bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive profile of the companion animal gut microbiome integrating reference-based and reference-free methods
Authors: Branck Tobyn , Hu Zhiji , Nickols William A , Walsh Aaron M , Bhosle Amrisha , Short Meghan I , Nearing Jacob T , Asnicar Francesco , McIver Lauren J , Maharjan Sagun , Rahnavard Ali , Louyakis Artemis S , Badri Dayakar V , Brockel Christoph , Thompson Kelsey N , Huttenhower Curtis 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The gut microbiome of companion animals is relatively underexplored, despite its relevance to animal health, pet owner health, and basic microbial community biology. Here, we provide the most comprehensive analysis of the canine and feline gut microbiomes to date, incorporating 2639 stool shotgun metagenomes (2272 dog and 367 cat) spanning 14 publicly available datasets (n = 730) and 8 new study populations (n = 1909). These are compared with 238 and 112 baseline human gut metagenomes from the Human Microbiome Project 1-II and a traditionally living Malagasy cohort, respectively, processed in a manner identical to the animal metagenomes. All microbiomes were characterized using reference-based taxonomic and functional profiling, as well as de novo assembly yielding metagenomic assembled genomes clustered into species-level genome bins. Companion animals shared 184 species-level genome bins not found in humans, whereas 198 were found in all three hosts. We applied novel methodology to distinguish strains of these shared organisms either transferred or unique to host species, with phylogenetic patterns suggesting host-specific adaptation of microbial lineages. This corresponded with functional divergence of these lineages by host (e.g. differences in metabolic and antibiotic resistance genes) likely important to companion animal health. This study provides the largest resource to date of companion animal gut metagenomes and greatly contributes to our understanding of the “One Health” concept of a shared microbial environment among humans and companion animals, affecting infectious diseases, immune response, and specific genetic elements.
Synergistic oral beta-lactam combinations for treating tuberculosis
Authors: Quan Diana H , Wang Trixie , Martinez Elena , Kim Hannah Y , Sintchenko Vitali , Britton Warwick J , Triccas James A , Alffenaar Jan-Willem C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The enormous burden of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide is a major challenge to human health, but the costs and risks associated with novel drug discovery have limited treatment options for patients. Repurposing existing antimicrobial drugs offers a promising avenue to expand TB treatment possibilities. This study aimed to explore the activity and synergy of beta-lactams in combination with a beta-lactamase inhibitor, which have been underutilized in TB treatment to date.

Methods
Based on inhibitory concentration, oral bioavailability, and commercial availability, seven beta-lactams (cefadroxil, tebipenem, cephradine, cephalexin, cefdinir, penicillin V, and flucloxacillin), two beta-lactamase inhibitors (avibactam and clavulanate), and three second-line TB drugs (moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, and linezolid) were selected for combination in vitro testing against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Resazurin assays and colony forming unit enumeration were used to quantify drug efficacy, Chou-Talalay calculations were performed to identify drug synergy and Chou-Martin calculations were performed to quantify drug dose reduction index.

Results
The order of activity of beta-lactams was cefadroxil &gt; tebipenem &gt; cephradine &gt; cephalexin &gt; cefdinir &gt; penicillin V &gt; flucloxacillin. The addition of clavulanate improved beta-lactam activity to a greater degree than the addition of avibactam. As a result, avibactam was excluded from further investigations, which focused on clavulanate. Synergy was demonstrated for cefdinir/cephradine, cefadroxil/tebipenem, cefadroxil/penicillin V, cefadroxil/cefdinir, cephalexin/tebipenem, cephalexin/penicillin V, cephalexin/cefdinir, cephalexin/cephradine, and cefadroxil/cephalexin, all with clavulanate. However, combining beta-lactams with moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, or linezolid resulted in antagonistic effects, except for the combinations of penicillin V/levofloxacin, penicillin V/moxifloxacin, and cefdinir/moxifloxacin.

Conclusions
Beta-lactam synergy may provide viable combination therapies for the treatment of TB.
Nisin-loaded chitosan/sodium alginate microspheres enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of nisin against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tang Taya , Chen Yinzhu , Zhao Zhongling , Bai Qianyu , Leisner Jørgen J , Liu Tianlong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aims
To develop and evaluate nisin-loaded chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) microspheres as an improved antimicrobial delivery system targeting Staphylococcus aureus strains.

Methods and results
The microspheres were prepared using a modified water-in-oil emulsion cross-linking method, resulting in spherical particles sized 1–8 µm with a surface charge of −7.92 ± 5.09 mV, confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Zetasizer analysis. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of nisin were 87.60% ± 0.43% and 1.99% ± 0.01%, respectively. In vitro release studies over 48 h indicated a controlled release pattern of nisin, described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, with higher release rates at 37°C and alkaline pH. Antimicrobial assays showed an enhanced efficacy of nisin-loaded CS/SA microspheres compared to free nisin, with minimum inhibitory concentration values reduced by 50%. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), SEM, and transmission electron microscopy showed significant bacterial membrane damage and cellular disruption induced by the microspheres.

Conclusions
This study highlights the potential of nisin-loaded CS/SA microspheres as an innovative antimicrobial delivery system with improved stability and antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus, addressing limitations associated with nisin applied alone.
Application of a digital quality measure for cancer diagnosis in Epic Cosmos
Authors: Zimolzak Andrew J , Khan Sundas P , Singh Hardeep , Davila Jessica A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Missed and delayed cancer diagnoses are common, harmful, and often preventable. We previously validated a digital quality measure (dQM) of emergency presentation (EP) of lung cancer in 2 US health systems. This study aimed to apply the dQM to a new national electronic health record (EHR) database and examine demographic associations.

Materials and Methods
We applied the dQM (emergency encounter followed by new lung cancer diagnosis within 30 days) to Epic Cosmos, a deidentified database covering 184 million US patients. We examined dQM associations with sociodemographic factors.

Results
The overall EP rate was 19.6%. EP rate was higher in Black vs White patients (24% vs 19%, P &lt; .001) and patients with younger age, higher social vulnerability, lower-income ZIP code, and self-reported transport difficulties.

Discussion
We successfully applied a dQM based on cancer EP to the largest US EHR database.

Conclusion
This dQM could be a marker for sociodemographic vulnerabilities in cancer diagnosis.
Taurine enhances growth performance by improving intestinal integrity and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Yuhui , Jiang Shouchuan , Han Yu , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yuanyuan , Du Huahua 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Taurine is an amino acid that has been considered by animal husbandry as a feed additive due to its abundant biological functions. However, the effective dose of taurine added to feed is unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine the optimal taurine supplementation level by investigating its effects on growth performance, diarrhea index, intestinal health, and antioxidant capacity of weaned piglets. A total of 160 crossbred piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire, initially 8.39 ± 0.11 kg) were assigned to 4 groups (10 pigs/pen and 4 replicates/group). Basal diets containing 0 (control, CON), 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% taurine were respectively provided to the piglets for a duration of 28 d. Six piglets from each group were selected for euthanasia and subsequent sample collection on day 29. The results showed that dietary 0.3% or 0.5% taurine supplementation increased average daily gain (P &lt; 0.05), feed-to-gain ratio (P &lt; 0.01), and serum albumin (P &lt; 0.05), and decreased diarrhea index (P &lt; 0.01) and diamine oxidase (DAO) level in the serum (P &lt; 0.05). The greater expression of tight junction-related genes, including ZO-1 (P &lt; 0.05) and Claudin-1 (P &lt; 0.01), were observed in the duodenum after supplementation with 0.5% taurine. The supplementation of 0.3% or 0.5% taurine resulted in a significant reduction of crypt depth (P &lt; 0.01) and an increase of villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (P &lt; 0.01) in the duodenum. A greater abundance of goblet cells was detected in the duodenum and jejunum of piglets fed 0.5% taurine (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) level, liver catalase (CAT) level, and liver total antioxidant capacity level were all significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased with 0.1%, 0.3% or 0.5% dietary taurine supplementation. On the whole, dietary supplementation with 0.3% or 0.5% taurine has the potential to significantly enhance the growth performance of piglets by improving the integrity of the intestinal barrier and boosting their antioxidant capacity.
Dietary fiber and weaning age affect stress and immune markers in saliva of sows and their offspring
Authors: Grześkowiak Łukasz , Cerón José Joaquín , Lopez-Arjona Marina , Martínez-Vallespín Beatriz , Holthausen Johannes Schulze , Krüsselmann Philip , Metges Cornelia C , Kuhla Björn , Vahjen Wilfried , Zentek Jürgen , Saliu Eva-Maria 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Diet, especially the intake of dietary fiber, and weaning practices may influence pig wellbeing. This study assessed changes in salivary stress and immune markers in sows and their offspring fed either hay (HAY) or sugar beet pulp (SBP), either fine (F) or coarse (C), during gestation and lactation. The effect of weaning age (conventional—CW, late—LW) on these markers was also evaluated. Saliva was analyzed for chromogranin A (CgA), cortisol, alpha-amylase, oxytocin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). CgA was higher at CW versus LW in sows fed SBP-F (P = 0.038). Alpha-amylase was higher in sows fed HAY-C at CW versus LW (P = 0.005) and in sows fed SBP-C at LW versus CW (P = 0.096). CgA and oxytocin were higher in sows fed SBP-F at CW versus LW (P = 0.038 and P = 0.017, respectively). ADA was higher in sows fed SBP-C versus HAY-C (P = 0.035) at LW and at LW versus CW in sows fed SBP-C (P = 0.002). Piglet salivary CgA was higher at CW versus LW in HAY-F (P = 0.002) and SBP-F (P = 0.031). Oxytocin was higher at CW versus LW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.006). Piglet salivary IgA was higher in HAY-C versus HAY-F at CW (P = 0.010) and at LW versus CW in piglets fed HAY-F (P = 0.021). ADA was higher in piglets fed SBP-F versus HAY-F (P = 0.053) at CW and SBP-F versus SBP-C (P = 0.042) at LW. Dietary fiber type, weaning age, and to a lesser extent grinding degree affect stress and immune markers in pigs. These findings highlight the impact of diet and weaning practice on pig welfare.
Data Protection Considerations in Competition Law Assessments: A Qualitative Document Analysis of EU Decision Texts
Authors: Vandendriessche Robin , Buts Caroline 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Personal data are both protected by a fundamental right and serves as a source of market power. As such, a complex interplay between data protection and competition law arises, sparking debate among policymakers and scholars on whether to incorporate data protection considerations (DPCs) in competition law assessments. Proponents argue that competition cases involving such an interplay require a normative contribution from data protection law, while opponents emphasize the practical challenges of considering data protection as a non-economic public policy objective. We identify nine ways in which data protection might ultimately surface in competition law assessments, categorized into five areas: (i) competition enforcement actions, (ii) existing legal and regulatory framework, (iii) personal data collection, (iv) exclusionary abuses, and (v) alleviation of competition concerns. Using a multiple-step approach for qualitative document analysis, we explore how these considerations have surfaced in the European Commission’s decisional practice through a dataset of 2.041 EU competition decision texts based on articles 101 TFEU and 102 TFEU and the EU Merger Regulation. We identify 53 decisions where DPCs have surfaced, especially in the information and communication industry, where they are more frequently subjected to commitments. In line with the evolving literature, we observe an increasingly integrationist trend as these considerations surface more frequently, particularly since the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation in 2016 and the Digital Markets Act proposal in 2020. We also find a pattern where data protection provisions are included in commitments as a ‘tick-the-box’ exercise. Several influential alleviations of competition concerns suggest that the Commission is more comfortable using data protection to approve transactions unconditionally rather than as a substantive argument for commitments. We conclude by making a case for a more collaborative approach based on the European Court of Justice’s recent Meta Platforms (2023) judgment. Data protection should be considered in competition law assessments if its normative contribution is required. Such a stance would simply align with the internal logic of competition law without unlawfully expanding its material scope.
The 1996 Hague convention on international child protection in the UK post-Brexit: focus on jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement
Authors: Trimmings Katarina , Le Xuan Tung , Kalaitsoglou Konstantina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
This article discusses the strength and weakness of the 1996 Hague Convention vis-à-vis the Brussels IIbis Regulation and its successor the Brussels IIter Regulation. It engages with relevant UK case-law to assess the application of the Convention in the UK, with the aim of encouraging uniformity in the application of the Convention across Contracting States. The focus of the article is on the topics of jurisdiction and recognition and enforcement. The article concludes that, overall, the Convention mechanism is fully capable of securing adequate cross-border child protection post-Brexit. Nevertheless, it might be too early to declare conclusively whether the disapplication of the Brussels regime in the area of parental responsibility and its replacement with the 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention in the UK has strengthened or weakened the protection of international families with links to the European Union post-Brexit, in particular with respect to recognition and enforcement. Regarding jurisdiction, the article expresses anticipation that the emerging UK case-law on Chapter II of the Convention will provide valuable guidance for the courts of other Contracting States, including UK’s former EU partners, with the view of harmonizing the application of the Convention across Contracting States. To facilitate exchange of good practice in a systematic manner, the article proposes that the Hague Conference establishes a database of case-law on the 1996 Convention.
COVID-19 Personal Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress in National Guard Service Members
Authors: Mash Holly B Herberman , Fullerton Carol S , Adler Amy B , Morganstein Joshua C , Blumhorst Alexandra , LaCroix Christina L , Biggs Quinn M , Ursano Robert J 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The National Guard (NG) was an important component of the U.S. emergency response for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding how the personal COVID-19 experiences of NG members may be associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and disorder (PTSD) can inform approaches to identifying and sustaining service members’ mental health.

Materials and Methods
We surveyed 3,993 NG service members (75% Army; 79% enlisted; 33% 30-39 years old; 81% male) during the pandemic. Forty-six percent of participants were activated in response to COVID-19. Surveys were administered between August and December 2020. We defined personal COVID-19 experiences as having COVID-19, a family member(s) having COVID-19, and/or having a close relationship with someone who died from COVID-19. In addition, using a 4-item form of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), current posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and probable PTSD were assessed. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of COVID-19 experiences to PTSS and probable PTSD, respectively.

Results
Approximately 32% of participants reported at least one personal COVID-19 experience. Univariable linear regression analyses indicated that NG service members who had a personal COVID-19 experience reported more PTSS than those with no personal experience (B = 0.53, SE = 0.12, P &lt; .001). After adjusting for demographics and service-related characteristics, having a personal COVID-19 experience continued to be associated with higher PTSS (B = 0.48, SE = 0.12, P &lt; .001). When examining the relationships of distinct types of personal COVID-19 experiences to PTSS and PTSD together in multivariable models, those who had a close relationship with someone who died from COVID-19 had higher levels of PTSS (B = 1.31, SE = 0.22, P &lt; .001) and were almost 3 times more likely to have PTSD (OR = 2.94[95%CI = 1.93-4.47], P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
Personal COVID-19 experiences are associated with increased PTSS and PTSD risk in NG service members. Such knowledge may aid in selection of service members for activation and identifying those in need of care.
A Description of the Dental Health and Treatment of Ukraine Military at U.S. Army Clinics in Germany
Authors: Mendoza Andres M , Simecek John W , Colthirst Paul M , Mitchener Timothy A 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war, most reports have focused on trauma and combat conditions. Trauma care is essential; however, disease and nonbattle injuries (DNBIs) also burden armies and reduce combat effectiveness. Dental emergencies (DEs) account for a substantial portion of DNBI, but there is limited information on Ukrainian military dental readiness. In September 2023, investigators were informed that Ukrainian military personnel were treated for DEs at 2 dental clinics in Germany.

Materials and Methods
The investigators requested deidentified data from the Corporate Dental System (CDS), which is a repository for dental treatment records utilized by the U.S. Army. The data request captured DE treatment performed for Ukrainian military personnel in Germany from January 1, 2023, to September 20, 2023. The CDS report on DE encounters included the following: Gender, age, procedure codes, and provider narratives. This study was approved by the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Institutional Review Board as research not involving human subjects and provided Log Number H-24-030nh.

Results
The CDS report captured 408 Ukrainian military DE encounters. A total of 360 Ukrainian military personnel were treated for DE during the 9-month reporting period in 2023. Oral surgery was the most common DE treatment category and accounted for 55.8% (N = 201) of DE procedures. Restorative dentistry procedures accounted for 18.1% of DE procedures. Of the 27 multiple category treatments, 25 had oral surgery procedures as one of the treatments. Restorative dentistry procedures were performed in 19 of the multiple category cases.

Conclusions
The DEs in the Ukrainian military cohort suggest that chronic, untreated dental disease has progressed without routine care for years. The assertion that caries has progressed to a nonrestorable condition is supported by the distribution that 63% of all DE visits included oral surgery treatment. Based on the distribution of dental treatment, US dental officers must be proficient in oral surgery and prosthodontic care.
Development of the Joint Expeditionary Medical Officer
Authors: Henderson Jonathan , Pock Arnyce , Elster Eric 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
The Uniformed Services University is known for its dual mission of preparing military medical officers for operational readiness and leadership roles. The Joint Expeditionary Medical Officer (JEMO) project is a novel internal program that was initiated in 2022 and aims to fortify and evaluate the essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) within the School of Medicine’s Molecules to Military Medicine curriculum that are pivotal for the development of a deployment-ready military medical officer. The JEMO-KSA program identifies and deliberately develops a core set of mission-critical skills during the course of students’ undergraduate medical education. This helps ensure that Uniformed Services University graduates attain a strong foundational level of operational readiness across various military medical domains. Currently, 371 distinct KSAs have been integrated into the curriculum, with over 86% being assessed at different time frames. Over time, our goal is to present individual students with a customized JEMO “report card” depicting their readiness level; a document that could be updated and expanded throughout their military medical career. The JEMO project represents a significant stride toward optimizing the readiness of military medical officers by systematically identifying, strengthening, and assessing vital operational skills and abilities. With an ongoing commitment to excellence, the project envisages creating an even more robustly structured curriculum that is continually refined to address current operational readiness, setting a new standard for military medical education. While challenges such as accurately measuring the impact of integrated KSAs and continuously updating them to meet evolving military needs remain, the forward momentum associated with the JEMO project will help facilitate the development of military medical officers who have the KSAs to actively support mission success while simultaneously enhancing the overall effectiveness of military health care.
Spherical collapse approach for non-standard dark matter models and enhanced early galaxy formation in JWST
Authors: Davari Zahra , Ashoorioon Amjad , Rezazadeh Kazem 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Using the spherical collapse approach, we investigate the impact of two alternative dark matter models, each characterized by distinct non-zero equations of state – one constant and the other time-dependent – on the non-linear regime. Specifically, we compare these models to standard cold dark matter by analysing their influence on the linear density threshold for non-relativistic component collapse and virial overdensity. Additionally, we explore the number count of collapsed objects, or dark matter haloes, analogous to the number count of galaxy clusters. Finally, in light of recent discoveries by the JWST Labbe, et al. 2023, indicating the potential for more efficient early galaxy formation at higher redshifts, we investigate how alternative dark matter assumptions can enhance structure formation efficiency during the early Universe.