bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo and in vitro models show unexpected degrees of virulence among Toxoplasma gondii type II and III isolates from sheep
Authors: Fernández-Escobar Mercedes , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Regidor-Cerrillo Javier , Vallejo Raquel , Benavides Julio , Collantes-Fernández Esther , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic agent with high genetic diversity, complex epidemiology, and variable clinical outcomes in animals and humans. In veterinary medicine, this apicomplexan parasite is considered one of the main infectious agents responsible for reproductive failure in small ruminants worldwide. The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize 10 Spanish T. gondii isolates recently obtained from sheep in a normalized mouse model and in an ovine trophoblast cell line (AH-1) as infection target cells. The panel of isolates met selection criteria regarding such parameters as genetic diversity [types II (ToxoDB #1 and #3) and III (#2)], geographical location, and sample of origin (aborted foetal brain tissues or adult sheep myocardium). Evaluations of in vivo mortality, morbidity, parasite burden and histopathology were performed. Important variations between isolates were observed, although all isolates were classified as “nonvirulent” (< 30% cumulative mortality). The isolates TgShSp16 (#3) and TgShSp24 (#2) presented higher degrees of virulence. Significant differences were found in terms of in vitro invasion rates and tachyzoite yield at 72 h post-inoculation (hpi) between TgShSp1 and TgShSp24 isolates, which exhibited the lowest and highest rates, respectively. The study of the CS3, ROP18 and ROP5 loci allelic profiles revealed only type III alleles in ToxoDB #2 isolates and type II alleles in the #1 and #3 isolates included. We concluded that there are relevant intra- and inter-genotype virulence differences in Spanish T. gondii isolates, which could not be inferred by genetic characterization using currently described molecular markers.
Importance of the origin of mesenchymal (stem) stromal cells in cancer biology: “alliance” or “war” in intercellular signals
Authors: Eiro Noemi , Fraile Maria , Fernández-Francos Silvia , Sánchez Rosario , Costa Luis A. , Vizoso Francisco J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play a central role in the intercellular signaling within the tumor microenvironment (TME), exchanging signals with cancer cells and tumor stromal cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts and inflammatory mononuclear cells. Research attributes both pro-tumor and anti-tumor actions to MSCs; however, evidence indicates that MSCs specific effect on the tumor depends on the source of the MSCs and the type of tumor. There are consistent data proving that MSCs from reproductive tissues, such as the uterus, umbilical cord or placenta, have potent anti-tumor effects and tropism towards tumor tissues. More interestingly, products derived from MSCs, such as secretome or extracellular vesicles, seem to reproduce the effects of their parental cells, showing a potential advantage for clinical treatments by avoiding the drawbacks associated with cell therapy. Given these perspectives, it appears necessary new research to optimize the production, safety and antitumor potency of the products derived from the MSCs suitable for oncological therapies.
Upper semicontinuity of pullback attractors for a nonautonomous damped wave equation
Authors: Wang Yonghai , Hu Minhui , Qin Yuming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we study the local uniformly upper semicontinuity of pullback attractors for a strongly damped wave equation. In particular, under some proper assumptions, we prove that the pullback attractor $\{A_{\varepsilon }(t)\}_{t\in \mathbb{R}}$

{

A
ε

(
t
)
}

t
∈
R

of Eq. (1.1) with $\varepsilon \in [0,1]$
ε
∈
[
0
,
1
]
satisfies $\lim_{\varepsilon \to \varepsilon _{0}}\sup_{t\in [a,b]} \operatorname{dist}_{H_{0}^{1}\times L^{2}}(A_{\varepsilon }(t),A_{ \varepsilon _{0}}(t))=0$

lim

ε
→

ε
0

sup

t
∈
[
a
,
b
]

dist

H

0

1

×

L
2

(

A
ε

(
t
)
,

A

ε
0

(
t
)
)
=
0
for any $[a,b]\subset \mathbb{R}$
[
a
,
b
]
⊂
R
and $\varepsilon _{0}\in [0,1]$

ε
0

∈
[
0
,
1
]
.
Determinants of rural livelihood diversification strategies among Chewaka resettlers’ communities of southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Alemayehu , Yirgu Teshome , Uncha Abera 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundLivelihood diversification plays a decisive role for the reduction of poverty, food insecurity and to improve the welfare of rural communities. However, inadequate research attention has been given to explore the determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in resettlement areas of Ethiopia. This study attempts to investigate determinants of livelihood diversification strategies among the resettler households in Chewaka district of Ethiopia.MethodsThe study utilized both primary and secondary data which are qualitative and quantitative in their nature. Through multistage sampling procedure, a total of 384 households were selected from seven sample kebeles of Chewaka district. Data were collected using interview schedule, focus group discussions and field observations. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive and inferential statistics along with multinomial logit model have been employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe results showed that agriculture (43.2%), agriculture plus non-farm (25.5%), agriculture plus off-farm (19.3%) and a combination of agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm (12%) activities are the most pertinent livelihood strategies in the study area. It was found that agriculture has a leading contribution to the total households’ income (72.5%) followed by non-farm (20%) and off-farm activities (7.5%). Multinomial logit model result revealed that land holding size, educational status, livestock holding, sex, age, market distance, credit access, annual income, access to training and household sizes were the major determinants of livelihood diversification strategies. Moreover, poor infrastructural development, lack of working capital, absence of technical support, inadequate skill training and lack of awareness are constraints to livelihood diversification in the area.ConclusionsThe study concludes that agricultural sector alone cannot be relied upon as the core activity for rural households and as a means of reducing poverty, achieving food security and improving livelihoods in the study area. Thus, a comprehensive development plan that enhances successful livelihood diversification is found to be imperative and most urgent. Policies and actions directed towards improving livelihood of the resettlers’ communities should focus on expanding rural infrastructures, enhancing awareness creation activities and cooperation of stakeholders to bring sustainable livelihood outcome in the area.
Determinants of scale of farm operation in the eastern region of Ghana
Authors: Kwapong Nana Afranaa , Ankrah Daniel Adu , Anaglo Jonathan Nicholas , Vukey Enoch Yao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Ghana’s smallholder share area under cultivation is witnessing a gradual decline, relative to the share of farmland under medium scale that is growing rapidly. Little attention has, however, been given to examining the drivers that influence scale of operation.

Method
Using survey data from 231 farmers, this study employed the binary probit regression to assess factors that influence scale of farm operation among cassava and maize farmers in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

Results
The findings showed that factors that were significant and positively related to farm size were age, secondary education, land acquisition for maize farmers, and tertiary education for cassava farmers. On the other hand, factors that were significant and negatively related to farm size were gender, marital status, access to extension services for cassava farmers, and household size, membership of farmer-based organization and access to credit for maize farmers.

Conclusion
The study recommends the provision of mechanization support for medium-scale farmers coupled with the improvement of extension service delivery to medium-scale farmers. With messages focused on the adoption of improved technologies and mechanization of farm operations.
Metastasis-associated fibroblasts: an emerging target for metastatic cancer
Authors: Wang Zimu , Liu Jiaxin , Huang Hairong , Ye Mingxiang , Li Xinying , Wu Ranpu , Liu Hongbing , Song Yong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetastasis suggests a poor prognosis for cancer patients, and treatment strategies for metastatic cancer are still very limited. Numerous studies have shown that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a large component of the tumor microenvironment, contribute to tumor metastasis. Stromal fibroblasts at metastatic sites are different from CAFs within primary tumors and can be termed metastasis-associated fibroblasts (MAFs), and they also make great contributions to the establishment of metastatic lesions and the therapeutic resistance of metastatic tumors. MAFs are capable of remodeling the extracellular matrix of metastatic tumors, modulating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, promoting angiogenesis and enhancing malignant tumor phenotypes. Thus, MAFs can help establish premetastatic niches and mediate resistance to therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. The results of preclinical studies suggest that targeting MAFs can alleviate the progression of metastatic cancer and mitigate therapeutic resistance, indicating that MAFs are a promising target for metastatic cancer. Here, we comprehensively summarize the existing evidence on MAFs and discuss their origins, generation, functions and related therapeutic strategies in an effort to provide a better understanding of MAFs and offer treatment perspectives for metastatic cancer.
Analysis of cooking recipes written in Japanese and motion planning for cooking robot
Authors: Inagawa Masahiro , Takei Toshinobu , Imanishi Etsujiro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany cooking robots have been developed in response to the increasing demand for such robots. However, most existing robots must be programmed according to specific recipes to enable cooking using robotic arms, which requires considerable time and expertise. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to allow a robot to cook by analyzing recipes available on the internet, without any recipe-specific programming. The proposed method can be used to plan robot motion based on the analysis of the cooking procedure for a recipe. We developed a cooking robot to execute the proposed method and evaluated the effectiveness of this approach by analyzing 50 recipes. More than 25 recipes could be cooked using the proposed approach.
Y-90 SIRT: evaluation of TCP variation across dosimetric models
Authors: Van Benjamin J. , Dewaraja Yuni K. , Sangogo Mamadou L. , Mikell Justin K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Much progress has been made in implementing selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) as a viable treatment option for hepatic malignancies. However, there is still much need for improved options for calculating the amount of activity to be administered. To make advances towards this goal, this study examines the relationship between predicted biological outcomes of liver tumors via tumor control probabilities (TCP) and parenchyma via normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) given variations in absorbed dose prescription methodologies.

Methods
Thirty-nine glass microsphere treatments in 35 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic liver disease were analyzed using 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT and 90Y PET/CT scans. Predicted biological outcomes corresponding to the single compartment (standard) model and multi-compartment (partition) dosimetry model were compared using our previously derived TCP dose-response curves over a range of 80–150 Gy prescribed absorbed dose to the perfused volume, recommended in the package insert for glass microspheres. Retrospective planning dosimetry was performed on the MAA SPECT/CT; changes from the planned infused activity due to selection of absorbed dose level and dosimetry model (standard or partition) were used to scale absorbed doses reported from 90Y PET/CT including liver parenchyma and lesions (N = 120) > 2 ml. A parameterized charting system was developed across all potential prescription options to enable a clear relationship between standard prescription vs. the partition model-based prescription. Using a previously proposed NTCP model, the change in prescribed dose from a standard model prescription of 120 Gy to the perfused volume to a 15% NTCP prescription to the normal liver was explored.

Results
Average TCP predictions for the partition model compared with the standard model varied from a 13% decrease to a 32% increase when the prescribed dose was varied across the range of 80–150 Gy. In the parametrized chart comparing absorbed dose prescription ranges across the standard model and partition models, a line of equivalent absorbed dose to a tumor was identified. TCP predictions on a per lesion basis varied between a 26% decrease and a 81% increase for the most commonly chosen prescription options when comparing the partition model with the standard model. NTCP model was only applicable to a subset of patients because of the small volume fraction of the liver that was targeted in most cases.

Conclusion
Our retrospective analysis of patient imaging data shows that the choice of prescribed dose and which model to prescribe potentially contribute to a wide variation in average tumor efficacy. Biological response data should be included as one factor when looking to improve patient care in the clinic. The use of parameterized charting, such as presented here, will help direct physicians when transitioning to newer prescription methods.
A retrospective preliminary histomorphometric and clinical investigation on sinus augmentation using enzyme-deantigenic, collagen-preserving equine bone granules and plasma rich in growth factors
Authors: Di Stefano Danilo Alessio , Vinci Raffaele , Capparè Paolo , Gherlone Enrico Felice 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundEnzyme-deantigenic equine bone (EDEB) is a substitute of autogenous bone. Mixing it with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) seems a viable option to achieve enhanced bone formation in alveolar bone augmentation surgeries. This retrospective study aims to first report the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes achieved when using the EDEB/PRGF mixture for performing sinus augmentation procedures followed by delayed implant placement.Materials and methodsRecords of 11 patients who underwent 14 sinus augmentation surgeries using EDEB/PRGF followed by delayed implant placement were retrospectively collected and analyzed to assess histomorphometric data concerning newly formed bone (NFB) and residual biomaterial (RB) recorded at implant placement, marginal bone loss (MBL) values of implants placed in the augmented sinuses, and implant and prosthetic success and survival rates.ResultsAt 5.6 ± 1.1 months after grafting, NFB and RB were 34.0 ± 9.1% and 11.3 ± 2.2% respectively, and no histologic signs of inflammation or immune reaction were observed in any of the 34 bone biopsies being collected. Further, 86.5 ± 4.3 months after implant placement, MBL was 0.40 ± 0.07 mm. No implant or prosthesis failed, and the implant success and survival rates were 100%ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the present study, grafting EDEB/PRGF for lateral sinus augmentation and delayed implant placement seems to be safe. Compared to published data concerning EDEB alone, results of the present study do not suggest that the EDEB/PRGF combination may provide a histomorphometric or medium-/long-term clinical advantage.
Additively manufactured titanium scaffolds and osteointegration - meta-analyses and moderator-analyses of in vivo biomechanical testing
Authors: Cleemput Simon , Huys Stijn E. F. , Cleymaet Robbert , Cools Wilfried , Mommaerts Maurice Y. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Maximizing osteointegration potential of three-dimensionally-printed porous titanium (3DPPT) is an ongoing focus in biomaterial research. Many strategies are proposed and tested but there is no weighted comparison of results.

Methods
We systematically searched Pubmed and Embase to obtain two pools of 3DPPT studies that performed mechanical implant-removal testing in animal models and whose characteristics were sufficiently similar to compare the outcomes in meta-analyses (MAs). We expanded these MAs to multivariable meta-regressions (moderator analysis) to verify whether statistical models including reported scaffold features (e.g., “pore-size”, “porosity”, “type of unit cell”) or post-printing treatments (e.g., surface treatments, adding agents) could explain the observed differences in treatment effects (expressed as shear strength of bone-titanium interface).

Results
“Animal type” (species of animal in which the 3DPPT was implanted) and “type of post-treatment” (treatment performed after 3D printing) were moderators providing statistically significant models for differences in mechanical removal strength. An interaction model with covariables “pore-size” and “porosity” in a rabbit subgroup analysis (the most reported animal model) was also significant. Impact of other moderators (including “time” and “location of implant”) was not statistically significant.

Discussion/conclusion
Our findings suggest a stronger effect from porosity in a rat than in a sheep model. Additionally, adding a calcium-containing layer does not improve removal strength but the other post-treatments do. Our results provide overview and new insights, but little narrowing of existing value ranges. Consequent reporting of 3DPPT characteristics, standardized comparison, and expression of porosity in terms of surface roughness could help tackle these existing dilemmas.

Graphical abstract
Does expressive writing or an instructional intervention reduce the impacts of test anxiety in a college classroom?
Authors: Myers Sarah J. , Davis Sara D. , Chan Jason C. K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTest anxiety is a major concern in education because it causes uncomfortable feelings in test-anxious students and may reduce the validity of exam scores as a measure of learning. As such, brief and cost-effective interventions are necessary to minimize the negative impact of test anxiety on students’ academic performance. In the present experiment, we examine two such interventions: expressive writing (Experiment 1) and an instructional intervention (Experiment 2), with the latter developed from a similar intervention for stereotype threat. Across four authentic exams in a psychology class, students alternated between completing the intervention and a control task immediately before completing the exams. Neither intervention was effective at reducing test anxiety or improving exam performance. The present results suggest that these interventions may not be successful in addressing the impacts of test anxiety in all classroom settings.
Implementation strategies in the context of medication reconciliation: a qualitative study
Authors: Stolldorf Deonni P. , Ridner Sheila H. , Vogus Timothy J. , Roumie Christianne L. , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Dietrich Mary S. , Schlundt David G. , Kripalani Sunil 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Medication reconciliation (MedRec) is an important patient safety initiative that aims to prevent patient harm from medication errors. Yet, the implementation and sustainability of MedRec interventions have been challenging due to contextual barriers like the lack of interprofessional communication (among pharmacists, nurses, and providers) and limited organizational capacity. How to best implement MedRec interventions remains unclear. Guided by the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) taxonomy, we report the differing strategies hospital implementation teams used to implement an evidence-based MedRec Toolkit (the MARQUIS Toolkit).

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted with implementation teams and executive leaders of hospitals participating in the federally funded “Implementation of a Medication Reconciliation Toolkit to Improve Patient Safety” (known as MARQUIS2) research study. Data consisted of transcripts from web-based focus groups and individual interviews, as well as meeting minutes. Interview data were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis and the constant comparison technique.

Results
Data were collected from 16 hospitals using 2 focus groups, 3 group interviews, and 11 individual interviews, 10 sites’ meeting minutes, and an email interview of an executive. Major categories of implementation strategies predominantly mirrored the ERIC strategies of “Plan,” “Educate,” “Restructure,” and “Quality Management.” Participants rarely used the ERIC strategies of finance and attending to policy context. Two new non-ERIC categories of strategies emerged—“Integration” and “Professional roles and responsibilities.” Of the 73 specific strategies in the ERIC taxonomy, 32 were used to implement the MARQUIS Toolkit and 11 new, and non-ERIC strategies were identified (e.g., aligning with existing initiatives and professional roles and responsibilities).

Conclusions
Complex interventions like the MARQUIS MedRec Toolkit can benefit from the ERIC taxonomy, but adaptations and new strategies (and even categories) are necessary to fully capture the range of approaches to implementation.
Regulation of UNC-40/DCC and UNC-6/Netrin by DAF-16 promotes functional rewiring of the injured axon
Authors: Basu Atrayee , Behera Sibaram , Bhardwaj Smriti , Dey Shirshendu , Ghosh-Roy Anindya 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
The adult nervous system has a limited capacity to regenerate after accidental damage. Post-injury functional restoration requires proper targeting of the injured axon to its postsynaptic cell. Although the initial response to axonal injury has been studied in great detail, it is rather unclear what controls the re-establishment of a functional connection. Using the posterior lateral microtubule neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans, we found that after axotomy, the regrowth from the proximal stump towards the ventral side and accumulation of presynaptic machinery along the ventral nerve cord correlated to the functional recovery. We found that the loss of insulin receptor DAF-2 promoted ‘ventral targeting’ in a DAF-16-dependent manner. We further showed that coordinated activities of DAF-16 in neuron and muscle promoted ‘ventral targeting’. In response to axotomy, expression of the Netrin receptor UNC-40 was upregulated in the injured neuron in a DAF-16-dependent manner. In contrast, the DAF-2-DAF-16 axis contributed to the age-related decline in Netrin expression in muscle. Therefore, our study revealed an important role for insulin signaling in regulating the axon guidance molecules during the functional rewiring process.