bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified valve-in-valve bailout technique of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in severe aortic regurgitation for valve jumping up to ascending aorta: a case report
Authors: Hu Zheng , Huang Bing , Jiang Hong , Chen Jing 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Aortic regurgitation remains a challenge for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), because of the high risk of post-procedural migration or paravalvular leakage resulting from the anatomical and pathophysiological features.

Case summary
A 75-year-old male with symptomatic severe aortic regurgitation underwent transfemoral TAVR due to poor physical condition and a Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 11.3%. However, complete dislodgement of the valve into the ascending aorta occurred during the operation. We performed a modified valve-in-valve technique by using an ablation catheter (instead of performing urgent surgery), and no post-interventional complications were found during hospitalization. The patient was discharged in a stable condition on postoperative Day 12. At the 6-month follow-up, echocardiography showed trivial paravalvular leakage. The left ventricular ejection fraction further improved from 30 to 48%.

Discussion
The management of valve migration can be troublesome. In this case, we performed a modified valve-in-valve technique by using an ablation catheter without post-interventional complications. This is a novel strategy for the management of emergencies, which could avoid surgical thoracotomy. Our strategy may be an alternative option in some cases of valve jumping up to the ascending aorta.
A threatening meteor for cardiac surgeons: anomalous left main coronary origin in type A aortic dissection
Authors: Braconi Lucio , Cabrucci Francesco , Bacchi Beatrice , Bonacchi Massimo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We present the case of a type A aortic dissection originating from the right coronary ostium and an intraoperative diagnosis of the entire coronary artery system originating from a single right-sided coronary ostium.
Exerkine fibronectin type-III domain-containing protein 5/irisin-enriched extracellular vesicles delay vascular ageing by increasing SIRT6 stability
Authors: Chi Chen , Fu Hui , Li Yong-Hua , Zhang Guo-Yan , Zeng Fei-Yan , Ji Qing-Xin , Shen Qi-Rui , Wang Xu-Jie , Li Zi-Chen , Zhou Can-Can , Sun Di-Yang , Fu Jiang-Tao , Wu Wen-Bin , Zhang Ping-Ping , Zhang Jia-Bao , Liu Jian , Shen Fu-Ming , Li Dong-Jie , Wang Pei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
Exercise confers protection against cardiovascular ageing, but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study sought to investigate the role of fibronectin type-III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5)/irisin, an exercise-associated hormone, in vascular ageing. Moreover, the existence of FNDC5/irisin in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their biological functions was explored.

Methods and results
FNDC5/irisin was reduced in natural ageing, senescence, and angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated conditions. The deletion of FNDC5 shortened lifespan in mice. Additionally, FNDC5 deficiency aggravated vascular stiffness, senescence, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction in 24-month-old naturally aged and Ang II-treated mice. Conversely, treatment of recombinant irisin alleviated Ang II-induced vascular stiffness and senescence in mice and vascular smooth muscle cells. FNDC5 was triggered by exercise, while FNDC5 knockout abrogated exercise-induced protection against Ang II-induced vascular stiffness and senescence. Intriguingly, FNDC5 was detected in human and mouse blood-derived EVs, and exercise-induced FNDC5/irisin-enriched EVs showed potent anti-stiffness and anti-senescence effects in vivo and in vitro. Adeno-associated virus-mediated rescue of FNDC5 specifically in muscle but not liver in FNDC5 knockout mice, promoted the release of FNDC5/irisin-enriched EVs into circulation in response to exercise, which ameliorated vascular stiffness, senescence, and inflammation. Mechanistically, irisin activated DnaJb3/Hsp40 chaperone system to stabilize SIRT6 protein in an Hsp70-dependent manner. Finally, plasma irisin concentrations were positively associated with exercise time but negatively associated with arterial stiffness in a proof-of-concept human study.

Conclusion
FNDC5/irisin-enriched EVs contribute to exercise-induced protection against vascular ageing. These findings indicate that the exerkine FNDC5/irisin may be a potential target for ageing-related vascular comorbidities.
Assembly of root-associated N2O-reducing communities of annual crops is governed by selection for nosZ clade I over clade II
Authors: Graf Daniel R H , Jones Christopher M , Zhao Ming , Hallin Sara 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The rhizosphere is a hotspot for denitrification. The nitrous oxide (N2O) reductase among denitrifiers and nondenitrifying N2O reducers is the only known N2O sink in the biosphere. We hypothesized that the composition of root-associated N2O-reducing communities when establishing on annual crops depend on soil type and plant species, but that assembly processes are independent of these factors and differ between nosZ clades I and II. Using a pot experiment with barley and sunflower and two soils, we analyzed the abundance, composition, and diversity of soil and root-associated N2O reducing communities by qPCR and amplicon sequencing of nosZ. Clade I was more abundant on roots compared to soil, while clade II showed the opposite. In barley, this pattern coincided with N2O availability, determined as potential N2O production rates, but for sunflower no N2O production was detected in the root compartment. Root and soil nosZ communities differed in composition and phylogeny-based community analyses indicated that assembly of root-associated N2O reducers was driven by the interaction between plant and soil type, with inferred competition being more influential than habitat selection. Selection between clades I and II in the root/soil interface is suggested, which may have functional consequences since most clade I microorganisms can produce N2O.
Three-dimensional models of the cervicovaginal epithelia to study host–microbiome interactions and sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Edwards Vonetta L , McComb Elias , Gleghorn Jason P , Forney Larry , Bavoil Patrik M , Ravel Jacques 
Published: August 2022

Abstract2D cell culture systems have historically provided controlled, reproducible means to analyze host–pathogen interactions observed in the human reproductive tract. Although inexpensive, straightforward, and requiring a very short time commitment, these models recapitulate neither the functionality of multilayered cell types nor the associated microbiome that occurs in a human. Animal models have commonly been used to recreate the complexity of human infections. However, extensive modifications of animal models are required to recreate interactions that resemble those in the human reproductive tract. 3D cell culture models have emerged as alternative means of reproducing vital elements of human infections at a fraction of the cost of animal models and on a scale that allows for replicative experiments. Here, we describe a new 3D model that utilizes transwells with epithelial cells seeded apically and a basolateral extracellular matrix (ECM)-like layer. The model produced tissues with morphologic and physiological resemblance to human cervical and vaginal epithelia, including mucus levels produced by cervical cells. Infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was demonstrated, as well as the growth of bacterial species observed in the human vaginal microbiota. This enabled controlled mechanistic analyses of the interactions between host cells, the vaginal microbiota, and STI pathogens. Affordable and semi high-throughput 3D models of the cervicovaginal epithelia that are physiologically relevant by sustaining vaginal bacterial colonization, and facilitate studies of chlamydial and gonococcal infections.
Yeast osmoregulation – glycerol still in pole position
Authors: Blomberg Anders 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT
In response to osmotic dehydration cells sense, signal, alter gene expression, and metabolically counterbalance osmotic differences. The main compatible solute/osmolyte that accumulates in yeast cells is glycerol, which is produced from the glycolytic intermediate dihydroxyacetone phosphate. This review covers recent advancements in understanding mechanisms involved in sensing, signaling, cell-cycle delays, transcriptional responses as well as post-translational modifications on key proteins in osmoregulation. The protein kinase Hog1 is a key-player in many of these events, however, there is also a growing body of evidence for important Hog1-independent mechanisms playing vital roles. Several missing links in our understanding of osmoregulation will be discussed and future avenues for research proposed. The review highlights that this rather simple experimental system—salt/sorbitol and yeast—has developed into an enormously potent model system unravelling important fundamental aspects in biology.
The genome sequence of the scarce swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius
Authors: Mackintosh Alexander , Laetsch Dominik R , Baril Tobias , Ebdon Sam , Jay Paul , Vila Roger , Hayward Alex , Lohse Konrad 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The scarce swallowtail, Iphiclides podalirius (Linnaeus, 1758), is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for Iphiclides podalirius as well as gene and transposable element annotations. We investigate how the density of genomic features differs between the 30 Iphiclides podalirius chromosomes. We find that shorter chromosomes have higher heterozygosity at four-fold-degenerate sites and a greater density of transposable elements. While the first result is an expected consequence of differences in recombination rate, the second suggests a counter-intuitive relationship between recombination and transposable element evolution. This high-quality genome assembly, the first for any species in the tribe Leptocircini, will be a valuable resource for population genomics in the genus Iphiclides and comparative genomics more generally.
Discovery of nonautonomous modulators of activated Ras
Authors: Corchado-Sonera Marcos , Rambani Komal , Navarro Kristen , Kladney Raleigh , Dowdle James , Leone Gustavo , Chamberlin Helen M 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Communication between mesodermal cells and epithelial cells is fundamental to normal animal development and is frequently disrupted in cancer. However, the genes and processes that mediate this communication are incompletely understood. To identify genes that mediate this communication and alter the proliferation of cells with an oncogenic Ras genotype, we carried out a tissue-specific genome-wide RNAi screen in Caenorhabditis elegans animals bearing a let-60(n1046gf) (RasG13E) allele. The screen identifies 24 genes that, when knocked down in adjacent mesodermal tissue, suppress the increased vulval epithelial cell proliferation defect associated with let-60(n1046gf). Importantly, gene knockdown reverts the mutant animals to a wild-type phenotype. Using chimeric animals, we genetically confirm that 2 of the genes function nonautonomously to revert the let-60(n1046gf) phenotype. The effect is genotype restricted, as knockdown does not alter development in a wild type (let-60(+)) or activated EGF receptor (let-23(sa62gf)) background. Although many of the genes identified encode proteins involved in essential cellular processes, including chromatin formation, ribosome function, and mitochondrial ATP metabolism, knockdown does not alter the normal development or function of targeted mesodermal tissues, indicating that the phenotype derives from specific functions performed by these cells. We show that the genes act in a manner distinct from 2 signal ligand classes (EGF and Wnt) known to influence the development of vulval epithelial cells. Altogether, the results identify genes with a novel function in mesodermal cells required for communicating with and promoting the proliferation of adjacent epithelial cells with an activated Ras genotype.
A Beary Good Genome: Haplotype-Resolved, Chromosome-Level Assembly of the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Armstrong Ellie E , Perry Blair W , Huang Yongqing , Garimella Kiran V , Jansen Heiko T , Robbins Charles T , Tucker Nathan R , Kelley Joanna L 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the second largest and most widespread extant terrestrial carnivore on Earth and has recently emerged as a medical model for human metabolic diseases. Here, we report a fully phased chromosome-level assembly of a male North American brown bear built by combining Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi data and publicly available Hi-C data. The final genome size is 2.47 Gigabases (Gb) with a scaffold and contig N50 length of 70.08 and 43.94 Megabases (Mb), respectively. Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog (BUSCO) analysis revealed that 94.5% of single copy orthologs from Mammalia were present in the genome (the highest of any ursid genome to date). Repetitive elements accounted for 44.48% of the genome and a total of 20,480 protein coding genes were identified. Based on whole genome alignment to the polar bear, the brown bear is highly syntenic with the polar bear, and our phylogenetic analysis of 7,246 single-copy orthologs supports the currently proposed species tree for Ursidae. This highly contiguous genome assembly will support future research on both the evolutionary history of the bear family and the physiological mechanisms behind hibernation, the latter of which has broad medical implications.
The evolution of recombination in self-fertilizing organisms
Authors: Stetsenko Roman , Roze Denis 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Cytological data from flowering plants suggest that the evolution of recombination rates is affected by the mating system of organisms, as higher chiasma frequencies are often observed in self-fertilizing species compared with their outcrossing relatives. Understanding the evolutionary cause of this effect is of particular interest, as it may shed light on the selective forces favoring recombination in natural populations. While previous models showed that inbreeding may have important effects on selection for recombination, existing analytical treatments are restricted to the case of loosely linked loci and weak selfing rates, and ignore the stochastic effect of genetic interference (Hill–Robertson effect), known to be an important component of selection for recombination in randomly mating populations. In this article, we derive general expressions quantifying the stochastic and deterministic components of selection acting on a mutation affecting the genetic map length of a whole chromosome along which deleterious mutations occur, valid for arbitrary selfing rates. The results show that selfing generally increases selection for recombination caused by interference among mutations as long as selection against deleterious alleles is sufficiently weak. While interference is often the main driver of selection for recombination under tight linkage or high selfing rates, deterministic effects can play a stronger role under intermediate selfing rates and high recombination, selecting against recombination in the absence of epistasis, but favoring recombination when epistasis is negative. Individual-based simulation results indicate that our analytical model often provides accurate predictions for the strength of selection on recombination under partial selfing.
Utilization of Colonoscopy Following Treatment Initiation in U.S. Commercially Insured Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease, 2013-2019
Authors: Yang Jeff Y , Lund Jennifer L , Pate Virginia , Kappelman Michael D 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Evaluation of mucosal healing with colonoscopy is recommended for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management; however, little is known about real-world use of treat-to-target monitoring following IBD treatment initiation. We aimed to estimate the proportion of U.S. commercially insured IBD patients who receive colonoscopy in the 3 to 15 months after initiating treatment.

Methods
We identified IBD patients, 18 to 64 years of age, in the IBM MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database as those with ≥3 IBD diagnoses prior to initiation of biologic, small molecule, or immunomodulatory treatment. We excluded patients with prior colectomy and with rheumatologic and other indications for these therapies. Colonoscopies were identified using International Classification of Diseases–Ninth Revision, International Classification of Diseases–Tenth Revision, and Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. We used Kaplan-Meier methods to estimate the proportion of newly treated IBD patients who received colonoscopy in the 3 to 6 months, 3 to 12 months, and 3 to 15 months following treatment initiation, and stratified trends by year, patient age and sex, and region.

Results
From 2013 to 2019, we identified 39 734 initiators of IBD medications (51.9% female, mean age 39.4 years). We observed similar colonoscopy incidence among ulcerative colitis patients (3-6 months: 14.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13.6%-14.8%]; 3-12 months: 37.7% [95% CI, 36.8%-38.6%]; 3-15 months: 46.1% [95% CI, 45.2%-47.1%]) and Crohn’s disease patients (3-6 months: 11.2% [95% CI, 10.8%-11.6%]; 3-12 months: 32.2% [95% CI, 31.5%-32.9%]; 3-15 months: CD: 40.1% [95% CI, 39.3%-40.8%]). Overall colonoscopy use was slightly higher among women, patients in the Northeast, and those initiating newer biologic therapies.

Conclusions
Fewer than half of newly treated IBD patients underwent colonoscopy within 3 to 15 months of initiating new treatment, suggesting low uptake of treat-to-target endoscopic disease monitoring in real-world practice.
Investment Protection in Post-Brexit EU–UK Relations
Authors: Peters Laura , Wuschka Sebastian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
With the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, in particular from its internal market, the customs union and all of the EU’s international agreements, a new chapter in Europe’s legal, economic and political history has begun. This note sets out the consequences of Brexit for investment protection and arbitration, focusing on EU-UK investment relations. In a first step, it addresses the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement’s investment protection provisions and its unique dispute settlement mechanism before turning to the fate of the United Kingdom’s bilateral investment treaties with EU Member States as well as the Energy Charter Treaty. Even though these investment treaties are likely to remain in force, the article concludes that, from the point of view of EU investors in the UK and UK investors in the EU, it can overall be seen as a clear omission that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement does not regulate investment protection in a comprehensive manner. The current situation leaves significant gaps in treaty protection, especially for investments from and into the Western EU Member States.
Bilateral pulmonary artery banding for transposition of the great arteries complex with coarctation
Authors: Miwa Koji , Iwai Shigemitsu , Nagashima Toshiaki 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Surgical approaches for transposition of the great arteries with aortic arch obstruction include primary repair and two-stage repair. However, neither approach provides a satisfactory outcome. We report a case of patient who underwent two-stage repair, wherein arterial switch operation combined with aortic arch reconstruction was preceded by bilateral pulmonary artery banding; this yielded good outcomes. This approach safely avoids primary repair in the neonatal period and allows for the opportunity to evaluate right ventricle outlet tract stenosis before the definitive repair.
Invasive Trichoderma spp. infections: clinical presentation and outcome of cases from the literature and the FungiScope® registry
Authors: Sal Ertan , Stemler Jannik , Salmanton-García Jon , Falces-Romero Iker , Kredics László , Meyer Elisabeth , Würstl Benjamin , Lass-Flörl Cornelia , Racil Zdenek , Klimko Nikolay , Cesaro Simone , Kindo Anupma Jyoti , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Koehler Philipp , Cornely Oliver A , Seidel Danila 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Trichoderma spp. are filamentous fungi causing invasive fungal diseases in patients with haematological malignancies and in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Objectives
To analyse clinical presentation, predisposing factors, treatment and outcome of Trichoderma infections.

Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted for published cases of invasive Trichoderma infection in PubMed until December 2021 and by reviewing the included studies’ references. Cases from the FungiScope® registry were added to a combined analysis.

Results
We identified 50 invasive infections due to Trichoderma species, including 11 in the FungiScope® registry. The main underlying conditions were haematological malignancies in 19 and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in 10 cases. The most prevalent infection sites were lung (42%) and peritoneum (22%). Systemic antifungal therapy was administered in 42 cases (84%), mostly amphotericin B (n = 27, lipid-based formulation 13/27) and voriconazole in 15 cases (30%). Surgical interventions were performed in 13 cases (26%). Overall mortality was 48% (n = 24) and highest for allogeneic HSCT and solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients [80% (4/5) and 77% (7/9), respectively]. In patients treated with amphotericin B, voriconazole and caspofungin, mortality was 55% (15/27), 46% (7/15) and 28% (2/7), respectively. Three out of four patients treated with a combination therapy of voriconazole and caspofungin survived.

Conclusions
Despite treatment with antifungal therapies and surgery, invasive Trichoderma infections are life-threatening complications in immunocompromised patients, especially after HSCT and SOT. In addition, Trichoderma spp. mainly affect the lungs in patients with haematological malignancies and the peritoneum in CAPD patients.
BSAC Vanguard Series: Tracking the global rise of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Murray Christopher J L 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
One of the major challenges for tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is understanding the true burden of resistance and its impact on human health, particularly in locations where surveillance is minimal and data are sparse. The Global Research on AntiMicrobial resistance (GRAM) Project was launched to address these gaps. The scale of the challenge was considerable, but after 4 years of developing a stringent methodological approach and collecting/analysing data from many different sources, the capstone GRAM paper was published in January 2022. This article discusses the key findings and reviews the challenges in scaling-up AMR surveillance systems in a One Health framework. The GRAM Project represents a critical first-step in obtaining the accurate data that are needed to correctly target actions to control AMR.