bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic bacterial taxa constitute a substantial portion of fecal microbiota in common migratory bats and birds in Europe
Authors: Poosakkannu Anbu , Xu Yanjie , Suominen Kati M. , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Sørensen Iben H. , Madsen Jesper J. , Plaquin Betty , Guillemain Matthieu , Joyeux Emmanuel , Keišs Oskars , Lilley Thomas M. , Lehikoinen Aleksi , Pulliainen Arto T. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Identifying the wildlife reservoirs of bacterial pathogens, spatially and temporally, is important for assessing the threats to human and the rest of the biosphere. Our objective was to study Europe-wide characteristics of the fecal microbiota of four highly mobile migratory vertebrates, that is, one bat (
Pipistrellus nathusii
) and three bird species (
Turdus merula
,
Anas platyrhynchos
,
Columba palumbus
). The 351 sample PacBio data set of almost the entire 16S rRNA gene with 438,997 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) assigned 3,277 bacterial species. A significant proportion of the ASVs were assigned to bacterial genera having species pathogenic to human or animals. These pathogen ASVs accounted for 45% of all the ASVs and statistically were more frequent at higher latitudes and in younger age groups. In 36 samples, more than >90% of all the PacBio reads were assigned to these pathogenic genera. We designate to individuals of these samples a new term, that is, a pathogen bloomer. The pathogen bloomers, which did not display apparent macroscopic disease symptoms, were detected in Nathusius bat (
n
= 8; Finland and Latvia), blackbird (
n
= 6; Finland, Latvia and Denmark), and wood pigeon (
n
= 22; Finland and France), but not in mallard. Key species-level taxonomic assignments in the pathogen bloomers were the two well-known enteropathogens (
Campylobacter jejuni
or
Escherichia coli
) and one emerging enteropathogen (
Escherichia marmotae
). Our data imply that the studied common migratory vertebrates may contribute to the transmission of bacterial pathogens across the European continent.

IMPORTANCE
The understanding of gut microbiota composition and dynamics in wild vertebrate populations, especially in highly mobile vertebrates, birds and bats, remains limited. Our study sheds light on the critical knowledge gap in how common pathogenic bacterial taxa of fecal microbiota are in migratory bats and birds in Europe. We found out that bacterial genera having species pathogenic to human or animals constituted a substantial portion of the fecal microbiota in all the studied host taxa. Most importantly, we identified asymptomatic individuals that were dysbiotic with bacterial pathogen overgrowth. These previously unknown pathogen bloomers appear as potent Europe-wide transmitters of bacterial pathogens, which cause, for example, diarrhea and bacteremia in human. Our findings may contribute to better understanding of seasonal disease hotspots and pathogen spillover risks related to migratory vertebrates.
In vitro
investigations on the impact of fermented dairy constituents on fecal microbiota composition and fermentation activity
Authors: Li Qing , Marietou Angeliki , Andersen Freja Foget , Hosek Jiri , Scavenius Carsten , Zhang Jianbo , Schwab Clarissa 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Fermented dairy constitutes a major dietary source and contains lactose as the main carbohydrate and living starter cultures, which can encounter the intestinal microbiota after ingestion. To investigate whether dairy-related nutritional and microbial modulation impacted intestinal microbiota composition and activity, we employed static fecal microbiota fermentations and a dairy model system consisting of lactose and
Streptococcus thermophilus
wild type and β-galactosidase deletion mutant. In addition, we conducted single-culture validation studies. 16S rRNA gene-based microbial community analysis showed that lactose increased the abundance of
Bifidobacteriaceae
and
Anaerobutyricum
and
Faecalibacterium
spp. The supplied lactose was hydrolyzed within 24 h of fermentation and led to higher expression of community-indigenous β-galactosidases. Targeted protein analysis confirmed that bifidobacteria contributed most β-galactosidases together with other taxa, including
Escherichia coli
and
Anaerobutyricum hallii
. Lactose addition led to higher (
P
< 0.05) levels of butyrate compared to controls, likely due to lactate-based cross-feeding and direct lactose metabolism by butyrate-producing
Anaerobutyricum
and
Faecalibacterium
spp. Representatives of both genera used lactose to produce butyrate in single cultures. When supplemented at around 5.5 log cells mL
−1
,
S. thermophilus
or its β-galactosidase-negative mutant outnumbered the indigenous
Streptococcaceae
population at the beginning of fermentation but had no impact on lactose utilization and final short-chain fatty acid profiles.

IMPORTANCE
The consumption of fermented food has been linked to positive health outcomes, possibly due to interactions of food components with the intestinal microbiota. This study brings forward new insights into how major constituents of fermented dairy affect intestinal microbial ecology and activity when supplied together or alone. We provide evidence that lactose availability increased the production of butyrate by fecal microbiota through cross-feeding and did not observe a contribution of starter cultures to lactose metabolism, possibly due to a lack of competitiveness. The methodological setup used in this study can be implemented in future investigations to determine the impact of other fermented foods and their major components on intestinal microbiota composition and activity.
Detection of tick-borne pathogens in blood-fed ticks from animals across nine Asian countries
Authors: Byun Hye-Ryung , Rieu Mi-Sun , Ji Seong-Ryeong , Nam Hyun-Young , Seo Seulgi , Choi Chang-Yong , Linh Bui Khanh , Thanh Hien Le , Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Sahara Ana , Galay Remil L. , Wang Shang-Lin , Erdenechimeg Tuvshinjargal , Batbayar Nyambayar , Matsui Shin , Kawaji Noritomo , Avais Muhammad , Chae Joon-Seok 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Climate change, land development, and increased outdoor human activity have increased the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens, causing public health issues. Asia is a pivotal region of emerging infectious diseases caused by zoonotic disease. Therefore, this study aimed to construct effective surveillance systems and establish preventive strategies against novel tick-borne diseases. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to detect tick-borne pathogens from animal blood-fed ticks. Ticks (
n
= 261) were collected from different animals across nine Asian countries between 2022 and 2023. Five genera of adults and nymphal ticks were used, namely,
Amblyomma
,
Haemaphysalis
,
Hyalomma
,
Rhipicephalus
, and
Ixodes
. The animals from which the ticks were collected were wild, domestic animals, birds, and reptiles, living in the natural environment. After NGS, clean reads of 18,382,262–30,460,619 DNA viruses, 22,744,384–32,400,471 RNA viruses, 134,506–286,282 16S rRNA of bacteria, and 147,154–352,826 18S rRNA of protozoa were obtained from nine Asian countries. After analysis of the species, 28 RNA, 13 DNA viruses, 16 bacteria, and 4 protozoa were detected. Several tick-borne pathogens, including those in families that cause zoonotic diseases, such as
Phenuiviridae
,
Nairoviridae
,
Rickettsiaceae
, and
Borreliaceae
, were identified. This study is distinctive in that it involved cooperative studies with nine Asian countries to prevent the spread of tick-borne diseases. The results suggest that pathogens, which were detected in animal blood-fed ticks, can circulate in animals and may be transmitted to humans. In addition, this study can provide a basis for effective surveillance systems to prevent novel pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Surveillance systems against novel tick-borne diseases are significant for global health. Climate and other environmental changes have contributed to an expanding range of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Areas in Asia constitute key areas of emerging infectious diseases. Through analysis of blood-fed ticks, collected from various animals living in the natural environment, we suggest that tick-borne pathogens may harbor animals and environment and have potential risk of transmission in humans. Understanding the distribution of tick-borne pathogens requires cooperative studying and, thus, can construct standardized surveillance systems.
Carbon footprinting and environmental impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures at a tertiary care institution: a prospective multi-dimensional assessment
Authors: Rughwani Hardik , Kalapala Rakesh , Katrevula Anudeep , Jagtap Nitin , Desai Madhav , Campos Sara Teles de , Ramchandani Mohan , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Talukdar Rupjyoti , Darisetty Santosh , Memon Sana Fatima , Rao Guduru Venkat , Bruno Marco , Sharma Prateek , Reddy D Nageshwar 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundGiven the imperative to combat climate change, reducing the healthcare sector’s implications on the environment is crucial.ObjectiveThis study aims to offer a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) procedures, specifically focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and waste generation.DesignA prospective study was conducted at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG Hospitals), Hyderabad, India, from 29 May to 10 June 2023, including all consecutive GIE procedures. Carbon emissions for various variables involved were calculated with specific emission factors using ‘The GHG Protocol’.ResultsBased on data from 3244 consecutive patients undergoing 3873 procedures, the study revealed a total carbon footprint of 148 947.32 kg CO2e or 38.45 kg CO2e per procedure. Excluding patient travel, the emissions were 6.50 kg CO2e per procedure. The total waste generated was 1952.50 kg, averaging 0.504 kg per procedure, far less than 2–3 kg per procedure in the West. The waste disposal breakdown was 9.5% direct landfilling, 64.8% incineration, then landfilling and 25.7% recycling, which saved 380 kg CO2e. India effectively recycles 25.7% of hospital-related waste, which undergoes landfilling in the West. The primary contributors to GHG emissions were patient travel (83.09%), electricity consumption (10.42%), medical gas transport and usage (3.63%) and water consumption (1.86%). Diagnostic procedures generate less waste and lower carbon footprint than therapeutic procedures.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant environmental footprint of GIE procedures, emphasising the importance of optimising practices to reduce patient travel and repeat procedures, alongside improving electricity and water management for sustainable healthcare.
Drivers of high rates of carbon burial in a riverine-influenced freshwater marsh in the Long Point Walsingham Priority Place of southern Ontario
Authors: Loder Amanda L. , Gillespie Adam , Ardakani Omid Haeri , Oviedo Cecilia Cordero , Finkelstein Sarah A. 
Published: February 2025

Reported rates of soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in wetlands are markedly higher over recent versus longer timescales, caused by SOC losses through decomposition, paleoenvironmental changes, and recent increases in sedimentation or biomass production. Explaining changes in SOC sequestration rates and determining the time horizon over which high rates are sustained are both critical for accurately measuring the potential for wetland conservation as a natural climate solution. Here, we present analyses on a 4-m core from a riverine-influenced marsh in Big Creek watershed, southern Ontario, to track changes in SOC accumulation regimes. Since wetland initiation ∼5700 years ago, mean long-term (pre-industrial) rates of SOC accumulation were 24 g C m−2 year−1, and recent rates up to four times higher. We demonstrate that elevated recent rates of SOC accumulation are largely explained by more labile carbon in surficial soils, and are sustained for less than a century before transitioning to slower burial rates of predominantly recalcitrant organic matter. However, there are exceptions to this trend, such as when labile SOC was buried intermittently during Holocene Lake Erie highstands. Our research underscores the importance of organic matter type and hydroclimatic context in predicting long-term potential for marsh soils to stabilize atmospheric carbon.
Weak gravity conjecture validation with photon spheres of quantum corrected Reissner–Nordstrom–AdS black holes in Kiselev spacetime
Authors: Alipour Mohammad Reza , S. Afshar Mohammad Ali , Noori Gashti Saeed , Sadeghi Jafar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the Weak Gravity Conjecture (WGC) in the context of quantum-corrected Reissner–Nordstrom–AdS (RN-AdS) black holes within Kiselev spacetime. Our focus is on photon spheres, which serve as markers for stable and unstable photon spheres. We confirm the validity of the WGC by demonstrating that quantum corrections do not alter the essential charge-to-mass ratio, thereby supporting the conjecture’s universality. Our analysis reveals that black holes with a charge greater than their mass

$$(Q > M)$$

(
Q
>
M
)

possess photon spheres or exhibit a total topological charge of the photon sphere

$$(\text {PS} = -1),$$

(
PS
=
-
1
)
,

which upholds the WGC. This finding is significant as it reinforces the conjecture’s applicability even in the presence of quantum corrections. Furthermore, we examine various parameter configurations to understand their impact on the WGC. Specifically, we find that configurations with

$$\omega = -\frac{1}{3}$$

ω
=
-

1
3

and

$$\omega = -1$$

ω
=
-
1

maintain the conjecture, indicating that these values do not disrupt the charge-to-mass ratio required by the WGC. However, for

$$\omega = -\frac{4}{3},$$

ω
=
-

4
3

,

the conjecture does not hold, suggesting that this particular parameter value leads to deviations from the expected behavior. These results open new directions for research in quantum gravity, as they highlight the importance of specific parameter values in maintaining the WGC. The findings suggest that while the WGC is robust under certain conditions, there are scenarios where it may be challenged, prompting further investigation into the underlying principles of quantum gravity.
Dark I-Love-Q
Authors: Wu Jing-Yi , Li Wei , Huang Xin-Han , Zhang Kilar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
For neutron stars, there exist universal relations insensitive to the equation of states, the so called I-Love-Q relations, which show the connections among the moment of inertia, tidal Love number and quadrupole moment. In this paper, we show that these relations also apply to dark stars, bosonic or fermionic. The relations can be extended to higher ranges of the variables, clarifying the deviations for dark stars in the literature, as those curves all approximate the ones generated by a polytropic equation of state, when taking the low density (pressure) limit. Besides, we find that for equation of states with scaling symmetries, the I-Love-Q curves do not change when adjusting the scaling parameters.
Prediction of mass and radii of anisotropic polytropic compact objects with Buchdahl-I metric
Authors: Mardan S. A. , Zahra A. , Riaz Muhammad Bilal , Manzoor Rubab , Malik Adnan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, we discuss several compact objects (GW 190814, PSR J0952-0607, PSR J0030+0451, PSR J0740+6620, GW 170817, PSR J1614-2230, PSR J2215+5135, and 4U 1608-52) to predict their masses and radii. A generalized polytropic stellar model within the framework of general relativity is derived by employing the Buchdahl-I metric. All the physical quantities such as energy density, radial, and tangential pressure are well behaved, continuous and no singularity is observed. The obtained results are compatible with observational data for compact objects under consideration. The physical stability of this model is determined by using generalized hydrostatic equilibrium condition, energy conditions, causality conditions and Herrera’s cracking technique. We observe that our model fulfills all of the requirements for being a physically realistic model.
Undergirding Bonding Curves: Supply-sovereign Automated Market Makers Enabling Liquidity and Sustainable Financing
Authors: Kirste Daniel , Poddey Alexander , Sunyaev Ali 
Published: February 2025

Conventional exchanges and market makers facilitating initial public offerings and market making of tokens are prone to illicit practices. Automated market makers (AMMs) and, especially, supply-sovereign AMMs (sAMMs) seem to tackle those challenges by employing persistent and transparent market making strategies.
AMM designs typically serve two purposes: (1) facilitating the exchange of tokens not issued by the AMM and (2) enabling the issuance and exchange of tokens by the AMM itself, known as supply-sovereign AMMs).

In this work, we establish the foundations of bonding curve representations for these two AMM designs and explore their relationships. We introduce
undergirding bonding curve
(UBC)-based sAMMs, a novel design of sAMMs well suited to represent continuous value growth and to support all project phases, from raising capital to mature and late phases. This is achieved by the novel type of shape-adapting bonding curve in our sAMM, enabling incentive-compatible value accumulation and distribution to shareholders. The provided formalized analysis shows that UBC-based sAMMs implement desirable characteristics of conventional share-based companies with accumulated future value derived from generated revenues.
The Once and Future Gas: Methane's Multifunctional Roles in Earth's Evolution and Potential as a Biosignature
Authors: Glass Jennifer B. , Hörst Sarah M. 
Published: February 2025

Methane (CH4) is a simple molecule that, due to its radiative forcing, wields an outsized impact on planetary heat balance. Methane is formed by diverse abiotic pathways across a range of pressures and temperatures. Biological methanogenesis for anaerobic respiration uses a terminal nickel-containing enzyme and is limited to the archaeal domain of life. Methane can also be produced in aerobic microbes during bacterial methylphosphonate and methylamine degradation and via nonenzymatic reactions during oxidative stress. Abiotic CH4 is produced via thermogenic reactions and during serpentinization reactions in the presence of metal catalysts. Reconstructions of methane cycling over geologic time are largely inferential. Throughout Earth's history, methane has probably been the second most important climate-forcing greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Biological methanogenesis has likely dominated CH4 flux to Earth's atmosphere for the past ∼3.5 billion years, during which time CH4 is thought to have generally declined as atmospheric oxygen has risen. Here we review the evolution of the CH4 cycle over Earth's history, showcasing the multifunctional roles CH4 has played in Earth's climate, prebiotic chemistry, and microbial metabolisms. We also discuss the future of Earth's atmospheric CH4, the cycling of CH4 on other planetary bodies in the Solar System (with special emphasis on Titan), and the potential of CH4 as a biosignature on Earth-like extrasolar planets.

▪
Before life arose on Earth, abundant atmospheric CH4 in Earth's early atmosphere was likely key for establishment of habitable conditions and production of organic molecules for prebiotic chemistry.

▪
Biological methanogenesis for anaerobic respiration is only known to exist in some groups of anaerobic archaea, but CH4 can also be produced via enzymatic and nonenzymatic biological pathways that are not directly coupled to energy conservation. The relative importance of each of these pathways to the global CH4 cycle is a topic of active research, but archaeal methanogenesis dominates all other biological pathways for CH4 generation.

▪
As atmospheric O2 rose over Earth history, models suggest that atmospheric CH4 declined; in the distant deoxygenated future, atmospheric CH4 is predicted to rise again.

▪
Future missions to Titan will aid in understanding the complex organic chemistry on the only other planetary body in our Solar System with an active methane cycle.
Elucidating Factors Governing the Discrepancy of Oxygen Vacancy Concentration Between La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ (y = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) Dense Film and Bulk Electrodes
Authors: Oi Daichi , Miyashita Nanaha , Budiman Riyan Achmad , Develos-Bagarinao Katherine , Kimura Yuta , Nakamura Takashi , Yashiro Keiji , Amezawa Koji , Kawada Tatsuya 
Published: February 2025

Dense film electrodes are used to understand the reaction mechanisms of solid oxide cells. However, the oxygen vacancy concentration, δ, in films differ from that in bulk materials, which can mislead the understanding of the reaction mechanism. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to elucidate the differences in δ for the air electrode, La0.6Sr0.4Co1−y
Fe
y
O3−δ
(LSCF, y = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1), between film and bulk electrodes. Two key findings emerged: (1) For Co-rich compositions (y ≤ 0.5), significant differences in δ were observed between films and bulk electrodes, while (2) for Fe-rich compositions (y ≥ 0.6), there was almost no difference in δ. Plausible reasons for these discrepancies were investigated: (1) lattice stress in the film, (2) compositional variation within the film electrode, and (3) changes in the electronic conduction. High-temperature X-ray diffraction revealed no significant differences in lattice constant between films and bulk electrodes, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicated no changes in electronic structure. However, scanning transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the presence of Co3 O4 formation within the film, suggesting local compositional variations. Therefore, the results indicate that local compositional differences are the most likely factor affecting δ in LSCF films.
Dopant Sensitive Electrolytic Etching of Germanium with High Selectivity
Authors: Wood Joseph G. , Carpenter Arthur , Hunt Charles E. , van Benthem Klaus 
Published: February 2025

The enhanced charge carrier mobility and photon absorption compared to silicon make germanium attractive for next-generation photo diodes. However, the complex oxidation behavior of germanium challenges dopant-dependent selective etching that is desired for the fabrication of backside imaging architectures. This report demonstrates electrolytic wet etching of p-doped germanium which proceeds up to 17,500x faster than etching of intrinsic germanium. Homoepitaxially grown layers of germanium were electrolytically etched in potassium hydroxide over a range of biases. Intermittent acquisition of cyclic voltammetry spectra during etching has suppressed the formation of electric double layers, maintained appreciable etch rates, and allowed for in operando process control. The observed etch rates scaled with dopant concentration. An effective etch rate of germanium removal of 2.100 ± 0.044 μm min−1 was accomplished for a boron dopant concentration of 6E18cm−3. For nominally intrinsic germanium, however, an effective etch rate of only 0.00012 ± 0.00011 μm min−1 was observed. A series of systematic electrolytic etch experiments have revealed the transfer of 4 electrons per germanium atom removed.