bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Homeric Question: A Historical Sketch
Authors: Tsagalis Christos C. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The history of the Homeric Question stretches from antiquity to the present. I focus on its modern phase and its inauguration of the scientific study of Homeric poetry. The aim of this historical sketch is (a) to offer an up-to-date, concise, and critical presentation of the Homeric Question and (b) to review the main issues explored by the various schools of interpretation.
<strong>Myxomycetes biodiversity in Gaziantep Province (Turkey) with four new records</strong>
Authors: BABA HAYRİ , GÜNDOĞDU FATMA , SEVİNDİK MUSTAFA 
Published: January 2021

Myxomycetes were cultured in moist chambers using substrate material collected in Gaziantep province, Turkey, during 2017–2019. Fruit bodies of wild myxomycetes were collected at ten locations. Rotten or live tree bark, leaves, debris, vegetable, and animal material, which were considered likely to contain spores, were also collected. Natural samples were immediately dried, and potential spore-bearing material was kept in a warm and humid environment with the moist chamber technique. A total of 537 samples were studied and 203 myxomycetes isolates were obtained, 33 of which were natural samples, 76 were obtained with the moist chamber technique and 94 were obtained both naturally and with the moist chamber technique in the laboratory. Six orders, 9 families, 16 genera and 42 species were identified in 3 subclasses. All species were new in Gaziantep province and four myxomycetes were identified as new records in Turkey; Didymium atrichum Henney & Alexop., Didymium serpula Fr., Craterium obovatum Peck and Physarum bivalve Pers. were added to the Turkish mycota.
Various effects of the expression of the xyloglucanase gene from Penicillium canescens in transgenic aspen under semi-natural conditions
Authors: Vidyagina Elena O. , Subbotina Natalia M. , Belyi Vladimir A. , Lebedev Vadim G. , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Shestibratov Konstantin A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Recombinant carbohydrases genes are used to produce transgenic woody plants with improved phenotypic traits. However, cultivation of such plants in open field is challenging due to a number of problems. Therefore, additional research is needed to alleviate them.

Results
Results of successful cultivation of the transgenic aspens (Populus tremula) carrying the recombinant xyloglucanase gene (sp-Xeg) from Penicillium canescens in semi-natural conditions are reported in this paper for the first time. Change of carbohydrate composition of wood was observed in transgenic aspens carrying the sp-Xeg gene. The transformed transgenic line Xeg-2-1b demonstrated accelerated growth and increased content of cellulose in wood of trees growing in both greenhouse and outside in comparison with the control untransformed line Pt. The accelerated growth was observed also in the transgenic line Xeg-1-1c. Thicker cell-wall and longer xylem fiber were also observed in both these transgenic lines. Undescribed earlier considerable reduction in the wood decomposition rate of the transgenic aspen stems was also revealed for the transformed transgenic lines. The decomposition rate was approximately twice as lower for the transgenic line Xeg-2-3b in comparison with the control untransformed line Pt.

Conclusion
A direct dependence of the phenotypic and biochemical traits on the expression of the recombinant gene sp-Xeg was demonstrated. The higher was the level of the sp-Xeg gene expression, the more pronounced were changes in the phenotypic and biochemical traits. All lines showed phenotypic changes in the leave traits. Our results showed that the plants carrying the recombinant sp-Xeg gene do not demonstrate a decrease in growth parameters in semi-natural conditions. In some transgenic lines, a change in the carbohydrate composition of the wood, an increase in the cell wall thickness, and a decrease in the rate of decomposition of wood were observed.
The association between ATM variants and risk of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moslemi Masoumeh , Moradi Yousef , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Afkhami Hamed , Khaledi Mansoor , Sedighimehr Najmeh , Fathi Javad , Sohrabi Ehsan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) gene contributes to repair damaged DNA and to regulate cell cycle; therefore, ATM variants seem to increase breast cancer risk; however, the results are controversial. So we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the pooled association between various ATM variants and the risk of breast cancer.

Methods
The relevant studies were searched through Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane. Stratified and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity between studies and assess effects of study quality. The pooled estimates logarithm with standard error logarithm of odds ratio and relative risk with confidence interval were calculated.

Results
This study revealed that there is association between ATM variants and the risk of breast cancer; according to the seven adjusted case-control studies, OR of this association was estimated as 1.67 (95%CI: 0.73–3.82), according to nine unadjusted case-control studies, the crude OR was 2.27 (95% CI: 1.17–4.40) and according to two cohorts, the RR was estimated as 1.68 (95% CI: 1.17–2.40).

Conclusions
The ATM variants are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer that ATM V2424G mutation is detected as the most predisposing factor while ATM D1853V, L546V, and S707P variants have the least predictive ability.
A rare case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in a newborn with 58 perforations in the small intestine
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Jin Danqun , Ye Huan , Liang Youfeng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Community-acquired infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) occur very rarely.

Case presentation
P. aeruginos was detected in cultures of venous blood and peritoneal exudate of a newborn with 58 perforations in the small intestine. Intravenous administration of imipenem cilastratin sodium and emergency abdominal surgery were performed. The patient fully recovered and was discharged 17 days after the operation.

Conclusions
Mild symptoms of systemic infections in newborns may delay the diagnosis. Early detection and timely treatment are the key to improved prognosis.
Prevalence of tick-transmitted pathogens in cattle reveals that Theileria parva, Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale are endemic in Burundi
Authors: Nyabongo Lionel , Kanduma Esther G. , Bishop Richard P. , Machuka Eunice , Njeri Alice , Bimenyimana Alain V. , Nkundwanayo Canesius , Odongo David O. , Pelle Roger 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) constitute a major constraint for livestock development in sub-Saharan Africa, with East Coast fever (ECF) being the most devastating TBD of cattle. However, in Burundi, detailed information is lacking on the current prevalence of TBDs and on the associated economic losses from mortality and morbidity in cattle as well as the costs associated with TBD control and treatment. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in cattle across the major agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in Burundi.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study conducted in ten communes spanning the five main AEZs in Burundi, blood samples were taken from 828 cattle from 305 farms between October and December 2017. Evidence of Theileria parva infection was assessed by antibody level, measured using a polymorphic immunodominant molecule (PIM) antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by a T. parva-specific p104 gene-based nested PCR. Antibodies against Theileria mutans infection were detected using the 32-kDa antigen-based indirect ELISA, while the 200-kDa antigen and the major surface protein 5 (MSP5)-based indirect ELISA were used to detect antibodies against Babesia bigemina and Anaplasma marginale, respectively.

Results
The prevalence of T. parva across the ten communes sampled ranged from 77.5 to 93.1% and from 67.8 to 90.0% based on the ELISA and PCR analysis, respectively. A statistically significant difference in infection was observed between calves and adult cattle; however, T. parva infection levels were not significantly associated with sex and breed. The seroprevalence indicating exposure to T. mutans, B. bigemina and A. marginale ranged from 30 to 92.1%, 33.7 to 90% and 50 to 96.2%, respectively. Mixed infections of TBPs were detected in 82.91% of cattle sampled, with 11 different combinations of pathogen species detected .

Conclusions
The findings indicate that T. parva, A. marginale and B. bigemina infections are endemic in Burundi. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of TBPs will facilitate the design of effective targeted strategies to control these diseases. There is a need for further investigations of the distribution of tick vectors and the population structure of TBPs in order to identify the key epidemiological factors contributing to TBD outbreaks in Burundi.
Drivers of realized satellite tracking duration in marine turtles
Authors: Hart Kristen M. , Guzy Jacquelyn C. , Smith Brian J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Satellite tags have revolutionized our understanding of marine animal movements. However, tags may stop transmitting for many reasons and little research has rigorously examined tag failure. Using a long-term, large-scale, multi-species dataset, we evaluated factors influencing tracking duration of satellite tags to inform study design for future tracking studies.

Methods
We leveraged data on battery status transmitted with location data, recapture events, and number of transmission days to probabilistically quantify multiple potential causes of failure (i.e., battery failure, premature detachment, and tag damage/fouling). We used a combination of logistic regressions and an ordinary linear model including several predictor variables (i.e., tag type, battery life, species, sex, size, and foraging region).

Results
We examined subsets of data from 360 satellite tags encompassing 86,889 tracking days deployed on four species of marine turtles throughout the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Bahamas from 2008 to 2019. Only 4.1% of batteries died before failure due to other causes. We observed species-specific variation in how long tags remain attached: hawksbills retained 50% of their tags for 1649 days (95% CI 995–1800), loggerheads for 584 days (95% CI 400–690), and green turtles for 294 days (95% CI 198–450). Estimated tracking duration varied by foraging region (Caribbean: 385 days; Bahamas: 356; southern Gulf of Mexico [SGOM]: 276, northern Gulf of Mexico [NGOM]: 177). Additionally, we documented species-specific variation in estimated tracking duration among foraging regions. Based on sensor data, within the Gulf of Mexico, across species, we estimated that 50% of tags began to foul after 83 95% CI (70–120) days.

Conclusions
The main factor that limited tracking duration was tag damage (i.e., fouling and/or antenna breakage). Turtles that spent most of their time in the Gulf of Mexico had shorter tracking durations than those in the Bahamas and Caribbean, with shortest durations observed in the NGOM. Additionally, tracking duration varied by species, likely as a result of behaviors that damage tags. This information will help researchers, tag companies, permitting agencies, and funders better predict expected tracking durations, improving study designs for imperiled marine turtles. Our results highlight the heterogeneity in telemetry device longevity, and we provide a framework for researchers to evaluate telemetry devices with respect to their study objectives.
Knowledge and attitudes towards contraceptives among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Sharma Aanchal , McCabe Edward , Jani Sona , Gonzalez Anthony , Demissie Seleshi , Lee April 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Despite endorsements supporting the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for adolescents and young adult women (AYA), they have limited knowledge about them Male partners can influence contraceptive decisions, however their perceived knowledge about IUDs is lower than their objective knowledge. We aim to establish current AYA baseline contraceptive knowledge and attitudes so providers can better target their sexual health educational interventions.

Methods
Females and males, aged 13 to 23 years old, from our suburban adolescent clinic, completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge and attitudes towards methods of contraception, with an emphasis on the IUD.

Results
Completed surveys totaled 130 (99 females/31 males). Demographic results revealed 31.3% Black/African-American, 30.5% Latino/Hispanic, 17.6% White, 3.0% Asian, and 14.5% Other. The majority of participants (80%) were sexually active. The majority (69.5%) stated they/their partner were currently using a contraceptive method; only 2.6% used IUDs. Half of females (56.6%) and 10.1% of males had heard of IUDs. Despite this, male and female participants lacked knowledge regarding specific IUD facts. Of the participants who had used emergency contraception (EC), only 6.4% knew the copper IUD could be used for EC.

Conclusion
Contraceptive knowledge deficits, especially regarding the IUD, continue to exist for AYA patients. Many participants stated they required EC despite “satisfaction” with their birth control method(s) and most were unaware that the copper IUD could be used as EC. These discrepancies highlight the importance of comprehensive contraceptive education for AYA patients. Enhanced and consistent contraceptive options counseling can help providers ensure that their AYA patients make well-informed decisions about family planning, thus improving their quality of life.
Impact of immediate postpartum insertion of TCu380A on the quantity and duration of lochia discharges in Tanzania
Authors: Muganyizi Projestine Selestine , Kimario Grasiana Festus , Rwegoshora France John , Paul Ponsian Patrick , Makins Anita 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The insertion of Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUD) for the purpose of contraception immediately after delivery is becoming popular in countries where the use of IUD for contraception has been extremely low. Since 2015, Tanzania implemented the initiative by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) to institutionalize PPIUD. As a result of capacity building and information delivery under the initiative, there have been increased uptake of the method. Working in this context, the focus of the study was to generate evidence on the effect of TCu380A IUD on amount and duration of lochia and equip service providers with evidence-based knowledge which can help them in counselling their PPIUD clients.

Objective
Establish impact of postpartum TCu380A on amount and duration of lochia.

Methods
A prospective cohort study of delivered women in two teaching hospitals in Tanzania with immediate insertion of TCu380A or without use of postpartum contraception in 2018. TCu380A models; Optima (Injeflex Co. Brazil) and Pregna (Pregna International, Chakan, India) were used. Follow-up was done by weekly calls and examination at 6th week. Lochia was estimated by Likert Scale 0–4 relative to the amount of lochia on the delivery day. An estimated 250 women sample (125 each group) would give 80% power to detect a desired 20% difference in the proportion of women with prolonged lochia discharges among the Exposed and Unexposed groups. Data analysis was by SPSS.

Results
Two hundred sixty women were analysed, 127 Exposed and 133 Unexposed. Medical complaints were reported by 41 (28.9%) Exposed and 37 Unexposed (27.8%), p = 0.655. Lack of dryness by end of 6th week was to 31 (23.3%) Exposed and 9 (7.1%) Unexposed, p < 0.001. Exposed had higher weekly mean lochia scores throughout with the difference most marked in 5th week (3.556 Versus 2.039, p < 0.001) and 6th week (1.44 Versus 0.449, p<0.001).

Conclusion
PPIUD is associated with increased amount of lochia and slows progression to dryness within 6 weeks of delivery. The implications of PPIUD clients’ needs to be informed about the possibility of delayed dryness of lochia at time of counseling are discussed.
Paediatric hip ultrasound: Uncertainties in examination and choice of treatment
Authors: Bucher Florian , Görg Christian , Weber Stefanie , Peterlein Christian-Dominik 
Published: January 2021

Purpose In Germany, neonates undergo hip sonography examination using the Graf method during the routine U3 screening examination, performed by consultant physicians four to five weeks after birth, and are referred to specialized orthopaedic departments if there are any uncertainties. This study evaluated the quality of sonographic screening in the outpatient sector and the treatment requirements of referred children. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the patient data of 384 neonates collected in consultations performed between April 2016 and April 2019. Results In total, 74% (n = 284) of neonates presented a hip type Ia/b. Treatment (abduction brace or Fettweis cast) was required in 32% (n = 122) of cases. The treatment duration was significantly correlated with age at first presentation (Pearson's r = 0.678; p = 0.001). The treatment duration for patients aged > 200 days old at first presentation was twice as long as those aged 100 days at first presentation. Patients with public health insurance require referral by a consultant. Developmental dysplasia of the hip as referral diagnosis could not be confirmed in control examination in 64% (n = 132) of cases. Of the public health insured children, 97% (n = 200) were referred through a consultant paediatrician. Conclusion We identified deficits in performing and interpreting the Graf method of ultrasound examination. A total of 64% of referred pathological hips turned out to be physiological configurations in our control examination. The future goal should be to increase anatomical knowledge of the newborn hip and ensure the correct use of Graf ultrasound method. Advanced training courses are recommended and necessary. Level of evidence IV
Dynamics of Texture Change and in Vitro Starch Digestibility with High-Pressure, Freeze-Thaw Cycle, and Germination-Parboiling Treatments of Brown Rice
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Songming , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Du Yang , Yu Yong , Wu Jian 
Published: January 2021

HighlightsFreeze-thaw cycle (FTC) treated brown rice texture was much closer to white rice texture.Both high-pressure (HP) and FTC treatment helped to moderate the bran layer of brown rice.FTC treatment of brown rice resulted in higher conversion to resistant starch.The glycemic index of treated rice correlated positively with the amylose/amylopectin ratio.Abstract. High-pressure (HP), freeze-thaw cycle (FTC), and germination-parboiling (GP) treatments were used to improve the texture characteristics and in vitro digestibility of starch in brown rice (BR). The texture of FTC-treated BR was the closest to the texture of white rice. Improved water absorption ratio, HP and FTC induced modification of the bran layer, and GP induced partial starch gelatinization were considered to be responsible for improving the texture of BR. All treatments improved the in vitro digestibility of BR starch, and FTC &lt; HP &lt; GP with respect to the order of increase. FTC treatment also resulted in the minimal glycemic index (GI), while GP treatment resulted in higher GI. In general, the amylose content was lower for untreated BR than for treated BR. Further, the HP, GP, and FTC treatments showed improved amylose/amylopectin ratios. HP and GP decreased the gelatinization enthalpy, while FTC increased it. GI had a positive correlation with amylose content and amylose/amylopectin ratio, while gelatinization enthalpy had a negative correlation. Keywords: Brown rice, Freeze-thaw cycle, Germination-parboiling, High pressure, Starch in vitro digestibility, Texture.
A Rapid Manufacturing Method for Rectangular Splines Based on Laser Cutting and Welding
Authors: Wang Shenying , Hu Zhichao , Gu Fengwei , Peng Baoliang , Chen Youqing , Wu Feng , Wang Yongwei 
Published: January 2021

HighlightsA rapid manufacturing method for internal and external rectangular spline shafts for use in agricultural machinery was developed using a combination of laser cutting and welding.The shear strength of the internal spline welds, extrusion strength of the spline tooth surfaces, and extrusion and shear strength of the external spline pins were tested.Threshold values were obtained for the average diameter of the internal and external splines.Two case studies (light load and heavy load) were performed to verify the feasibility and reliability of the method.Abstract. In recent years, special-sized spline shafts and gears have been widely used in the trial production of new agricultural machinery in China. However, due to the high production cost and long development cycle of these common components, the development of new agricultural machinery has been affected. To solve these problems, this article proposes a method for rapid manufacturing of rectangular internal and external splines using a combination of laser cutting and welding. Through analysis of the weld shear strength of the internal splines, the extrusion strength of the spline tooth surfaces, and the extrusion and shear strength of the external spline pins, it was calculated that the threshold of the average diameter (dm) of the internal splines, commonly used in agricultural machinery, was dm = 31.17 mm, and that of the external splines was dm = 33.45 mm. The feasibility and reliability of the method were verified with two case studies using light and heavy load conditions. The light load case study was the splines of the power input shaft of the pickup platform of a peanut harvester, and the heavy load case study was the splines of the total power input shaft of a peanut no-till planter. The case studies indicated that under the light load conditions (average power of 1.13 kW, average torque of 64.1 N·m, average speed of 168.7 rpm, cumulative working time of 48 h, and harvested area of 46.4 ha) and heavy load conditions (average power of 89.36 kW, average torque of 1029.9 N·m, average speed of 828.6 rpm, cumulative working time of 51.5 h, and planted area of 31.7 ha), no spline failure was observed, and the reliability was 100.0%. This article provides a technical reference for the rapid production of special-sized rectangular splines as single pieces or in small batches for trial production, which requires low processing accuracy, of new agricultural machinery products. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Laser cutting, Manufacturing method, Rectangular spline, Strength test, Torque.