bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Promotes Intestinal Motility, Mucin Production, and Serotonin Signaling in Mice
Authors: Chen Chih-Ming , Wu Chien-Chen , Huang Chin-Lin , Chang Min-Yu , Cheng Shih-Hsuan , Lin Ching-Ting , Tsai Ying-Chieh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLactobacillus plantarum PS128 has been reported as a psychobiotic to improve mental health through the gut–brain axis in experimental animal models. To explore its mechanism of action in the gut, this study aimed to analyze the effects of L. plantarum PS128 ingestion on naïve and loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation mice. We found that, in the two mouse models, the weight, number, and water content of feces in the L. plantarum PS128 group were higher than those in the vehicle control group. Histological observation revealed that L. plantarum PS128 increased the level of colonic mucins including the major mucin MUC2. In addition, the charcoal meal test showed that L. plantarum PS128 significantly increased the small intestine transit in naïve mice, but not in the Lop-treated mice. Since intestinal serotonin has been found to modulate motility, we further analyzed the expression of genes related to serotonin signal transduction in the small intestine of naïve mice. The results showed that L. plantarum PS128 significantly altered the expression levels of Tph1, Chga, Slc6a4, and Htr4, but did not affect the expression levels of Tph2, Htr3a, and Maoa. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry revealed that L. plantarum PS128 significantly increased the number of serotonin-containing intestinal cells in mice. Taken together, our results suggest that L. plantarum PS128 could promote intestinal motility, mucin production, and serotonin signal transduction, leading to a laxative effect in mice.
Sexuality Education in the Digital Age: Modelling the Predictors of Acceptance and Behavioural Intention to Access and Interact with Sexuality Information on Social Media
Authors: Olamijuwon Emmanuel , Odimegwu Clifford 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Diverse literature on sexual health promotion using social media suggests that increasing information reach and interaction are crucial. This study integrated the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) to model the predictors of young adults’ behavioural intention to use and interact with sexuality education on social media.

Methods
A total of 936 young adults in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who had access to the internet and Facebook were recruited via Facebook’s advertising platform from 22 May 2020 to 8 June 2020. A structural equation model was fitted on the sample to identify the individual attributes associated with the intention to use and interact with sexuality information on social media.

Results
About 84% of the young adults in the sample consider social media an appropriate medium for sexual health communication, with Facebook being the most preferred (40%) digital platform for sexual health promotion. Results from the structural equation model showed that performance expectancy (β = 0.18, P < 0.001), social influence (β = 0.09, P = 0.047), effort expectancy (β = 0.25, P < 0.001), facilitating condition (β = 0.33, P < 0.001), and attitude (β = 0.10, P = 0.039) were significantly associated with the intention to access sexuality education on social media. These factors (except attitude) were also significantly associated with the intention to interact with sexual health information on social media.

Conclusions
Young people with internet access are amenable to receiving and interacting with sexuality information on social media. The use of social media for sexuality education is associated with whether such use is free of effort, endorsed by society, align with their engagements with other messages, and helps them achieve improvement in their sexual and reproductive health.

Policy Implications
Strategies to increase access and interaction with sexuality information on social media help young people make an informed decision about their sexuality. Such use should also be free of effort, align with the way they interact with other information on social media, and supported by the society.
Smooth determinantal varieties and critical loci in multiview geometry
Authors: Bertolini Marina , Notari Roberto , Turrini Cristina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLinear projections from$$\mathbb {P}^k$$Pkto$$\mathbb {P}^h$$Phappear in computer vision as models of images of dynamic or segmented scenes. Given multiple projections of the same scene, the identification of sufficiently many correspondences between the images allows, in principle, to reconstruct the position of the projected objects. A critical locus for the reconstruction problem is a variety in$$\mathbb {P}^k$$Pkcontaining the set of points for which the reconstruction fails. Critical loci turn out to be determinantal varieties. In this paper we determine and classify all the smooth critical loci, showing that they are classical projective varieties.
Biological control of soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi through onion waste composting: implications for circular economy perspective
Authors: Chorolque A. , Pellejero G. , Sosa M. C. , Palacios J. , Aschkar G. , García-Delgado C. , Jiménez-Ballesta R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe production of onion waste derived mainly from bulbs affected by fungal diseases, during onion classification and storage presents an important agro-environmental issue in onion production regions. Composting is an environmentally friendly strategy to recycle agricultural waste and produce organic fertilizers. Modifications of the microbial community in soil can affect the ability of pathogen propagules to survive, germinate and infect plant roots. Hence, the main objective of this work was to exploring the mechanisms involved on the presence of three soil-borne phytopathogenic fungi during the composting process of onion waste under the hypothesis if that the resulting compost effectively prevents or minimizes the dispersion of phytopathogenic fungi. To this end, three composting piles of 60 tonnes each were built by layering onion waste affected by phytopathogenic fungi and cow dung at 1:1 ratio. Temperature, moisture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. growth were monitored for 100 days. During the first 28 days of composting, the presence of phytopathogenic fungi increased significantly showing thereafter a downward trend. Final estimations of fungal populations densities indicated a predominance of A. niger and an effective reduction in the abundance of Fusarium sp. This pilot-scale work demonstrates the feasibility of composting onion waste contaminated with phytopathogenic fungi and highlights the positive environmental impact associated with this practice. Therefore, the composting of onion waste and cow dung is a feasible and sustainable procedure to recycle onion waste and to promote circular economy in onion production regions.
Regenerative Engineering Animal Models for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Esdaille Caldon Jayson , Ude Chinedu Cletus , Laurencin Cato T. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common synovial joint disorder worldwide, with a growing incidence due to increasing rates of obesity and an aging population. A significant amount of research is currently being conducted to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of knee osteoarthritis to design less invasive and more effective treatment options once conservative management has failed. Regenerative engineering techniques have shown promising preclinical results in treating OA due to their innovative approaches and have emerged as a popular area of study. To investigate these therapeutics, animal models of OA have been used in preclinical trials. There are various mechanisms by which OA can be induced in the knee/stifle of animals that are classified by the etiology of the OA that they are designed to recapitulate. Thus, it is essential to utilize the correct animal model in studies that are investigating regenerative engineering techniques for proper translation of efficacy into clinical trials. This review discusses the various animal models of OA that may be used in preclinical regenerative engineering trials and the corresponding classification system.

Lay Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is the most common synovial joint disease worldwide, with high rates of occurrence due to an increase in obesity and an aging population. A great deal of research is currently underway to further our understanding of the causes of osteoarthritis, to design more effective treatments. The emergence of regenerative engineering has provided physicians and investigators with unique opportunities to join ideas in tackling human diseases such as OA. Once the concept is proven to work, the initial procedure for the evaluation of a treatment solution begins with an animal model. Thus, it is essential to utilize a suitable animal model that reflects the particular ailment in regenerative engineering studies for proper translation to human patients as each model has associated advantages and disadvantages. There are various ways by which OA can occur in the knee joint, which are classified according to the particular cause of the OA. This review discusses the various animal models of OA that may be used in preclinical regenerative engineering investigations and the corresponding classification system.
Flow field designs developed by comprehensive CFD model decrease system costs of vanadium redox-flow batteries
Authors: Prumbohm E. , Becker M. , Flaischlen S. , Wehinger G. D. , Turek T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDifferent flow field designs are known for vanadium redox-flow batteries (VFB). The best possible design to fulfil a variety of target parameters depends on the boundary conditions. Starting from an exemplary interdigitated flow field design, its channel and land dimensions are varied to investigate the impact on pressure drop, channel volume, flow uniformity and limiting current density. To find a desirable compromise between these several partly contrary requirements, the total costs of the VFB system are evaluated in dependence of the flow field’s dimensions. The total costs are composed of the electrolyte, production and component costs. For those, the production technique (injection moulding or milling), the pump and nominal power density as well as depth of discharge are determined. Finally, flow field designs are achieved, which lead to significantly reduced costs. The presented method is applicable for the design process of other flow fields and types of flow batteries.
Graphical abstract
Brain Toxoplasmosis Comorbid with Autoimmune Disease: Complicated Immune Response And Case Demonstration
Authors: Graham Alice , Fong Crystal , Naqvi Asghar , Lu Jian-Qiang 
Published: July 2021

Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii (TG), commonly involving the brain. Symptomatic clinical disease of TG infection is much more commonly associated with immunodeficiency; clinicopathological manifestations of brain toxoplasmosis are linked to individual immune responses including brain infiltration of T-cells that are thought to fight against toxoplasmosis. In patients with autoimmune diseases, immune status is typically characterized by T-cell infiltration and complicated mainly by immunosuppressant and/or immunomodulatory treatment. In this study, we demonstrate clinical and radiological features correlated with pathological features of brain toxoplasmosis at different disease stages in a patient with coexisting autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis. The infiltration of CD8+ T-cells in toxoplasma immunostaining-positive acute lesions was greater than that in toxoplasma immunostaining-negative chronic lesions. We also review previously reported cases of brain toxoplasmosis with comorbid autoimmune diseases. Our present case and literature review suggest that brain toxoplasmosis in patients with autoimmune diseases may be asymptomatic unless disease complications occur; it may present as an incidental finding at postmortem examination of rapidly developed lesions. T-cell infiltration in patients with autoimmune diseases and coexisting toxoplasmosis may be at least partially reduced; ultimately, the roles of T-cell infiltration in brain toxoplasmosis deserve further investigation.Learning ObjectivesDiscuss complicated immune response to toxoplasmosis in patients with autoimmune diseases.Describe clinical, radiological, and pathological features of brain toxoplasmosis in patients with autoimmune diseases.
3D-Printed Endoport vs. Open Surgery for Evacuation of Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Garcia-Estrada Everardo , Morales-Gómez Jesús Alberto , Garza-Báez Azalea , Sotomayor-González Arturo , Palacios-Ortiz Isaac Jair , Mercado-Flores Mariana , Martínez-Ponce de León Angel Raymundo 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT:Background:Large-sized clinical trials have failed to show an overall benefit of surgery over medical treatment in managing spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH); less invasive techniques have shown to decrease brain injury caused by surgical manipulation in the standard open approach improving the clinical outcomes of patients. Thereby, we propose a low-cost 3D-printed endoport for a less invasive ICH evacuation. In this study, the authors compare the clinical outcomes of early surgical evacuation using a 3D-printed endoport vs. a standard open surgery (OS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted comparing patients who underwent early evacuation of a deep hypertensive ICH through an endoport vs. OS at a single center from August 2017 to March 2019. Demographic, clinical, and radiologic data were reviewed. The primary outcomes were the 90-day post-stroke functional outcome and mortality.Results:A total of 36 patients were included. The two cohorts (18 endoport; 18 OS) showed no statistically significant differences in demographic, clinical, and radiologic characteristics, including median admission hemorrhage volume, Glasgow Coma Scale, and ICH scores. At 90-day post-stroke, 44% of patients in the endoport group and 17% in the OS group had a favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–3) (p = 0.039); moreover, the endoport group showed lower mortality (33% vs. 72%, p = 0.019).Conclusions:This study suggests that an endoport-assisted ICH evacuation may have better functional outcomes and lower mortality than OS. The proposed device could provide a safe, low-cost alternative for ICH’s surgical treatment. More rigorous research is hence needed to assess the potential benefits of this technique.
STABILITY AND CHANGES IN PARTY IDENTIFICATION IN TAIWAN: AN EXAMINATION OF LIFE CYCLE, COHORT, AND PERIOD EFFECTS
Authors: Chen Rou-lan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article builds on the theoretical debate over age, period, and cohort effects (APC) and explores how these factors might affect Taiwan's partisan stability. We conducted a two-level multinomial logit random effects model using survey data from 1991 to 2020 to disentangle the APC effects. Our findings challenge Converse's core assumption that partisanship strengthens with age. As a new democracy, Taiwan's party affiliations remain fluid, and we do find evidence of period effects, particularly associated with cross-Strait crises that favor the DPP. However, generational replacement is the most significant factor driving party identity changes in Taiwan. With generational replacement, the Kuomintang is burdened by the image of a century-old party. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had previously fared better among young cohorts but has recently lost its support from millennials. The youngest generation increasingly refuses to associate with the traditional political parties. It seems reasonable to expect that the new generational forces will restructure the Blue–Green cleavage and expand the ideological diversity of Taiwan's party system.
Glacial kettles as archives of early human settlement along the Northern Rocky Mountain Front
Authors: Lanoë François B. , Zedeño M. Nieves , Jansson Anna M. , Holliday Vance T. , Reuther Joshua D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Northern Rocky Mountain Front (hereafter Northern Front) is a prominent geographic feature in archaeological models of human dispersal in the terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene of North America. Testing those models has been arduous because of local geomorphological factors that tend to obliterate or otherwise limit access to archaeological finds of relevant age. In this paper, we present well-stratified archaeological and environmental records dating back to 14,000–13,000 cal yr BP from the site of Billy Big Spring (Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Montana), located on a glacial kettle, a type of landform that has been largely ignored by regional archaeological research to date. Findings from Billy Big Spring show the continuous use of the Northern Front foothills throughout the major climatic and environmental disturbances of the Early Holocene, and possibly the terminal Pleistocene as well. As such, Billy Big Spring contributes to refining several archaeological models of early settlement of the Northern Front, particularly those that posit differential use of foothills versus plains settings during the midst of the Holocene Thermal Maximum. The record at Billy Big Spring also suggests that kettles, regardless of physiographic setting, provide a yet unsuspected and unsampled potential for preserving high-quality and easily accessible early archaeological and paleoenvironmental records.
Timescales of magmatism and metamorphism in the Connemara Caledonides: insights from the thermal aureole of the Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex, western Ireland
Authors: O’Driscoll Brian , Chew David M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractZircon separates from the contact aureole of the syn-tectonic Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex, western Ireland, are studied to constrain the nature and timing of magmatism associated with the early stages of the Grampian Orogeny. The samples analysed come from the uppermost part of the Dalradian Supergroup in northern Connemara (the Ben Levy Grit Formation), where a laterally extensive (>10 km) package of metamorphosed siliciclastic sedimentary rocks containing heavy mineral seams crops out. The seams mainly comprise magnetite, but zircon is also present in greater than accessory quantities. The seams have been locally reworked at granulite-facies metamorphic conditions during intrusion of the Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex magmas. Here we combine in situ mineral chemical and U–Pb geochronological analyses of zircons from samples of these heavy mineral seams collected at different locations in the Dawros–Currywongaun–Doughruagh Complex thermal aureole. An important finding is that the zircons studied have magmatic trace-element compositions, interpreted here as a function of their growth during contact metamorphic-induced partial melting. The zircons yield a range of U–Pb spot ages whose uncertainties suggest a maximum duration of zircon growth of ˜11 Ma, between 477.1 and 466.1 Ma, though it is likely that zircon growth occurred much more quickly than this. The age constraints revealed here match well with the range of 475 to 463 Ma previously proposed for the Grampian Orogeny overall in Connemara and lend useful support to models that argue for high-intensity, relatively short-lived Grampian orogenesis in the Connemara Caledonides.
Evaluation of alfalfa cultivars under rainfed Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Baxevanos D. , Loka D. , Tsialtas I. T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTwenty alfalfa cultivars were tested, under rainfed conditions in central Greece, for forage yield, agronomic and nutritive value in order to identify adaptive responses contributing to high resilience and productivity. From 2014 to 2017, five harvests (H1 to H5) per season were conducted. Two cultivars were also grown as irrigated checks. Annual and total dry matter (DMA and DMT) and harvest ratios (RH) were estimated. DMT was reduced by 42.9–48.1% under ambient rainfall compared to irrigated checks, which received 50.2% more water. The seasonal yield distribution demonstrated two contrasting strategies, however, equally effective for high resilience under rainfed conditions. The winter-active imported cultivars were the most resilient in the driest year, potentially due to their ability to exploit autumn rains, whereas the locally adapted genotypes were more productive in summer. The spring harvest ratio (RH1) was more indicative (r = 0.94, P < 0.01) of cultivar productivity, compared to plant survival (r = 0.65, P < 0.01), whereas the autumn harvest ratio (RH5) was representative of productivity under extreme drought (r = 0.53, P < 0.05). RH1 and RH5 were increased by 11.8 and 12.3%, respectively, whereas the summer ratios (RH3, RH4) were reduced by 47.3%, under rainfed v. irrigated conditions. Two Australian cultivars (‘Blue Ace’, ‘Icon’) achieved the highest RH5 suggesting an adaptive response by being more productive in autumn. However, the development of specifically adapted cultivars in terms of higher summer yield and plant survival may be necessary to cope with future climatic changes in the Mediterranean region.
Social networks and their impact on access to health care: insights from older widows living alone in Kottayam, South India
Authors: George Mathew Sunil , Gaitonde Rakhal , Davey Rachel , Sukumaran Vyas , Mohanty Itismita , Upton Penney 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe feminisation of ageing observed across the world is a significant challenge in many societies. Women's greater longevity is associated with the increased likelihood of age-related disability and morbidity. Furthermore, gendered disadvantage and poverty can make access to health care increasingly problematic in later years. Among the Indian states, Kerala has the highest number of residents above the age of 60 and many are older widows. Given this context, this paper explores what promotes access to health care for older widows living alone in the south Indian state of Kerala. Thirty-two in-depth interviews, eight focus group discussions and eight units of participant observation were carried out among widows, health-care providers and key informants. Applying a reflexive inductive approach to our analysis, the main barriers to access that emerged were altered family structures and loneliness, whilst enablers included good social networks and access to neighbourhood clinics. Our participants’ social networks were drawn from three levels: family, neighbourhood and the wider community. The ability to form a personal community from their social networks and the quality of relationships within this community strongly predicted the capacity to access health care. Efforts to improve access to health care for older widows requires a response that is rooted in the socio-cultural context of the community. Comprehensive social protection policies that promote initiatives to engender social capital among the older population, decentralised primary health-care services, and the training and sensitisation of health service staff would be key to promote equitable access for older widows.