bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and protective capacity of a CpG ODN adjuvanted alum adsorbed bivalent meningococcal outer membrane vesicle vaccine
Authors: Canavar Yildirim Tugce , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Yildirim Muzaffer , Evcili Irem , Yazar Volkan , Aykac Kubra , Guler Ulku , Salih Bekir , Gursel Mayda , Gursel Ihsan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, with the main serogroups responsible for the disease being A, B, C, W, X, and Y. To date, several vaccines targeting N. meningitidis have been developed albeit with a short-lived protection. Given that MenW and MenB are the most common causes of IMD in Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East, we aimed to develop an outer membrane vesicle (OMV) based bivalent vaccine as the heterologous antigen source. Herein, we compared the immunogenicity, and breadth of serum bactericidal activity (SBA) assay-based protective coverage of OMV vaccine to the X serotype with existing commercial meningococcal conjugate and polysaccharide (PS) vaccines in a murine model. BALB/c mice were immunized with preclinical batches of the W + B OMV vaccine, either adjuvanted with Alum, CpG ODN, or their combinations, and compared with a MenACYW conjugate vaccine (NimenrixTM, Pfizer), and a MenB OMV-based vaccine (Bexsero®, GSK), The immune responses were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and SBA assay. Antibody responses and SBA titers were significantly higher in the W + B OMV vaccine when adjuvanted with Alum or CpG ODN, as compared to the control groups. Moreover, the SBA titers were not only significantly higher than those achieved with available conjugated ACYW vaccines but also on par with the 4CMenB vaccines. In conclusion, the W + B OMV vaccine demonstrated the capacity to elicit robust antibody responses, surpassing or matching the levels induced by licensed meningococcal vaccines. Consequently, the W + B OMV vaccine could potentially serve as a viable alternative or supplement to existing meningococcal vaccines.
A cyclic dipeptide for salinity stress alleviation and the trophic flexibility of endophyte provide insights into saltmarsh plant–microbe interactions
Authors: Hung Shih-Hsun Walter , Yeh Pin-Hsien , Huang Tsai-Ching , Huang Shao-Yu , Wu I-Chen , Liu Chia-Ho , Lin Yu-Hsi , Chien Pei-Ru , Huang Fan-Chen , Ho Ying-Ning , Kuo Chih-Horng , Hwang Hau-Hsuan , Chiang En-Pei Isabel , Huang Chieh-Chen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In response to climate change, the nature of endophytes and their applications in sustainable agriculture have attracted the attention of academics and agro-industries. This work focused on the endophytic halophiles of the endangered Taiwanese salt marsh plant, Bolboschoenus planiculmis, and evaluated the functions of these isolates through in planta salinity stress alleviation assay using Arabidopsis. The endophytic strain Priestia megaterium BP01R2, which can promote plant growth and salinity tolerance, was further characterized through multi-omics approaches. The transcriptomics results suggested that BP01R2 could function by tuning hormone signal transduction, energy-producing metabolism, multiple stress responses, etc. In addition, the cyclodipeptide cyclo(L-Ala-Gly), which was identified by metabolomics analysis, was confirmed to contribute to the alleviation of salinity stress in stressed plants via exogenous supplementation. In this study, we used multi-omics approaches to investigate the genomics, metabolomics, and tropisms of endophytes, as well as the transcriptomics of plants in response to the endophyte. The results revealed the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence of biostimulant-based plant-endophyte symbioses with possible application in sustainable agriculture.
Scallop-bacteria symbiosis from the deep sea reveals strong genomic coupling in the absence of cellular integration
Authors: Lin Yi-Tao , Ip Jack Chi-Ho , He Xing , Gao Zhao-Ming , Perez Maeva , Xu Ting , Sun Jin , Qian Pei-Yuan , Qiu Jian-Wen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Previous studies have revealed tight metabolic complementarity between bivalves and their endosymbiotic chemosynthetic bacteria, but little is known about their interactions with ectosymbionts. Our analysis of the ectosymbiosis between a deep-sea scallop (Catillopecten margaritatus) and a gammaproteobacterium showed that bivalves could be highly interdependent with their ectosymbionts as well. Our microscopic observation revealed abundant sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) on the surfaces of the gill epithelial cells. Microbial 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the gill tissues showed the dominance of the SOB. An analysis of the SOB genome showed that it is substantially smaller than its free-living relatives and has lost cellular components required for free-living. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses showed that this ectosymbiont relies on rhodanese-like proteins and SOX multienzyme complex for energy generation, mainly on the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle and peripherally on a phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase for carbon assimilation. Besides, the symbiont encodes an incomplete tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Observation of the scallop’s digestive gland and its nitrogen metabolism pathways indicates it does not fully rely on the ectosymbiont for nutrition. Analysis of the host’s gene expression provided evidence that it could offer intermediates for the ectosymbiont to complete its TCA cycle and some amino acid synthesis pathways using exosomes, and its phagosomes, endosomes, and lysosomes might be involved in harvesting nutrients from the symbionts. Overall, our study prompts us to rethink the intimacy between the hosts and ectosymbionts in Bivalvia and the evolution of chemosymbiosis in general.
Screening for Primary Aldosteronism by Mass Spectrometry Versus Immunoassay Measurements of Aldosterone: A Prospective Within-Patient Study
Authors: Fuld Sybille , Constantinescu Georgiana , Pamporaki Christina , Peitzsch Mirko , Schulze Manuel , Yang Jun , Müller Lisa , Prejbisz Aleksander , Januszewicz Andrzej , Remde Hanna , Kürzinger Lydia , Dischinger Ulrich , Ernst Matthias , Gruber Sven , Reincke Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Lenders Jacques W M , Eisenhofer Graeme 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Measurements of aldosterone by mass spectrometry are more accurate and less prone to interferences than immunoassay measurements, and may produce a more accurate aldosterone:renin ratio (ARR) when screening for primary aldosteronism (PA).

Methods
Differences in diagnostic performance of the ARR using mass spectrometry vs immunoassay measurements of aldosterone were examined in 710 patients screened for PA. PA was confirmed in 153 patients and excluded in 451 others. Disease classifications were not achieved in 106 patients. Areas under receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROC) and other measures were used to compare diagnostic performance.

Results
Mass spectrometry-based measurements yielded lower plasma aldosterone concentrations than immunoassay measurements. For the ARR based on immunoassay measurements of aldosterone, AUROCs were slightly lower (P = 0.018) than those using mass spectrometry measurements (0.895 vs 0.906). The cutoff for the ARR to reach a sensitivity of 95% was 30 and 21.5 pmol/mU by respective immunoassay and mass spectrometry-based measurements, which corresponded to specificities of 57% for both. With data restricted to patients with unilateral PA, diagnostic sensitivities of 94% with specificities &gt;81% could be achieved at cutoffs of 68 and 52 pmol/mU for respective immunoassay and mass spectrometry measurements.

Conclusions
Mass spectrometry-based measurements of aldosterone for the ARR provide no clear diagnostic advantage over immunoassay-based measurements. Both approaches offer limited diagnostic accuracy for the ARR as a screening test. One solution is to employ the higher cutoffs to triage patients likely to have unilateral PA for further tests and possible adrenalectomy, while using the lower cutoffs to identify others for targeted medical therapy.
German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00017084.
Preparing for the bedside—optimizing a postpartum depression risk prediction model for clinical implementation in a health system
Authors: Liu Yifan , Joly Rochelle , Reading Turchioe Meghan , Benda Natalie , Hermann Alison , Beecy Ashley , Pathak Jyotishman , Zhang Yiye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
We developed and externally validated a machine-learning model to predict postpartum depression (PPD) using data from electronic health records (EHRs). Effort is under way to implement the PPD prediction model within the EHR system for clinical decision support. We describe the pre-implementation evaluation process that considered model performance, fairness, and clinical appropriateness.

Materials and Methods
We used EHR data from an academic medical center (AMC) and a clinical research network database from 2014 to 2020 to evaluate the predictive performance and net benefit of the PPD risk model. We used area under the curve and sensitivity as predictive performance and conducted a decision curve analysis. In assessing model fairness, we employed metrics such as disparate impact, equal opportunity, and predictive parity with the White race being the privileged value. The model was also reviewed by multidisciplinary experts for clinical appropriateness. Lastly, we debiased the model by comparing 5 different debiasing approaches of fairness through blindness and reweighing.

Results
We determined the classification threshold through a performance evaluation that prioritized sensitivity and decision curve analysis. The baseline PPD model exhibited some unfairness in the AMC data but had a fair performance in the clinical research network data. We revised the model by fairness through blindness, a debiasing approach that yielded the best overall performance and fairness, while considering clinical appropriateness suggested by the expert reviewers.

Discussion and Conclusion
The findings emphasize the need for a thorough evaluation of intervention-specific models, considering predictive performance, fairness, and appropriateness before clinical implementation.
Multimodal learning for temporal relation extraction in clinical texts
Authors: Knez Timotej , Žitnik Slavko 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study focuses on refining temporal relation extraction within medical documents by introducing an innovative bimodal architecture. The overarching goal is to enhance our understanding of narrative processes in the medical domain, particularly through the analysis of extensive reports and notes concerning patient experiences.

Materials and Methods
Our approach involves the development of a bimodal architecture that seamlessly integrates information from both text documents and knowledge graphs. This integration serves to infuse common knowledge about events into the temporal relation extraction process. Rigorous testing was conducted on diverse clinical datasets, emulating real-world scenarios where the extraction of temporal relationships is paramount.

Results
The performance of our proposed bimodal architecture was thoroughly evaluated across multiple clinical datasets. Comparative analyses demonstrated its superiority over existing methods reliant solely on textual information for temporal relation extraction. Notably, the model showcased its effectiveness even in scenarios where not provided with additional information.

Discussion
The amalgamation of textual data and knowledge graph information in our bimodal architecture signifies a notable advancement in the field of temporal relation extraction. This approach addresses the critical need for a more profound understanding of narrative processes in medical contexts.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our study introduces a pioneering bimodal architecture that harnesses the synergy of text and knowledge graph data, exhibiting superior performance in temporal relation extraction from medical documents. This advancement holds significant promise for improving the comprehension of patients’ healthcare journeys and enhancing the overall effectiveness of extracting temporal relationships in complex medical narratives.
Perspectives on the role of industry in informatics research and authorship
Authors: Strasberg Howard R , Jackson Gretchen Purcell , Bakken Suzanne R , Boxwala Aziz , Richardson Joshua E , Morrow Jon D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Advances in informatics research come from academic, nonprofit, and for-profit industry organizations, and from academic-industry partnerships. While scientific studies of commercial products may offer critical lessons for the field, manuscripts authored by industry scientists are sometimes categorically rejected. We review historical context, community perceptions, and guidelines on informatics authorship.

Process
We convened an expert panel at the American Medical Informatics Association 2022 Annual Symposium to explore the role of industry in informatics research and authorship with community input. The panel summarized session themes and prepared recommendations.

Conclusions
Authorship for informatics research, regardless of affiliation, should be determined by International Committee of Medical Journal Editors uniform requirements for authorship. All authors meeting criteria should be included, and categorical rejection based on author affiliation is unethical. Informatics research should be evaluated based on its scientific rigor; all sources of bias and conflicts of interest should be addressed through disclosure and, when possible, methodological mitigation.
Influence of low-level tannin supplementation on comparative growth performance of Holstein and Angus × Holstein cross calf-fed concentrate-based finishing diets for 328 d
Authors: Carvalho Pedro H V , Latack Brooke C , Ferraz Marcos V C , Nolasco Lester J R P , Meireles Willi R , Oliveira Heitor O M , Zinn Richard A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of tannin and monensin supplementation in feedlot diets and breed (Holstein vs. Angus × Holstein) on growth performance, energetic efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Eighty purebred Holstein calves (HOL; initial body weight (BW) = 130 ± 5 kg) and 80 Angus × Holstein calves (AXH; initial BW = 129 ± 6 kg) were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to 40 pens. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based diet supplemented with (1) no feed additive (CON); (2) 30 mg of monensin/kg of dry matter (DM; MON; Rumensin 90, Elanco, Greenfield, IN); (3) 1.5 g tannin)/kg of DM (TAN; ByPro, 70% condensed tannin, SilvaFeed, Indunor, S.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina); (4) M + T, the combination of MON plus TAN dietary treatments. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments, using pens as experimental units. There were no interactions (P &gt; 0.05) between feed additives and breed. Supplemental MON increased (P ≤ 0.04) initial 112-d BW and gain efficiency. However, there were no dietary treatment effects (P &gt; 0.10) on overall growth performance. Monensin supplementation decreased (P = 0.04) minimum daily ruminal temperature compared with other dietary treatments during July, but TAN did not affect ruminal temperature. Holstein steers had greater (P = 0.04) overall DM intake compared with AXH, with no difference (P = 0.19) in overall ADG, leading to increased (P &lt; 0.01) gain efficiency for AXH compared with HOL. Dietary net energy for maintenance and gain, based on growth performance, were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for AXH vs HOL. Compared with HOL, AXH steers had greater (P ≤ 0.01) carcass weight, dressing percentage, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, 12th rib fat thickness, longissimus area, and preliminary yield grade. Holstein steers had lower (P ≤ 0.04) minimum average ruminal temperature during June compared with AXH, with no differences (P ≥ 0.14) between breeds during July or August. Results indicate that feed additives did not appreciably affect steer growth performance and carcass characteristics, but crossbred AXH steers had greater growth performance, efficiency of dietary energy utilization, and carcass quality measures compared with HOL. This study observed a reduction (4.7%) in maintenance energy expenditure in AXH compared with HOL, implying in maintenance energy coefficient of 0.086 vs 0.082 for HOL and AXH, respectively.
The European Securitization Market: Effects of an Uneven Regulatory Playing Field
Authors: Varouchakis Thomas Papadogiannis 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
This article critically assesses the European securitization industry’s claim of the existence of an uneven regulatory playing field for securitization structures vis-à-vis financial instruments deemed ‘neighbouring’ to securitization by the industry, like whole loan pools, corporate bonds, and covered bonds. According to market participants, the adverse regulatory treatment of securitization is negatively affecting the European securitization market, by pushing issuers and investors towards other financial instruments that are treated preferentially. Ultimately, this prevents the securitization market from escaping the subdued state in which it has been ever since the global financial crisis. To address this problem, market participants are advocating a fundamental recalibration of the existing regulatory framework. By examining the regulatory framework that applies to securitization structures, against the backdrop of regulation for whole loan pools, corporate bonds, and covered bonds, this article confirms that securitization structures are indeed treated adversely, as claimed by the industry. Nevertheless, a valid comparison can only be drawn between ‘true sale’ residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) structures and mortgage covered bonds, given the structural-economic similarities between the two financial instruments. In that regard, the adverse regulatory treatment of RMBS is found to be negatively impacting the European securitization market, by fuelling a ‘crowding out’ of RMBS by covered bonds.
Spinal versus general anesthesia for hip arthroscopy—a pandemic (COVID) and epidemic (opioid) driven study
Authors: Byrd J. W. Thomas , Jones Kay S , Dwyer Nicole , McManus Amy M , Byrd Ellen B , Freeman Wallace L 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to compare general anesthesia (GA) to spinal anesthesia (SA) for hip arthroscopy, based on measurable perioperative parameters. The pandemic signaled a change from GA to SA, and thus a retrospective review was performed of the first 120 consecutive SA cases compared to the last 120 GA cases prior to the pandemic. Demographic data included age, sex, BMI, preop narcotic usage and procedure performed. The groups were compared for post-anesthesia care unit length of stay, entry and discharge visual analog scale (VAS) scores, morphine mg equivalent usage, need for regional blocks and untoward events. Additionally, the length of time from entry to the operating room until completion of induction anesthesia was compared. Demographically, the groups were virtually identical. SA used significantly less morphine mg equivalent (6.0 versus 8.1; P = 0.005), had more needing no narcotics (17 versus 7; P = 0.031), fewer requiring blocks (1 versus 14; P = 0.001) and lower entry VAS scores (5.2 versus 6.2; P = 0.003). Five early SA patients required catheterization for urinary retention, and this was avoided later in the study by having patient void on call to operating room and avoiding anticholinergic agents. Completion of induction anesthesia was 0.8 min longer for SA. Hip arthroscopy can be effectively performed with either GA or SA. SA results in statistically significant better post-anesthesia care unit pain control, reflected by lower entry VAS, less need for narcotics and fewer requiring regional blocks compared to GA. Urinary retention, a potential problem of SA, is minimized with routine precautions.
Why 50?: ‘industrial application’ limitation in the Indian copyright-design interface
Authors: Aggarwal Ambika , Sircar Anindya 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The current IP overlap in Indian copyright and design laws maintains that fine art aesthetics remain a province of copyright law and are strictly disjointed from protection afforded to utilitarian objects under design law. In practical application, however, Section 15 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 serves as a point of partial cumulation. Section 15(2) creates a curious situation where the nature of the work could be determined not by its substantive subject-matter requirement but rather an arbitrary rule of more-than-50 articles of production. Section 15 remains an unrefined relic of the Imperial Copyright Act of 1914. The strong reactions against the repeal of Section 52 of the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988 along with varied applications of the 50-article rule in other common law jurisdictions can be useful for the Delhi High Court in considering the ongoing constitutional challenge against Section 15(2). Differences in judicial opinions in a rather small pool of precedents have created significant scepticism in interpreting the precise scope of this ‘industrial application’ limitation. Repealing Section 15(2), despite its controversial status, would move the Indian copyright-design interface from partial to full cumulation—a result that does not sit well with the present legislative structure. Resolution of the issue requires the court to display sound conceptual deftness.
Legal incentives for innovations in the emotional AI domain: a carrot and stick approach?
Authors: Ballardini Rosa Maria , van den Hoven van Genderen Rob , Nokelainen Tomi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Emotions strongly influence the human way of living and life experiences. In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are crucial to pushing developments further. Although emotional AI-driven innovations are welcome in our society, they might also have negative effects on the interdependence and autonomy of natural persons. Thus, they might be challenged by several legal provisions in the EU such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the draft AI Act. Yet these inventions require considerable investment, where legal incentives such as intellectual property rights (IPR) are crucial. Indeed, it is also important to secure certainty as to the legal and ethical acceptability of such innovations. This article looks at emotional AI to investigate the interlinkage between technological innovations, legal incentives and ethics, through the lenses of patent law and fundamental rights, in order to shed light over the challenges, limitations, but also opportunities for the protection, commercialization and exploitation of emotional AI-related inventions. Our research offers new scientific knowledge on the largely under-explored issue of legal incentives for emotional AI-related inventions in the European framework. It also provides companies and inventors with key points to consider in decision-making related to investments in and incentives for emotional AI-related innovations, also elaborating on suggestions for the European legislator and policymakers to better stimulate and promote emotional AI technology through regulation.