bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canine leishmaniosis in Tunisia: Growing prevalence, larger zones of infection
Authors: Bouattour Ali , Amri Amine , Belkhiria Jaber Amine , Rhim Adel , Fezaa Ons , Gantier Jean-Charles , M’ghirbi Youmna 
Published: December 2021

Background
Discovered by Nicolle and Comte in 1908 in Tunisia, Leishmania infantum is an intracellular protozoan responsible for zoonotic canine leishmaniosis (CanL) and zoonotic human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL). It is endemic in several regions of the world, including Tunisia, with dogs considered as the main domestic reservoir. The geographic expansion of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) has been linked to global environmental changes that have affected the density and the distribution of its sand fly vectors.

Methodology/Principal findings
In this study, a cross-sectional epidemiological survey on CanL was carried out in 8 localities in 8 bioclimatic areas of Tunisia. Blood samples were taken from 317 dogs after clinical examination. Collected sera were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT; 1:80) for the presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies. The overall seroprevalence was 58.3% (185/317). Among positive dogs, only 16.7% showed clinical signs suggestive of leishmaniosis. Seroprevalence rates varied from 6.8% to 84.6% and from 28% to 66% by bioclimatic zone and age group, respectively. Serological positivity was not statistically associated with gender. The presence of Leishmania DNA in blood, using PCR, revealed 21.2% (64/302) prevalence in dogs, which varied by bioclimatic zone (7.3% to 31%) and age group (7% to 25%). The entomological survey carried out in the studied localities showed 16 species of the two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). P. perniciosus, P. papatasi, and P. perfiliewi were the most dominant species with relative abundances of 34.7%, 25% and 20.4%, respectively.

Conclusions/Significance
The present report suggests a significant increase of CanL in all bioclimatic areas in Tunisia and confirms the ongoing spread of the infection of dogs to the country’s arid zone. Such an expansion of infection in dog population could be attributed to ecological, agronomic, social and climatic factors that affect the presence and density of the phlebotomine vectors.
Uneven economic burden of non-communicable diseases among Indian households: A comparative analysis
Authors: Behera Sasmita , Pradhan Jalandhar 
Published: December 2021

Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading global cause of death and disproportionately concentrate among those living in low-income and middle-income countries. However, its economic impact on households remains less well known in the Indian context. This study aims to assess the economic impact of NCDs in terms of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and its catastrophic impact on NCDs affected households in India.

Materials and methods
Data were collected from the 75th round of the National Sample Survey Office, Government of India, conducted in the year 2017–18. This is the latest round of data available on health, which constitutes a sample of 113,823 households. The collection of data is based on a stratified multi-stage sampling method. Generalised Linear Regression model was employed to identify the socio-economic covariates associated with the catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) on hospitalisation.

Results
The result shows a higher burden of OOPE on NCDs affected households. The mean expenditure by NCDs households in public hospitals is INR 13,170 which is more than twice as compared to the non-NCDs households INR 6,245. Particularly, the proportion of total medical expenditure incurred on medicines (0.39) and diagnostics (0.15) is troublesome for households with NCDs, treated in public hospitals. Moreover, results from the generalised linear regression model confirm the significant relationship between CHE with residence, caste, religion, household size, and economic status of households. The intensity of CHE is more for the households who are poor, drinking unsafe water, using firewood as cooking fuel, and household size of 1–5 members.

Conclusion
Therefore, an urgent need for a prevention strategy should be made by the government to protect households from the economic burden of NCDs. Specifically, to reduce the burden of CHE associated with NCDs, a customised disease-specific health insurance package should be introduced by the government of India in both public and private facilities.
Creation of the Union of Sports Societies and Organizations of the USSR: Regional Aspect (on the Example of the Penza Region)
Authors: Pavlenko V.V. 
Published: December 2021

The article reveals the reasons and conditions for the transformation of the structure of physical education and sports management in Soviet society in the late 1950s within the framework of the concept of building communism in the USSR — the creation of the Union of Sports Societies and Organizations (Sport Union) of the USSR — a voluntary association that managed the physical education and sports movement with the active assistance of trade unions and the Komsomol. The main goal of the Sports Union was to give the physical education and sports movement in the USSR a mass and then a national character.
The theoretical provisions of literature of the 1960s are characterized. On the ratio of state and public principles in management under communism, the transition of individual state functions to public organizations, the strengthening of the role of public structures in communist society, etc. Estimates of modern domestic researchers of the goals and factors of changing the form of leadership in physical education and sports in Soviet society in the late 1950s are considered.
The formation of the Sports Union at the regional level is being studied in accordance with the decree of the Central Committee of the CPSU and the Council of Ministers of the USSR «On the Leadership of Physical Culture and Sports in the Country» of January 9, 1959 — in the Penza Region: the formation of an organizing bureau, the holding of constituent conferences, the state of the physical education and sports movement in the region in the late 1950s.
Investigation of Inertial Cavitation of Sonosensitive and Biocompatible Nanoparticles in Flow - Through Tissue- Mimicking Phantoms Employing Focused Ultrasound
Authors: George Benedikt , Savšek Ula , Fischer Dagmar , Ermert Helmut , Rupitsch Stefan J. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A promising approach to drug delivery applications for chemotherapeutics is the use of drug carriers to reduce the total amount of cytostatics, minimizing side effects. In addition, the carriers, loaded with the drug, can be guided to the tumorous tissue via the vascular system, which enables a local drug release (LDR). In our case, LDR is activated due to the sonosensitive behavior of the nanocapsules by inertial cavitation (IC) caused by focused ultrasound (FUS). Thereby, IC is excited by employing sound pressures within the recommended limit allowed for diagnostic ultrasound. In order to verify this drug delivery approach for its clinical suitability, a tissue-mimicking flow -through phantom, containing a small vessel, is used. Investigations have shown that the drug releasing cavitation effect associated with the sonosensitive and biocompatible nanocapsules also occurs in fine vessel structures, even in the case of moving particles and vessel diameters dc smaller than the wavelength λ.
Low-cost photolithography system for cell biology labs
Authors: Naggay Benjamin K. , Frey Kerstin , Schneider Markus , Athanasopulu Kiriaki , Lorenz Günter , Kemkemer Ralf 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Soft lithography, a tool widely applied in biology and life sciences with numerous applications, uses the soft molding of photolithography-generated master structures by polymers. The central part of a photolithography set-up is a mask-aligner mostly based on a high-pressure mercury lamp as an ultraviolet (UV) light source. This type of light source requires a high level of maintenance and shows a decreasing intensity over its lifetime, influencing the lithography outcome. In this paper, we present a low-cost, bench-top photolithography tool based on ninety-eight 375 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With approx. 10 W, our presented lithography set-up requires only a fraction of the energy of a conventional lamp, the LEDs have a guaranteed lifetime of 1000 h, which becomes noticeable by at least 2.5 to 15 times more exposure cycles compared to a standard light source and with costs less than 850 C it is very affordable. Such a set-up is not only attractive to small academic and industrial fabrication facilities who want to enable work with the technology of photolithography and cannot afford a conventional set-up, but also microfluidic teaching laboratories and microfluidic research and development laboratories, in general, could benefit from this cost-effective alternative. With our self-built photolithography system, we were able to produce structures from 6 μm to 50 μm in height and 10 μm to 200 μm in width. As an optional feature, we present a scaled-down laminar flow hood to enable a dust-free working environment for the photolithography process.
Stability and Biocompatibility Tests of Alginate as Cochlear Implant Coating Material
Authors: Peck Claas-Tido , Schwieger Jana , Lenarz Thomas , Scheper Verena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Inner ear trauma caused by cochlear implantation is a severe clinical problem. It was shown that an electrode alginate coating can reduce the insertion forces in vitro. The grade of the alginate viscosity can be adjusted by using different metal ions for cross-linking the salts of the alginic acid. The aim was to investigate the stability and inner ear biocompatibility of alginate using different in vitro established cross-linkers.
Alginate beads were cross-linked in either calcium chloride (CaCl2) or barium chloride (BaCl2) solution. The beads were cultivated in artificial perilymph and stability and swelling were observed for 13 months. Ototoxicity was tested on cochlear whole mount explants from neonatal rats. Neomycin served as positive control to induce hair cell damage and explants without any addition served as negative control. The beads and explants were co-cultured for 48 hours and the hair cell survival was analysed microscopically.
Neomycin treatment induced an extensive inner and outer hair cell loss. Neither CaCl2 nor BaCl2 cross-linked alginate beads caused any damage to the hair cells. Even though the same volume of alginate and cross-linkers were used, in CaCl2 cross-linked beads were initially almost double the size of in BaCl2 cross-linked beads. None of the cross-linked alginate beads had a significant volume change within 3 months being cultured in artificial perilymph. After 3 months the CaCl2 cross-linked beads swelled massively and dissolved within one week whereas BaCl2 cross-linked alginate beads remained unchanged until month 13 after culture start.
Alginate beads gelled with both cross-linkers are biocompatible with the inner ear sensory epithelium. Both cross-linkers ensure a stable gelation of alginate but a swelling followed by degradation of the in CaCl2 cross-linked beads occurred after 3 months. For coatings, which need to be long term stable, BaCl2 should be chosen whereas CaCl2 may be more suitable for applications where limited stability is needed and the swelling is not affecting the surrounding tissue. Therefore, BaCl2 cross-linking of alginate may be the best choice for cochlear implant coating.
Depression, anxiety and stress among Australian nursing and midwifery undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wynter Karen , Redley Bernice , Holton Sara , Manias Elizabeth , McDonall Jo , McTier Lauren , Hutchinson Alison M. , Kerr Debra , Lowe Grainne , Phillips Nicole (Nikki) M. , Rasmussen Bodil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To assess depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify socio-demographic and educational characteristics associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress scores.

Methods
Cross-sectional study during August–September 2020, using an anonymous, online, self-administered survey. E-mail invitations with a survey link were sent to 2,907 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing suite of courses, offered across four campuses of a single university in Victoria, Australia. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using the DASS-21. Data on socio-demographic and educational characteristics, self-rated physical health and exposure to COVID-19 were also collected. DASS-21 subscale scores were compared with existing data for various pre-pandemic and COVID-19 samples. Multiple regression was used to investigate factors associated with higher scores on depression, anxiety and stress subscales.

Results
The response rate was 22% (n=638). Mean scores on all DASS-21 subscales were significantly higher (p<0.001) than means from all comparative sample data. The proportions of students reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were 48.5%, 37.2% and 40.2% respectively. Being a woman, being younger, having completed more years of study and having poorer self-rated general health were all significantly associated (p<0.05) with higher scores on at least one DASS-21 subscale.

Conclusions
Almost half of participants reported at least moderate symptoms of depression; more than a third reported at least moderate symptoms of anxiety or stress. Poor psychological wellbeing can impact students’ successful completion of their studies and therefore, has implications for nursing and midwifery workforce recruitment and retention. During and after pandemics, universities should consider screening undergraduate students not only for anxiety and stress, but also for depression. Clear, low-cost referral pathways should be available, should screening indicate that further diagnosis or treatment is required.
The analysis of FSH beta-subunit gene genotypes in East Anatolian Red, East Anatolian Red×Holstein, and Zavot bulls
Authors: Ardicli Sena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the genotypic distribution and population genetic parameters of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on exon 3 at the FSHB gene in East Anatolian Red (EAR), East Anatolian Red×Holstein (EAR×H), and Zavot (Z) bulls. A total of 68 cattle including EAR (n=34), EAR×H (n=20), and Z (n=14) bulls were used. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the phenol/chloroform method. The genotyping of the SNP was carried out by the PCR-RFLP using the PstI restriction enzyme. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was calculated by using the chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Population genetics evaluation was performed for effective allele numbers, the polymorphism information content, theoretical heterozygosity, the fixation index, level of possible variability realization, and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index. In the present study, the AA and the AB genotypes were predominant in EAR and EAR×H bulls, respectively. Zavot breed was found to be monomorphic. There was a deviation from HWE, concerning the total cattle population. The population genetics evaluation showed that the marker was moderately informative for EAR and the crossbreeds, as well as the total population. Consequently, the polymorphism (rs207774587) within exon 3 of the bovine FSHB can be interpreted as a genetic marker with reliable variability for EAR and the crossbreeds, but not in Zavot cattle.
What the frequency list can teach us about Turkish sign language?
Authors: Makaroğlu Bahtiyar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRecent studies on linguistics, cognitive science and psychology have shown that describing lexical frequency characteristics can answer many critical questions on language acquisition, mental lexicon and language use. Given the importance of corpus-based methodology, this study reports the preliminary findings from the objective lexical frequency list in TİD based on 103.087 sign tokens. This paper shows that frequency occurrence has a very decisive role on the linguistics categories and language in use. With respect to the multi-functionality of pointing in signed languages, the top ranked ID-gloss occurrences are mostly shaped by the pronominal references. Moreover, when compared to previous studies in terms of lexical density and lexical diversity, TİD shares both similar and different statistical features observed in other signed languages.
Metformin Reduces Repeat Mild Concussive Injury Pathophysiology
Authors: Underwood Erica L. , Redell John B. , Maynard Mark E. , Kobori Nobuhide , Hylin Michael J. , Hood Kimberly N. , West Rebecca K. , Zhao Jing , Moore Anthony N. , Dash Pramod K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can initiate complex pathophysiological changes in the brain. Numerous cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these pathologic changes are altered after injury, including those involved in energy utilization, excitotoxicity, ionic disturbances, and inflammation. It is thought that targeting multiple mechanisms may be necessary to produce meaningful reductions in brain pathology and to improve outcome. Previous studies have reported that the anti-diabetic drug metformin can also affect inflammatory, cell survival, and metabolic outcomes, possibly by acting on multiple targets and/or pathways. We therefore questioned whether metformin treatment can reduce pathology after repeat mild closed head injury (rmCHI) in male C57Bl/6 mice. We found that metformin, administered acutely after each head impact, resulted in markedly reduced white matter damage, astrogliosis, loss of hippocampal parvalbumin neurons, and improved mitochondrial function. In addition, both motor and cognitive functions were significantly improved when tested after discontinuation of the treatment. These studies suggest that metformin may be beneficial as a treatment for repeat concussion.
Bayesian Mapping of the Striatal Microcircuit Reveals Robust Asymmetries in the Probabilities and Distances of Connections
Authors: Cinotti François , Humphries Mark D. 
Published: December 2021

The striatum's complex microcircuit is made by connections within and between its D1- and D2-receptor expressing projection neurons and at least five species of interneuron. Precise knowledge of this circuit is likely essential to understanding striatum's functional roles and its dysfunction in a wide range of movement and cognitive disorders. We introduce here a Bayesian approach to mapping neuron connectivity using intracellular recording data, which lets us simultaneously evaluate the probability of connection between neuron types, the strength of evidence for it, and its dependence on distance. Using it to synthesize a complete map of the mouse striatum, we find strong evidence for two asymmetries: a selective asymmetry of projection neuron connections, with D2 neurons connecting twice as densely to other projection neurons than do D1 neurons, but neither subtype preferentially connecting to another; and a length-scale asymmetry, with interneuron connection probabilities remaining non-negligible at more than twice the distance of projection neuron connections. We further show that our Bayesian approach can evaluate evidence for wiring changes, using data from the developing striatum and a mouse model of Huntington's disease. By quantifying the uncertainty in our knowledge of the microcircuit, our approach reveals a wide range of potential striatal wiring diagrams consistent with current data.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo properly understand a neuronal circuit's function, it is important to have an accurate picture of the rate of connection between individual neurons and how this rate changes with the distance separating pairs of neurons. We present a Bayesian method for extracting this information from experimental data and apply it to the mouse striatum, a subcortical structure involved in learning and decision-making, which is made up of a variety of different projection neurons and interneurons. Our resulting statistical map reveals not just the most robust estimates of the probability of connection between neuron types, but also the strength of evidence for them, and their dependence on distance.
HYPOPLASTIC ANEMIA WITH MULTIPLE CONGENITAL DEFECTS (FANCONI SYNDROME)
Authors: KUNZ HANS W. 
Published: December 2021

A case of Fanconi syndrome at an unusually young age presenting anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, microcephaly, hypogenitalism, skin pigmentation, and anomalies of thumbs, kidneys and heart is described. The patient's younger brother with multiple anomalies of the extremities, hydrocephalus, abnormal ears and genitalia died at the age of 17 months without pigmentation and hematologic symptoms, changes which usually do not occur before the age of 5 years.
The literature is reviewed and a follow-up on previously reported cases is given. It seems that in addition to a hypoplasia of the bone marrow an extracorpuscular hemolytic mechanism plays a role in the pathogenesis of the anemia. It is suggested that some manifestations may be due to impaired adrenocortical function.
PRECOCIOUS GROWTH OF SEXUAL HAIR WITHOUT OTHER SECONDARY SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT; "PREMATURE PUBARCHE," A CONSTITUTIONAL VARIATION OF ADOLESCENCE
Authors: SILVERMAN SAMUEL H. , MIGEON CLAUDE , ROSEMBERG EUGENIA , WILKINS LAWSON 
Published: December 2021

GROWTH of sexual hair in a young child suggests the possibility that adrenal tumor or hyperplasia may be causing virilization or that true sexual precocity may be beginning. However, neither of these relatively serious conditions may exist. Approximately 10 years ago workers in the Endocrine Clinic of the Harriet Lane Home became aware of the fact that sexual hair may appear in early life long before there is any other secondary sexual development dependent upon either androgen or estrogen. Although this syndrome has been referred to briefly in textbooks as "precocious adrenarche" and "premature pubarche," no detailed studies of a series of cases have been recorded.
The present report is based on a study of 29 children who developed sexual hair before the age of 8 years. It was possible to follow a number of these patients long enough to demonstrate that the condition is a benign variation in the pattern of sexual development and is followed later by normal adolescence. It seems important to bring the findings to the attention of pediatricians who may not be familiar with the syndrome and to discuss its differential diagnosis and probable etiology.
Methods
Urinary 17-ketosteroids (17-KS) were determined by a modification of the method of Callow, Callow and Emmons previously described, urinary estrogens were measured as the "fluorogenic phenols" by the method of Jailer. Vaginal smears stained by the method of Shorr were interpreted as described elsewhere. The "bone age" was based on the average epiphysial development at all the joints.
Clinical and Laboratory Findings