bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence&nbsp;of&nbsp;Toxoplasma&nbsp;gondii&nbsp;infection&nbsp;among&nbsp;small&nbsp;mammals&nbsp;in&nbsp;Tatarstan,&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Federation
Authors: Shamaev Nikolai , Shuralev Eduard , Nikitin Oleg , Mukminov Malik , Davidyuk Yuriy , Belyaev Alexander , Isaeva Guzel , Ziatdinov Vasil , Khammadov Nail , Safina Regina , Salmanova Gaysha , Akhmedova Guzel , Khaertynov Kamil , Saito Taizo , Kitoh Katsuya , Takashima Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with a wide host range that includes humans, domestic animals and wild animals. Small mammals serve as intermediate hosts for T. gondii and may contribute to the persistence of this parasite in the environment. Mass mortality in wild animals and deaths in rare endemic species make the study of this parasite of growing importance. In this study, T. gondii infection prevalence was evaluated in brain tissues from 474 small mammals captured at 26 trapping points in urban and rural areas of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. Nested PCR was used to detect the T. gondii B1 gene in the samples. Overall, 40/474 samples (8.44 %) showed B1 gene positivity. T. gondii infection among the wild small mammals trapped in the rural area was significantly higher as a whole than that of the urban area as a whole. Multivariate logistical regression analysis also showed that the trapping area (rural or urban) significantly contributed to T. gondii positivity. Vegetation in the trapping points, small mammal species, sex, age or distance from the trapping points to the nearest human settlements did not significantly affect T. gondii positivity in the sampled small mammals.
Clinical effect of a new type of transpedicular reducer for fracture reduction via pedicle and bone grafting combined with pedicle screw fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures
Authors: Cai Menghan , Xin Zhijun , Kong Weijun , Du Qian , Ji Wenjun , Wu Fujun , Li Jin , He Jialin , Liao Wenbo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Short-segment transpedicular screw fixation is a common method for the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures (TBFs),but this technique has many problems.Therefore,the purpose of this article is to observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new type of transpedicular reducer that we designed for fractured vertebral body reduction and bone grafting in the treatment of TBFs.Methods:From July 2018 to November 2020, 70 cases of TBFs were included. 35 cases were treated with the new transpedicular reducer for fracture reduction via pedicle and bone grafting combined with pedicle screw fixation (observation group), 35 cases were treated with short-segment transpedicular screw fixation (control group).Before operation, after application of the transpedicular reducer(not needed in the control group),3 days after operation, 3 months after operation, 6 months after operation, and 12 months after operation, the two groups were recorded and compared respectively: the anterior and middle heights of the injured vertebrae, the ratios of the anterior and middle heights of the injured vertebral body to the respective heights of the adjacent uninjured vertebral bodies (AVBHr and MVBHr, respectively), and the Cobb angle of patients.And we compared the pain VAS score and quality of life GQOL-74 score at the last follow-up.At last,we evaluated the distribution of bone grafts and bone healing 12 months after the operation.Results:All 70 cases were followed up for at least 12 months.The observation group's anterior and middle heights of the injured vertebral, AVBHr and MVBHr were higher than those of the control group at 3 days,3 months,6 months and 12 months after operation, the cobb angle was smaller than that in control group, the pain VAS score and the quality of life GQOL-74 score at the last follow-up were better than those of the control group, and these difference were statistically significant (P <0.05). The observation group showed no obvious defects on CT at 12 months after operation, and the bone healing was good. Conclusion: The new type of transpedicular reducer for fracture reduction via pedicle and bone grafting combined with pedicle screw fixation for TBFs has a good clinical efficacy.
Effect of Hyperhomocysteinemia on a Murine Model of Smoke-Induced Pulmonary Emphysema.
Authors: Nakano Hiroshi , Inoue Sumito , Igarashi Akira , Tokairin Yoshikane , Yamauchi Keiko , Kimura Tomomi , Nishiwaki Michiko , Nemoto Takako , Otaki Yoichiro , Sato Masamichi , Sato Kento , Machida Hiroyoshi , Yang Sujeong , Murano Hiroaki , Watanabe Masafumi , Shibata Yoko 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was reported to enhance endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent apoptosis in several cells. However, the precise mechanisms of smoking susceptibility associated with HHcy has not been fully elucidated. This study included seven- to nine-week-old C57BL6 male mice induced with HHcy and were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS). A549 cells (human alveolar epithelial cell line) were cultured with homocysteine and were exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to observe cell viability and expression of proteins related to the ER stress. After 6 months of CS exposure, pulmonary emphysema was more severely induced in the group under the condition of HHcy compared to that in the control group. The apoptotic A549 cells increased as Hcy concentration increased and that was enhanced by CSE. Protein expression levels of ER stress markers were significantly increased after simultaneous stimulation. Notably, vitamin B12 and folate supplementation improved ER stress after simultaneous stimulation of A549 cells. HHcy exacerbated smoking-induced pulmonary emphysema and ER stress-induced alveolar cell apoptosis. ER stress in alveolar cells was reversed by vitamin B12 and folate supplementation, suggesting that HHcy could be the new therapeutic target to improve smoking susceptibility.
Methodological Approach to Assessing the Effectiveness of Managing the Investment Potential of International Financial Corporations
Authors: Chernogorskiy Sergey , Kostin Konstantin , Mühlfriedel Bernd 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Assessing the management of the investment potential of international financial corporations is an important research problem, since it helps to substantiate the significance of decisions made, which increases the efficiency of international corporations in general. One of the main indicators that evaluate the quality of enterprise management is operational efficiency. The effectiveness of the enterprise means the ability of the enterprise to ensure the constant production of material (information, social, etc., depending on the segment of the enterprise) goods, in any given situation. This article touches upon the issue of assessing the effectiveness of managing the investment potential of an enterprise. The general approach to the methodology is based on a model of making a personal decision based on synthesis, while a personal decision is being the basis of any activity, regardless of the sphere of management. The article uses a methodology for assessing the effectiveness, based on the construction of a complex system. The methodology is also stipulated by: firstly, the basic laws of the subject area (basic physical, social and technical laws), and secondly, the ultimate goal of the system development. This approach is based on the system integration of the basic processes for managing the investment potential of the enterprise and represents a solution to the inverse management problem. This synthesis-based approach ensures the achievement of the goal of management. Within the process of development of the approach to assessing the effectiveness of managing the investment potential of an enterprise, a synthesis-based mathematical model was developed.
Mapping Revealed Two Additive QTLs and Fourteen Epistatic QTLs for Late Leaf Spot Resistance in a Cultivated Groundnut Breeding Line VG 9514.
Authors: Mondal Suvendu , Motagi Babu N. , Badigannavar Anand M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A late leaf spot resistant breeding line VG 9514 was bred through interspecific hybridization between Arachis hypogaea L. and Arachis cardenasii. Genetic study involving segregation for late leaf spot resistance in F2 and recombinant inbred line population of a cross between VG 9514 X TAG 24 revealed duplicate recessive resistance for the disease. Integration of newly developed SSR markers from A02 chromosome with existing linkage map generated a new genetic linkage map with 278 markers and 2679.1 cM map distances. QTL mapping involving this genetic linkage map and phenotypic field score of late leaf spot identified two major consensus additive QTLs in the A02 chromosome of cultivated groundnut. Epistatic interaction between these two major QTLs was also noticed through an epistatic QTL analysis in Ici-Mapping 4.1. In all the fourteen epistatic QTLs, a common component locus was remained within the major additive QTL at 90 cM in chromosome A02. Sequence analysis within the major additive QTL peaks revealed open reading frame of genes that code LRR domain containing proteins which are involved in disease resistance in crop plants.
Improvement of N-Type Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell Performance Using Novel Texturization Method.
Authors: Ray Soma , Mondal Anup , Gangopadhyay Utpal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Texturization of diamond cut crystalline silicon wafers undergoes a great difficulty due to deep saw marks on all over the surface of the wafer which makes hindrance to manufacture high efficiency solar cell. Textural result is not satisfactory after conventional texturization by potassium hydroxide (KOH)-isopropyl alcohol (IPA) followed by the saw damage removal by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution. The non-uniform texture surface has been observed with noticeable spots on the wafer surface. Surface texturization of diamond cut silicon wafer has been improved after introducing a new method in this paper. Small amount of surfactant along with KOH-IPA solution and curtailing saw damage removal step created better textural result than conventional texturization method. Optimize etching solution exhibited excellent anisotropic etching which eventually paved to improve solar cell characteristics than conventional surface texturing. About 15% efficiency is found for conventional texturization in diamond cut wafers while above 19% efficiency was found for our proposed method. Batch process compatibility has been studied using stainless steel container instead of commercially available borosil glass bath.
Iprodione and Chlorpyrifos, Alone and in a Mixture, Impaired Male Fertility and Sexual Behavior in Adult Rats via Suppression of Steroidogenic Genes and SIRT1/TERT/PGC-1α Pathway
Authors: Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Sharkawy Nabela I. El , Bohy Khlood M. El , Hassan Mona A. , Gharib Heba S.A. , El-Metwally Abeer E. , Arisha Ahmed Hamed , Imam Tamer S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
There is cumulative evidence that the iprodione (IPR) fungicide and the chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide are endocrine disruptors that can evoke reproductive toxicity. Yet, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Besides, the outcomes of their co-exposure to male sexual behavior and male fertility are still unknown. The effects of IPR (200 mg/kg b.wt) and CPF (7.45 mg/kg b.wt) single or mutual exposure for 65 days on sexual behavior, sex hormones, testicular enzymes, testis, and accessory sex gland histomorphometric measurements, apoptosis, and oxidative stress biomarkers were investigated. In addition, expression of nuclear receptor subfamily group A (NR5A1), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B3), silent information regulator type-1 (SIRT1), telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) genes have been assessed. Our results revealed that the individual or concurrent IPR and CPF exposure significantly disturb the sexual behavior, semen characteristics, testicular enzymes, and male hormones level. Oxidative stress caused by IPR and CPF activates apoptosis by inducing Caspase 3 and reducing Bcl-2. Downregulation of HSD17B3, NR5A1, and SIRT1/TERT/PGC-1α pathway was evident. Of note, most of these disturbances were exaggerated in rats co-exposed to IPR and CPF compared to IPR or CPF alone. Conclusively, our findings verified that IPR and CPF possibly damage the male reproductive system and concurrent exposure should be avoided.
A Risk Stratification Model for Predicting Survival in Breast Cancer Patients With Lung Metastasis: A Study of the SEER Database and A Chinese Cohort
Authors: Han Xiang-Chen , Pei Yu-Chen , Wang Yun-Jin , Li Xiao-Guang , Lu Xun-Xi , Guo Lin-Wei , Han Bo-Yue , Gong Yue , Ling Hong , Hu Xin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Distant metastases are the leading cause of death among breast cancer (BC) patients, and lung is the second preferential colonized sits. However, there has been no prognostic evaluation of BC patients with lung metastases so far. This research aimed to predict the overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) for BC patients with lung metastases and stratify them into different risk groups.Result A total of 3888 patients from the SEER database were eligible for the subsequent analyses, with the training cohort of 1944 patients and the validation cohort I of 1944 patients. In addition, 374 patients from the Chinese XXX database were assigned as the validation II. Race, age, grade, subtype, number of metastatic sites, surgery, and chemotherapy were identified as determinant prognostic variables and integrated to construct the nomogram. Ultimately, a risk stratification model was established, and all patients were classified as three risk groups. Conclusion We constructed prognostic prediction and risk stratification models for BC patients with lung metastases and validated it in both the SEER cohort and the Chinese cohort; these could assist clinicians in risk prediction, prognosis evaluation, and decision making on an individualized basis.
Pure retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy with delayed occlusion of the proximal inferior vena cava (DOPI) technique for renal tumor with level II-III venous tumor thrombus
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Hong Peng , Zhu Guodong , Zhang Li , Zhao Xun , Tang Shiying , Yang Feilong , Tian Xiaojun , Wang Guoliang , Zhang Shudong , Zhang Hongxian , Huang Yi , Liu Chunxia , Liu Cheng , Ma Lulin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To explore the safety and effectiveness of delayed occlusion of the proximal inferior vena cava (DOPI) technique in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN) and thrombectomy for renal tumor with level II-III venous tumor thrombus (VTT).
Materials and Methods

From August 2016 to October 2018, a total of 145 patients with renal tumor and VTT were admitted to our centre. Seventy-five patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 70 patients underwent open surgery. Among these patients, 17 patients underwent retroperitoneal LRN and thrombectomy with the DOPI technique. Clinical data were collected retrospectively, and a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.
Results

All the patients successfully underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery. The mean operation time was 345.9 ± 182.9 min; the mean estimated blood loss was 466.7 ± 245.5 ml. Postoperative complications occurred in three patients, including two patients of Clavien grading system level IVa and one patient of level II. There were no complications related to carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum, such as gas embolism, acidosis, and subcutaneous emphysema. During 21 months of median follow-up time, no local recurrence was found, and distant metastasis occurred in four patients. Cancer-specific death occurred in two patients.
Conclusions

The DOPI technique is safe and feasible in the treatment of renal tumor and level II-III VTT. With the DOPI technique, the procedures of dissociating and exposing proximal inferior vena cava are simplified.
Minimum Ten-Year Outcome of a Triple-Tapered Femoral Stem Implanted With Line-To-Line Cementing Technique
Authors: Ohashi Hirotsugu , Iida Satoshi , Minato Izumi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background A triple-tapered polished femoral stem was implanted with line-to-line cementing technique. The purpose of this study was to determine the survivorship, loosening rate, stem subsidence, radiologic changes and clinical outcomes in the minimum ten-year follow-up. Methods This was a retrospective study done in three institutes. Finally, 118 hips in 97 patients could be followed-up at the mean follow-up period of 126.9 months. The survivorship, radiological and clinical outcomes were investigated. Results Radiologically, 107 hips (90.7%) were categorized to Barrack cementing grade A, and 108 stems (91.5%) were inserted in neutral position. All hips were not loose and were not revised due to aseptic loosening. Survival with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 100% after 10 years. At the last follow-up, the mean subsidence was 0.41 mm, and the subsidence was less than 1 mm in 110 hips (93.2%). JOA hip score improved from 42.7 ± 9.2 points preoperatively to 92.9 ± 6.8 points at the last follow-up. No patient complained thigh pain. Conclusions Line-to-line cementing technique with use of a triple-tapered polished stem was effective to achieve good cementation quality and centralization of the stem. The subsidence was small, and the minimum ten-year results were excellent without any failures related to the stem.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered
Challenges to Manage Pandemic of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Iranian Special Situation: A Qualitative Multi-Method Study
Authors: Khankeh Hamidreza , Farrokhi Mehrdad , Roudini Juliet , Pourvakhshoori Negar , Ahmadi Shokoufeh , Abbasabadi-Arab Masoumeh , Bajerge Nader Majidi , Farzinnia Babak , Delshad Vahid , Mazhin Sadegh Ahmadi , Moghaddam Ali Sadeghi , Bahrampouri Saiedeh , Sack Ulrich , Stuck Marcus , Domres Bernd 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWith the unprecedented expansion of COVID-19 in the world since December 2019, the Iranian health system like other countries faced various challenges in managing the disease, which led to obtaining numerous experiences and lessons learned. The aim of this study is to identify these challenges, in regard with unique political, economic, and cultural issues which could help to other countries with similar situation.MethodsThe present study was performed using a qualitative multi-method approach with a content analysis method. The data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews and Focused Group Discussions with 60 key persons, policy makers, health care workers and affected people by the disease, and the review of all available national reports between February 21, 2020, and December 22, 2020. The data collection and analysis process took place simultaneously.ResultsIn this study, critical challenges related to the management of COVID-19 in the health system were, including; The limited evidence and scientific controversies, Poor social prevention and social inequalities, Burnout and sustained workload among health care workers, Improper management of resources and equipment, Lack of guideline for case contact tracing and patient-flow, Community mental health problem. ConclusionsAccording to the study, measurements should be taken to conduct a continuous comprehensive risk assessment and develop a national response plan with an emphasis on exact case contact tracing, active screening, patient flow, paying attention to the psychological and social dimensions of the disease and also transparency of social inequalities in the face of risk factors of the COVID-19. And finally, supporting vulnerable groups using community capacity and cooperating international community to provide vaccine which is difficult to procure due to the sanction.
Floral diversity of abandoned mansions and the influence of soil properties on these unique vegetations.
Authors: Hasan Md. , Sultana Tania , Laskar Md. Ashikur , Islam Md. , Das Subroto 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The findings of this research will give a better understanding about soil-plant interaction and will reveal a new area in bioscience to develop new technologies regarding in situ plant species conservation.
Assessment of Drought Event, its Trend and Teleconnected Factors Over Burundi, Central East Africa
Authors: Nkunzimana Athanase , Shuoben Bi , Guojie Wang , Abdallah Ahmed Alriah Mohamed , Sarfo Isaac , Zhihui Xu , Vuguziga Floribert , Odhiambo Brian Ayugi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study assessed the drought events across Burundi for 37 years ranging from 1981 to 2017. The drought assessment was conducted using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) at 1, 3, 6 and 12-month time scales. The Mann Kendall and Modified Mann Kendall trend tests and Sen’s slope statistic tests were used to analyse the spatiotemporal drought trend. The overall analysis of SPI-3, SPI-6 and SPI-12 outputs revealed that the Northern part of Burundi was the most threatened by dry events, and more than 80% of the extremely and severely dry events occurred within the period 1993–2000. The drought magnitude varied highly in the short rains season (SOND) than during the long rains season (MAM) specifically during the 1990s decade. The cumulative frequency of extremely dry events was very high in the North with 5.2%, 6.1% and 7.4 % at 3, 6 and 12-month time scales respectively. Likewise, the northern part experienced both short, medium and long dry periods, thus 88 consecutive dry months within only 8 years. The North and East regions exhibited a positive increasing trend over annual and seasonal time scales at both 3, 6, and 12 months of SPI analysis while the mountainous region and the South experienced a significant decreasing trend. The first abrupt point issued by forward and backward sequential statistics occurred in 1990, the year corresponding to the beginning of the driest period. Dry years are associated with circulation anomalies over the Indian Ocean and La Nina events.