea. He was subsequently diagnosed with COVID-19 and massive PE. He underwent successful catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and his clinical status improved. One day following initial CDT, he developed acute respiratory failure and hypotension and was diagnosed with recurrent massive PE. He was treated with repeat CDT and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to provide time for right ventricular recovery. The patient was able to be weaned off ECMO after 9 days and was eventually extubated and discharged to an acute rehabilitation facility.

Discussion
Beyond COVID-19, no hypercoagulable risk factors were identified despite thorough investigation. This case highlights the thrombogenic potential and morbid sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, even in young patients. It also highlights the use of CDT and ECMO among patients with massive PE and COVID-19. To date, this is the youngest reported patient to develop massive PE in the setting of COVID-19.
Bail-out edge-to-edge mitral repair for an acute single leaflet device attachment: a case report
Authors: Kitamura Mitsunobu , Besler Christian , Lurz Philipp , Noack Thilo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
An acute single leaflet device attachment (SLDA) may occur during transcatheter mitral valve edge-to-edge repair (TMVr), if an inadequate grasping of the target leaflet and/or a leaflet injury are concomitant. The bail-out TMVr often fails due to the complex pathophysiology.

Case summary
We report a case of an acute SLDA after TMVr with the PASCAL Repair System for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) with mixed aetiology, i.e., a thin-appeared posterior leaflet and pseudo-prolapse of the anterior mitral leaflet due to mitral annular dilatation. An acute SLDA occurred 2 min after the deployment, with device detachment of the posterior leaflet. A bail-out TMVr with the MitraClip XTR system led to an optimal MR reduction with the PASCAL stabilized. Despite an adequate leaflet insertion of the 1st device achieved, the posterior leaflet was tear due to its fragile tissue characteristics. At discharge, echocardiography confirmed an optimal MR reduction to mild grade with both devices stabilized.

Discussion
The pathology of the mitral valve leaflet is essential to achieve successful TMVr procedure using edge-to-edge repair device. Since the mechanical stress to the target leaflet appears to vary according to the edge-to-edge repair devices, the leaflet tissue characteristics should be respected during device selection.
Management of ascending aorta perforation during transseptal puncture for left atrial appendage closure: a case report
Authors: Schamroth Pravda Nili , Codner Pablo , Vaknin Assa Hana , Hirsch Rafael 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
An 82-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation and repeated episodes of major bleeding on direct oral anticoagulant therapy, with a high risk for thromboembolism and was referred for left atrial appendage closure.

Case summary
During the procedure, an unrecognized puncture of the aorta by the transseptal puncture (TSP) needle and inadvertent advancement of the sheath resulted in ascending aorta perforation. This perforation was closed percutaneously using an Amplatzer™ Duct Occluder (ADO). Reversal of heparinization with protamine sulphate was given to avoid intractable bleeding. However, this resulted in thrombus formation and subsequent embolization causing an ST-elevation myocardial infarction. This was treated with balloon dilatation and thrombus aspiration with subsequent Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 3 flow.

Discussion
Inadvertent ascending aorta perforation is a rare yet serious complication that can occur during TSP. Percutaneous closure using an ADO is a viable management option. The reversal of heparin carries a risk of thrombus formation and should be avoided in cases where there is no evidence of overt bleeding.
Impact of closed loop stimulation on prognostic cardiopulmonary variables in patients with chronic heart failure and severe chronotropic incompetence: a pilot, randomized, crossover study
Authors: Proff Joachim , Merkely Béla , Papp Roland , Lenz Corinna , Nordbeck Peter , Butter Christian , Meyerhoefer Juergen , Doering Michael , MacCarter Dean J , Ingel Katharina , Thouet Thomas , Landmesser Ulf , Roser Mattias J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Aims
Clinical effects of rate-adaptive pacing in heart failure patients with chronotropic incompetence (CI) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remain unclear. Closed loop stimulation (CLS) is a new rate-adaptive sensor in CRT devices. We evaluated the effectiveness of CLS in CRT patients with severe CI, focusing primarily on key prognostic variables assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) testing.

Methods and results
In the randomized, crossover, multicentre BIO|CREATE study, 20 CRT patients with severe CI and NYHA Class II/III (60%/40%) were randomized 1:1 to the sequence DDD-40 mode to DDD-CLS mode, or the sequence DDD-CLS mode to DDD-40 mode (1 month in each mode). Patients underwent symptom-limited treadmill-based CPX test in each mode. An improvement (decrease) of the ventilatory efficiency (VE) slope of ≥5% during CLS was regarded as positive response to CLS. Seventeen patients with full data sets had a mean intra-individual VE slope change of −1.8 ± 3.0 (−4.1%) with CLS (P = 0.23). Eight patients (47%) were CLS responders, with a −6.1 ± 2.7 (−16.4%) slope change (P = 0.029). Compared to non-responders, CLS responders had a higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (46 ± 3 vs. 36 ± 9%; P = 0.0070), smaller end-diastolic LV volume (121 ± 34 vs. 181 ± 41 mL; P = 0.0085), smaller end-systolic LV volume (65 ± 23 vs. 114 ± 39 mL; P = 0.0076), and were predominantly in NYHA Class II (P = 0.0498).

Conclusion
The data of the present pilot study are compatible with the notion that CLS activation may improve VE slope in CRT patients with severe CI and less advanced heart failure. Further research is needed to determine the long-term clinical outcomes of CLS.
Loss of Adam10 Disrupts Ion Transport in Immortalized Kidney Collecting Duct Cells
Authors: Assmus Adrienne , Mullins Linda , Ward Mairi , Dobie Ross , Hunter Robert , Henderson Neil C , Mullins John J 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD) comprises principal cells (PCs), intercalated cells (IC), and the recently discovered intermediate cell type. Kidney pathology in a mouse model of the syndrome of apparent aldosterone excess revealed plasticity of the CCD, with altered PC:intermediate cell:IC ratio. The self-immortalized mouse CCD cell line, mCCDcl1, shows functional characteristics of PCs, but displays a range of cell types, including intermediate cells, making it ideal to study plasticity. We knocked out Adam10, a key component of the Notch pathway, in mCCDcl1 cells, using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and isolated independent clones, which exhibited severely affected sodium transport capacity and loss of aldosterone response. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed significantly reduced expression of major PC-specific markers, such as Scnn1g (γ-ENaC) and Hsd11b2 (11βHSD2), but no significant changes in transcription of components of the Notch pathway were observed. Immunostaining in the knockout clone confirmed the decrease in expression of γ-ENaC and importantly, showed an altered, diffuse distribution of PC and IC markers, suggesting altered trafficking in the Adam10 knockout clone as an explanation for the loss of polarization.
Sequencing, assembly and annotation of the whole-insect genome of Lymantria dispar dispar, the European gypsy moth
Authors: Sparks Michael E , Hebert Francois Olivier , Johnston J Spencer , Hamelin Richard C , Cusson Michel , Levesque Roger C , Gundersen-Rindal Dawn E 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The European gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar dispar (LDD), is an invasive insect and a threat to urban trees, forests and forest-related industries in North America. For use as a comparator with a previously published genome based on the LD652 pupal ovary-derived cell line, as well as whole-insect genome sequences obtained from the Asian gypsy moth subspecies L. dispar asiatica and L. dispar japonica, the whole-insect LDD genome was sequenced, assembled and annotated. The resulting assembly was 998 Mb in size, with a contig N50 of 662 Kb and a GC content of 38.8%. Long interspersed nuclear elements constitute 25.4% of the whole-insect genome, and a total of 11,901 genes predicted by automated gene finding encoded proteins exhibiting homology with reference sequences in the NCBI NR and/or UniProtKB databases at the most stringent similarity cutoff level (i.e., the gold tier). These results will be especially useful in developing a better understanding of the biology and population genetics of L. dispar and the genetic features underlying Lepidoptera in general.
New Roles for Model Genetic Organisms in Understanding and Treating Human Disease: Report From The 2006 Genetics Society of America Meeting
Authors: Spradling Allan , Ganetsky Barry , Hieter Phil , Johnston Mark , Olson Maynard , Orr-Weaver Terry , Rossant Janet , Sanchez Alejandro , Waterston Robert 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fundamental biological knowledge and the technology to acquire it have been immeasurably advanced by past efforts to understand and manipulate the genomes of model organisms. Has the utility of bacteria, yeast, worms, flies, mice, plants, and other models now peaked and are humans poised to become the model organism of the future? The Genetics Society of America recently convened its 2006 meeting entitled “Genetic Analysis: Model Organisms to Human Biology” to examine the future role of genetic research. (Because of time limitations, the meeting was unable to cover the substantial contributions and future potential of research on model prokaryotic organisms.) In fact, the potential of model-organism-based studies has grown substantially in recent years. The genomics revolution has revealed an underlying unity between the cells and tissues of eukaryotic organisms from yeast to humans. No uniquely human biological mechanisms have yet come to light. This common evolutionary heritage makes it possible to use genetically tractable organisms to model important aspects of human medical disorders such as cancer, birth defects, neurological dysfunction, reproductive failure, malnutrition, and aging in systems amenable to rapid and powerful experimentation. Applying model systems in this way will allow us to identify common genes, proteins, and processes that underlie human medical conditions. It will allow us to systematically decipher the gene–gene and gene–environment interactions that influence complex multigenic disorders. Above all, disease models have the potential to address a growing gap between our ability to collect human genetic data and to productively interpret and apply it. If model organism research is supported with these goals in mind, we can look forward to diagnosing and treating human disease using information from multiple systems and to a medical science built on the unified history of life on earth.
Bivalve Molluscs as Model Systems for Studying Mitochondrial Biology
Authors: Ghiselli Fabrizio , Iannello Mariangela , Piccinini Giovanni , Milani Liliana 
Published: April 2021

Synopsis
The class Bivalvia is a highly successful and ancient taxon including ∼25,000 living species. During their long evolutionary history bivalves adapted to a wide range of physicochemical conditions, habitats, biological interactions, and feeding habits. Bivalves can have strikingly different size, and despite their apparently simple body plan, they evolved very different shell shapes, and complex anatomic structures. One of the most striking features of this class of animals is their peculiar mitochondrial biology: some bivalves have facultatively anaerobic mitochondria that allow them to survive prolonged periods of anoxia/hypoxia. Moreover, more than 100 species have now been reported showing the only known evolutionarily stable exception to the strictly maternal inheritance of mitochondria in animals, named doubly uniparental inheritance. Mitochondrial activity is fundamental to eukaryotic life, and thanks to their diversity and uncommon features, bivalves represent a great model system to expand our knowledge about mitochondrial biology, so far limited to a few species. We highlight recent works studying mitochondrial biology in bivalves at either genomic or physiological level. A link between these two approaches is still missing, and we believe that an integrated approach and collaborative relationships are the only possible ways to be successful in such endeavor.
Impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on acute otitis media and acute sinusitis epidemiology in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Vadlamudi Nirma Khatri , Saatchi Ariana , Patrick David M. , Rose Caren , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , Marra Fawziah 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Numerous studies have characterized the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) programme’s beneficial effects on acute otitis media (AOM) and acute sinusitis (AS) rates in children; however, few studies have examined the impact on adults.

Objectives
This retrospective cohort study evaluates the overall effect of the PCV13 immunization programme on the incidence of AOM and AS at the population level.

Methods
Health administrative databases were linked to assess outpatient visits, hospitalizations and antibiotic utilization from 2000 to 2018. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to evaluate the impact of the PCV13 vaccine programme (2011–18) compared with the pre-PCV13 era (2000–10), overall and by age.

Results
From 2000 to 2018, the incidence of AOM decreased by 50% (62 to 31 per 1000 population) while sinusitis decreased by 18% (33 to 27 per 1000 population). In the PCV13 era, the incidence of AOM declined [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.70; 95% CI: 0.70–0.70], in parallel with decreased incidence of antibiotic utilization (IRR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.64–0.65). A reduction was also observed in the incidence of AS during the PCV13 era compared with the pre-PCV13 era (IRR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.88–0.88), mainly driven by declines among those younger than 65 years of age. In contrast, an increase in AS incidence was noted in individuals aged ≥65 years (IRR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02–1.03). A decrease in antibiotic prescription rates for sinusitis was observed for those under 65 years of age.

Conclusions
The PCV13 immunization programme is associated with a reduction in the incidence of AOM and AS. Moreover, the associated use of antibiotics for these diagnoses has comparably decreased across paediatric, as well as adult populations.
Development of a liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of free fatty acids
Authors: Lee-Okada Hyeon-Cheol , Hama Kotaro , Yokoyama Kazuaki , Yokomizo Takehiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fatty acids (FAs) play important roles in several physiological and pathophysiological processes, functioning as both nonesterified free FAs (FFAs) and components of other lipid classes. Although many lipid classes are readily measured using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), the measurement of FFAs by this method is not straightforward because of inconsistent fragmentation behaviours. In this study, we describe a strategy to measure FFAs using conventional reverse-phase LC-ESI-MS/MS, without derivatization. The strategy combines three key methods: (i) an isocratic LC separation with a high organic solvent ratio, (ii) postcolumn base addition, and (iii) pseudo-multiple reaction monitoring. The method facilitates the measurement of ultra-long-chain FAs, the accumulation of which is a common biochemical abnormality in peroxisomal disorders. This study delivers a broad strategy that measures a wide spectrum of FFA species in complex biological samples.
Female Southern White Rhinoceros Can Select Mates to Avoid Inbreeding
Authors: Stratford Ken J , Guerier Abigail S , Crawford Stuart J , Stratford Sabina M C , Schmidt-Küntzel Anne , Bishop Jacqueline M 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCurrent management models for many endangered species focus primarily on demographic recovery, often ignoring their intrinsic ecological requirements. Across the protected area network of southern Africa, most southern white rhinoceros are managed in populations of less than 50 individuals, experiencing restricted dispersal opportunities, and limited breeding male numbers due to their exclusive home range requirements. In the absence of information on the breeding structure of these populations, poor management decisions may require females to either forego a breeding opportunity or select to inbreed with close relatives. Here, we use a combination of social pedigree data together with genetic analyses to reconstruct the parentage of all 28 offspring produced in a 5-year period in a managed free-ranging southern white rhinoceros population. During this period, all breeding females (founders and first-generation daughters) had access to both a founder male (father to most of the daughters) and two recently introduced inexperienced males. We report that while founder females were more likely to breed with the founder male, their daughters, in contrast, were more likely to breed with the introduced males, thus avoiding inbreeding. However, we also found evidence of father–daughter inbreeding in this population, and contend that in the absence of choice, rather than forego a breeding opportunity, female white rhinoceros will inbreed with their fathers. We argue that to effectively conserve the southern white rhinoceros, managers need to understand the breeding structure of these small populations, particularly in terms of parentage and kinship.
Potential Hurricane Wind Risk to US Rural and Urban Forests
Authors: Cole Jason , Nowak David J , Greenfield Eric J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage annually in the United States and are projected to increase in intensity in the coming years. By exploring historical patterns of hurricanes and exposure of these hurricane-force winds across the landscape, areas of potentially high threat to future hurricane winds can be revealed. Combining potential threats from hurricane winds with forest data reveal the areas with the greatest potential threats to this important resource. Not surprisingly, most of the threats to forests occur in the Southeast, but the greatest threats to urban forests overall occur along the Northeast coast and in metropolitan centers in the Southeast. Overall, 4.6% of the nation’s rural forest basal area is within zones of the highest risk from hurricane winds. Information on regional and local scale variations in hurricane risk can be used to aid policies and local forest management to improve forest health and sustainability.