bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kidney transplantation following iliac revascularization in severe atherosclerosis: a comparative study
Authors: Cyrek Anna E. , Flögel Lena , Pacha Arkadius , Kaths Moritz , Treckmann Jürgen , Paul Andreas , Schulze Maren 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplantation (KT) has become the standard of care for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, as atherosclerosis progresses with time on dialysis, it causes increasing difficulties in implanting the graft. This is a comparative study analyzing complications and graft survival of recipients with iliac revascularization before transplantation.MethodsBetween January 2006 and December 2015, 1691 kidney transplants were performed at our institution. We retrospectively analyzed eighteen patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with the necessity of vascular revascularization before kidney transplantation to protect the inflow to the renal graft and to optimizing blood supply to the extremities. The primary endpoint included patient survival and graft survival. The secondary endpoints evaluate perioperative and early postoperative complication rates after kidney transplantation.ResultsAll patients enrolled in this study underwent two consecutive surgical procedures. No patient reported limb loss, and there was no additional perioperative morbidity or mortality related to the vascular procedure. Primary endpoints such as graft survival without dialysis and overall patient survival show 1-month survival of 100%, 1-year survival of 94.1%, and 5-year survival of 84.70%, respectively. One graft failure occurred 8 months after transplantation due to acute rejection, and there were two deaths over follow-up period due to myocardial infarction.ConclusionsVascular repair before kidney transplantation is safe, and results are suggestive that it prolongs graft survival. These promising results should encourage other centers to address vascular repair before the transplantation to optimize blood supply to the extremity and the future graft. Although, the interpretation of our results must be cautiously because of the small and heterogeneous sample size, and the limitations of retrospective study design. Prospective trials with larger study populations are needed to confirm the results of this study and to identify significant differences.
Transplantation in paediatric patients with MMA requires multidisciplinary approach for achievement of good clinical outcomes
Authors: Paessler Alicia , Cortes-Cerisuelo Miriam , Jassem Wayel , Vilca-Melendez Hector , Deep Akash , Jain Vandana , Pool Andrew , Grunewald Stephanie , Kessaris Nicos , Stojanovic Jelena 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
As modern medicine is advancing, younger, small, and more complex children are becoming multi-organ transplant candidates. This brings up new challenges in all aspects of their care.

Methods
We describe the first report of a small child receiving a simultaneous liver and kidney transplant and abdominal rectus sheath fascia transplant on the background of Williams syndrome and methylmalonic acidaemia. At the time of transplantation, the child was 3 years old, weighed 14.0 kg, had chronic kidney disease stage V, and had not yet started any other form of kidney replacement therapy.

Results
There were many anaesthetic, medical, metabolic, and surgical challenges to consider in this case. A long general anaesthetic time increased the risk of cardiac complications and metabolic decompensation. Additionally, the small size of the patient and the organ size mis-match meant that primary abdominal closure was not possible. The patient’s recovery was further complicated by sepsis, transient CNI toxicity, and de novo DSAs.

Conclusions
Through a multidisciplinary approach between 9 specialties in 4 hospitals across England and Wales, and detailed pre-operative planning, a good outcome was achieved for this child. An hour by hour management protocol was drafted to facilitate transplant and included five domains: 1. management at the time of organ offer; 2. before the admission; 3. at admission and before theatre time; 4. intra-operative management; and 5. post-operative management in the first 24 h. Importantly, gaining a clear and in depth understanding of the metabolic state of the patient pre- and peri-operatively was crucial in avoiding metabolic decompensation. Furthermore, an abdominal rectus sheath fascia transplant was required to achieve abdominal closure, which to our knowledge, had never been done before for this indication. Using our experience of this complex case, as well as our experience in transplanting other children with MMA, and through a literature review, we propose a new perioperative management pathway for this complex cohort of transplant recipients.
Saltwater intrusion management at different coastal aquifers bed slopes considering sea level rise and reduction in fresh groundwater storage
Authors: Abd-Elaty Ismail , Polemio Maurizio 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCoastal fresh groundwater management is a challenging research topic due to the relevance of these resources and the huge suffered risks due to global change and overpopulation. The geometrical features of coastal aquifers play a control role in saltwater intrusion (SWI). Seawater level rise and the reduction in aquifer fresh groundwater storage are promoting SWI. All these key factors are considered with two different numerical approaches defining schematic management criteria bottom using the numerical code SEAWAT. The former approach adopts the well-known Henry’s problem; the latter is based on the real study case of the Gaza aquifer (Palestine). Different aquifer bed slopes (ABS), and hydraulic and physical methods for SWI management are considered together with SLR, recharge reduction, and over pumping. The results showed that the land side ABS cases show more SWI than sea side and horizontal ABS. Cut-off walls and check dams are effective to manage SWI in horizontal ABS more than in other slopes, also the subsurface dams, earth fill and recharge of freshwater are good methods in land side ABS while the abstraction of brackish water and combination of recharge with abstraction are better to mitigate of SWI in sea side ABS. Useful comparing tables and considerations are defined with the purpose to guide the preliminary selections of new management solutions for reducing the effect of the global change on groundwater resources for different slopes aquifers around the coastal world.
Graphical abstract
Altered expression of DNA methyltransferases and methylation status of the TLR4 and TNF-α promoters in COVID-19
Authors: Salem Sohair , Mosaad Rehab , Lotfy Randa , Elbadry Mohamed 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEpigenetic modifications play a significant role in the host's immune response to viral infection. Two epigenetic events, DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are crucial for modifying the chromatin architecture and the location of regulatory elements such as promoters and enhancers. In this case-control study, we evaluated the expression of genes involved in epigenetic machinery (DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, HDAC2, and HDAC3) and the degree of methylation of promoters of immune response genes (IFITM1/2/3, TLR3/4, TNF-α, NF-κB, and MYD88) as well as global methylation (LINE-1 and global 5–mC) in blood samples from 120 COVID-19 patients (30 mild, 30 moderate, 30 severe, and 30 critical) and 30 healthy subjects without COVID-19. In contrast to previous reports, DNMT3A and DNMT3B expression was found to be significantly downregulated in COVID-19 cases, whereas DNMT1, HDAC2, and HDAC3 expression did not change. DNMT1 and DNMT3A were negatively correlated with COVID-19 severity. Critically ill patients had lower HDAC3 expression levels. TLR4 and TNF-α had increased promoter methylation, whereas IFITM1/2/3, TLR3, NF-κB, MYD88, and LINE-1 did not differ between cases and controls. Methylation of the TNF-α promoter increased as disease severity increased. Significantly less methylation of the TLR3 promoter was observed in patients with a positive outcome (recovery). We also found a correlation between the expression of DNMT3B and the methylation level of the TLR4 promoter. In milder cases, the global 5–mC levels were lower than that in more severe cases. Our findings suggest the exclusion of DNMTs inhibitors previously recommended for COVID-19 treatment and the need for additional research in this area.
Histidine oxidation in lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase
Authors: Torbjörnsson Magne , Hagemann Marlisa M. , Ryde Ulf , Hedegård Erik Donovan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) comprise a super-family of copper enzymes that boost the depolymerisation of polysaccharides by oxidatively disrupting the glycosidic bonds connecting the sugar units. Industrial use of LPMOs for cellulose depolymerisation has already begun but is still far from reaching its full potential. One issue is that the LPMOs self-oxidise and thereby deactivate. The mechanism of this self-oxidation is unknown, but histidine residues coordinating to the copper atom are the most susceptible. An unusual methyl modification of the NE2 atom in one of the coordinating histidine residues has been proposed to have a protective role. Furthermore, substrate binding is also known to reduce oxidative damage. We here for the first time investigate the mechanism of histidine oxidation with combined quantum and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations, with outset in intermediates previously shown to form from a reaction with peroxide and a reduced LPMO. We show that an intermediate with a [Cu–O]+ moiety is sufficiently potent to oxidise the nearest C–H bond on both histidine residues, but methylation of the NE2 atom of His-1 increases the reaction barrier of this reaction. The substrate further increases the activation barrier. We also investigate a [Cu–OH]2+ intermediate with a deprotonated tyrosine radical. This intermediate was previously proposed to have a protective role, and we also find it to have higher barriers than the corresponding a [Cu–O]+ intermediate.
Graphical abstract
Subsoiling for planting trees in dehesa system: long-term effects on soil organic carbon
Authors: Navarro-Rosales Francisco , Fernández-Habas Jesús , Reyna-Bowen Lizardo , Gómez José A. , Fernández-Rebollo Pilar 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIncorporating trees into agricultural systems, including grasslands, increases the soil organic carbon sequestration and contributes to climate change mitigation. Site preparation for tree establishment is a common practice that can involve a variety of techniques and agricultural implements such as subsoiling. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of subsoiling on soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations and stocks in a Mediterranean grassland afforested with holm oaks 22 years ago and now converted into a Dehesa agroforestry system. The study was conducted in a dehesa farm in Southwest Spain. Soil samples were taken at six depths under 10 tree canopies within and outside the original subsoiling line. Subsoiling significantly decreased SOC concentration. Mean SOC concentration in the first 20 cm was 30% lower at the subsoiling line. SOC stocks for the first 60 cm were 2660 g m−2 within the subsoiling line and 4320 g m−2 outside the line. There was a clear reduction in SOC concentration and stock with increasing depth. Root abundance and deeper rooting increased with subsoiling but did not translate into sufficient carbon accumulation in the soil, which is moderate even after 22 years. This study reveals that, in the long term, there is a trade-off in CO2 sequestration between tree planting and soil subsoiling, highlighting the need for further research into the potential benefits and detriments of subsoiling.
Learning vision based autonomous lateral vehicle control without supervision
Authors: Khan Qadeer , Sülö Idil , Öcal Melis , Cremers Daniel 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSupervised deep learning methods using image data as input have shown promising results in the context of vehicle control. However, these supervised methods have two main disadvantages: 1) They require a copious amount of labeled training data, which is difficult and expensive to collect. 2) Such models do not perform well, when situations that are not in the distribution of the training set are encountered. This includes deviations from the designated driving behavior. We therefore provide a framework to mitigate these problems from merely an unlabeled sequence of images. Visual Odometry is first used to determine the vehicle trajectory. Model Predictive Control (MPC) then uses this trajectory to implicitly infer the steering labels. Meanwhile, synthesized images at deviated trajectories are included in the training distribution for enhanced robustness of the neural network model. Experimental results demonstrate that the performance of our network is at par with methods requiring additional data collection or supervision. Code and supplementary information is available here: https://github.com/idilsulo/nn-driving
Historical and citizen-reported data show shifts in bumblebee phenology over the last century in Sweden
Authors: Blasi Maria , Carrié Romain , Fägerström Christoffer , Svensson Emma , Persson Anna S. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBumblebees are a key taxon contributing to the provision of crop pollination and ecosystem functioning. However, land use and climate change are two of the main factors causing bee decline across the world. In this study, we investigated how the flight period of bumblebee spring queens has shifted over the last century in Sweden, and to what extent such shifts depended on climate change, landscape context, latitude, and the phenology of bumblebee species. We studied ten species of bumblebees and used observations from museum specimens covering 117 years from the southernmost region in Sweden (Scania), combined with citizen-reported observations during the past 20 years across Sweden. We found that the flight period of bumblebees has advanced by 5 days on average during the last 20 years across Sweden. In the agriculture-dominated region of Scania, we found that in the late 2010s bumblebee spring queen activity in simplified landscapes had advanced by on average 14 days, compared to 100 years ago. In addition, in simplified landscapes the flight period of early species was significantly earlier compared to in complex landscapes. Our results provide knowledge on the intraspecific variation of phenological traits, indicating that early species (often common species) exhibit a higher plastic response to the environment, which may facilitate adaptation to both climate and landscape changes, compared to the late species of which many are declining.
Fungal biodegradation of chlorinated herbicides: an overview with an emphasis on 2,4-D in Argentina
Authors: Magnoli Karen , Carranza Cecilia , Aluffi Melisa , Magnoli Carina , Barberis Carla 
Published: February 2023

AbstractChlorinated herbicides are one of the main types of pesticide used in agriculture. In Argentina, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is the most applied herbicide for the control of broadleaf weeds, but the risks it poses for the environment and human health are cause for great concern. A promising technology to remove this kind of pollutants, or neutralize them in such a way that they become less or non-toxic, is the use of degrading or detoxifying microorganisms from contaminated sites. Filamentous fungi can bioremediate xenobiotics thanks to their efficient enzymatic machinery. However, most studies on the degradation of 2,4-D have been carried out with bacteria, and little is known about whether it can be efficiently biodegraded by fungi. In the environment, fungal strains and native microbiota may detoxify contaminants through mechanisms like biosorption, bioabsortion, biotransformation, and/or degradation. Whether these processes occur separately or simultaneously depends on the metabolic ability of the strains that conform the microbial community. Another important concern when attempting to introduce detoxifying microorganisms into a contaminated environment is the GRAS (“Generally Recognized As Safe”) assessment or status. These are studies that help predict a biodegrading microorganism’s pathogenicity, toxicity,and infectivity before in situ application. This application, moreover, is regulated by different legal frameworks. The present review aims to outline the main aspects of 2,4-D degradation by fungi, and to summarize the current state of research on the topic in Argentina.
Demographic explanations of neanderthal extinction: a reply to Currie and Meneganzin
Authors: Vaesen Krist 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn a recent paper, Currie and Meneganzin (Biol Phil, 2022, 37, 50) critically engage with a recent demographic explanation of the demise of Neanderthals (Vaesen et al. 2019). Currie and Meneganzin suggest that, contrary to how it is (supposedly) presented, Vaesen et al.’s explanation is not (and in fact, could never be) ‘stand-alone’, i.e., competition and environmental factors always interfere with demographic ones. Here I argue that Currie and Meneganzin misconstrue what the study in question does and does not purport to show. I conclude that, in the relevant sense, the explanation Vaesen et al. provide is a standalone demographic one.
Ionic liquid dynamics and electrical conductivity under confinement within micro and nanocellulose ionogels
Authors: Kowalczuk Joanna , Bielejewski Michał , Tritt-Goc Jadwiga 
Published: February 2023

AbstractTo investigate the effect of cellulose matrix on the diffusion and conductivity properties of the ionogels formed with the BMIMCl ionic liquid (IL), two types of samples were made with micro (CMC) and nano (CNC) cellulose. The cellulose interactions with IL were studied by 1H and 13C NMR solid-state spectroscopy. The cation [BMIM]+ self-diffusion coefficient was calculated based on Fast Field Cycling 1H NMR relaxation measurements. The ionic conductivity was measured by the thermal scanning conductometry method. The NMR spectra at room temperature revealed that cation in the CNC-based ionogel interacts more strongly with the cellulose chain than in the CMC-based ionogel through the methyl group at the end of the alkyl chain. Despite this, the cellulose matrix's influence on the cations' dynamics and electrical conductivity are comparable in both ionogels. The diffusion coefficient is reduced by about two times and the conductivity by about 30% compared with bulk IL.
A Principled Account of AMR Global Governance Solidarity, Subsidiarity, and Stewardship
Authors: de Campos-Rudinsky Thana C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis commentary defines what shared yet differentiated ethical responsibilities to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mean, by introducing a threefold principled account of AMR global governance. It argues that the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and stewardship can be especially helpful for further justifying some of the universal, differentiated, and individual responsibilities that Van Katwyk et al propose. The upshot of my threefold principled account of AMR global governance is a less ambitious AMR treaty, one that can only justify (i) universal duties of global coordination (as per the principle of solidarity); (ii) differentiated duties to local communities, which bear the primary AMR responsibilities (as per the principle of subsidiarity); and (iii) individualized duties for ensuring truthful, evidence-based, consistent, and timely shared accountable communication (as per the principle of stewardship).
Hydrothermal Treatment of Waste Plastics: An Environmental Impact Study
Authors: Ozoemena Matthew C. , Coles Stuart R. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the attributional life cycle assessment results of a study of plastic recycling using hydrothermal treatment (HTT), a chemical recycling technology. HTT was investigated due to its potential to address current gaps in the plastic recycling system, largely due to several plastic packaging materials and formats that are currently not processed by traditional mechanical recycling technologies. As society transitions towards a net-zero-based circular economy, assessments should be conducted with a futuristic outlook, preventing costly mistakes by employing the right technologies in the right areas. The results using ReCiPe 2016 impact assessment methodology shows HTT with a GWP of 478 kg CO2 eq. per tonne can generate up to 80% reduction in climate change impacts when compared with comparable end-of-life treatment technologies whilst conserving material with the system. Additionally, the GWP could be reduced by up to 57% by changing how electricity is generated for on-site consumption. This represents a new understanding of the chemical recycling of polymers by establishing a prospective life cycle assessment study that looks to introduce a step-change in the recycling system and highlights the benefits of introducing this technology as opposed to the current model of disposal through incineration or landfill.
Kinetic analysis of non-isothermal volume melting processes by differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Blázquez J. S. , Borrego J. M. , Conde C. F. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe onset of melting of standard samples, ascribed to surface melting, is generally used for calibration of calorimeters. However, in non-isothermal conditions, nucleation-driven volume melting, which is thermally activated, takes place. In this work, we propose an approximation in the frame of the classical nucleation and growth transformation kinetics to extend to non-isothermal regimes the analysis of processes governed by constant nucleation and interface controlled growth. The approximation allows both to observe the temperature dependence of nucleation activation energy with the overheating and to obtain the surface energy between the liquid nucleus and the surrounding solid phase for pure indium and lead (~ 10 mJ m−2) and for a Fe70B5C5Si3Al5Ga2P10 bulk metallic glass eutectic composition (~ 50 mJ m−2). These values are about 50% lower than the theoretical ones for homogeneous nucleation, which can be ascribed to the random heterogeneous nucleation occurring at the crystals boundaries.
Lagrangian 3-form structure for the Darboux system and the KP hierarchy
Authors: Nijhoff Frank W. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractA Lagrangian multiform structure is established for a generalisation of the Darboux system describing orthogonal curvilinear coordinate systems. It has been shown in the past that this system of coupled PDEs is in fact an encoding of the entire Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) hierarchy in terms so-called Miwa variables. Thus, in providing a Lagrangian description of this multidimensionally consistent system amounts to a new Lagrangian 3-form structure for the continuous KP system. A generalisation to the matrix (also known as non-Abelian) KP system is discussed.