bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of pagL and arnT genes involved in LPS structure and charge modulation in the Salmonella genome confer reduced endotoxicity and retained efficient protection against wild-type Salmonella Gallinarum challenge in chicken
Authors: Aganja Ram Prasad , Kwon Jun , Senevirathne Amal , Lee John Hwa 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFowl typhoid (FT) poses a significant threat to the poultry industry and can cause substantial economic losses, especially in developing regions. Caused by Salmonella Gallinarum (SG), vaccination can prevent FT. However, existing vaccines, like the SG9R strain, have limitations, including residual virulence and potential reversion of pathogenicity. This study aims to develop safer and more effective SG vaccine strains through targeted genetic modifications, focusing on genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis and modification. We evaluated two novel mutant SG strains, JOL3015 and JOL3016, carrying in-frame deletions in ΔlonΔrfaLΔarnT and ΔlonΔrfaLΔpagL, respectively. Intramuscular immunisation of 4-week-old young birds with JOL3015 and JOL3016 strains showed minimal impact on their growth. However, the immunisation significantly increased antigen-specific IgY, sIgA secretion, and CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses while inducing lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels than SG9R. Histopathological evaluations revealed substantial protection in the immunised birds, with minimal tissue damage and inflammatory responses, thus reducing the in vivo bacterial burden. Furthermore, none of the immunised birds died. This outcome highlights the significant safety and protection the selected genetic modifications conferred. Our results indicate that JOL3016 provided comparable protective outcomes on par with SG9R, yet with significantly lower endotoxicity responses during the lethal challenge with SG WT JOL422. The novel detoxified SG strains, particularly JOL3016, offer a promising alternative to existing vaccines for FT. They provide effective protection with minimal impact on poultry growth, thereby minimising the risks associated with reversion and endotoxicity. The study highlights the potential of genetically engineered vaccine strains in improving poultry health and productivity, emphasising the importance of continued research.
Low SAR compact wideband/dual-band semicircular slot antenna structures for sub-6 GHz 5G wireless applications
Authors: Abd-Elsalam Reham W. , Seleem Hussein E. , Abd-Elnaby Mostafa M. , Hussein Amr H. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe design and fabrication of planar semicircular slot antennas for both wideband and dual-band sub-6 GHz 5G wireless applications are presented in this paper. A transmission line feed is included in the designed U-shaped radiating patch. To minimize the antenna size and control the bandwidth, a semicircle-defected ground structure is etched beneath the radiating patch. To allow for dual-band operation, a T-shaped stub structure is attached in the middle of the U-shaped radiating patch. If the transverse part of the T structure is connected to the two U limbs, the antenna performs as a wideband antenna (WBA). Furthermore, reducing and modifying the length of the T structure’s transverse part are equivalent to constructing a frequency tunable band-stop filter that controls the two operating frequency bands of the antenna. The design has a small footprint of (0.35λ0 × 0.35λ0) where λ0 denotes the free space wavelength, peak gain, and efficiency of about 8.5 dBi and 93%, respectively. When the length of the transverse part of the T structure LB = 10.3 mm, the antenna acts as a WBA with operating frequency band from 1.8 to 6 GHz. When the length of the transverse part of the T structure is reduced to LB = 4.3 mm, the antenna is converted into a dual-band antenna with operating frequency bands from 1.8 to 3.7 GHz and from 4.05 to 5.5 GHz. In the simulations, the antenna performed adequately when both the dielectric back cover and the human head-hand model are present. The study achieved safe specific absorption rate (SAR) values that preserve good efficiencies and radiation patterns. The investigated SAR10g values at 3.3/4.5 GHz are equal to 0.121 W/kg, which are within allowable bounds. The simulations and measurements are highly matched.
Effects of data transformation and model selection on feature importance in microbiome classification data
Authors: Karwowska Zuzanna , Aasmets Oliver ,   Estonian Biobank research team, Metspalu Mait , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Esko Tõnu , Kosciolek Tomasz , Org Elin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Accurate classification of host phenotypes from microbiome data is crucial for advancing microbiome-based therapies, with machine learning offering effective solutions. However, the complexity of the gut microbiome, data sparsity, compositionality, and population-specificity present significant challenges. Microbiome data transformations can alleviate some of the aforementioned challenges, but their usage in machine learning tasks has largely been unexplored.

Results
Our analysis of over 8500 samples from 24 shotgun metagenomic datasets showed that it is possible to classify healthy and diseased individuals using microbiome data with minimal dependence on the choice of algorithm or transformation. Presence-absence transformations performed comparably to abundance-based transformations, and only a small subset of predictors is necessary for accurate classification. However, while different transformations resulted in comparable classification performance, the most important features varied significantly, which highlights the need to reevaluate machine learning–based biomarker detection.

Conclusions
Microbiome data transformations can significantly influence feature selection but have a limited effect on classification accuracy. Our findings suggest that while classification is robust across different transformations, the variation in feature selection necessitates caution when using machine learning for biomarker identification. This research provides valuable insights for applying machine learning to microbiome data and identifies important directions for future work.
Mapping the research landscape of blockchain and crowdfunding
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , Appolloni Andrea , Zailani Suhaiza , Iranmanesh Mohammad 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBlockchain technology and crowdfunding (CF) have emerged as disruptive forces in the finance and entrepreneurship landscape, potentially transforming traditional modes of capital raising and investment. This study investigates the intersection of blockchain technology and CF to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. By examining 219 publications sourced from Scopus, this study employed descriptive statistics, article co-citations, and keyword co-occurrence to identify key bibliometric indicators, themes, and trends. The findings reveal a surge in research activity related to blockchain and CF, emphasizing initial cryptocurrency offerings, financial technology (Fintech), and the role of blockchain in improving transactional efficiency, disintermediation, and venture capital CF. Keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals diverse research themes, including smart contracts, fundraising campaigns, sustainable entrepreneurship, and Islamic Fintech. Based on the findings of this analysis, several implications and directions for further investigation are highlighted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to analyze the intersection of blockchain technology and CF using scientometric techniques systematically.
Alzheimer’s disease and antibody-mediated immune responses to infectious diseases agents: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Jiayuan , Wang Mingming , Wang Dong , Deng Linwen , Peng Yao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, with antibody-mediated immune responses to infectious diseases agents potentially playing a decisive role in its pathophysiological process. However, the causal relationship between antibodies and AD remains unclear.

Methods
A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to investigate the causal link between antibody-mediated immune responses to infectious diseases agents and the risk of AD. Genetic variations associated with these antibodies obtained from UK Biobank, and data on AD were obtained from the Finnish databases, utilizing its extensive repository of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for a comprehensive analysis. The MR analysis employed the inverse variance-weighted, MR-Egger, and weighted median methods. Sensitivity analysis was also performed using MR-Egger regression, MR-pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier tests.

Results
Two causal associations were identified between antibody-mediated immune responses to infectious diseases agents and AD. Varicella zoster virus glycoproteins E and I antibody suggest a protective association with AD. Conversely, higher levels of Epstein-Barr virus EBNA-1 antibody appear to be associated with an increased risk of AD.

Conclusion
Our MR analysis has revealed a causal relationship between antibody-mediated immune responses to specific infectious disease agents and AD. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AD.
Challenges and Novelties in the Treatment of Obesity in Adults. A review
Authors: Kuczapska Karolina , Kurowski Marek , Gliwa Anna , Ryglewicz Monika , Fabian Dariusz , Leszczyńska-Knaga Elżbieta , Jakubczyk Natalia , Rutkowska-Kawalec Weronika , Moczydłowski Paweł , Michalczuk Karolina 
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that continues to be a significant global health challenge due to its prevalence and association with numerous comorbidities. Etiology of this disease includes different factors from genetic, environmental, and lifestyle fields, while effective management of obesity is still being studied.
Aim of the study
The aim of this comprehensive review is to examine arising innovations in the treatment of adult obesity. Deeper insight into the available database would help to provide better understanding of obesity and of its treatment.
Materials and Methods
To reach satisfying results the research was conducted on the articles referring to obesity treatment from the Pubmed databases. Articles from recent years were preferably utilized to keep the review up to date.
Results
Nowadays, pharmacotherapy can offer GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide or semaglutide, and new drugs like tirzepatide that show great effectiveness. Additionally, bariatric surgery continues to offer great solution for severe obesity, combining restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms for significant weight loss and metabolic benefits. The main procedures include gastric bypass with sleeve gastrectomy or duodenal switch. Personalized treatment, referring to different obesity phenotypes, has shown improvement in the therapeutic outcomes. Some new therapies are studied including triple agonists (retatrutide), non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonists, and drugs reaching other receptors. All of them are promising for the effective obesity treatment in the future.
Summary
This review underlines the need for multidisciplinary and personal approach in the treatment of obesity and the need to share the knowledge about it to address the growing obesity epidemic effectively. Recognizing obesity as a chronic and complex disease is essential to improve patient’s understanding of their condition as well as to reach effective treatment outcomes.
Severe Acute Liver Injury From Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Related to Disseminated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in a Young Immunocompetent Man
Authors: Seog Woo Jin , Steinberg Jonathan , Ghafary Ismail , Clores Michael , Aroniadis Olga 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Although herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis are known causes of severe acute liver injury with or without liver failure, these diseases occur almost exclusively in immunocompromised and elderly patients. We report a case of an immunocompetent young man with no medical history who presented with a subacute cough and persistent fevers in the setting of a penile chancre. He was found to have severely elevated liver chemistries and was subsequently diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis because of disseminated herpes simplex virus type 1 and Epstein-Barr virus coinfection. He was treated with intravenous dexamethasone and acyclovir and made a complete recovery.
Estudio del metabolismo lipídico en niños aragoneses con sobrepeso/obesidad vs. niños normopeso
Authors: Cuenca Alcocel José , Villalba-Heredia Lorena , Martínez Redondo Inés , Gallego Royo Alba , Casajús José A. , Arbonés-Mainar José M. , Calmarza Pilar 
Published: January 2025

Resumen

Objetivos
La obesidad y el sobrepeso en la infancia y/o adolescencia han aumentado considerablemente en los países europeos, durante los últimos años, representando actualmente un importante problema de salud pública mundial. El objetivo de este estudio es la detección precoz en un grupo de niños con sobrepeso/obesidad (8–12 años) de las alteraciones metabólicas que pueden conducirles, incluso en edades tempranas, a alteraciones en el metabolismo de la glucosa y/o enfermedad cardiovascular.

Métodos
Se estudiaron una serie de parámetros del metabolismo lipídico y de control metabólico, en un grupo de 61 niños y niñas con sobrepeso/obesidad y en un grupo de 45 niños y niñas sanos, normopeso, de edades comprendidas, todos ellos, entre 8 y 12 años, comparando los resultados obtenidos.

Resultados
Se encontraron concentraciones más elevadas en el grupo de niños con sobrepeso/obesidad, respecto al de niños normopeso, en: triglicéridos e insulina; y más bajas en: colesterol HDL y apolipoproteína A1. El cociente apolipoproteína B/apolipoproteína A1, el índice triglicéridos-glucosa y el índice HOMA fueron más elevados y la ratio colesterol LDL/apolipoproteína B más baja en los niños con sobrepeso/obesidad.

Conclusiones
Según nuestros resultados, la obesidad a edades tempranas (8–12 años) afecta ya a la concentración de los parámetros lipídicos, habiéndose encontrado un perfil lipídico más aterogénico con mayor concentración de partículas remanentes y partículas LDL pequeñas y densas, mayor insulinoresistencia y mayor riesgo de desarrollar diabetes mellitus de tipo 2  y/o enfermedad cardiovascular en los niños con sobrepeso/obesidad, al compararlos con los normopeso.
Empirical analysis on retinal segmentation using PSO-based thresholding in diabetic retinopathy grading
Authors: Sekar Bhuvaneswari , Parthasarathy Subashini 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is associated with long-term diabetes and is a leading cause of blindness if it is not diagnosed early. The rapid growth of deep learning eases the clinicians’ DR diagnosing procedure. It automatically extracts the features and performs the grading. However, training the image toward the majority of background pixels can impact the accuracy and efficiency of grading tasks. This paper proposes an auto-thresholding algorithm that reduces the negative impact of considering the background pixels for feature extraction which highly affects the grading process.

Methods
The PSO-based thresholding algorithm for retinal segmentation is proposed in this paper, and its efficacy is evaluated against the Otsu, histogram-based sigma, and entropy algorithms. In addition, the importance of retinal segmentation is analyzed using Explainable AI (XAI) to understand how each feature impacts the model’s performance. For evaluating the accuracy of the grading, ResNet50 was employed.

Results
The experiments were conducted using the IDRiD fundus dataset. Despite the limited data, the retinal segmentation approach provides significant accuracy than the non-segmented approach, with a substantial accuracy of 83.70 % on unseen data.

Conclusions
The result shows that the proposed PSO-based approach helps automatically determine the threshold value and improves the model’s accuracy.
Behind the scenes of EQA–characteristics, capabilities, benefits and assets of external quality assessment (EQA)
Authors: Buchta Christoph , De la Salle Barbara , Marrington Rachel , Albarède Stéphanie , Badrick Tony , Bicker Wolfgang , Bietenbeck Andreas , Bullock David , Delatour Vincent , Dequeker Elisabeth , Flasch Mira , Geilenkeuser Wolf-Jochen , van Hellemond Jaap , Huggett Jim F. , Ianovska Viktoriia , Kaiser Patricia , Kammel Martin , Kessler Anja , Laudus Nele , Luppa Peter B. , Morandi Pierre-Alain , O’Connor Gavin , Panteghini Mauro , Pezzati Paola , Rosendahl Jennifer , Sandberg Sverre , Scheiblauer Heinrich , Skitek Milan , Spannagl Michael , Stavelin Anne , Thelen Marc , Unterberger Ursula , Zeichhardt Heinz , Restelli Veronica , Perrone Lucy A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The main stakeholders in external quality assessment (EQA) programs are the participants, in whose interests these challenges are ultimately organised. EQA schemes in the medical field contribute to improving the quality of patient care by evaluating the analytical and diagnostic quality of laboratory and point-of-care tests (POCT) by independent third parties and, if necessary, pointing out erroneous measurement results and analytical or diagnostic improvement potential. Other benefits include the option of using EQA samples for other important laboratory procedures, such as the verification or validation of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MDs), a contribution to the estimation of measurement uncertainty, a means of training and educating laboratory staff through educational EQA programmes or samples, or even for independent and documented monitoring of staff competence, such as on samples with unusual or even exceptional characteristics. Participation in an EQA scheme for beneficiaries like medical, microbiological and histo- and molecular pathology laboratories, users of POCT and self-testing systems as well as National Metrology Institutes, calibration laboratories and reference laboratories that are dedicated to specific tasks and have particular expectations of the EQA scheme are presented here.
Using language to evaluate curricular impact: a novel approach in assessing clinical reasoning curricula
Authors: Gavinski Katherine , DiNardo Deborah , Rothenberger Scott D. , Bonifacino Eliana 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
Published clinical reasoning curricula are limited, and measuring curricular impact has proven difficult. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a broad-reaching, multi-level reasoning curricula by measuring utilization of clinical reasoning terminology in published abstracts.

Methods
In 2014, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) created a clinical reasoning curriculum with interventions at the student, resident, and faculty levels with the goal of bringing reasoning education to the forefront. This study was a retrospective analysis of published clinical vignettes of the Society of General Internal Medicine prior to local curricular intervention (2014), post-curricular intervention (2018), and on follow-up (2022). UPMC-affiliated abstracts were compared to abstracts containing reasoning terms from all other institutions, at each time point.

Results
There was a statistically significant increase in the use of clinical reasoning terms by UPMC-affiliated participants from 2014 to 2018. Non-UPMC submissions, saw a smaller, but still significant increase in the use of clinical reasoning terms. There was a decline in clinical reasoning term use from 2018 to 2022, both at UPMC and nationally.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that widespread clinical reasoning curricula can increase interest in and use of clinical reasoning terminology. Further work is needed to develop creative assessment tools for reasoning curricula.
Exploring the impact of seashell powder and nano-silica on ultra-high-performance self-curing concrete: Insights into mechanical strength, durability, and high-temperature resilience
Authors: Sun Yitong , Alqurashi Muwaffaq , Mostafa Sahar A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the impact of using seashell powder, shells mixed with nano-silica, and basic oxygen furnace slag as sand substitutes in addition to the internal curing regime. This study focuses on important factors related to material sustainability and the efficient use of resources. The comprehensive evaluation of mechanical properties, including compressive and tensile strength at different stages, provides a significant understanding of the performance improvements achieved with these innovative additives. Durability tests, which evaluate the absorption, water permeability, salt penetration, and sulfate resistance, advance our understanding of how these materials enhance the long-term durability of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) under extreme environmental conditions. In addition, examining UHPC samples at high temperatures (350 and 700°C) and applying scanning electron microscopy. The improved mechanical strength and toughness achieved using seashells and nano-silica demonstrated the potential of these additives to create UHPC that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The results indicate that the addition of seashell powder slightly reduced the compressive strength. However, replacing cement with a blend of seashells and nano-silica led to an improvement ranging from 5 to 6% in compressive strength across various replacement ratios at 7, 28, and 90 days. The optimum strength is obtained at a 5% replacement ratio. Tensile strength also increased from 1.6 to 1.8 MPa when seashells were pre-mixed with nano-silica. The incorporation of nano-silica significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the seashells, resulting in a better residual strength of 84–93% at 350°C and ranged from 68 to 82% at 700°C. Furthermore, the combination of seashells and seashell powder with nano-silica notably improved durability by reducing the water permeability, sorptivity, and chloride penetration depth. The residual strength of UHPC showed greater improvement after exposure to a sulfate environment when the seashells were combined with nano-silica than when seashells alone were used and achieved 81 MPa compared to 69.1 MPa for the control mix and 74 MPa for seashells only. Overall, the inclusion of seashells pre-mixed with nano-silica in UHPC enhanced the microstructure at both normal and elevated temperatures.