bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiome associations with age, body condition score, and stool consistency in domestic cats (Felis catus) living in an animal shelter
Authors: Kittson Molly A. , Tanprasertsuk Jirayu , Burnham Christina M. , Honaker Ryan W. , Jones Roshonda B. , Trivedi Shweta , Strong Sandra , Heugten Kimberly Ange-van 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Few studies delve into the gut microbiome of domestic cats, and many feline-specific studies are hampered by small sample population sizes. We investigated the fecal microbiome as a proxy for gut microbiome within a large shelter cat population (n=288) in Raleigh, NC, USA from February to July 2021. Single stool samples were collected from cats of various age groups that lived in one of four rooms (adoption, n=117; feral, n=113; quarantine, n=37; isolation, n=20; no room, n=1) at the shelter during the sampling period. The fecal microbiome was characterized by shotgun sequencing. Statistical differences in α- and β-diversity were assessed based on assigned shelter room as well as cat age group, body condition score (BCS; scale 1-9), and stool consistency (Bristol fecal scale). Enrichment of composition (as characterized by microbial taxa) and functional potential (as characterized by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology (KO) terms) based on subject characteristics were evaluated.
Results:
Analyses consistently indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in β-diversity based on assigned shelter room, age, body condition score, and stool consistency. The β-diversity within samples from cats housed within the adoption room was different from that of the other rooms. In KO terms, samples from the isolation room were also different from the adoption and feral room but not the quarantine room. Regarding age, kittens differed significantly in β-diversity from mature adults in post-hoc comparisons, and mature adults were abundant in much fewer microbiome species and KO terms when compared to kittens and young adults. Underweight and normal weight cats had different microbial profiles, and underweight cats were deficient in a KO term related to microbial lysine biosynthesis. Microbial taxa enriched in felines with overly dense stool or diarrhea were reported, with felines producing dense stools abundant in members of the genera Desulfovibrio and Alistipes and deficient in probiotic Lactobacillus spp. and diarrhetic cats abundant in members of the families Lachnospiraceae and Streptococcaceae. There were no significant differences among α-diversity metrics.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this research utilizes the largest feline microbiome dataset to date and validates previously reported differences in gut microbiome diversity due to age, BCS, and stool consistency while illuminating novel differences associated with the shelter setting. Gaining insight into the diverse microbial populations within the feline gut microbiome is essential for future research into enhancing host health and quality of life.
Impact of COVID-19 Among College Students Academic, Financial and Physical Matters in Kerala
Authors: Panicker Rani Oomman , Navas Sana S , Jose Rose Mary , J Mary Jaya V 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Closure of schools and colleges due to the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant disruption to the educational systems worldwide. According to the UNESCO report, COVID-19 affected about 800 million students worldwide. This paper aims to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among college students in Kerala, one of the states in India. Through this quantitative study, we investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education matters, physical health, and financial matters for Kerala college students. For that, we sent an online questionnaire form via WhatsApp to college students, and 406 of them filled out the questionnaire. Through this study, we concluded that, 62.31% of students have lost their concentration in studies, 42.11% of respondents have decreased their interaction with teachers, 45.06% of respondents have decreased their interaction among classmates, 50% of the students have become worse at time management during offline exams, 54.3% of respondents agreed that their interest in participating in extracurricular activities has reduced, and 66.9% of respondents agreed that their financial status is badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of physical matters, 73.89% of respondents revealed that they are affected by irregular sleep, and 45.97% of females are affected by irregularities in their menstrual cycles. Also, females are more affected by muscle pain (50.93%), breathing disorders (38.58%), cholesterol (12.65%), stroke (19.13%), fainting (23.45%), and blood pressure (19.13%) than males. Overall, the pandemic of COVID-19 negatively impacted the education, physical health, and financial matters of college students greatly.
Multi-night cortico-basal recordings reveal mechanisms of NREM slow wave suppression and spontaneous awakenings at high-temporal resolution in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Anjum Md Fahim , Smyth Clay , Dijk Derk-Jan , Starr Philip , Denison Timothy , Little Simon 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Sleep disturbance is a prevalent and highly disabling comorbidity in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) that leads to worsening of daytime symptoms, reduced quality of life and accelerated disease progression.
Objectives
We aimed to record naturalistic overnight cortico-basal neural activity in people with PD, in order to determine the neurophysiology of spontaneous awakenings and slow wave suppression in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, towards the development of novel sleep-targeted neurostimulation therapies.
Methods
Multi-night (n=58) intracranial recordings were performed at-home, from chronic electrocorticography and subcortical electrodes, with sensing-enabled Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), paired with portable polysomnography. Four participants with PD and one participant with cervical dystonia were evaluated to determine the neural structures, signals and functional connectivity modulated during NREM sleep and prior to spontaneous awakenings. Intracranial recordings were performed both ON and OFF DBS to evaluate the impact of stimulation. Sleep staging was then classified with machine-learning models using intracranial cortico-basal signals on classical (30 s) and rapid (5 s) timescales.
Results
We demonstrate an increase in cortico-basal slow wave delta (1-4 Hz) activity and a decrease in beta (13-31 Hz) activity during NREM (N2 and N3) versus wakefulness in PD. Cortical-basal ganglia coherence was also found to be higher in the delta range and lower in the beta range during NREM. DBS stimulation resulted in a further elevation in cortical delta and a decrease in alpha (8-13 Hz) and low beta (13-15 Hz) power compared to the OFF stimulation state. Within NREM sleep, we observed a strong inverse interaction between subcortical beta and cortical slow wave activity and found that subcortical beta increases prior to spontaneous awakenings at high-temporal resolution (5s). Our machine-learning models trained on intracranial cortical or subcortical power features achieved high accuracy in both traditional (30s) and rapid (5s) time windows for NREM vs. wakefulness classification (30s: 92.6±1.7%; 5s: 88.3±2.1%).
Conclusions
Chronic, multi-night recordings in PD reveal increased cortico-basal slow wave, decreased beta activity, and changes in functional connectivity in NREM vs wakefulness, effects that are enhanced in the presence of DBS. Within NREM, subcortical beta and cortical delta are strongly inversely correlated and subcortical beta power increases prior to spontaneous awakenings. Our findings elucidate the network-level neurophysiology of sleep dysfunction in PD and the mechanistic impact of conventional DBS. Additionally, through accurate machine-learning classification of spontaneous awakenings, this study also provides a foundation for future personalized adaptive DBS therapies for sleep dysfunction in PD.
Saposin-related gene function as tumor suppressor in tracheal system of Drosophila larvae via Hippo signaling pathway: Novel gene to gene network prediction with GeneMANIA
Authors: El-Kholy Samar , Fathy Mai , Salem Maha M. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Saposin-related (Sap-R) proteins promote the hydrolases of sphingolipids in lysosomes. Disrupted human Sap-R functions may lead to death at an early age. More worse, effective therapeutics are not available due to poorly understood molecular underlying mechanisms. To gain more insights about these mechanisms, we utilized Drosophila melanogaster as a simple invertebrate model with available genetic tools, with special focus on larval stage to simulate the stage of infancy in human. We found that Sap-R localizes in inka cells of larval tracheal system. Down regulation of Sap-R using inka cells driver reduces the expression level of ecdyson triggering hormone without significant effect on ecdysis. Sap-R mutant larvae have reduced lysosomal function, disrupted tracheal cell-to-cell junctions, huge number of tracheal cells nuclei because of observed cell divisions. Moreover, reduced expression of Hippo signal transduction pathway key genes in Sap-R mutant trachea was confirmed theoretically and practically which may indicate the development of cancer. This initial study showed a relevant role of Sap-R signaling for suppressing airway cancer. Interfering with theoretically predicted pathways may provide novel therapeutic options in the future.
Hepatoprotective effect of selenium nanoparticles coated with Spirulina polysaccharides against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced apoptosis
Authors: Afifi Safaa , Hamza Refaat G , Boraei Ibrahim H , Abdel-Ghaffar Abdel-Rahman B , Hamdy Germine M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the ameliorating effect of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) coated withSpirulinapolysaccharides(SPs-SeNPs) against anti-tuberculosis drugs (ATDs) induced hepatotoxicity and apoptosis in a trial to enhance the drug efficacy and tolerance, as well as to improve the chance of recovery of tuberculosis patients. The results revealed that utilizing SPs as a capping agent resulted in size-controlled, highly stable, and monodispersed spherical SeNPs with an average diameter < 50 nm. When compared to ATDs-treated animals, co-administration of either SPs (0.5mg /kg bw/day/8 weeks), SeNPs (0.5mg /kg bw/day/8 weeks) or SPs-SeNPs (0.5mg /kg bw/day/8 weeks) together with the ATDs[ ((Isoniazid (INH; 50 mg/kg) + Rifampicin (RIF;100 mg/kg) + Pyrazinamide (PZA;350 mg/kg)) /day/8 weeks ] for to rats modulated ATDs-induced side effects as evidenced by reductions in CYP2E1, CASPASE-3, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, liver function enzymes, levels of total bilirubin with elevation in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione content (GSH) levels. These findings also demonstrated that treatment with SPs-SeNPs had a greater significant effect on ATDs-induced damage than treating with SPs or SeNPs alone. The results suggested that SPs–SeNPs could be a promising anti-toxic and antioxidant agent, and the strategy of using SPs as a surface decorator could be a very effective way to enhance the efficacy of nanomaterials.
Human-Robot Harmonious Coexistence: A Robot Navigation Framework Follows Social Norms in Dynamic Scenarios
Authors: LingliYu  , JiaweiLuo  , WeiweiZhu  , ZhengTan  , JianzhiZhou  
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Designing a path planner that provides humans with a comfortable experience is a crucial step in enabling robots to seamlessly integrate into human environments. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive framework that equips robots with the ability to navigate in human environments by taking into account social norms and predicting human trajectories. Firstly, we propose a generalized social space modeling method based on Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). This model is used to constrain the robot's adherence to social norms and incorporates factors such as human posture, velocity, and group distribution. Secondly, to achieve collision-free navigation, we introduce a trajectory prediction method using a four-parameter logistic curve. This method considers human historical trajectory information, velocity constraints, and incorporates confidence weights. Finally, we use piecewise high-order polynomials to optimize robot's local trajectory spatiotemporally. The collision avoidance constraints between the robot and humans are carefully designed to maximize human comfort and robot sociability. To validate the effectiveness of our approach, we compare it with existing methods, and the results demonstrate a significant improvement in human comfort.
Human sterile immunity to Plasmodium vivax malaria correlates with specific antibody response elicited by immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites
Authors: Lopez-Perez Mary , Jain Aarti , Davies D. Huw , Vásquez-Jiménez Juan M. , Herrera Sonia M , Oñate José , Felgner Philip L. , Herrera Sócrates , Arévalo-Herrera Myriam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Malaria sterile immunity has been reproducibly induced by immunization with Plasmodium radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS). Analyses of sera from RAS-immunized individuals allowed the identification of P. falciparum antigens, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the basis for the RTS, S vaccine. Similar advances in P. vivax (Pv) vaccination have been elusive. We previously reported 42% (5/12) of sterile protection in malaria-unexposed, Duffy-positive (Fy+) volunteers immunized with PvRAS followed by a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Using a custom protein microarray displaying 515 Pv antigens, we found that PvRAS group seroreactivity was lower in protected than non-protected volunteers. Nevertheless, protected volunteers showed higher reactivity to PvCSP and other antigens. In Fy- volunteers immunized with non-irradiated Pv-infected mosquitoes, parasite reactivity increased throughout immunizations. Mock-vaccinated Fy + volunteers developed a vigorous response to CHMI. These findings allowed the identification of novel parasite antigens currently being pursued as vaccine candidates.
RETRACTED: Microglial elimination and repopulation ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive impairment in an ZEB1-dependent manner
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Cui Xiaotong , Wu Xinyi , Sun Huanan , Jin Jiahui , Pan Xue , Liu Sidan , Zhou Yongjian , Wang Renyi , Liu Fang , Cao Xuezhao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Enabling Magnetic Pulse Welding for dissimilar tubular arrester cable joints
Authors: Graß Markus , Sommer Niklas , Böhm Stefan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Climate change exacerbates the need for resource-efficient and cost-effective production processes across manifold industries, including the field of electrical connections. This specific field is characterized by a conflict of objectives, i.e., weight reductions while maintaining joint strength and electrical conductivity. From a materials point of view, the use of aluminum as a conductor material is suitable for this application, as it is lighter than copper, a classical conductor material. Electrical conductors are often used in the form of flexible cables, so-called stranded wires. This type of conductor as well as the fact that the sole use of aluminum in electrical systems not feasible, e.g., because the predetermined connection terminals of power electronic components are made of copper, creates a substantial demand for dissimilar aluminum-copper cable arrester joints. However, traditional fusion-based welding processes have proved incapable of reliably producing these dissimilar aluminum-copper joints because of thermophysical effects and chemical incompabilities, the latter eventually leading to the formation of intermetallic phases. These phases adversely affect the quality of the joint in terms of both mechanical and electrical performance. Yet, magnetic pulse welding, a pressure welding process, is ideally suited for producing dissimilar metal joints on basis of a low energy input during the welding process. Consequently, the formation of intermetallic phases is restrained. However, magnetic pulse welding has not been sufficiently investigated for the reliable contacting of stranded cables to tubular arresters. As a result, this paper focuses on the fabrication of tubular stranded cable arrester joints using magnetic pulse welding. To shed light on possible material combinations, aluminum to aluminum and copper to copper joints as well as their dissimilar counterparts are welded. Subsequently, the joints are characterized with regard to their microstructure and quasi-static material strength. Electrical characterization comprises the four-wire Kelvin measurement method to evaluate the resistance of the electrical joints. The results demonstrate that magnetic pulse welding is ideally suited to join the aforementioned material combination and joint configuration due to its process characteristics eventually leading to material continuity. As a result, the stranded wires are welded to the tubular arresters rather than crimped. Consequently, a comparative analysis of the joint properties with those of the joining partners shows that the measured electrical resistances and mechanical tensile forces may be considered very good.
Drug shortages in Israel, revisited - a bitter pill to swallow
Authors: Schwartzberg Eyal , Marom Eli , Vishkautzan Alla , Gorelik Einat , Shani Segev 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: In 2017, we published an article addressing drug shortages (DS) in Israel, exploring regulatory perspectives, challenges, and potential solutions. Since then, DS remain a significant concern for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers globally. In this updated article, we revisit the topic, providing new insights, data, and analysis on the current DS landscape in Israel, efforts to mitigate them, and propose strategies to combat this escalating issue.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of the Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) DS database, spanning from 2013 to the present. We extracted DS numbers and reasons. Further searches on the Israeli MOH website, pharmaceutical division archives, and the internet yielded official MOH publications and correspondence regarding regulatory responses to DS from 2017 onwards. Additionally, two specific cases of DS were examined to analyze their handling. Recent activities and publications from the Israeli MOH aimed at reducing DS were also reviewed.
Results: Between 2014 and 2022, marketing discontinuations surged 2.66-fold. Total discontinuations were 3,228; 672 due to commercial reasons, and 2,556 to operational reasons (20.5% and 79.5% respectively). The average duration of intermittent marketing discontinuations increased 1.56-fold, from 85 to 133 days. Manufacturers informed the MOH 22 days prior to discontinuation on average. Analyzing 2022's discontinued medicines (640) by ATC groups, prominent categories included nervous system drugs (18%), drugs acting on the alimentary tract and metabolism (14%), and dermatologicals (11%). Operational DS in 2022 (n=564) were primarily due to stock delivery delays (38%), stock over-utilization (12%), and raw material shortages (9%). Sixteen official MOH publications on DS were identified from 2017 onwards. Moreover, two high-impact DS case studies were examined.
Conclusion: Despite routine monitoring by the Israeli MOH and updating the DS policy throughout this period, DS persist, intensifying annually and posing serious health risks. This trend mirrors international patterns, affecting countries globally. In Israel's uniquely structured healthcare system, with its swift stakeholder cooperation and implementation capabilities, more effective DS management is conceivable. We propose ten universally applicable rules to address DS challenges.
Proteomic insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension-associated albuminuria: Pilot study in a South African cohort
Authors: Govender Melanie A. , Stoychev Stoyan H. , Brandenburg Jean-Tristan , Ramsay Michèle , Fabian June , Govender Ireshyn S. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Hypertension is an important public health priority with a high prevalence in Africa. It is also an independent risk factor for kidney outcomes. We aimed to identify potential proteins and pathways involved in hypertension-associated albuminuria by assessing urinary proteomic profiles in black South African participants with combined hypertension and albuminuria compared to those who have neither condition.
Methods: The study included 24 South African cases with both hypertension and albuminuria and 49 control participants who had neither condition. Protein was extracted from urine samples and analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data was generated using data-independent acquisition (DIA) and processed using Spectronaut™ 15. Statistical and functional data annotation were performed on Perseus and Cytoscape to identify and annotate differentially abundant proteins. Machine learning was applied to the dataset using the OmicLearn platform.
Results: Overall, a mean of 1,225 and 915 proteins were quantified in the control and case groups, respectively. Three hundred and thirty-two differentially abundant proteins were constructed into a network. Pathways associated with these differentially abundant proteins included the immune system (q-value [false discovery rate]=1.4x10-45), innate immune system (q=1.1x10-32), extracellular matrix (ECM) organisation (q=0.03) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (q=0.04). Proteins with high disease scores (76–100% confidence) for both hypertension and CKD included angiotensinogen (AGT), albumin (ALB), apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), and uromodulin (UMOD). A machine learning approach was able to identify a set of 20 proteins, differentiating between cases and controls.
Conclusions: The urinary proteomic data combined with the machine learning approach was able to classify disease status and identify proteins and pathways associated with hypertension and albuminuria.
Identification and molecular mapping of a major gene conferring resistance to Phytophthora sansomeana in soybean ‘Colfax’
Authors: Wang Dechun , Lin Feng , Salman Muhammad , Zhang Zhanguo , McCoy Austin G , Li Wenlong , Magar Raju Thada , Mitchell Drew , Zhao Meixia , Gu Cuihua , Chilvers Martin I 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is one of the most important diseases in soybean (Glycine max). PRR is mainly caused by Phytophthora sojae, but recent studies showed that P. sansomeana is another causal agent of PRR with more aggressive symptoms, especially in seeds and seedlings. Unlike P. sojae which can be effectively managed by Rps genes, no known resistance genes have yet been reported for P. sansomeana. Our previous study screened 470 soybean germplasm for resistance to P. sansomeana and found that soybean ‘Colfax’ (PI 573008) carries major resistance to the pathogen. In this study, we crossed ‘Colfax’ with a susceptible parent ‘Senaki’ and developed three mapping populations with a total of 234 F2:3 families. Inheritance pattern analysis indicated a 1:2:1 ratio for resistant: segregating: susceptible lines among all the three populations, indicating a single dominant gene conferring the resistance in ‘Colfax’ (designated Rpsan1). Linkage analysis using extreme phenotypes anchored Rpsan1 to a 30Mb region on chromosome 3. By selecting 9 polymorphic SNP markers within the region, Rpsan1 was genetically delimited into a 21.3 cM region between Gm03_4487138_A_C and Gm03_5451606_A_C, which corresponds to a 1.06 Mb genomic region containing 9 NBS-LRR genes based on Gmax2.0 assembly. The mapping results were then validated using two breeding populations derived from ‘E12076T-03’ × ‘Colfax’ and ‘E16099’ × ‘Colfax’. Marker-assisted resistance spectrum analyses with 9 more isolates of P. sansomeana indicated that Rpsan1 carries a broad resistance to P. sansomeana isolates and has strong merit in protecting soybean from PRR in the future.