bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross‐sectional survey on surgeon retention in the COSECSA region after specialist training: Have things changed?
Authors: Bekele Abebe , Alayande Barnabas Tobi , Iradukunda Jules , Minja Chris , Forbes Callum , Bachheta Niraj , Gulilat Dereje , Munthali James , Muguti Godfrey , Riviello Robert R. , Geraghty James , O’Flynn Eric , Fualal Jane Odubu , Chikoya Laston , Mwachiro Michael M. , Borgstein Eric 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing surgical specialist workforce density in sub‐Saharan Africa is essential for improving access to surgical care. However, out‐migration creates a significant challenge to attaining provider targets. We aimed to determine the rates and trends of retention of surgeons in the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) regions.MethodologyAn online, web‐based survey was distributed to COSECSA surgeons who graduated from 2004 to 2020. Current practice and migration patterns were visualized using descriptive analyses and logistic regression models.ResultsResponse rate was 48% (270/557). Most respondents trained as general surgeons and practiced in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Majority practiced in public hospitals (74%), and were active in research (81%), teaching (84%) and leadership (55%). Overall country (85%), regional (92%) and Africa retention rates (99%) were high with 100% country retention in Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia. Tanzania had the lowest retention (61%). Highest inter‐regional migration occurred from East to Southern Africa (26%), and continental out‐migration occurred from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. On bivariate analysis, out‐migration from training country and region was associated working with a non‐governmental organization (p = 0.002 and 0.0003) or a specialized hospital (p = 0.046 and 0.011). A multiple regression model with type of institution and leadership was a poor fit (McFadden R2 = 0.055; p = 0.082).ConclusionRetention rates of surgeons trained by COSECSA in the region remain remarkably high. This can be taken as an indicator of success of the training model to increase surgical workforce density, however, contributory factors need to be qualitatively explored.
Modifiability of surgical timing in postinjury multiple organ failure patients
Authors: Ting Ryan S. , King Kate L. , Lewis Daniel P. , Weaver Natasha A. , Balogh Zsolt J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundPostinjury multiple organ failure (MOF) is the leading cause of late trauma deaths, with primarily non‐modifiable risk factors. Timing of surgery as a potentially modifiable risk factor is frequently proposed, but has not been quantified. We aimed to compare mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU LOS between MOF patients who had surgery that preceded MOF with modifiable timings versus those with non‐modifiable timings.MethodsRetrospective analysis of an ongoing 17‐year prospective cohort study of ICU polytrauma patients at‐risk of MOF. Among MOF patients (Denver score>3), we identified patients who had surgery that preceded MOF, determined whether the timing of these operation(s) were modifiable(M) or non‐modifiable (non‐M), and evaluated the change in physiological parameters as a result of surgery.ResultsOf 716 polytrauma patients at‐risk of MOF, 205/716 (29%) developed MOF, and 161/205 (79%) had surgery during their ICU admission. Of the surgical MOF patients, 147/161 (91%) had one or more operation(s) that preceded MOF, and 65/161 (40%) of them had operation(s) with modifiable timings. There were no differences in age (mean (SD) 52 (19) vs 53 (21)years), injury severity score (median (IQR) 34 (26–41)vs34 (25–44)), admission physiological and resuscitation parameters, between M and non‐M‐patients. M patients had longer ICU LOS (median (IQR) 18 (12–28)versus 11 (8–16)days, p < 0.0001) than non‐M‐patients, without difference in mortality (14%vs16%, p = 0.7347), or hospital LOS (median (IQR) 32 (18–52)vs27 (17–47)days, p = 0.3418). M‐patients had less fluids and transfusions intraoperatively. Surgery did not compromise patient physiology.ConclusionOperations preceding MOF are common in polytrauma and seem to be safe in maintaining physiology. The margin for improvement from optimizing surgical timing is modest, contrary to historical assumptions.
Prophylactic anti‐reflux procedure for children undergoing laparoscopic gastrostomy: Rethinking of the routine practice
Authors: Fung Adrian Chi Heng , Ooi Yu Ning , Hui Ho Ming , Mok Michelle Kam Yan , Chung Patrick Ho Yu , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimLaparoscopic gastrostomy is a frequently performed procedure in children requiring long‐term enteral nutrition. The role of prophylactic anti‐reflux surgery during gastrostomy placements is controversial. The current study aims to evaluate the role of prophylactic anti‐reflux procedures during gastrostomy placement.MethodsA retrospective single‐center analysis of all children without reflux receiving laparoscopic gastrostomy from January 2005 through December 2021 was performed. Demographics and clinical outcomes were compared between patients receiving gastrostomy placement alone and patients receiving gastrostomy with prophylactic anti‐reflux surgery.ResultsA total of 79 patients had a confirmed absence of reflux by a 24‐h pH/impedance study before operation. Thirty‐six of these patients underwent prophylactic anti‐reflux surgery (PAR) while 43 received gastrostomy (PG) alone. The operative time and conversion rate were significantly higher in the PAR group (140.5 ± 67.5 vs. 80.2 ± 66.8 min, p = 0.0001 and 8.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.04). There were no major complications in either group. De novo reflux was detected in five patients (11.6%) in the PG group. None of these patients progressed to require anti‐reflux surgery.ConclusionThe occurrence of de novo reflux after laparoscopic gastrostomy was low and could be managed without anti‐reflux surgery. A routine pre‐operative pH study is helpful for appropriate patient selection to avoid unnecessary anti‐reflux surgery, which lengthens operative time and increases the conversion rate.
Gravitational action for a massive Majorana fermion in 2d quantum gravity
Authors: de Lacroix Corinne , Erbin Harold , Lahoche Vincent 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We compute the gravitational action of a free massive Majorana fermion coupled to two-dimensional gravity on compact Riemann surfaces of arbitrary genus. The structure is similar to the case of the massive scalar. The small-mass expansion of the gravitational yields the Liouville action at zeroth order, and we can identify the Mabuchi action at first order. While the massive Majorana action is a conformal deformation of the massless Majorana CFT, we find an action different from the one given by the David-Distler-Kawai (DDK) ansatz.
Minimizing operator exposure: field data analysis of three closed transfer systems for pesticide mixing and loading
Authors: Sasturain Juan , Blaschke Udo , Stauber Franz , Oteyza Tirso , Huby Jean-Pierre , Adham Sarah , Morgan Neil , Vinck Anne-Kim , Kicinski Michal , Hewitt Nicola J. , Kuster Christian J. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThree Closed Transfer Systems (CTS) were evaluated for their reduction of operator exposure to plant protection products during mixing and loading: the inverted extraction systems, easyFlow M and easyconnect, and the probe extraction system, GoatThroat®. Exposure data were generated for gloves, hands, head, inner and outer body dosimeters generated in 4 European countries for high rate (Sorbitol) and low rate (Xylitol) surrogate products used by 12 operators. Exposure values were compared with predicted data using the Agricultural Operator Exposure Model as a benchmark for open pour loading (used in the EFSA Guidance). The CTS types conformed with the ISO 21191 standard for CTS performance, and their potential to significantly reduce operator exposure was confirmed in this study. There was no statistical difference in potential (naked) or actual (one layer of clothing) operator exposure using both inverted CTS types; allowing these data to be pooled. The inverted CTS types resulted in higher mean protection (> 98% potential exposure and > 95% actual exposure) than GoatThroat® (> 80% potential exposure and > 95% actual exposure). These data can be used to derive reduction factors that could be used in the AOEM model for calculations involving mitigation e.g., 0.05 for inverted CTS since they reduced exposure by > 95% and 0.3 for probe extraction CTS types. All 3 CTS significantly reduced operator exposure to products during M&L. These and future CTS types which comply with ISO 21191 standards could be considered as mitigation devices. These findings will help to build confidence of farmers to use CTS routinely, resulting in safer pesticide handling.
Parabolicity on Graphs
Authors: Martínez-Pérez Álvaro , Rodríguez José M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLarge scale properties of Riemannian manifolds, in particular, those properties preserved by quasi-isometries, can be studied using discrete structures which approximate the manifolds. In a sequence of papers, M. Kanai proved that, under mild conditions, many properties are preserved by a certain (quasi-isometric) graph approximation of a manifold. One of these properties isp-parabolicity. A manifoldM(respectively, a graphG) is said to bep-parabolic if all positivep-superharmonic functions onM(resp.G) are constant. This is equivalent to not havingp-Green’s function (i.e. a positive fundamental solution of thep-Laplace-Beltrami operator). Herein we study directly thep-parabolicity on graphs. We obtain some characterizations in terms of graph decompositions. Also, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a uniform hyperbolic graph to bep-parabolic in terms of its boundary at infinity. Finally, we prove that if a uniform hyperbolic graph satisfies the (Cheeger) isoperimetric inequality, then it is non-p-parabolic for every$$1<p<\infty $$1<p<∞.
Skeletal muscle TET3 promotes insulin resistance through destabilisation of PGC-1α
Authors: Liu Beibei , Xie Di , Huang Xinmei , Jin Sungho , Dai Yangyang , Sun Xiaoli , Li Da , Bennett Anton M. , Diano Sabrina , Huang Yingqun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aim/hypothesis
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator α (PGC-1α) plays a critical role in the maintenance of glucose, lipid and energy homeostasis by orchestrating metabolic programs in multiple tissues in response to environmental cues. In skeletal muscles, PGC-1α dysregulation has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. This research aims to understand the role of TET3, a member of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family dioxygenases, in PGC-1α dysregulation in skeletal muscles in obesity and diabetes.

Methods
TET expression levels in skeletal muscles were analysed in humans with or without type 2 diabetes, as well as in mouse models of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced or genetically induced (ob/ob) obesity/diabetes. Muscle-specific Tet3 knockout (mKD) mice were generated to study TET3’s role in muscle insulin sensitivity. Genome-wide expression profiling (RNA-seq) of muscle tissues from wild-type (WT) and mKD mice was performed to mine deeper insights into TET3-mediated regulation of muscle insulin sensitivity. The correlation between PGC-1α and TET3 expression levels was investigated using muscle tissues and in vitro-derived myotubes. PGC-1α phosphorylation and degradation were analysed using in vitro assays.

Results
TET3 expression was elevated in skeletal muscles of humans with type 2 diabetes and in HFD-fed and ob/ob mice compared with healthy controls. mKD mice exhibited enhanced glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and resilience to HFD-induced insulin resistance. Pathway analysis of RNA-seq identified ‘Mitochondrial Function’ and ‘PPARα Pathway’ to be among the top biological processes regulated by TET3. We observed higher PGC-1α levels (~25%) in muscles of mKD mice vs WT mice, and lower PGC-1α protein levels (~25–60%) in HFD-fed or ob/ob mice compared with their control counterparts. In human and murine myotubes, increased PGC-1α levels following TET3 knockdown contributed to improved mitochondrial respiration and insulin sensitivity. TET3 formed a complex with PGC-1α and interfered with its phosphorylation, leading to its destabilisation.

Conclusions/interpretation
Our results demonstrate an essential role for TET3 in the regulation of skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and suggest that TET3 may be used as a potential therapeutic target for the metabolic syndrome.

Data availability
Sequences are available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) with accession number of GSE224042.

Graphical Abstract
Reducing hand radiation during renal access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a comparison of radiation reduction techniques
Authors: Chen Ricky , Joo Eun Hye , Baas Catalina , Hartman John , Amasyali Akin S. , Shete Kanha , Belle Joshua D. , Ritchie Cayde , Baldwin Elizabeth A. , Okhunov Zhamshid , Farkouh Ala’a , Baldwin D. Duane 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPercutaneous nephrolithotomy confers the highest radiation to the urologist’s hands compared to other urologic procedures. This study compares radiation exposure to the surgeon’s hand and patient’s body when utilizing three different techniques for needle insertion during renal access. Simulated percutaneous renal access was performed using a cadaveric patient and separate cadaveric forearm representing the surgeon’s hand. Three different needle-holding techniques were compared: conventional glove (control), a radiation-attenuating glove, and a novel needle holder. Five 300-s fluoroscopy trials were performed per treatment arm. The primary outcome was radiation dose (mSv) to the surgeon’s hand. The secondary outcome was radiation dose to the patient. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s B post-hoc tests were performed with p < 0.05 considered significant. Compared to the control (3.92 mSv), both the radiation-attenuating glove (2.48 mSv) and the needle holder (1.37 mSv) reduced hand radiation exposure (p < 0.001). The needle holder reduced hand radiation compared to the radiation-attenuating glove (p < 0.001). The radiation-attenuating glove resulted in greater radiation produced by the C-arm compared to the needle holder (83.49 vs 69.22 mGy; p = 0.019). Patient radiation exposure was significantly higher with the radiation-attenuating glove compared to the needle holder (8.43 vs 7.03 mSv; p = 0.027). Though radiation-attenuating gloves decreased hand radiation dose by 37%, this came at the price of a 3% increase in patient exposure. In contrast, the needle holder reduced exposure to both the surgeon’s hand by 65% and the patient by 14%. Thus, a well-designed low-density needle holder could optimize radiation safety for both surgeon and patient.
Transcriptional response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to lactic acid enantiomers
Authors: Drozdova Polina , Gurkov Anton , Saranchina Alexandra , Vlasevskaya Anastasia , Zolotovskaya Elena , Indosova Elizaveta , Timofeyev Maxim , Borvinskaya Ekaterina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The model yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a popular object for both fundamental and applied research, including the development of biosensors and industrial production of pharmaceutical compounds. However, despite multiple studies exploring S. cerevisiae transcriptional response to various substances, this response is unknown for some substances produced in yeast, such as D-lactic acid (DLA). Here, we explore the transcriptional response of the BY4742 strain to a wide range of DLA concentrations (from 0.05 to 45 mM), and compare it to the response to 45 mM L-lactic acid (LLA). We recorded a response to 5 and 45 mM DLA (125 and 113 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively; > 50% shared) and a less pronounced response to 45 mM LLA (63 DEGs; > 30% shared with at least one DLA treatment). Our data did not reveal natural yeast promoters quantitatively sensing DLA but provide the first description of the transcriptome-wide response to DLA and enrich our understanding of the LLA response. Some DLA-activated genes were indeed related to lactate metabolism, as well as iron uptake and cell wall structure. Additional analyses showed that at least some of these genes were activated only by acidic form of DLA but not its salt, revealing the role of pH. The list of LLA-responsive genes was similar to those published previously and also included iron uptake and cell wall genes, as well as genes responding to other weak acids. These data might be instrumental for optimization of lactate production in yeast and yeast co-cultivation with lactic acid bacteria.

Key points
• We present the first dataset on yeast transcriptional response to DLA.
• Differential gene expression was correlated with yeast growth inhibition.
• The transcriptome response to DLA was richer in comparison to LLA.
Discovery and biocatalytic characterization of opine dehydrogenases by metagenome mining
Authors: Telek András , Molnár Zsófia , Takács Kristóf , Varga Bálint , Grolmusz Vince , Tasnádi Gábor , Vértessy Beáta G. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Enzymatic processes play an increasing role in synthetic organic chemistry which requires the access to a broad and diverse set of enzymes. Metagenome mining is a valuable and efficient way to discover novel enzymes with unique properties for biotechnological applications. Here, we report the discovery and biocatalytic characterization of six novel metagenomic opine dehydrogenases from a hot spring environment (mODHs) (EC 1.5.1.X). These enzymes catalyze the asymmetric reductive amination between an amino acid and a keto acid resulting in opines which have defined biochemical roles and represent promising building blocks for pharmaceutical applications. The newly identified enzymes exhibit unique substrate specificity and higher thermostability compared to known examples. The feature that they preferably utilize negatively charged polar amino acids is so far unprecedented for opine dehydrogenases. We have identified two spatially correlated positions in their active sites that govern this substrate specificity and demonstrated a switch of substrate preference by site-directed mutagenesis. While they still suffer from a relatively narrow substrate scope, their enhanced thermostability and the orthogonality of their substrate preference make them a valuable addition to the toolbox of enzymes for reductive aminations. Importantly, enzymatic reductive aminations with highly polar amines are very rare in the literature. Thus, the preparative-scale enzymatic production, purification, and characterization of three highly functionalized chiral secondary amines lend a special significance to our work in filling this gap.

Key points
• Six new opine dehydrogenases have been discovered from a hot spring metagenome
• The newly identified enzymes display a unique substrate scope
• Substrate specificity is governed by two correlated active-site residues
Methanogenic partner influences cell aggregation and signalling of Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans
Authors: Doloman Anna , Besteman Maaike S , Sanders Mark G , Sousa Diana Z 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
For several decades, the formation of microbial self-aggregates, known as granules, has been extensively documented in the context of anaerobic digestion. However, current understanding of the underlying microbial-associated mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remains limited. This study examined morphological and biochemical changes associated with cell aggregation in model co-cultures of the syntrophic propionate oxidizing bacterium Syntrophobacterium fumaroxidans and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, Methanospirillum hungatei or Methanobacterium formicicum. Formerly, we observed that when syntrophs grow for long periods with methanogens, cultures tend to form aggregates visible to the eye. In this study, we maintained syntrophic co-cultures of S. fumaroxidans with either M. hungatei or M. formicicum for a year in a fed-batch growth mode to stimulate aggregation. Millimeter-scale aggregates were observed in both co-cultures within the first 5 months of cultivation. In addition, we detected quorum sensing molecules, specifically N-acyl homoserine lactones, in co-culture supernatants preceding the formation of macro-aggregates (with diameter of more than 20 μm). Comparative transcriptomics revealed higher expression of genes related to signal transduction, polysaccharide secretion and metal transporters in the late-aggregation state co-cultures, compared to the initial ones. This is the first study to report in detail both biochemical and physiological changes associated with the aggregate formation in syntrophic methanogenic co-cultures.

Keypoints
• Syntrophic co-cultures formed mm-scale aggregates within 5 months of fed-batch cultivation.
• N-acyl homoserine lactones were detected during the formation of aggregates.
• Aggregated co-cultures exhibited upregulated expression of adhesins- and polysaccharide-associated genes.

Graphical abstract
An apoptosis-inducing factor controls programmed cell death and laccase expression during fungal interactions
Authors: Fang Junnan , Zhou Gang , Zhao Huifang , Xie Dengdeng , Zhang Jingna , Kües Ursula , Xiao Yazhong , Fang Zemin , Liu Juanjuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Apoptotic-like programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the main strategies for fungi to resist environmental stresses and maintain homeostasis. The apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) has been shown in different fungi to trigger PCD through upregulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study identified a mitochondrial localized AIF homolog, CcAIF1, from Coprinopsis cinerea monokaryon Okayama 7. Heterologous overexpression of CcAIF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae caused apoptotic-like PCD of the yeast cells. Ccaif1 was increased in transcription when C. cinerea interacted with Gongronella sp. w5, accompanied by typical apoptotic-like PCD in C. cinerea, including phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation. Decreased mycelial ROS levels were observed in Ccaif1 silenced C. cinerea transformants during cocultivation, as well as reduction of the apoptotic levels, mycelial growth, and asexual sporulation. By comparison, Ccaif1 overexpression led to the opposite phenotypes. Moreover, the transcription and expression levels of laccase Lcc9 decreased by Ccaif1 silencing but increased firmly in Ccaif1 overexpression C. cinerea transformants in coculture. Thus, in conjunction with our previous report that intracellular ROS act as signal molecules to stimulate defense responses, we conclude that CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to promote apoptotic-like PCD and laccase expression in fungal-fungal interactions. In an axenic culture of C. cinerea, CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation together increased laccase secretion with multiplied production yield. The expression of two other normally silent isozymes, Lcc8 and Lcc13, was unexpectedly triggered along with Lcc9.

Key points
• Mitochondrial CcAIF1 induces PCD during fungal-fungal interactions
• CcAIF1 is a regulator of ROS to trigger the expression of Lcc9 for defense
• CcAIF1 overexpression and H2O2 stimulation dramatically increase laccase production