bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences and Outcomes of Inverted Kidney Transplantation From a Single Vietnamese Institute
Authors: Duc Hung Duong , Viet Khai Ninh , Hai Dang Do , Hoang Tuan , Bao Ngoc Ninh , Ngoc Son Do 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Inverted kidney transplant (KT) have been applied in many transplant centers, but the experiences and outcomes of this technique was limited.
Aim
To describe the technical characteristics, indications and evaluate the outcomes of inverted kidney transplantation.
Methods
Retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2023, included 74 patients who underwent inverted kidney transplantation with 72 cases of right kidney transplant into the right iliac fossa and 2 cases of left kidney transplant into the left iliac fossa performed in Viet Duc University Hospital.
Results
63 cases in stage 1 (ipsilateral kidney transplant), all kidney graft were transplanted on the same side and 11 cases in stage 2 in which the kidney transplant was performed in some special cases such as recipients with severe atherosclerotic iliac arteries or incompatibility between the arteries and venous. There was 1 case (1.4%) of graft renal artery pseudoaneurysm and 5 cases (6.8%) of ureteral stenosis at the ureter-bladder junction. There was 1 case of graft loss due to chronic graft rejection – immunosuppression inadherence requiring retransplantation after 2 years. 98.6% of cases had normal kidney function when discharged and remained stable until the latest follow-up.
Conclusion
Inverted kidney transplantation is a simple, safe and effective technique and could be a feasible solution for atherosclerotic patients.
The effects of variable spatial aggregation on lymphatic filariasis transmission
Authors: Shaw Callum , McLure Angus , Glass Kathryn 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Elimination of Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a World Health Organisation goal, with several countries at or near prevalence thresholds. Where LF cases remain after mass drug administration, they tend to be spatially clustered, with an overdispersed individual worm burden. Both individual and spatial heterogeneities can cause aggregation of infection; however, few studies have investigated the drivers of heterogeneity and implications for disease elimination. We used a spatially explicit lymphatic filariasis model to investigate LF transmission in American Samoa at three spatial scales -- a well-mixed Territory-level model, a Village model with 64 groups, and a Sub-Village model with 316 groups. To reproduce American Samoan survey data, models with less spatial structure required increased individual-level bite aggregation. Threshold behaviour was present in the Territory model, but less evident in the models with spatial structure. As such, mass drug administration was most effective in the Territory model, while in the spatially structured models, successive rounds of mass drug administration only gradually increased the likelihood of elimination. With the addition of spatial structure, residual infections remained in limited groups and infection resurgence was slowed. Due to the impacts on potential intervention and surveillance strategies, it is critical that studies consider individual and spatial sources of heterogeneity to accurately model transmission and inform potential policy decisions.
Versatile Application of Fast Green FCF as a Visible Cholangiogram in Adult Mice to Medium-Sized Mammals
Authors: Niimi Tomoyuki , Miyazaki Nanae , Oiki Hironobu , Uemura Mami , Zeng Shihan , Promsut Watcharapon , Ota Noriaki , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Narushima Seiko , Yanagida Ayaka , Hiramatsu Ryuji , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Takami Shohei , Fujishiro Jun , Kanai Yoshiakira 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The non-toxic visible contrast agent, Fast Green FCF (FG), mimics cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein to visualize embryonic bile flow via single peritoneal injection into intrauterine mouse embryos. Despite its efficacy in embryos, its suitability for adult mice and small to medium-sized mammals remained uncertain. In this study, we investigated FG cholangiography in adult mice, dogs, and goats. The results demonstrate that FG injection enables progressive cholangiography in these species, highlighting its versatility across different animal models without necessitating specialized equipment. To further evaluate diagnostic utility, FG cholangiography was performed in various mouse models of bile flow disorders. FG successfully visualized dilated lumina in the extrahepatic bile duct of BDL mice and revealed aberrant luminal structures in the gallbladder walls of Sox17+/- or Shh-cre; Sox17flox/- mice. In Mab21l1-/- mice with contracted gallbladders, FG influx was limited to the gallbladder neck. Moreover, stereomicroscopic video analysis of FG influx into the gallbladder post-fasting revealed differences in bile composition between Sox17+/- and wild-type mice, suggesting the potential for detecting variations in stored bile properties. These findings underscore the efficacy of FG in facilitating progressive cholangiography across mammalian species.
Adding eltrombopag to intensive immunosuppressive therapy helps adult patients catch up pediatric patients in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Han Bing , Yang Bixi , Wang Leyu , Fu Lingling , Ma Jie , Chen Miao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Direct comparison of immunosuppressive therapy (IST), especially after the addition of thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA), between adult and paediatric patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) has not been enunciated. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in efficacy and survival between adults and children receiving IST ± eltrombopag (EPAG). Baseline characteristics, haematological response, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), relapse, and clonal evolution were compared in 366 patients (141 adults, 197males, median age 11 years). For IST alone, adults had a similar overall response rate (ORR) but a lower complete response rate (CRR) than did children at 12 months. Moreover, adults had lower OS and EFS. After adding EPAG, the ORR was greater in adults, and the CRR was similar between the two groups. OS and EFS in adults improved significantly and were similar to those in children. Adults had similar relapse rates but higher clonal evolution rates than children, with or without EPAG. Adults had greater clonal evolution, regardless of the addition of EPAG. Adding EPAG to intensive IST improved the ORR, CRR, OS and EFS in adults more than it did in children, bridged the gap previously existed between adult and paediatric patients.
Global burden on drug use disorders from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2046
Authors: Chen Dongying , Sun Yanyan , Li Xiaowu , Yin Zongyi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Despite extensive research, there remains a paucity of comprehensive reports on the spatiotemporal distribution, driving factors, and future trends of drug use disorders (DUDs). We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 to address this gap. In 2021, the global prevalence of DUDs reached 53,115,936 (95% UI: 46,999,805 – 60,949,054), marking a 35.50% increase since 1990 and is projected to continue rising over the next 25 years. The increment in incidence, deaths, and DALYs was 35.50%, 122.22%, and 74.65%, respectively. Despite the declining trends in global rates of incidence, prevalence, and DALYs, mortality still shows an upward trend, increasing from 1.26 to 1.65 per 100,000. Opioid and cocaine use disorders were the primary contributors to the overall increase in DUDs DALYs. Population growth was the primary driver of the increase in DUDs burden (35.31%). Health inequality regarding DUDs remain prominent issues.
Effect of Drying Temperatures on Drying Kinetics and Lycopene Content of Tomato
Authors: Akindele Olubukola Olubumi , Ogunlakin Grace , Olajire Ajekigbe , Oyewo Oluferanmi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) belongs to the genus Lycopersicon under the Solanaceae flowering plant family. It is a popular vegetable that loses moisture during post-harvest. Hence, developing appropriate post-harvest technology like drying is crucial to extend their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperatures on drying kinetics and lycopene content of dried tomato slices. The fresh tomato fruits were sliced into 4, 6, and 8 mm thicknesses and dried using a cabinet dryer at 60, 70, and 80 0C. The drying rate kinetics (drying rate, moisture ratio, and diffusivity) were determined and dried tomato was evaluated for lycopene content. This study showed that tomatoes subjected to drying at 70 0C gave the best result. Moisture content decreases gradually with an increase in drying time. Effective moisture diffusivity increased with increase in slice thickness and varied from 2.657 x 10-6 to 6.399 x 10-6 m2/s, 1.723 x 10-6 to 1.140 x 10-6 m2/s, 1.164 to 7.626 x 10-6 m2/s for temperatures 60, 70 and 80 0C respectively. The lycopene content ranged from 3.420 to 6.010 mg/g. The results indicated that a reduction in lycopene content occurred in tomatoes during the drying process. The highest value of lycopene was obtained from a slice thickness of 6 mm at 70 0C while the lowest was obtained from a slice thickness of 8 mm at 60 0C. The most appropriate temperature for drying tomatoes among the monitored temperatures was at 70 ℃ for lycopene content retention.
Spatial-Temporal Heterogeneity of Ecosystem Services and Spatial Response of Their Influencing Factors in the Luo River Basin: Integration of the Comprehensive Ecosystem Service Index and Ecosystem Service Bundles
Authors: Zhang Jing , Qiao Xuning , Yang Yongju , Liu Liang , Zheng Jinchan , Chen Yuru , Dai Yulong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Exploring the spatial-temporal evolution and driving factors of ecosystem services (ESs) helps managers develop scientifically based ecological conservation and restoration strategies, thereby promoting regional sustainable development. Sen’s trend analysis and the Mann-Kendall significance test are used to show spatiotemporal evolution patterns of ESs in the Luo River basin from 1999 to 2020. The spatial characteristics of various ESs combinations were analyzed based on the Composite Ecosystem Service Index (CESI) and ecosystem service bundles. Geodetector and multi-scale geographically weighted regression methods were used to identify the dominant influencing factors and spatial responses of ESs and the CESI. According to the findings:(1) the distribution of ESs follows a pattern of "low in the northeast, high in the southwest," which is com-parable to the distribution of forest. Water yield(WY), carbon storage(CS), and soil retention(SR) retention generally exhibited an increasing trend at both the annual and spatial scales, whereas habitat quality showed a declining trend. The CESI showed relatively small variation over the time series. Spatially, the index was higher in the upstream than in the downstream regions. Strong provisioning capacities were found for both the comprehensive ecological bundle and key synergy bundle. (2)The impact of natural and climatic factors on ESs exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. Rainfall positively influenced water yield and the CESI. The normalized difference vegetation index exhibited a “negative in the west, positive in the east” influence pattern on CS. Slope showed a significant positive effect on SR and HQ. (3)The Luo River basin could be split into two primary and four secondary zones based on the principles of spatial clustering of ESs characteristics and driving factors. Based on the characteristics of each zone, reasonable zoning and management recommendations are made in order to provide scientific support for the preservation of the environment and sustainable development.
Malonate is relevant to the lung environment and induces genome-wide stress responses in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bisht Karishma , Elmassry Moamen M. , Mahmud Hafij Al , Bhattacharjee Shubhra , Deonarine Amrika , Black Caroline , Francisco Michael J. San , Hamood Abdul N. , Wakeman Catherine A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Versatility in carbon source utilization is a major contributor to niche adaptation inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Malonate is among the abundant carbon sources in the lung airways, yet it is understudied. Recently, we characterized how malonate impacts quorum sensing regulation, antibiotic resistance, and virulence factor production inP. aeruginosa. Herein, we show that malonate as a carbon source supports more robust growth in comparison to glycerol in several cystic fibrosis isolates ofP. aeruginosa.Furthermore, we show phenotypic responses to malonate were conserved among clinical strains, i.e., formation of biomineralized biofilm-like aggregates, increased tolerance to kanamycin, and increased susceptibility to norfloxacin. Moreover, we explored transcriptional adaptations ofP. aeruginosaUCBPP-PA14 (PA14) in response to malonate versus glycerol as a sole carbon source using transcriptomics. Malonate utilization activated glyoxylate and methylcitrate cycles and induced several stress responses, including oxidative, anaerobic, and metal stress responses associated with increases in intracellular aluminum and strontium. We identified several genes that were required for optimal growth ofP. aeruginosain malonate. Our findings reveal important remodeling ofP. aeruginosagene expression during its growth on malonate as a sole carbon source that is accompanied by several important phenotypic changes. These findings add to the accumulating literature highlighting the role of different carbon sources in the physiology ofP. aeruginosaand its niche adaptation.
Human-in-the-loop Active Learning for Goal-oriented Molecule Generation
Authors: Nahal Yasmine , Menke Janosch , Martinelli Julien , Heinonen Markus , Kabeshov Mikhail , Janet Jon Paul , Nittinger Eva , Engkvist Ola , Kaski Samuel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Machine learning (ML) systems have enabled the modelling of quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) and structure-activity relationships (QSAR) using existing experimental data to predict target properties for new molecules. These property predictors hold significant potential in accelerating drug discovery by guiding generative artificial intelligence (AI) agents to explore desired chemical spaces. However, they often struggle to generalize due to the limited scope of the training data. When optimized by generative agents, this limitation can result in the generation of molecules with artificially high predicted probabilities of satisfying target properties, which subsequently fail experimental validation. To address this challenge, we propose an adaptive approach that integrates active learning (AL) and iterative feedback to refine property predictors, thereby improving the outcomes of their optimization by generative AI agents. Our method leverages the Expected Predictive Information Gain (EPIG) criterion to select additional molecules for evaluation by an oracle. This process aims to provide the greatest reduction in predictive uncertainty, enabling more accurate model evaluations of subsequently generated molecules. Recognizing the impracticality of immediate wet-lab or physics-based experiments due to time and logistical constraints, we propose leveraging human experts for their cost-effectiveness and domain knowledge to effectively augment property predictors, bridging gaps in the limited training data. Empirical evaluations through both simulated and real human-in-the-loop experiments demonstrate that our approach refines property predictors to better align with oracle assessments. Additionally, we observe improved accuracy of predicted properties as well as improved drug-likeness among the top-ranking generated molecules.Scientific contribution: We present an adaptable framework that integrates AL and human expertise to refine property predictors for goal-oriented molecule generation. This approach is robust to noise in human feedback and ensures that navigating chemical space with human-refined predictors leverages human insights to identify molecules that not only satisfy predicted property profiles but also score highly on oracle models. Additionally, it prioritizes practical characteristics such as drug-likeness, synthetic accessibility, and a favorable balance between exploring diverse chemical space and exploiting similarity to existing training data.
IL-37 attenuated HPV induced inflammation of oral epithelial cells via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR
Authors: Shi Yahong , Liu Ning , Bai Yunfang , Li Kunshan , Li Chencong , Hou Yujiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, with significant implications for various anogenital cancers, such as vulval, vaginal, anal, penile, and head and neck cancers. HPV infections have been linked to the induction of inflammation. In contrast, Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is recognized as an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In this study, two distinct types of oral epithelial cells were employed to investigate the impact of HPV on inflammation. The results demonstrated a significant induction of inflammation by HPV in both types of oral epithelial cells. Interestingly, IL-37 exhibited a mitigating effect, attenuating the HPV-induced inflammation in oral epithelial cells. Further exploration into the molecular mechanisms involved revealed that knockdown (KD) of PI3K compromised the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-37 in response to HPV. Similarly, KD of AKT was found to compromise the regulatory effects of IL-37 on HPV-induced inflammation. Notably, KD of mTOR was identified as a key factor, compromising the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-37 in the context of HPV-induced inflammation. Additionally, the study uncovered that the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, could effectively compromise the effects of IL-37 on HPV-induced inflammation. These findings contribute valuable insights into the intricate pathogenesis of HPV-induced inflammation and may pave the way for the development of innovative treatments for this condition.
Sucrose-induced biosynthesis of pharmaceutically important secondary cell products in cell suspension cultures of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.)
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Ahmad Nisar , Fazal Hina , Ali Mohammad , Egertsdotter Ulrika , Ullah Farman , Zhang Guiguo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is well known for production of pharmaceutically important and nontoxic steviol glycosides (SGs) which can be used as alternative sweeteners to regular sugar. The primary focus of this report was to investigate the sweet diterpenes in cell suspension cultures with different growth responses to sucrose. Initially, different concentrations of carbon source (sucrose; 05–50 g l− 1) were tested for the establishment of cell suspension culture and growth kinetics were determined for 30 days period with three days intervals for each treatment. Cultures collected at late-log phase (day-18) were used for determination of steviosides, rebaudioside-A, dulcoside-A, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. The results showed maximum values for fresh biomass (97.71 g l− 1-FW), dry biomass (8.57 g l− 1-DW), rebaudioside-A content (27.64 mg/g-DW) and dulcoside-A content (6.43 mg/g-DW) in response to 20 g l− 1. The cultures grown with 30 g l− 1sucrose exhibited maximum stevioside content (42.23 mg/g-DW) and highest antioxidant activity (83.87%). However, the exposure of suspended cells to sucrose (40 g l− 1) improved total phenolic (139.20 mg/g-DW) and total flavonoid (41.46 mg/g-DW) contents. The correlation studies showed strongly positive correlation of dry biomass and phenolics and flavonoids contents respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was positively correlated with phenolics and flavonoids contents, but not with steviol glycoside content. This work shows the potential for utilizing liquid suspension cultures of S. rebaudiana for enhanced production of SGs and antioxidant phenolic metabolites.
Integrating Spatial Analysis of Land Surface Temperature and Green Space Suitability: An Advanced Approach to Urban and Peri-Urban Planning
Authors: Parvar Zahra , Mohammadzadeh Marjan , Saeidi Sepideh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Sustainable urban development requires a comprehensive understanding of land surface temperature (LST) and the factors that influence it, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. This study introduces an approach that integrates Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) with Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to enhance green space (GS) planning in Bojnourd City, Iran. By merging these techniques, the research identifies critical areas where high suitability for green space development coincides with LST hotspots, offering a robust tool for urban planners. LST mapping was conducted using the radiative transfer equation (RTE) method with Landsat 8 data. GS suitability was evaluated through an MCE framework incorporating Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), fuzzy set analysis, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Zonal Land Suitability (ZLS) methods. The GWR model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy over the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, evidenced by a higher R² and lower AIC. This combined analysis identified 255 hectares within the city and 4,393.9 hectares in the expansion zones as prime locations for urban green spaces (UGS) and peri-urban agriculture and forestry (P-UGS) development. Overall, the study's approach demonstrates a valuable framework for advancing green space management and enhancing climate change adaptation strategies.
Fine-tuning of conditional Transformers for the generation of functionally characterized enzymes
Authors: Valentini Giorgio , Nicolini Marco , Saitto Emanuele , Franco Ruben Jimenez , Cavalleri Emanuele , Mesiti Marco , Galeano Aldo , Malchiodi Dario , Paccanaro Alberto , Robinson Peter , Casiraghi Elena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We introduce Finenzyme, a Protein Language Model (PLM) that employs a multifaceted learning strategy based on transfer learning from a decoder-based Transformer, conditional learning using specific functional keywords, and fine-tuning to model specific Enzyme Commission (EC) categories.
Using Finenzyme, we investigate the conditions under which fine-tuning enhances the prediction and generation of EC categories, showing a two-fold perplexity improvement in EC-specific categories compared to a generalist model.
Our extensive experimentation shows that Finenzyme generated sequences can be very different from natural ones while retaining similar tertiary structures, functions and chemical kinetics of their natural counterparts.
Importantly, the embedded representations of the generated enzymes closely resemble those of natural ones, thus making them suitable for downstream tasks.
Finally, we illustrate how Finenzyme can be used in practice to generate enzymes characterized by specific functions using in-silico directed evolution, a computationally inexpensive PLM fine-tuning procedure significantly enhancing and assisting targeted enzyme engineering tasks.
The Hidden Cost of Stress: Exploring the Role of Knowledge Hiding in Innovation and Leader Support Dynamics
Authors: Jeong Jeeyoon , Lee Ji Hoon , Karau Steven J. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study, grounded in conservation of resources theory, investigates how job stress hinders innovation through knowledge hiding, with leader support as a moderating factor. Analyzing data from 496 employees in South Korea, we found job stress diminishes innovation, a process partly due to increased knowledge hiding. However, leader support can mitigate job stress's effects on knowledge hiding and its indirect impact on innovation. Results highlight knowledge hiding's critical role in stress-related innovation decline, showcasing how supportive leadership can counteract stress's negative consequences on organizational innovation. Implications for theory and practice are explored.