bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First detection of Leishmania major in dogs living in an endemic area of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Tunisia
Authors: Maurelli Maria Paola , Zribi Lilia , Fayala Nour El Houda Ben , Manzillo Valentina Foglia , Balestrino Ines , Hamdi Noureddine , Bouratbine Aida , Gizzarelli Manuela , Rinaldi Laura , Aoun Karim , Oliva Gaetano 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Dogs are considered the main domestic animals that may be reservoir for Leishmania infantum, the agent of Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis (ZVL) in several countries of the world. Dog may host other Leishmania species but its epidemiological role in the maintaining and spreading of these parasites is not completely elucidated. Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ZCL), caused by Leishmania major, affect thousands of people every year and is particularly diffused in many countries of North Africa and Middle East Asia. In ZCL endemic countries few reports of L. major positive dogs have been reported, probably because most human cases occur in poor rural areas where the social role of the dog and its medical management is not well considered. The aim of the present study is to better understand the possible involvement of domestic dogs in the epidemiology of ZCL.
Methods
Our research focused on a well-established endemic focus of ZCL, in the area of Echrarda, Kairouan Governorate, central Tunisia. Fifty-one dogs with no apparent clinical signs of vector borne diseases, were selected in small villages where human cases of ZCL are yearly present. All dogs were sampled for the Leishmania spp. diagnosis, by using the following procedures: blood sample for serology and buffy coat qPCR, popliteal fine needle aspiration and cutaneous biopsy punch for lymph node and skin qPCR.
Results
The results demonstrated a high percentage (21.6%) of dogs positive at least at one or more test, the most sensitive technique was the lymph node qPCR that detected 8/11 positive dogs. Nine, out of the eleven positive dogs, resulted infected by Leishmania infantum; ITS1-PCR-sequencing allowed Leishmania major identification in the remaining two cases, both from the popliteal lymph node samples, that can suggest a possible visceral spread of a cutaneous Leishmania species in dog. Interestingly, one of the two L. major positive dogs was living in the same house where 6-year-old children showed cutaneous lesions referred to ZCL.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is the first report of L. major positive dogs in Tunisia, the epidemiological role of which remains under investigation.
Species of leaf litter are more important than urbanization effects for litter mass loss in semi-arid river
Authors: Silva Walber Ferreira , Carneiro Jessé Silva , Albuquerque Cristiano Queiroz , Novaes José Luis Costa , Tonin Alan M. , Junior José Francisco Gonçalves , Rezende Renan de Souza 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Leaf litter mass loss plays a crucial role in ecosystem processes, and understanding the factors that influence this process is essential, particularly in semi-arid riparian zones. This study investigated the impact of plant species (Erythrina velutina, Anacardium occidentale, Tabebuia aurea, Croton sonderianus, and Hymenaea courbaril) and environmental conditions (before and after urban) on leaf litter mass loss in these ecosystems. We utilized litter bags containing senescent leaves to evaluate the density and richness of invertebrates, shredder and scraper abundance and measured the mass loss of litter after oven drying. We observed that plant litter with higher palatability characteristics experienced faster mass loss when exposed to less palatable leaf resources, suggesting a "fertility islands" effect driven by increased invertebrate density and scraper abundance. Additionally, river sections downstream of urban areas exhibited higher mass loss, likely attributed to elevated nutrient concentrations and water temperature. The prevalence of larger-bodied scraper species (leaf tissue fragmentation by radulae) indicates their role in driving mass loss processes. Thiaridae, Lymnaeidae, and Planorbiidae can act as intermediate hosts for various parasitic diseases affecting humans and animals, with special concern for Thiaridae downstream of urban areas due to increased human waste, increasing the risk of contamination. It is important to consider both biotic and abiotic factors in leaf litter mass loss, emphasizing this process as a valuable environmental indicator.
Hotspots in Transition: Mediterranean Amphibian Diversity Under Different Climate Scenarios
Authors: Elverici Can , Peterson Andrew Townsend , Perktaş Utku 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Mediterranean Basin, a region renowned for its biodiversity, is experiencing unprecedented ecological changes owing to shifting climate patterns. This study employs ecological niche modeling to assess impacts of historical, current, and future climate scenarios on climatic suitability patterns for 36 endemic amphibian species. The study incorporates a diverse set of environmental variables to project species’ potential geographic distributions across significant climatic events, including the Last Interglacial, Last Glacial Maximum, and Mid-Holocene, as well as future projections for 2050 and 2070 under various Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The resulting models underscore the congruence of predicted species-rich areas with established biodiversity hotspots, and highlight the influence of precipitation on amphibian distribution. Notably, the study reveals potential shifts in biodiversity importance of different areas across the Mediterranean landscape, with certain regions projected to transition from hotspots to coldspots and vice versa, in response to future climatic changes. These insights contribute to a broader discourse on conservation priorities, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that can accommodate the dynamic nature of biodiversity in response to climate change. The findings of this study serve as a call to action for preserving Mediterranean biodiversity, providing a data-driven foundation for informed conservation planning in this critical hotspot.
Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV-infected patients and domestic animals in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Obebe Oluwasoala Olaiya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high chance of developing parasitic intestinal infections. The presence of zoonotic parasites in animal faeces is also believed to be evidence of readily available sources of infection for humans with these parasites. This study therefore evaluates the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV-infected patients and domestic animals. A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out at three antiretroviral therapy clinics in Ekiti State, Southwest, Nigeria between February 2018 and December 2019. A total of 330 HIV-infected patients and 77 domestic animals (within their environment) were studied. Faeces were collected and processed using formol-ether concentration and modified Ziehl-Neelsen techniques for the detection of intestinal parasites and Cryptosporidium oocysts, respectively. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires. Fisher’s Exact Test statistical analysis was used to test the level of significance at p < 0.05. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the study population of HIV patients and their pets were 15.5% and 12% respectively. The most predominant parasitic infections amongst the HIV patients was Cryptosporidium sp., (49.0%), while Taenia and Hymenolepis sp. were least with 5.9% each. The CD4 count < 200 (OR: 10.2, 95% CI: 4.3–23.7), and diarrhoea (OR: 7.0, 95% CI: 3.2–17.8) were detected to be the significant associated variables with Cryptosporidium infection. Cryptosporidium sp., (32.1%), Ancylostoma caninum (7.1%) and Toxocara canis (7.1%) were parasites of zoonotic potential detected in animals of participants. Improving public health measures that would emphasize personal hygiene and regular deworming of immunocompromised pets by certified veterinarians is recommended.
The monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 and ARDS: Differential effects in direct and indirect rat models
Authors: ELMA Yusuf , CAN Emine YILMAZ , FERAH Meryem AKPOLAT , KECECI Mete 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) leads to high morbidity and mortality, with limited pharmacological treatments and a reliance on supportive therapies. Recent evidence suggests cannabinoids may offer protective and therapeutic benefits against tissue damage, including lung pathologies. While cannabinoids' positive impacts on lung pathologies are known, their specific effects on ARDS mechanisms have not been thoroughly examined. The study purposes to explore the protective effects of cannabinoids on lung injury in direct and indirect ARDS models, focusing on differences in pathophysiological mechanisms.
Methods
Rats received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg, intratracheally) for direct models or alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU, 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for indirect models. Endocannabinoid degrading enzyme, MAGL inhibitor JZL184 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min before LPS or ANTU. After 24 hours of LPS and 4 hours of ANTU applications lung tissue samples were collected.
Results
In the LPS group, significant epithelial damage and intense NF-κB and caspase-3 staining around the bronchiolar epithelium were observed, with JZL184 effectively reducing inflammation and these markers in the area. In the ANTU group, the damage was more focused on the endothelium with similar increases in NF-κB and caspase-3 staining in the alveolar walls, where JZL184 also decreased inflammation and markers intensity. Overall, JZL184 showed a protective effect against inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue damage in lung injuries, highlighting the therapeutic potential of MAGL inhibition in ARDS treatment, with variations in effects depending on the injury model.
Conclusion
MAGL inhibition showed model-specific benefits against ARDS-related inflammation, apoptosis, and tissue damage, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Electrochemical and spectroscopic analyses for praseodymium complexes in potassium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide melts
Authors: Matsumiya Masahiko , Mishima Takumi , Tokumitsu Shun , Sasaki Yuji 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, the electrochemical behavior of praseodymium complex; Pr(III) in potassium bis(trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl) amide; K[NTf2] melts was under investigation. There is speculation that the first peak of reduction at + 2.27 V is probably Pr(IV) formation. The electrochemical analysis revealed that the electrodeposition reaction of Pr(III) to Pr(0) would cause the reduction peak of Pr(III) at + 0.87 V at 488 K. By semi-integral and semi-differential analysis, the diffusion coefficient and activation energy of Pr(III) in K[NTf2] melts were measured in the range of 473–493 K. Chronoamperometry was also used to evaluate the nucleation behavior of Pr(III). It was found that Pr nucleation mechanism changed from instantaneous to progressive nucleation when the overpotential became more negative than Pr(0) deposition potential. The early-stage electrodeposits were identified in the metallic state by XPS analysis. In addition, the coordination states of Pr(III) in K[NTf2] melts have been studied by Raman spectroscopy. The concentration dependence of the deconvoluted Raman spectra was investigated for Pr(III) in K[NTf2] in the range 0.23–0.45 mol kg− 1. The solvation number of Pr(III) in K[NTf2] melts was determined to be 5.14, according to the conventional analysis.
In vitro digestion, physicochemical and structural properties of rice starch dual-treated with radio frequency dry heating and annealing treatment
Authors: Dong Yifei , Li Xinyu , Cui Yan , Zhang Liang , Xuan Xiaoting , Lv Ruiling , Liu Xingquan , Ling Jiangang , Li Suhong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Radio frequency dry heating treatment combined with annealing treatment (RFDHT-ANN) was applied in this study to investigate the effects of the combined treatment on the digestibility, pasting properties, and multiscale structure of rice starch (RS). In practice, the combined modification treatment did not change the crystal type but resulted in a change in the microscopic morphology of RS. The dual treatment improved the amylose content, solubility, particle size, relative crystallinity and gelatinization transition temperature but declined the starch's swelling power. The lowest enzymatic digestibility was found with a decrease of 9.05% of rapidly digestible starch but an increment of 1.69% of slowly digestible starch and 7.38% of resistant starch. Compared with native starch, the characteristic peak of modified starches at 20.2° (2θ) was weakened. Furthermore, the dual treatment noticeably decreased the gelatinating viscosity of RS. This study provides innovative ideas for improving starch-based, slowly digestible foods in the future.
LinguTimeX: Explainable AI of Natural Language Detection in Leakage Information with Covert Timing Channels
Authors: Darwish Omar , Al-Eidi Shorouq , Al-Shorman Abdallah , AlSobeh Anas , Maabreh Majdi , Tashtoush Yahya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

CCovert timing channels (CTC) enable surreptitious information leakage through manipulated data transmission timing, posing a severe cybersecurity risk. This research introduces a framework, called LinguTimeX, which utilizes explainable artificial intelligence approach that synergizes linguistic analysis with detection of timing irregularities to pinpoint CTC activities with high accuracy. The LinguTimeX extracts multidimensional features integrating statistical properties of textual content and temporal characteristics. An ensemble of machine learning and deep learning models, tailored for cross-lingual covert channel identification , demonstrates outstanding detection performance, with over 98% precision and recall in Arabic and 81% F1-score in Chinese datasets. Quantitative analysis and visualizations elucidate how innate language complexities govern covert signal amplitudes, guiding targeted optimization of feature engineering. The
Impairment of Left Ventricular Function in the Depressed Chinese Miniature
Swine Model by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature-Tracking: A
Preliminary Study
Authors: Kong Huihui , Zhang Lijun , He Yi 
Published: May 2024

Purpose::
Individuals with depression have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and more often have a poor prognosis with cardiovascular disease.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of depression on Left Ventricular (LV) alterations using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Featuretracking
(CMR-FT).

Methods::
Seven anesthetized, healthy Chinese miniature swine were included in the study. Basic data, including CMR scans at baseline and after 14 days of
depression modeling, were collected. Behavioral tests, including the Open-field Test (OFT), Sucrose Preference Test (SPT), and measurements of
the time taken to consume a specific amount of food and sugar, were conducted to assess the success of the depression models. CMR cine images
were acquired and CVI software was employed to analyze Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), Global Circumferential Strain (GCS), and Global
Radial Strain (GRS). Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) imaging was used to detect myocardial infarction and/or scar.

Results::
The outcomes demonstrated successful depression modeling, indicated by reduced scores in the OFT and SPT, as well as an extended time to
intake food and sugar compared to baseline. However, no significant differences were observed in LV End-diastolic Volume (LVEDV), LV Endsystolic
Volume (LVESV), LV Ejection Fraction (LVEF), LV End-diastolic Myocardial Mass (LVMASSED), and Cardiac Output (CO) before
and after modeling. Regarding LV global strain parameters, there was a downward trend in GRS (25.35% ± 6.9% vs. 22.86% ± 6.4%, P=0.021),
GCS (-16.71% ± 4.2% vs. -14.78% ± 2.3%, P=0.043), and GLS (-17.66% ± 2.9% vs. -14.53% ± 2.5%, P=0.056), respectively, after modeling. GRS
and GCS were significantly reduced after modeling compared to baseline.

Conclusion::
The study suggests that depression may contribute to early LV systolic dysfunction, particularly affecting LV GCS and GRS.
Augmenting Telepostpartum Care With Vision-Based Detection of Breastfeeding-Related Conditions: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: De Souza Jessica , Viswanath Varun Kumar , Echterhoff Jessica Maria , Chamberlain Kristina , Wang Edward Jay 
Published: May 2024

Background
Breastfeeding benefits both the mother and infant and is a topic of attention in public health. After childbirth, untreated medical conditions or lack of support lead many mothers to discontinue breastfeeding. For instance, nipple damage and mastitis affect 80% and 20% of US mothers, respectively. Lactation consultants (LCs) help mothers with breastfeeding, providing in-person, remote, and hybrid lactation support. LCs guide, encourage, and find ways for mothers to have a better experience breastfeeding. Current telehealth services help mothers seek LCs for breastfeeding support, where images help them identify and address many issues. Due to the disproportional ratio of LCs and mothers in need, these professionals are often overloaded and burned out.

Objective
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 5 distinct convolutional neural networks in detecting healthy lactating breasts and 6 breastfeeding-related issues by only using red, green, and blue images. Our goal was to assess the applicability of this algorithm as an auxiliary resource for LCs to identify painful breast conditions quickly, better manage their patients through triage, respond promptly to patient needs, and enhance the overall experience and care for breastfeeding mothers.

Methods
We evaluated the potential for 5 classification models to detect breastfeeding-related conditions using 1078 breast and nipple images gathered from web-based and physical educational resources. We used the convolutional neural networks Resnet50, Visual Geometry Group model with 16 layers (VGG16), InceptionV3, EfficientNetV2, and DenseNet169 to classify the images across 7 classes: healthy, abscess, mastitis, nipple blebs, dermatosis, engorgement, and nipple damage by improper feeding or misuse of breast pumps. We also evaluated the models’ ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy images. We present an analysis of the classification challenges, identifying image traits that may confound the detection model.

Results
The best model achieves an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 for all conditions after data augmentation for multiclass classification. For binary classification, we achieved, with the best model, an average area under the curve of 0.96 for all conditions after data augmentation. Several factors contributed to the misclassification of images, including similar visual features in the conditions that precede other conditions (such as the mastitis spectrum disorder), partially covered breasts or nipples, and images depicting multiple conditions in the same breast.

Conclusions
This vision-based automated detection technique offers an opportunity to enhance postpartum care for mothers and can potentially help alleviate the workload of LCs by expediting decision-making processes.
Acute Kidney Injury, Systemic Inflammation, and Long-Term Cognitive Function
Authors: Bhatraju Pavan K. , Zelnick Leila R. , Stanaway Ian B. , Ikizler T. Alp , Menez Steven , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Coca Steve G. , Kaufman James S. , Kimmel Paul L. , Parikh Chirag R. , Go Alan S. , Siew Edward D. , Wurfel Mark M. , Himmelfarb Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

Key Points

This study highlights that AKI is associated with long-term cognitive decline.Soluble TNF receptor 1 concentrations seem to mediate a significant proportion of the risk of long-term cognitive impairment after AKI.

Background
Cognitive dysfunction is a well-known complication of CKD, but it is less known whether cognitive decline occurs in survivors after AKI. We hypothesized that an episode of AKI is associated with poorer cognitive function, mediated, at least in part, by persistent systemic inflammation.

Methods
Assessment, Serial Evaluation and Subsequent Sequelae of AKI enrolled patients surviving 3 months after hospitalization with and without AKI matched on the basis of demographics, comorbidities, and baseline kidney function. A subset underwent cognitive testing using the modified mini-mental status examination (3MS) at 3, 12, and 36 months. We examined the association of AKI with 3MS scores using mixed linear models and assessed the proportion of risk mediated by systemic inflammatory biomarkers.

Results
Among 1538 participants in Assessment, Serial Evaluation and Subsequent Sequelae of AKI, 1420 (92%) completed the 3MS assessment at 3 months and had a corresponding matched participant. Participants with AKI had lower 3MS scores at 3 years (difference −1.1 [95% confidence interval, −2.0 to −0.3] P = 0.009) compared with participants without AKI. A higher proportion of participants with AKI had a clinically meaningful (≥5 point) reduction in 3MS scores at 3 years compared with participants without AKI (14% versus 10%, P = 0.04). In mediation analyses, plasma-soluble TNF receptor-1 at 3 months after AKI mediated 35% (P = 0.02) of the AKI-related risk for 3MS scores at 3 years.

Conclusions
AKI was associated with lower 3MS scores, and Soluble TNF receptor 1 concentrations seemed to mediate a significant proportion of the risk of long-term cognitive impairment. Further work is needed to determine whether AKI is causal or a marker for cognitive impairment.
Do erupting maxillary canines resorb adjacent teeth? A study focusing both on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides among individuals with unilaterally impacted canines
Authors: Le Ven Mélanie , Rafflenbeul Frédéric , Gros Catherine-Isabelle , Lefebvre François , Bolender Yves 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To determine the prevalence of root resorption of teeth adjacent to permanent maxillary canines on both sides, by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), in pretreatment adolescent subjects with unilaterally impacted maxillary canines, and to define predictive factors for the root resorption.

Materials and Methods
This retrospective sample included 76 adolescents (38 boys, 38 girls, mean age 12.3 ± 2.1 years; range 8–17 years) who had CBCT after detection of a unilateral impacted maxillary canine before any active orthodontic treatment. Both ipsilateral and contralateral sides were examined, and 14 qualitative and quantitative variables were collected. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and multiple logistic regression was used to predict root resorption.

Results
On the impaction side, 57.9% of canines resorbed at least one adjacent tooth compared with 13.2% on the contralateral side (P &lt; .001). On the impaction side, resorption was slight in 59.6%, moderate in 5.8%, and severe in 34.6% of the cases. On the contralateral side, resorption was slight in 91.7%, moderate in 0%, and severe in 8.3% of the cases. On both sides, upper lateral incisors were the teeth most frequently resorbed, followed by the upper first premolars and upper central incisors. The presence of contact between the canine and the adjacent roots was the only statistically significant risk factor for resorption for both ipsilateral and contralateral sides.

Conclusions
Orthodontists should look for root resorption on both sides in cases of unilaterally impacted maxillary canines.