bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology Reveals the Unexpected Cryptic Diversity in Ceratophyllus gallinae (Schrank, 1803) Infested Cyanistes caeruleus Linnaeus, 1758 Nest Boxes
Authors: Pawełczyk Olga , Postawa Tomasz , Blaski Marian , Solarz Krzysztof 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeThe main aim of our study was to examine morphological differentiation between and within sex of hen fleas—Ceratophyllus gallinae(Schrank, 1803) population collected from Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleusLinnaeus, 1758), inhabiting nest boxes and to determine the morphological parameters differentiating this population.MethodsA total of 296 fleas were collected (148 females and 148 males), determined to species and sex, then the following characters were measured in each of the examined fleas: body length, body width, length of head, width of head, length of comb, height of comb, length of tarsus, length of thorax and length of abdomen.ResultsThe comparison of body size showed the presence of two groups among female and male life forms of the hen flea, which mostly differed in length of abdomen, whereas the length of head and tarsus III were less variable.ConclusionTill now, the only certain information is the presence of two adult life forms ofC. gallinae. The genesis of their creation is still unknown and we are not able to identify the mechanism responsible for the morphological differentiation of fleas collected from the same host. In order to find answer to this question, future research in the field of molecular taxonomy is required.
Nematode Parasites in Baltic Sea Mammals, Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius, 1791)) and Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (L.)), from the German Coast
Authors: Gabel Michael , Theisen Stefan , Palm Harry Wilhelm , Dähne Michael , Unger Patrick 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Endoparasitic nematodes of six harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena and four grey seals Halichoerus grypus, stranded at the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Germany in winter 2019, were analysed in order to identify nematode parasites and to compare with recent studies from the same area.

Methods
Endoparasitic nematodes were identified by using both morphological and molecular characters. The successfully obtained sequences of the rDNA marker regions ITS-1, 5.8S, ITS-2 from 29 anisakid and the rDNA marker region ITS-2 of 11 pseudalid nematodes were amplified.

Results
Analyses revealed the presence of three parasite species, the anisakid nematode Contracaecum osculatum from grey seals and the pseudalid nematodes Pseudalius inflexus and Stenurus minor from the harbour porpoises. Other anisakid nematodes regularly occurring in the Baltic Sea, e.g. Anisakis simplex or Pseudoterranova decipiens, were not found.

Conclusions
The prevalence of 100% and a severe parasite load in grey seals demonstrated a very high C. osculatum infection of Baltic Sea fish as their regular prey. Prevalence of 33% for parasites in harbour porpoises and minor infection rates, combined with a distinct lack of anisakid nematodes, are typical for the current situation of the porpoise parasite fauna in the Baltic Sea. Invasive parasite species as possible indicators for climate change could not be detected.
Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. in Rodents in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine
Authors: Szewczyk Tomasz , Werszko Joanna , Slivinska Kateryna , Laskowski Zdzisław , Karbowiak Grzegorz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Bacteria of the genus Bartonella are obligate parasites of vertebrates. Their distribution range covers almost the entire world, from the Americas to Europe and Asia. Many Bartonella species use rodents as reservoirs, and while much is known about Bartonella infection of rodents in central Europe, its extent is poorly understood in Eastern Europe.

Methods
The present study examines five rodent species (Apodemus flavicollis, Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus sylvaticus) in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. Total of 36 small mammals were captured in September 2017.

Results
The overall prevalence of Bartonella spp. was 38.9% (14/36) in rodents. Obtained four sequences from Apodemus flavicollis, were identical to Bartonella grahamii and B. taylorii.

Conclusion
This is the first report to confirm the presence of Bartonella spp. in rodents in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine by molecular methods. The sequences show similarity to Bartonella strains occurring in Europe.
Massive Demodicosis of the Eyes in a Patient with Sjögren Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Ziaja-Sołtys Marta , Kołodziejczyk Magdalena , Rymgayłło-Jankowska Beata , Wróbel-Dudzińska Dominika , Suchodoła-Ratajewicz Ewa , Szlonzak Dominika , Żarnowski Tomasz , Bogucka-Kocka Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Demodex mites infestation, typically asymptomatic, is a problem for patients with weakened immune systems because it often takes the form of symptomatic, massive infection. The Demodex mites play an important role in the occurrence of a range of eye surface diseases such as Demodex blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunctions, conjunctivitis and corneal changes. The ocular infection is closely related to the systemic invasion. Our goal was to minimize infestation and alleviate the symptoms of massive demodicosis so as to prevent further damage to the cornea.

Methods
Our research note involves a 61-year old woman diagnosed with secondary Sjögren syndrome due to rheumatoid arthritis. On the background of the autoimmune disease, corneal perforation of the left eye occurred that was cured by surgery. Then during the follow-up visit the patient was found (microscopically) massively infected with Demodex mites and the developed symptoms were particularly severe.

Results
Adequate dry eye syndrome and massive demodicosis therapy significantly reduced the number of Demodex mites and improved the patient’s condition.

Conclusion
We would like to draw the attention of the physicians of different specialties that special care should be taken with respect to the therapy of dry eye syndrome and ocular demodicosis in patients with immunological disorders to achieve therapeutic success and avoid particularly dangerous consequences of these diseases.
Endoparasitic Insights of Free-Living Fin (Balaenoptera physalus), Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) and North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) from Eastern Canadian Waters
Authors: Kleinertz S. , Silva L. M. R. , Köpper S. , Hermosilla C. , Ramp C. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To date, little is still known on parasite infections affecting free-living large whale populations worldwide. Data presented should be considered as a baseline study for future monitoring surveys on endoparasites affecting whales, thereby enhancing investigations on impacts of zoonotic parasitoses not only on vulnerable or endangered baleen whale population health but also on public health.

Methods
The presented study is a first report on gastrointestinal parasites infecting different free-living baleen whales inhabiting East Canadian waters using non-invasive methods. Individual faecal samples from fin (n = 3; Balaenoptera physalus), humpback (n = 4; Megaptera novaeangliae) and North Atlantic right whales (n = 1; Eubalaena glacialis) were collected without animal disturbance, within their natural habitats on an ecological expedition during annual surveys in summer 2017. Faecal samples were assessed by standardized diagnostic methods, such as sodium acetate acetic formalin (SAF) technique, carbol fuchsin-stained faecal smears, Giardia/Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISAs and were applied for further identification.

Results
Parasitological infections included three different potentially zoonotic parasite species, one protozoa (Entamoeba spp.) and two metazoans (Diphyllobothriidae gen. sp., Ascaridida indet.). No positive Giardia/Cryptosporidium coproantigen ELISA could be found in the studied whales.

Conclusion
This study adds to the current knowledge of intestinal and zoonotic parasite infections of vulnerable to partly endangered free-ranging baleen whales. Only few or no parasitological studies exist for these whale species, usually dealing with only one dead specimen. We call for more research in this field especially for the importance of conservation of free-living marine mammals using non-invasive methods.
Challenges in conceptualizing and measuring meanings and understandings of democracy
Authors: Osterberg-Kaufmann Norma , Stark Toralf , Mohamad-Klotzbach Christoph 
Published: December 2020

AbstractResearch on meanings and understandings of democracy is growing. But besides useful theoretical and empirical insights, this research produces open questions concerning the conceptualization and the measurement of meanings of democracy. This special section—and especially this introductory paper and the different contributions—reflect on several key challenges and thereby go beyond the debate about advantages and disadvantages of open and closed questions measuring meanings of democracy in surveys. Both conceptualization and measurement have different challenges which researchers should take into account when developing research designs, specifically by doing cross-cultural comparisons. Other challenges are connected to the debate on universalism versus relativism and the usage of various terms, which are often not clearly defined. This paper offers an analytical framework to distinguish between meanings and understandings of democracy, thereby integrating comparative political theory and empirical democracy research through inductive and deductive approaches. And it gives an overview of the contributions of this special section. In sum, research on meanings and understandings of democracy is needed to gain a better picture of political cultures around the world.
Communication about breast cancer genetic counseling with patients with limited health literacy or a migrant background: evaluation of a training program for healthcare professionals
Authors: van der Giessen Jeanine , Fransen Mirjam P. , Spreeuwenberg Peter , Velthuizen Mary , van Dulmen Sandra , Ausems Margreet G. E. M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAccess to breast cancer genetic counseling is suboptimal for patients with limited health literacy or a migrant background due to ineffective communication and lack of healthcare professionals’ recommendation. This study examines the effect of a blended training program (Erfo4all) for healthcare professionals on their awareness, knowledge, and self-efficacy towards communication about genetic counseling with patients with limited health literacy or a migrant background. In total, 59 breast surgeons and specialized nurses from 16 Dutch hospitals completed an online module and group training. Knowledge, self-assessed awareness, and self-efficacy were assessed before the training and 33 participants also completed a posttest questionnaire 6 months after the training program. We also assessed the perceived applicability and relevance of the training program from healthcare professionals’ perspectives. We found a significant increase in self-assessed awareness of the prevalence and impact of limited health literacy and in healthcare professionals’ self-efficacy to recognize limited health literacy and to communicate effectively with patients with limited health literacy or a migrant background. We did not find an increase in knowledge score. Almost all healthcare professionals reported that they use the techniques learned in the training, such as the teach-back method and plain language, and felt more confident discussing breast cancer genetic counseling. Our results suggest that a blended training program for healthcare professionals has potential to improve their ability to communicate effectively about breast cancer genetic counseling with patients with limited health literacy or a migrant background and offers a promising way to increase the referral rate for these groups of patients.
Are antibacterial effects of non-antibiotic drugs random or purposeful because of a common evolutionary origin of bacterial and mammalian targets?
Authors: Dalhoff Axel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Advances in structural biology, genetics, bioinformatics, etc. resulted in the availability of an enormous pool of information enabling the analysis of the ancestry of pro- and eukaryotic genes and proteins.

Methods
This review summarizes findings of structural and/or functional homologies of pro- and eukaryotic enzymes catalysing analogous biological reactions because of their highly conserved active centres so that non-antibiotics interacted with bacterial targets.

Results
Protease inhibitors such as staurosporine or camostat inhibited bacterial serine/threonine or serine/tyrosine protein kinases, serine/threonine phosphatases, and serine/threonine kinases, to which penicillin-binding-proteins are linked, so that these drugs synergized with β-lactams, reverted aminoglycoside-resistance and attenuated bacterial virulence. Calcium antagonists such as nitrendipine or verapamil blocked not only prokaryotic ion channels but interacted with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes thus disrupting membrane energetics and inducing membrane stress response resulting in inhibition of P-glycoprotein such as bacterial pumps thus improving anti-mycobacterial activities of rifampicin, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, bedaquilin and imipenem-activity against Acinetobacter spp. Ciclosporine and tacrolimus attenuated bacterial virulence. ACE-inhibitors like captopril interacted with metallo-β-lactamases thus reverting carbapenem-resistance; prokaryotic carbonic anhydrases were inhibited as well resulting in growth impairment. In general, non-antibiotics exerted weak antibacterial activities on their own but synergized with antibiotics, and/or reverted resistance and/or attenuated virulence.

Conclusions
Data summarized in this review support the theory that prokaryotic proteins represent targets for non-antibiotics because of a common evolutionary origin of bacterial- and mammalian targets resulting in highly conserved active centres of both, pro- and eukaryotic proteins with which the non-antibiotics interact and exert antibacterial actions.
Influence of insolvency of a football club in Poland on the right to participate in league games
Authors: Adamus Rafał 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe study is devoted to the issue of the impact of sports club insolvency in Poland on the right to participate in league games. In this respect, not only the regulation of insolvency law is of the key importance. There are also crucial organizational rules established by the sports association (the Polish Football Association—Polski Związek Piłki Nożnej) determining admission to league games of only such sports clubs which have adequate financial liquidity. It should be stressed that the Polish Football Association (hereinafter “PZPN”) regulations do not allow to take part in competitions sports club in bankruptcy. This topic has become particularly relevant in 2020 in the context of the economic consequences of the unexpected pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. The paper deals with some legal aspects of lex sportiva and with the basic model of organization of the professional football league in Poland as well.
Universal discriminative quantum neural networks
Authors: Chen H. , Wossnig L. , Severini S. , Neven H. , Mohseni M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecent results have demonstrated the successful applications of quantum-classical hybrid methods to train quantum circuits for a variety of machine learning tasks. A natural question to ask is consequentially whether we can also train such quantum circuits to discriminate quantum data, i.e., perform classification on data stored in form of quantum states. Although quantum mechanics fundamentally forbids deterministic discrimination of non-orthogonal states, we show in this work that it is possible to train a quantum circuit to discriminate such data with a trade-off between minimizing error rates and inconclusiveness rates of the classification tasks. Our approach achieves at the same time a performance which is close to the theoretically optimal values and a generalization ability to previously unseen quantum data. This generalization power hence distinguishes our work from previous circuit optimization results and furthermore provides an example of a quantum machine learning task that has inherently no classical analogue.
High-energy hybrid femtosecond laser system demonstrating 2 × 10 PW capability
Authors: Lureau François , Matras Guillaume , Chalus Olivier , Derycke Christophe , Morbieu Thomas , Radier Christophe , Casagrande Olivier , Laux Sébastien , Ricaud Sandrine , Rey Gilles , Pellegrina Alain , Richard Caroline , Boudjemaa Laurent , Simon-Boisson Christophe , Baleanu Andrei , Banici Romeo , Gradinariu Andrei , Caldararu Constantin , Boisdeffre Bertrand De , Ghenuche Petru , Naziru Andrei , Kolliopoulos Georgios , Neagu Liviu , Dabu Razvan , Dancus Ioan , Ursescu Daniel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We report on a two-arm hybrid high-power laser system (HPLS) able to deliver 2 × 10 PW femtosecond pulses, developed at the Bucharest-Magurele Extreme Light Infrastructure Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) Facility. A hybrid front-end (FE) based on a Ti:sapphire chirped pulse amplifier and a picosecond optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier based on beta barium borate (BBO) crystals, with a cross-polarized wave (XPW) filter in between, has been developed. It delivers 10 mJ laser pulses, at 10 Hz repetition rate, with more than 70 nm spectral bandwidth and high-intensity contrast, in the range of 1013:1. The high-energy Ti:sapphire amplifier stages of both arms were seeded from this common FE. The final high-energy amplifier, equipped with a 200 mm diameter Ti:sapphire crystal, has been pumped by six 100 J nanosecond frequency doubled Nd:glass lasers, at 1 pulse/min repetition rate. More than 300 J output pulse energy has been obtained by pumping with only 80% of the whole 600 J available pump energy. The compressor has a transmission efficiency of 74% and an output pulse duration of 22.7 fs was measured, thus demonstrating that the dual-arm HPLS has the capacity to generate 10 PW peak power femtosecond pulses. The reported results represent the cornerstone of the ELI-NP 2 × 10 PW femtosecond laser facility, devoted to fundamental and applied nuclear physics research.
Phylogeny and biogeography of some Cretaceous spatangoid echinoids with special emphasis on taxa from the Western Interior Seaway
Authors: Byrum Steven , Lieberman Bruce S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMembers of the echinoid order Spatangoida, a highly diverse and abundant marine invertebrate clade, were important denizens of the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway (WIS), an epicontinental seaway that divided North America in two during an interval of greenhouse conditions between roughly 100 and 65 million years ago. A phylogenetic analysis of spatangoids was conducted using a character matrix of 32 characters from 21 species. Species that occur in the WIS were considered comprehensively, and species from other regions such as South America, Europe, and North Africa were also incorporated into the analysis. Phylogenetic patterns retrieved are largely congruent with preexisting family-level classifications; however, species within several genera, especiallyHemiasterandHeteraster, need to be reassigned so that classification better reflects phylogeny. The generaWashitasterandHeterasterare closely related, as areMecaster,Palhemiaster, andProraster;Pliotoxaster,Macraster, andHemiaster; andMicrasterandDiplodetus. Biogeographic patterns were also considered using the phylogeny, and several episodes of vicariance and range expansion were identified. These were possibly related to some of the various major episodes of sea-level rise and fall during the Cretaceous. In particular, Valangian–mid-Aptian regressions may have caused vicariance withinHeterasterandWashitasterwhile other early spatangoid vicariance may be related to regressions during the late Aptian–early Cenomanian. Further, vicariance caused by regressions during the mid-Cenomanian–Maastrichtian may have driven diversification withinMicrasterandDiplodetus. Last, transgressions during the late Aptian–early Cenomanian seem to have spurred prominent range expansions inMecasterandHemiaster.
Oriostoma (Gastropoda) with an in situ operculum from the Silurian of Indiana
Authors: Rohr David M. , Wahlman Gregory P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA single specimen of Oriostoma globosum (von Schlotheim, 1820) from the Silurian-age (Wenlockian) Laurel Limestone in southeastern Indiana preserves a partial, multispiral operculum in situ within the aperture. Only eight specimens of in situ Oriostoma opercula have previously been illustrated from Canada and Europe, and this is the first from the United States. Oriostoma huntingtonensis Kindle, 1904, from younger Silurian (Ludlovian–Pridolian) strata in northern Indiana is considered a synonym of the more widespread O. globosum, and it was described as having associated loose multispiral calcareous opercula in the same strata.
Patient and caregiver engagement in the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Health Care Horizon Scanning System (HCHSS) process
Authors: Tipton Kelley , De Lurio Jennifer , Erinoff Eileen , Hulshizer Randy , Robertson Diane , Beales Donna , Carlson Damian , Cuevas Christian , DeHaan Eloise , Druga Andrea , Lynch Marcus , Mehta Misha , Middleton Maria , Wilkinson Brian , Schoelles Karen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Objective
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) horizon scanning system is an early warning system for healthcare interventions in development that could disrupt standard care. We report preliminary findings from the patient engagement process.

Methods
The system involves broadly scanning many resources to identify and monitor interventions up to 3 years before anticipated entry into U.S. health care. Topic profiles are written on included interventions with late-phase trial data and circulated with a structured review form for stakeholder comment to determine disruption potential. Stakeholders include patients and caregivers recruited from credible community sources. They view an orientation video, comment on topic profiles, and take a survey about their experience.

Results
As of March 2020, 312 monitored topics (some of which were archived) were derived from 3,500 information leads; 121 met the criteria for topic profile development and stakeholder comment. We invited fifty-four patients and caregivers to participate; thirty-nine reviewed at least one report. Their perspectives informed analyst nominations for fourteen topics in two 2019 High Potential Disruption Reports. Thirty-four patient stakeholders completed the user-experience survey. Most agreed (68 percent) or somewhat agreed (26 percent) that they were confident they could provide useful comments. Ninety-four percent would recommend others to participate.

Conclusions
The system has successfully engaged patients and caregivers, who contributed unique and important perspectives that informed the selection of topics deemed to have high potential to disrupt clinical care. Most participants would recommend others to participate in this process. More research is needed to inform optimal patient and caregiver stakeholder recruitment and engagement methods and reduce barriers to participation.