bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process control: simply a matter of efficiency or of survival and costs? A single-centre quality improvement project in living donor renal transplant
Authors: Paoletti Filippo , Giorgio Vittori , Jaser Adel , Zanoni Natalia Romina , Ricciardi Walter , Citterio Franco , De Belvis Antonio Giulio 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Rising incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease is a worldwide concern for sustainability of healthcare systems and societies. Living donor renal transplant [LDRT] provides highest health achievements and cost containment than any alternative form of renal replacement therapy. Nonetheless, about 25% of potential LDRTs are missed for causes directly related with inadequate timing in donor assessment. Our quality improvement (QI) project implement process control tools and strategy aiming at reducing total evaluation time for donor candidates and minimizing dialysis exposure for intended recipients, which are the two main determinants of clinical outcomes and costs.

Methods
The study includes patients who underwent donor nephrectomy between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021. Six Sigma DMAIC approach was adopted to assess Base Case performance (Jan2017-Jun2019) and to design and implement our QI project. Study of current state analysis focused on distribution of time intervals within the assessment process, analysis of roles and impacts of involved healthcare providers and identification of targets of improvement. Improved Scenario (Jul2019-Dec2021) was assessed in terms of total lead time reduction, total pre-transplantation dialysis exposure and costs reduction, and increase in pre-emptive transplantations. The study was reported following SQUIRE 2.0 Guidelines for QI projects.

Results
Study population includes 63 patients, 37 in Base Case and 26 in Improved Scenario. Total lead time reduced from a median of 293 to 166 days and this in turn reduced pre-transplantation dialysis exposure and costs by 45%. Rate of potential pre-emptive donors’ loss changes from 44% to 27%.

Conclusions
Lean methodology is an effective tool to improve quality and efficiency of healthcare processes, in the interest of patients, healthcare professionals and payers.
Ultrasmall and highly biocompatible carbon dots derived from natural plant with amelioration against acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Xiaoke , Wu Tong , Yang Yingxin , Zhou Long , Wang Shuxian , Liu Jiaxing , Zhao Yafang , Zhang Meiling , Zhao Yan , Qu Huihua , Kong Hui , Zhang Yue 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to a tricky clinical disease, known by its high morbidity and mortality, with no real specific medicine for AKI. The carbonization product from Pollen Typhae (i.e., Pu-huang in China) has been extensively employed in clinic, and it is capable of relieving the renal damage and other diseases in China since acient times.

Results
Inspired by the carbonization process of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a novel species of carbon dots derived from Pollen Typhae (PT-CDs) was separated and then collected using a one-pot pyrolysis method. The as-prepared PT-CDs (4.85 ± 2.06 nm) with negative charge and abundant oxygenated groups exhibited high solubility, and they were stable in water. Moreover, the rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced AKI rat model was used, and it was first demonstrated that PT-CDs had significant activity in improving the level of BUN and CRE, urine volume and kidney index, and histopathological morphology in RM-induced AKI rats. It is noteworthy that interventions of PT-CDs significantly reduced degree of inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress, which may be correlated with the basial potential mechanism of anti-AKI activities. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assay and biosafety evaluation exhibited high biocompatibility of PT-CDs.

Conclusion
This study offers a novel relieving strategy for AKI based on PT-CDs and suggests its potential to be a related candidate for clinical applications.

Graphical Abstract
High-dose proton beam therapy versus conventional fractionated radiation therapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Matsuda Masahide , Mizumoto Masashi , Kohzuki Hidehiro , Sugii Narushi , Sakurai Hideyuki , Ishikawa Eiichi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
High-dose proton beam therapy (PBT) uses excellent dose concentricity based on the unique characteristic termed the Bragg peak. PBT is a highly feasible treatment option that improves survival in select patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). However, selection bias remains an issue in prior studies that evaluated the efficacy of PBT. The aim of the present study was to compare the survival outcomes and toxicities of high-dose PBT and conventional radiation therapy (CRT) using propensity score-matched treatment cohorts.

Methods
The analysis included patients with newly diagnosed GBM treated with high-dose PBT of 96.6 Gy (RBE) or CRT of 60 Gy from 2010 to 2020. Propensity score generation and 1:1 matching of patients were performed based on the following covariates: age, sex, tumor location, extent of resection, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and pre-radiation Karnofsky performance scale score.

Results
From a total of 235 patients, 26 were selected in each group by propensity score matching. The median overall survival (OS) of the PBT group was 28.3 months, while the median OS of the CRT group was 21.2 months. Although acute radiation-related toxicities were equivalent between the PBT and CRT groups, radiation necrosis as a late radiation-related toxicity was observed significantly more frequently in the PBT group.

Conclusions
High-dose PBT provided significant survival benefits for patients with newly diagnosed GBM compared to CRT as shown by propensity score matching analysis. Radiation necrosis remains an issue in high-dose PBT; thus, the establishment of an effective treatment strategy centered on bevacizumab would be essential.
Gut microbiota composition during hospitalization is associated with 60-day mortality after severe COVID-19
Authors: Trøseid Marius , Holter Jan Cato , Holm Kristian , Vestad Beate , Sazonova Taisiia , Granerud Beathe K. , Dyrhol-Riise Anne Ma , Holten Aleksander R. , Tonby Kristian , Kildal Anders Benjamin , Heggelund Lars , Tveita Anders , Bøe Simen , Müller Karl Erik , Jenum Synne , Hov Johannes R. , Ueland Thor ,   Norwegian SARS-CoV-2 study group
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Gut microbiota alterations have been reported in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with reduced alpha diversity and altered microbiota composition related to respiratory failure. However, data regarding gut microbiota and mortality are scarce.

Methods
Rectal swabs for gut microbiota analyses were collected within 48 h after hospital admission (baseline; n = 123) and three-month post-admission (n = 50) in a subset of patients included in the Norwegian SARS-CoV2 cohort study. Samples were analysed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Gut microbiota diversity and composition at baseline were assessed in relation to need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission during hospitalization. The primary objective was to investigate whether the ICU-related gut microbiota was associated with 60-day mortality.

Results
Gut microbiota diversity (Shannon index) at baseline was lower in COVID-19 patients requiring ICU admission during hospitalization than in those managed in general wards. A dysbiosis index representing a balance of enriched and reduced taxa in ICU compared with ward patients, including decreased abundance of butyrate-producing microbes and enrichment of a partly oral bacterial flora, was associated with need of ICU admission independent of antibiotic use, dexamethasone use, chronic pulmonary disease, PO2/FiO2 ratio, C-reactive protein, neutrophil counts or creatinine levels (adjusted p < 0.001). The ICU-related dysbiosis index at baseline correlated with systemic inflammation and was associated with 60-day mortality in univariate analyses (Hazard ratio 3.70 [2.00–8.6], p < 0.001), as well as after separate adjustment for covariates. At the three-month follow-up, the dysbiosis index remained elevated in ICU patients compared with ward patients (adjusted p = 0.007).

Conclusions
Although our data should be regarded as exploratory due to low number of clinical end points, they suggest that gut microbiota alterations during hospitalization could be related to poor prognosis after severe COVID-19. Larger studies of gut involvement during COVID-19 in relation to long-term clinical outcome are warranted.
Trial registrationNCT04381819. Retrospectively registered May 11, 2020.
Cheese-whey permeate improves the fitness of Escherichia coli cells during recombinant protein production
Authors: de Divitiis Marcella , Ami Diletta , Pessina Alex , Palmioli Alessandro , Sciandrone Barbara , Airoldi Cristina , Regonesi Maria Elena , Brambilla Luca , Lotti Marina , Natalello Antonino , Brocca Stefania , Mangiagalli Marco 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Escherichia coli cells are the most frequently used hosts in recombinant protein production processes and mainly require molecules such as IPTG or pure lactose as inducers of heterologous expression. A possible way to reduce the production costs is to replace traditional inducers with waste materials such as cheese whey permeate (CWP). CWP is a secondary by-product generated from the production of the valuable whey proteins, which are obtained from ultrafiltration of cheese whey, a main by-product of the dairy industry, which is rich in lactose.

Results
The effects of CWP collected from an Italian plant were compared with those of traditional inducers on the production of two model proteins (i.e., green fluorescent protein and the toxic Q55 variant of ataxin-3), in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. It was found that the high lactose content of CWP (165 g/L) and the antioxidant properties of its micronutrients (vitamins, cofactors and osmolytes) sustain production yields similar to those obtained with traditional inducers, accompanied by the improvement of cell fitness.

Conclusions
CWP has proven to be an effective and low-cost alternative inducer to produce recombinant proteins. Its use thus combines the advantage of exploiting a waste product with that of reducing the production costs of recombinant proteins.
Double-head transformer neural network for molecular property prediction
Authors: Song Yuanbing , Chen Jinghua , Wang Wenju , Chen Gang , Ma Zhichong 
Published: February 2023

AbstractExisting molecular property prediction methods based on deep learning ignore the generalization ability of the nonlinear representation of molecular features and the reasonable assignment of weights of molecular features, making it difficult to further improve the accuracy of molecular property prediction. To solve the above problems, an end-to-end double-head transformer neural network (DHTNN) is proposed in this paper for high-precision molecular property prediction. For the data distribution characteristics of the molecular dataset, DHTNN specially designs a new activation function, beaf, which can greatly improve the generalization ability of the nonlinear representation of molecular features. A residual network is introduced in the molecular encoding part to solve the gradient explosion problem and ensure that the model can converge quickly. The transformer based on double-head attention is used to extract molecular intrinsic detail features, and the weights are reasonably assigned for predicting molecular properties with high accuracy. Our model, which was tested on the MoleculeNet [1] benchmark dataset, showed significant performance improvements over other state-of-the-art methods.
Thyroid hormone receptor knockout prevents the loss of Xenopus tail regeneration capacity at metamorphic climax
Authors: Wang Shouhong , Shibata Yuki , Fu Liezhen , Tanizaki Yuta , Luu Nga , Bao Lingyu , Peng Zhaoyi , Shi Yun-Bo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Animal regeneration is the natural process of replacing or restoring damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, and even entire body to full function. Studies in mammals have revealed that many organs lose regenerative ability soon after birth when thyroid hormone (T3) level is high. This suggests that T3 play an important role in organ regeneration. Intriguingly, plasma T3 level peaks during amphibian metamorphosis, which is very similar to postembryonic development in humans. In addition, many organs, such as heart and tail, also lose their regenerative ability during metamorphosis. These make frogs as a good model to address how the organs gradually lose their regenerative ability during development and what roles T3 may play in this. Early tail regeneration studies have been done mainly in the tetraploid Xenopus laevis (X. laevis), which is difficult for gene knockout studies. Here we use the highly related but diploid anuran X. tropicalis to investigate the role of T3 signaling in tail regeneration with gene knockout approaches.

Results
We discovered that X. tropicalis tadpoles could regenerate their tail from premetamorphic stages up to the climax stage 59 then lose regenerative capacity as tail resorption begins, just like what observed for X. laevis. To test the hypothesis that T3-induced metamorphic program inhibits tail regeneration, we used TR double knockout (TRDKO) tadpoles lacking both TRα and TRβ, the only two receptor genes in vertebrates, for tail regeneration studies. Our results showed that TRs were not necessary for tail regeneration at all stages. However, unlike wild type tadpoles, TRDKO tadpoles retained regenerative capacity at the climax stages 60/61, likely in part by increasing apoptosis at the early regenerative period and enhancing subsequent cell proliferation. In addition, TRDKO animals had higher levels of amputation-induced expression of many genes implicated to be important for tail regeneration, compared to the non-regenerative wild type tadpoles at stage 61. Finally, the high level of apoptosis in the remaining uncut portion of the tail as wild type tadpoles undergo tail resorption after stage 61 appeared to also contribute to the loss of regenerative ability.

Conclusions
Our findings for the first time revealed an evolutionary conservation in the loss of tail regeneration capacity at metamorphic climax between X. laevis and X. tropicalis. Our studies with molecular and genetic approaches demonstrated that TR-mediated, T3-induced gene regulation program is responsible not only for tail resorption but also for the loss of tail regeneration capacity. Further studies by using the model should uncover how T3 modulates the regenerative outcome and offer potential new avenues for regenerative medicines toward human patients.
Assessing food security among young farmers in Africa: evidence from Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda
Authors: Adeyanju Dolapo , Mburu John , Gituro Wainaina , Chumo Chepchumba , Mignouna Djana , Ogunniyi Adebayo , Akomolafe John Kehinde , Ejima Joseph 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFood insecurity remains a serious challenge for many households in Africa and the situation is even more prevalent among young people. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence on youth food security status in Africa. We assessed the level and determinants of food security among young farmers in Africa. We adopted a multi-stage sampling technique to select 400, 429, and 606 young farmers in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, respectively. Individual food consumption was assessed following a 7 days recall method. The Food Consumption Score, which combines dietary diversity and consumption frequency was used to assess food security status while the determinants of food security were identified using a logistic regression model. Results suggest low dietary diversity across the three countries. Also, the majority of the respondents had an unacceptable food consumption score, suggesting that despite being food producers, young farmers are still food insecure. The odds of being food secure was positively determined by access to extension services, participation in the ENABLE TAAT business incubation programme, and access to market information but, negatively by access to credit, number of employees, Covid-19 pandemic, and location. Additionally, the food security status of young female farmers was positively influenced by age, suggesting that younger youths are less food secure compared to older ones. These results suggest that more efforts should be directed towards improving the food security of young African farmers and that policy- and programme-level interventions should support access to extension services, market information, and land. Additionally, more investments should be directed towards developing need-based agribusiness incubation programmes with an effort to scale existing programmes beyond the regular one-time period.
Core-predominant gut fungus Kazachstania slooffiae promotes intestinal epithelial glycolysis via lysine desuccinylation in pigs
Authors: Hu Jun , Chen Jianwei , Hou Qiliang , Xu Xiaojian , Ren Jing , Ma Libao , Yan Xianghua 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Gut fungi are increasingly recognized as important contributors to host physiology, although most studies have focused on gut bacteria. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins play vital roles in cell metabolism. However, the contribution of gut fungi to host protein PTMs remains unclear. Mining gut fungi that mediate host protein PTMs and dissecting their mechanism are urgently needed.

Results
We studied the gut fungal communities of 56 weaned piglets and 56 finishing pigs from seven pig breeds using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomics. The results showed that Kazachstania slooffiae was the most abundant gut fungal species in the seven breeds of weaned piglets. K. slooffiae decreased intestinal epithelial lysine succinylation levels, and these proteins were especially enriched in the glycolysis pathway. We demonstrated that K. slooffiae promoted intestinal epithelial glycolysis by decreasing lysine succinylation by activating sirtuin 5 (SIRT5). Furthermore, K. slooffiae-derived 5′-methylthioadenosine metabolite promoted the SIRT5 activity.

Conclusions
These findings provide a landscape of gut fungal communities of pigs and suggest that K. slooffiae plays a crucial role in intestinal glycolysis metabolism through lysine desuccinylation. Our data also suggest a potential protective strategy for pigs with an insufficient intestinal energy supply.
Modified atmosphere packaging with chitosan coating to prevent deterioration of fresh in-hull Badami’s pistachio fruit
Authors: Rezaiyan Attar Farnaz , Sedaghat Naser , Pasban Atena , Yeganehzad Samira , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Fresh in-hull pistachio fruits are very perishable and hence have a limited storage life, with marketers and customers wishing for a longer shelf life. The present research was performed to explore the combined effects of different packaging conditions (ambient atmospheric condition, and passive- and active-modified atmosphere packaging) as well as chitosan coating (0, 1, and 1.5%w/v) on postharvest quality of fresh in-hull pistachios stored at 5 °C and 85–90% relative humidity for 45 days. The efficacy of treatments in prolongation of pistachio fruit shelf life was evaluated by determining weight loss, kernel firmness, acid (AV) and peroxide values (PV), mold and yeast count, aflatoxin content, and hull color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°, and BI) at 0, 15, 30 and 45 days of storage. In addition, O2 and CO2 concentrations in MAP headspace were monitored.

Results
By applying high molecular weight chitosan coatings and MAP conditions, PV and AV values, microbial growth, aflatoxin B1 production, and weight loss values were inhibited, as well as kernel firmness reduction and hull color deterioration during storage were controlled. Active-MAP treatments in most cases performed better than passive-MAP treatments in this regard (P < 0.05). Combining chitosan coating with MAP demonstrated additive synergistic effects. At the end of storage, 1.5% chitosan-coated treatment under active-MAP maintained firmness (87% of the control treatment), hull lightness (76% of the control treatment), and microbial count (similar to the control treatment). It also maintained minimum weight loss (6.39%), acid (0.91 meq O2 kg−1 oil) and peroxide (0.49 goleic acid/100 goil) values compared to other treatments, proving that chitosan coating combined with MAP was more effective in preserving pistachio quality parameters. The equilibrium O2 and CO2 levels of passive-MAP treatments were maintained at higher values than those of active-MAP treatments which indicated that passive-MAP treatments had higher respiration rates than those of active-MAP treatments during storage.

Conclusions
The results revealed that applying the combination technique of MAP and chitosan coating effectively preserved the quality attributes and lengthened the shelf life of fresh in-hull pistachios. Therefore, it could potentially be commercialized as a new approach for future industry application.

Graphical Abstract
Examining the relationships between students’ perceptions of technology, pedagogy, and cognition: the case of immersive virtual reality mini games to foster computational thinking in higher education
Authors: Agbo Friday Joseph , Olaleye Sunday Adewale , Bower Matt , Oyelere Solomon Sunday 
Published: February 2023

AbstractResearchers are increasingly exploring educational games in immersive virtual reality (IVR) environments to facilitate students’ learning experiences. Mainly, the effect of IVR on learning outcomes has been the focus. However, far too little attention has been paid to the influence of game elements and IVR features on learners’ perceived cognition. This study examined the relationship between game elements (challenge, goal clarity, and feedback) as pedagogical approach, features of IVR technology (immersion and interaction), and learners’ perceived cognition (reflective thinking and comprehension). An experiment was conducted with 49 undergraduate students who played an IVR game-based application (iThinkSmart) containing mini games developed to facilitate learners’ computational thinking competency. The study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling to investigate the effect of educational game elements and learning contents on learner’s cognition. Findings show that goal clarity is the main predictor of learners’ reflective thinking and comprehension in an educational game-based IVR application. It was also confirmed that immersion and interaction experience impact learner’s comprehension. Notably, adequate learning content in terms of the organisation and relevance of the content contained in an IVR game-based application significantly moderate learners’ reflective thinking and comprehension. The findings of this study have implications for educators and developers of IVR game-based intervention to facilitate learning in the higher education context. In particular, the implication of this study touches on the aspect of learners’ cognitive factors that aim to produce 21st-century problem-solving skills through critical thinking.