bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic versus open repeat hepatectomy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score-matched cohort studies
Authors: Xiang Zhi-Qiang , Zhu Feng-Feng , Zhao Si-Qi , Li Hua-Jian , Long Zhang-Tao , Wang Qian , Dai Xiao-Ming , Zhu Zhu 
Published: March 2023

Objective:
The effectiveness of laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy (LRH) versus open repeat hepatectomy (ORH) on recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (RHCC) is unclear. We compared the surgical and oncological outcomes of LRH and ORH in patients with RHCC with a meta-analysis of studies based on propensity score-matched cohorts.

Methods:
A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library with Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords until 30 September 2022. The quality of eligible studies was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Mean difference (MD) with a 95% CI was used for the analysis of continuous variables; odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used for binary variables; and hazard ratio with 95% CI was used for survival analysis. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

Results:
Five high-quality retrospective studies with 818 patients were included; 409 patients (50%) were treated with LRH and 409 (50%) with ORH. In most surgical outcomes, LRH was superior to ORH: less estimated blood loss, shorter operation time, lower major complication rate, and shorter length of hospital stay (MD=−225.9, 95% CI=[−360.8 to −91.06], P=0.001; MD=66.2, 95% CI=[5.28−127.1], P=0.03; OR=0.18, 95% CI=[0.05−0.57], P=0.004; MD=−6.22, 95% CI=[−9.78 to −2.67], P=0.0006). There were no significant differences in the remaining surgical outcomes: blood transfusion rate and overall complication rate. In oncological outcomes, LRH and ORH were not significantly different in 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival.

Conclusions:
For patients with RHCC, most surgical outcomes with LRH were superior to those of ORH, but oncological outcomes with the two operations were similar. LRH may be a preferable option for the treatment of RHCC.
Sphingomonas cremea sp. nov., isolated from ginseng soil
Authors: Park Yuna , Liu Qingzhen , Maeng Soohyun , Oh Hyejin , Yun Chan-Seok , Choe Hanna , Lee Hyang Burm , Im Wan-Taek 
Published: March 2023

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, cream-coloured strain (G124T) was isolated from ginseng soil collected in Yeongju, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain G124T belongs to a distinct lineage within the genus

Sphingomonas

(family

Sphingomonadaceae

, order

Sphingomonadales

and class

Alphaproteobacteria

). Strain G124T was closely related to

Sphingomonas rhizophila

THG–T61T (98.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity),

Sphingomonas mesophila

SYSUP0001T (98.3 %),

Sphingomonas edaphi

DAC4T (97.6 %) and

Sphingomonas jaspsi

TDMA–16T (97.6 %). The strain contained ubiquinone 10 as the major respiratory quinone. The major polar lipid profile of strain G124T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and sphingoglycolipids. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain G124T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1
ω7c/C18 : 1
ω6c; 33.4 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1
ω6c/C16 : 1
ω7c; 27.2 %) and C16 : 0 (18.3 %). The genome size of strain G124T was 2 549 305 bp. The genomic DNA G+C content is 62.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain G124T and other

Sphingomonas

species were in the range of 71.2–75.9 % and 18.7–19.9 %, respectively. Based on the polyphasic analysis such as biochemical, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain G124T represents a novel species of the genus

Sphingomonas

, for which the name Sphingomonas cremea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is G124T (=KACC 21691T=LMG 31729T).
Interleukin-1 regulates follicular T cells during the germinal center reaction
Authors: Belbezier Aude , Engeroff Paul , Fourcade Gwladys , Vantomme Helene , Vaineau Romain , Gouritin Bruno , Bellier Bertrand , Brocheriou Isabelle , Tchitchek Nicolas , Graff-Dubois Stephanie , Klatzmann David 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAntibody production by plasma cells and generation of long-term memory B-cells are positively regulated by Tfh cells and negatively regulated by Tfr cells in germinal centers. However, the precise role of Tfr cells in controlling antibody production is still unclear. We have previously shown that Tfh and Tfr cells both express IL-1R1, while only Tfr cells express the IL-1R2 decoy and IL-1Ra antagonist receptors. To study the role of these receptors in the regulation of the B cell response by Tfh and/or Tfr cells, we generated mice with knockout of IL-1 receptors in Tfh and/or Tfr cells and measured antibody production and cell activation upon immunization. We showed that IL-1β concentration is increased in the draining lymph node after immunization. Antigen-specific antibody levels and cell activation phenotypes indicated that IL-1β can activate both Tfh and Tfr cells through IL-1R1 stimulation. Surprisingly, IL-1R2 and IL-1Ra expression on Tfr cells does not block IL-1 activation of Tfh cells, but rather prevents IL-1/IL-1R1-mediated early activation of Tfr cells. IL-1Rs similarly regulate antibody response against autoantigens and its related pathophysiology in an experimental lupus model. Altogether, these results show that IL-1R1 inhibitory receptors expressed by Tfr cells prevent their own activation and suppressive function, thus licensing IL-1-mediated activation of Tfh cells after immunization.One Sentence SummaryFunctional knockout of IL-1 agonist (R1) and antagonist (R2 and Ra) receptors reveals that IL-1-R2 and -Ra on Tfr cells prevent their own early activation to license the expansion and activation of Tfh cells after immunization.
Molecular Mechanisms of Na+-driven Bile Acid Transport in Human NTCP
Authors: Lu Xiaoli , Huang Jing 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHuman Na+taurocholate co-transporting protein (hNTCP) is a key bile salt transporter to maintain enterohepatic circulation and is responsible for the recognition of hepatitis B and D viruses (HBV/HDV). Despite recent cryo-EM studies revealing open-pore and inward-facing states of NTCP stabilized by antibodies, the transport mechanism remains largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we used molecular dynamics (MD) and enhanced sampling Metadynamics simulations to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism of hNTCP-mediated taurocholate acid (TCA) transport driven by Na+-binding. We uncovered three TCA binding modes, including one that closely matched the limited cryo-EM density observed in the open-pore hNTCP. We also captured several key hNTCP conformations in the substrate transport cycle, particularly including an outward-facing, substrate-bound state. Furthermore, we provided thermodynamic evidence supporting that changes in the Na+-binding state drive the TCA transport by exploiting the amphiphilic nature of the substrate and modulating the protein environment, thereby enabling the TCA molecule to flip through. Understanding these mechanistic details of Na+-driven bile acid transport may aid in the development of hNTCP-targeted therapies for liver diseases.
Integrated single cell analysis shows chronic alcohol drinking disrupts monocyte differentiation in the bone marrow niche
Authors: Lewis Sloan A. , Doratt Brianna M , Qiao Qi , Blanton Madison B. , Grant Kathleen A. , Messaoudi Ilhem 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTChronic alcohol drinking rewires circulating monocytes and tissue-resident macrophages towards heightened inflammatory states with compromised anti-microbial defenses. As these effects remain consistent in short-lived monocytes after a 1-month abstinence period it is unclear whether these changes are restricted to the periphery or mediated through alterations in the progenitor niche. To test this hypothesis, we profiled monocytes/macrophages and hematopoietic stem cell progenitors (HSCP) of the bone marrow compartment from rhesus macaques after 12 months of ethanol consumption using a combination of functional assays and single cell genomics. Bone marrow-resident monocytes/macrophages from ethanol-consuming animals exhibited heightened inflammation. Differentiation of HSCPin vitrorevealed skewing towards monocytes expressing neutrophil-like markers with heightened inflammatory responses to bacterial agonists. Single cell transcriptional analysis of HSCPs showed reduced proliferation but increased inflammatory markers in mature myeloid progenitors. We observed transcriptional signatures associated with increased oxidative and cellular stress as well as oxidative phosphorylation in immature and mature myeloid progenitors. Single cell analysis of the chromatin landscape showed altered drivers of differentiation in monocytes and progenitors. Collectively, these data indicate that chronic ethanol drinking results in remodeling of the transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes of the bone marrow compartment leading to altered functions in the periphery.
Consolidated Bioprocessing of Lignocellulosic Biomass Poplar to Produce Short-Chain Esters byClostridium thermocellum
Authors: Seo Hyeongmin , Singh Priyanka , Wyman Charles E. , Cai Charles M. , Trinh Cong T. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractConsolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic biomass using cellulolytic microorganisms presents a promising sustainable and economical biomanufacturing platform where enzyme production, biomass hydrolysis, and fermentation to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials occur in a single step. However, understanding and redirecting metabolism of microorganisms to be compatible with CBP to produce non-native metabolites are limited. In this study, we metabolically engineered a cellulolytic thermophileClostridium thermocellumand demonstrated its compatibility with CBP integrated with a mild Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) pretreatment for conversion of hardwood poplar into short-chain esters (i.e., ethyl acetate, ethyl isobutyrate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl isobutyrate) with broad use as solvents, flavors, fragrances, and biofuels. A recombinantC. thermocellumengineered with deletion of carbohydrate esterases and stable overexpression of a thermostable alcohol acetyltransferase improved the target esters production without compromised deacetylation activities. We discovered these esterases exhibited promiscuous thioesterase activities and their deletion improved ester production by increasing isobutanol flux and rerouting the native electron and carbon fermentative metabolism besides their known major function of ester degradation. The total ester production could be further enhanced up to 80-fold and the composition of short-chain esters could be modified by deleting lactate biosynthesis and/or CELF-pretreated poplar under different pretreatment conditions.
Robust immunogenicity of a third BNT162b2 vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in a naïve New Zealand cohort
Authors: Lavender Brittany , Hooker Caitlin , Frampton Chris , Williams Michael , Carson Simon , Paterson Aimee , McGregor Reuben , Moreland Nicole J. , Gell Katie , Priddy Frances H. , Wiig Kjesten , Le Gros Graham , Ussher James E. , Brewerton Maia 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe ability of a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to stimulate immune responses against subvariants, including Omicron BA.1, has not been assessed in New Zealand populations. Unlike many overseas populations, New Zealanders were largely infection naïve at the time they were boosted. This adult cohort of 298 participants, oversampled for at-risk populations, was composed of 29% Māori and 28% Pacific peoples, with 40% of the population aged 55+. A significant proportion of the cohort was obese and presented with at least one comorbidity. Sera were collected 28 days and 6 months post second vaccination and 28 days post third vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG titres and neutralising capacity using surrogate viral neutralisation assays against variants of concern, including Omicron BA.1, were investigated. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, within our cohort, prior to third vaccination was very low (<6%). This study found a third vaccine significantly increased the mean SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG titres, for every demographic subgroup, by a minimum of 1.5-fold compared to titres after two doses. Diabetic participants experienced a greater increase (∼4-fold) in antibody titres after their third vaccination, compared to non-diabetics (increase of ∼2-fold). This corrected for the deficiency in antibody titres within diabetic participants which was observed following two doses. A third dose also induced a neutralising response against Omicron variant BA.1, which was absent after two doses. This neutralising response improved regardless of age, BMI, ethnicity, or diabetes status. Participants aged ≥75 years consistently had the lowest SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG titres at each timepoint, however experienced the greatest improvement after three doses compared to younger participants. This study shows that in the absence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, a third Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine enhances immunogenicity, including against Omicron BA.1, in a cohort representative of at-risk groups in the adult New Zealand population.
Structural and mechanistic insights into activation of the human RNA ligase RTCB by Archease
Authors: Gerber Janina Lara , Guzmán Suria Itzel Morales , Worf Lorenz , Hubbe Petra , Kopp Jürgen , Peschek Jirka 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRNA ligases of the RTCB-type play an essential role in tRNA splicing, the unfolded protein response and RNA repair. RTCB is the catalytic subunit of the pentameric human tRNA ligase complex. RNA ligation by the tRNA-ligase complex requires GTP-dependent activation of RTCB. This active site guanylylation reaction relies on the activation factor Archease. The mechanistic interplay between both proteins has remained unknown. Here, we report a biochemical and structural analysis of the human RTCB-Archease complex in the pre- and post-activation state. Archease reaches into the active site of RTCB and promotes the formation of a covalent RTCB-GMP intermediate through coordination of GTP and metal ions. During the activation reaction, Archease prevents futile RNA substrate binding to RTCB. Moreover, monomer structures of Archease and RTCB reveal additional states within the RNA ligation mechanism. Taken together, we present structural snapshots along the reaction cycle of the tRNA ligase complex.
Delineating disorder-general and disorder-specific dimensions of psychopathology from functional brain networks in a developmental clinical sample
Authors: Voldsbekk Irene , Kjelkenes Rikka , Dahl Andreas , Holm Madelene C. , Lund Martina J. , Kaufmann Tobias , Tamnes Christian K. , Andreassen Ole A. , Westlye Lars T. , Alnæs Dag 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe interplay between functional brain network maturation and psychopathology during development remains elusive. To establish the structure of psychopathology and its neurobiological mechanisms, mapping of both shared and unique functional connectivity patterns across developmental clinical populations is needed. We investigated shared associations between resting-state functional connectivity and psychopathology in children and adolescents aged 5-21 (n=1689). Specifically, we used partial least squares (PLS) to identify latent variables (LV) between connectivity and both symptom scores and diagnostic information. We also investigated associations between connectivity and each diagnosis specifically, controlling for other diagnosis categories. PLS identified five significant LVs between connectivity and symptoms, mapping onto the psychopathology hierarchy. The first LV resembled a general psychopathology factor, followed by dimensions of internalising-externalising, neurodevelopment, somatic complaints, and thought problems. Another PLS with diagnostic data revealed one significant LV, resembling a cross-diagnostic case-control pattern. The diagnosis-specific PLS identified a unique connectivity pattern for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All LVs were associated with distinct patterns of functional connectivity. These dimensions largely replicated in an independent sample (n=420) from the same dataset, as well as to an independent cohort (n = 3504). This suggests that covariance in developmental functional brain networks supports transdiagnostic dimensions of psychopathology.
Long-term duration of protection of ancestral-strain monovalent vaccines and effectiveness of the bivalent BA.1 boosters against COVID-19 hospitalisation during a period of BA.5, BQ.1, CH.1.1. and XBB.1.5 circulation in England
Authors: Møller Kirsebom Freja Cordelia , Andrews Nick , Stowe Julia , Ramsay Mary , Bernal Jamie Lopez 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundBivalent BA.1 booster vaccines were offered to adults aged 50 years and older and clinically vulnerable individuals as part of the autumn COVID-19 booster vaccination programme 2022 in England.MethodsA test-negative case-control study was used to estimate the duration of protection of the monovalent vaccines against hospitalisation as compared to those unvaccinated. In addition, the incremental VE of the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines was estimated relative to those with waned immunity where the last dose was at least 6 months prior amongst those aged 50 years and older.FindingsThe protection conferred by the monovalent vaccines was well maintained long-term: absolute VE against hospitalisation amongst those aged 65 years and older who had received at least 3 doses plateaued from 6 months after the last dose at around 50%. Incremental VE (in addition to the protection from earlier vaccines) of the bivalent BA.1 boosters against hospitalisation peaked at 53.0% (95% C.I.; 47.9-57.5%) (equivalent to an absolute VE of approximately 75%) before waning to around 35.9% (95% C.I.; 31.4-40.1%) after 10 or more weeks.InterpretationThis study provides evidence of the long-term duration of protection of the monovalent vaccines, suggesting individuals at lower risk of severe disease who did not receive a booster in autumn 2022 may not require regular re-vaccination. Furthermore, this study finds good evidence that the bivalent BA.1 booster vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation amongst those aged 50 years and older with the sub-lineages of Omicron present in the autumn/winter of 2022 in England.FundingNone.
The association between audit firm attributes and key audit matters readability
Authors: Hussin Norazian , Md Salleh Mohd Fairuz , Ahmad Azlina , Rahmat Mohd Mohid 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between the attributes of audit firms (Big 4, audit fees, busy season, audit firm tenure and audit partner gender) and the impact of these attributes on key audit matters (KAM) readability in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe auditor's reports and financial data were analysed from a sample of FTSE 100 Malaysia-listed companies for the fiscal years 2017–2019, consisting of 258 observations. Panel regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the possible associations between audit firm attributes and KAM readability. The Flesch reading ease score and Coleman–Liau index were applied to measure KAM readability.FindingsThe findings show that female audit partners significantly impact KAM readability; further analysis also revealed that companies audited by Big 4 audit firms and higher audit fees tend to report a more readable KAM disclosure in the FTSE 100 in Malaysia.Originality/valueThe regression results provide empirical evidence of the influence of audit firm attributes on KAM readability. This study also examined important corporate governance players, such as external auditors and those charged with governance, who form the audit committee's qualities when analysing the determinants of KAM reporting variations in Malaysia.
Transnational education, labor market outcomes and graduate employability: a scoping review
Authors: Schueller Jessica 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis scoping review aims to survey literature that covers employability preparation and labor market outcomes for graduates from transnational higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approachThis scoping literature review uses career ecosystems as a theoretical framework and the context-input-process-outcomes model as a conceptual framework.FindingsThis scoping review confirms a limited research base of approximately 50 sources that primarily use qualitative methods and socio-economic theories to center the student voice and focus on international branch campuses in the Middle East and Asia. Notably, there is a lack of focus on staff experiences regarding the process of preparing students for employment. The review also demonstrates the need for more research on career processes and outcomes in transnational higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThis scoping review is relevant to higher education institutions seeking to meet the challenges of preparing graduates for more than one national labor market. It has implications for universities' ability to attract students, develop relevant labor market preparation programming and understand whether the institution is addressing local employment needs. For researchers, it offers insight and impetus into the area of inquiry regarding transnational education, graduate labor market outcomes and employability.Practical implicationsPractical implications are drawn for students, parents, policymakers and transnational and non-transnational higher education institutions, as well as those who are engaged in providing international education and career advice.Social implicationsThis review offers insight into developing labor market-relevant TNE programming, which may be helpful both for host and home country transnational education stakeholders interested in impact.Originality/valueThis is one of the first reviews to systematically address literature about employability preparation and labor market outcomes for graduates from transnational higher education institutions; in using career ecosystems theory, this review offers a bridge between international higher education and career studies.
From entrepreneurial leadership to new product development performance: A study of the Coleman bathtub model
Authors: Sultan Madeeha , Hussain Ghulam , Ismail Wan Khairuzzaman Wan , Rashid Muhammad Amir 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership (EL) and new product development performance (NPDP) at the firm level (level 2) of analysis and employee’s creativity (EC) at the cross level (level 1) of analysis. It also examines the serial mediations of (1) intrinsic motivation (IM)-EC and (2) creative self-efficacy (CSE)-EC on the relationship between EL and NPDP.Design/methodology/approachA systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data through self-administered surveys from leaders and employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan’s IT sector. Analysis was conducted on net responses from 114 leaders and 476 employees.FindingsThe results revealed significant positive associations between EL and NPDP at the firm level of analysis and EC at the cross level of analysis. The results of the cross-level serial mediations show that (1) IM and EC, and (2) CSE and EC serially mediate the relationship between EL and NPDP.Originality/valueThis study is among the few to use the Coleman bathtub model to show top-down and bottom-up relationships. The study extends and complements the multilevel perspective on leadership and new product development research by simultaneously examining the relationships between EL and NPDP at the individual and firm levels.