bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enabling change within new forms of organisations: an empirical investigation of change patterns and stakeholder influence on core intermediary activities
Authors: Laur Inessa , Danilovic Mike 
Published: October 2020

PurposeAlthough previous research has highlighted the importance of innovative intermediary services that are delivered through cluster initiatives to foster own attractiveness and the development of business, little emphasis has been placed on examining the patterns and influencers of such a change in new organisational forms from a management perspective. The present study investigates the change patterns of core intermediary activities in cluster initiatives as well as the influence of various stakeholders on change in those core activities.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data of this work illustrates the general picture of change within new organisational forms and therefore emerges from a survey study carried out among numerous European cluster initiatives originating from different industries. The main propositions for testing have roots in and are discussed through the prism of Stakeholder Theory as well as entrepreneurship, change and intermediary (middle-hands, brokerage) literature.FindingsThe findings reveal that intermediary activities are under continuous change, and the changes appreciated by the initiative members tend to gradually increase in intensity over time. Internal stakeholders are actively engaged in the change process activities, and external stakeholders are too, but to a limited extent. This leaves space for creativity and action for the initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThis research combines stakeholder theory and literature on intermediation (new forms of organisations), change, and entrepreneurship. The outcome of the study might serve as a ground for theoretical classification of cluster initiatives as a particular type of intermediary in accordance with their specific occupation. This would add to the ongoing discussion on definition and typologies of intermediaries as well as lift the awareness on the peculiar constellation of stakeholders within these innovative organisations – their engagement expectations and level of involvement.Practical implicationsKnowledge on which stakeholders can turn to in the event that a special service is needed can shorten implementation times and improve the quality of services. This knowledge is a way to choose suitable and influential networking partners who can assist by pushing existing working mechanisms in a favourable direction.Social implicationsThe study illustrates the patterns behind changes of intermediary activities/services over time, which would form solid ground for developing new methods to assist in achieving stakeholder satisfaction through cluster-initiative services. Therefore, this work can serve as a benchmarking example for traditional organisations that find themselves in “sleeping” mode or that aim for revitalization.Originality/valueThe contribution of change and engagement mechanisms to effectivization and innovativeness of organisations are highlighted as main value added of this research.
COVID‐19 transmission: economy‐boosting investment should target innovation in pandemic containment strategies to minimize restrictions of civil liberties
Authors: Timmis Kenneth 
Published: October 2020

SummaryImposition of restrictions on civil liberties in response to epi/pandemic crises provokes collateral health, economic and social crises. Moreover, as a result of the societal distress engendered, they become less effective over time, reflected in reducing acceptability, public protests, lack of compliance and civil disobedience, as evidenced by current events in some countries. There is an urgent need to evolve new containment strategies that minimize civil liberty restrictions. This requires strategic economic policies to invest in what might be termed pandemic containment innovation, particularly in the development of new means of reducing virus concentrations in closed spaces, and of precision exclusion of virus transmitters from public assemblies. Such innovations and their implementation will in turn create significant employment and boost economies. And, because such investments aim at increasing the resilience of society, healthcare and the economy to pandemics (and indeed outbreaks of respiratory infections in general), they are particularly sustainable.
Unravelling lactate‐acetate and sugar conversion into butyrate by intestinal Anaerobutyricum and Anaerostipes species by comparative proteogenomics
Authors: Shetty Sudarshan A. , Boeren Sjef , Bui Thi P. N. , Smidt Hauke , de Vos Willem M. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThe d‐ and l‐forms of lactate are important fermentation metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria but are found to negatively affect mucosal barrier function and human health. Both enantiomers of lactate can be converted with acetate into the presumed beneficial butyrate by a phylogenetically related group of anaerobes, including Anaerobutyricum and Anaerostipes spp. This is a low energy yielding process with a partially unknown pathway in Anaerobutyricum and Anaerostipes spp. and hence, we sought to address this via a comparative genomics, proteomics and physiology approach. We compared growth of Anaerobutyricum soehngenii on lactate with that on sucrose and sorbitol. Comparative proteomics revealed complete pathway of butyrate formation from sucrose, sorbitol and lactate. Notably, a gene cluster, lctABCDEF was abundantly expressed when grown on lactate. This gene cluster encodes a lactate dehydrogenase (lctD), electron transport proteins A and B (lctCB), nickel‐dependent racemase (lctE), lactate permease (lctF) and short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (lctG). Investigation of available genomes of intestinal bacteria revealed this new gene cluster to be highly conserved in only Anaerobutyricum and Anaerostipes spp. Present study demonstrates that A. soehngenii and several related Anaerobutyricum and Anaerostipes spp. are highly adapted for a lifestyle involving lactate plus acetate utilization in the human intestinal tract.
Development and evaluation of a processing sector model for butter manufacture using a mass balance technique at two dairy processing sites
Authors: Parmar Puneet , Lopez‐Villalobos Nicolas , Tobin John T , Murphy Eoin , Crowley Shane V , Kelly Alan L , Shalloo Laurence 
Published: October 2020

The butter manufacturing process at two different commercial dairy processing sites in Ireland was evaluated using a mass balance approach to develop, evaluate and validate a processing sector model of the flow of milk fat from intake to final product. The mass balance was represented as a function of fat intake = fat in products + fat losses + recycled fat. Representative samples of all products, namely whole milk, cream, skim milk, butter, buttermilk and cleaning‐in‐place streams (cream silo flush, butter churn residue and sludge), were collected from two different sites. Milk fat levels and product quantities were measured to obtain the fat outputs. Total fat losses at the end of butter production ranged between 1.90% and 2.25% of the total fat input for both sites. Three different scenarios were examined to evaluate the model: S1 (Animal Breed) high genetic merit (Elite) and national average (NA) Holstein Friesian (HF) cows were evaluated, for their effect on the net value of milk; S2 (Product Portfolio) a mixed product portfolio of cheese, butter and skim milk powder (SMP) was compared to a product portfolio comprised of butter alone; and S3 (Process Efficiency) the impact of varying process losses on net values of milk and the quantities of products produced was simulated. The value per 1000 L of milk for S1 was €410.69 and €393.20 for Elite and NA cow’s milk, respectively. For S2, the butter‐only product portfolio returned €355.10, whereas the mixed‐products portfolio returned €369.60. Lastly, S3 corresponding returns for 1%, 2.2% and 5% losses was €365.90, €361.47 and €351.12, respectively.
Psychotropic medication use for paediatric mental health patients in an emergency department
Authors: O'Donnell Sinead M , Carison Anna , Hill Ashley , Say Daniela , Hiscock Harriet , Babl Franz E 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThere is paucity of evidence for psychotropic medication use in children and adolescents presenting with mental health (MH) problems to the ED. We set out to describe paediatric psychotropic medication use in the ED.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective electronic medical record review of ED patients with MH discharge codes at a tertiary paediatric ED in 2018. We assessed the epidemiology and management of patients who received a psychotropic medication. We calculated the odds ratios (ORs with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of key demographic factors of medicated versus non‐medicated MH patients.ResultsDuring 2018 there were 1695 MH‐related presentations to the ED. Of these, 280 presentations resulted in the patient receiving a psychotropic medication (16.5%). Medicated children with MH illness were more likely to be male (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.16–1.96), have a more acute triage category (OR 3.37, 95% CI 2.28–4.98), have an ED length of stay greater than 12 h (OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.56–6.13) and present after hours (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.16–1.96). Most had a diagnosis of acute behavioural disturbance or suicidal ideation. A variety of treatment regimens were used but children primarily received a single oral agent (diazepam or olanzapine). Parenteral medications were given in 8.6%. No adverse events were recorded.ConclusionA minority of children with MH presentations to the ED were medicated. It will require multicentre research to determine the most effective and safe acute psychotropic agents for oral and parenteral use in children in the ED.
Estimating the proportion of patients who transition to long‐term opioid use following oxycodone initiation in the emergency department
Authors: Nguyen Jennie P , Harding Andrew M , Greene Shaun L 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo report the number of patients discharged from ED with oxycodone immediate release (IR) over 12 months and estimate the proportion who potentially transition to long‐term opioid use and subsequent injectable heroin use.MethodsRetrospective observational data were collected from a major tertiary‐referral metropolitan ED in Melbourne, Australia, describing the number of patients discharged with an oxycodone IR prescription and proportion of discharge scripts filled. These data were projected against published data reporting trends on patients' trajectory to long‐term opioid use, to subsequently estimate the proportion of patients from this cohort that may transition to injectable heroin use.ResultsOf the 87 551 ED presentations in 2018, there were 4843 prescriptions written for oxycodone IR for 4102 different patients. An estimated 279 patients may become long‐term opioid users following initial ED presentation. Of these 279 patients, 1.4 patients may potentially transition to injectable heroin use.ConclusionModelling opioid use behaviour in an ED population demonstrated the potential development of unintentional long‐term opioid use, and associated harms. Prospective study is required to fully understand trajectories of patients dispensed outpatient therapy from Australian EDs.
Ursolic acid alleviates lipid accumulation by activating the AMPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Cheng Jing , Liu Ying , Liu Yaojie , Liu Dong , Liu Yang , Guo Yatu , Wu Zijian , Li Heyu , Wang Hao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe mechanism underlying the effect of ursolic acid (UA) on lipid metabolism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of UA in reducing lipid accumulation in free fatty acids‐cultured HepG2 cells and in high‐fat‐diet‐fed C57BL/6J mice. In vivo, UA effectively alleviated liver steatosis and decreased the size of adipocytes in the epididymis. It also significantly decreased the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents in the liver and plasma in C57BL/6 mice. In vitro, UA (20 µM) significantly reduced lipid accumulation; the intracellular TC contents decreased from 0.078 ± 0.0047 to 0.049 ± 0.0064 µmol/mg protein, and TG contents from 0.133 ± 0.005 to 0.066 ± 0.0047 µmol/mg protein, in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, UA reduced the mRNA expression related to fat synthesis, enhanced the mRNA expression related to adipose decomposition, and dramatically upregulated the protein expression of P‐AMPK in vivo and in vitro. Of note, these protective effects of UA on a high‐fat environment were blocked by the AMPK inhibitor (compound C) in vitro. In addition, the molecular docking results suggested that UA could be docked to the AMPK protein as an AMPK activator. These results indicated that UA lowered the lipid content probably via activating the AMPK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting lipid synthesis and promoting fat decomposition.Practical ApplicationUrsolic acid (UA) widely exists in vegetables and fruits. This study highlighted a lipid‐lowing mechanism of UA in HepG2 cells and C57BL/6J mice. The data indicated that UA might be used in lipid‐lowering functional foods.
Effect of natron administration on the antioxidant status and lipid profile of rats
Authors: Saidu Yusuf , Olaosebikan Rihanat Olawumi , Isa Suleiman Ahmed , Malami Ibrahim , Muhammad Suleiman Alhaji 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNatron consumption has been implicated in the pathogenesis of peripartum cardiomyopathy. This work evaluates the effect of natron on the antioxidant status and lipid profile of postpartum rats administered graded doses of natron for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the rats were assessed for antioxidant status, malondialdehyde level, and lipid profile. The results revealed that natron caused a significant decrease (P ˂ 0.05) in the activity of catalase in rats administered with 300 mg/kg of natron compared to control. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased in a dose‐dependent manner; however, the difference was not statistically significant when compared with control. Serum levels of antioxidant minerals were also significantly decreased (P ˂ 0.05) at higher doses of natron in comparison to control. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the malondialdehyde level in rats administered with 200 and 300 mg/kg of natron when compared with control. Natron at higher doses caused a significant increase (P ˂ 0.05) in the level of the lipid profile parameters except for high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol that decrease significantly (P ˂ 0.05). This study demonstrated that the administration of natron at high doses induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in postpartum rats.Practical ApplicationThis research reports the implication of a high intake of natron to health and to establish the relationship between natron intake and peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) using an animal model. Natron has health benefits; however, its consumption at high doses should be discouraged as it can lead to oxidative stress (OS) and dyslipidemia. The results suggest that OS due to natron may contribute to the pathogenesis of PPCM. A high concentration of natron can be used to induce an animal model of PPCM, which would be of practical application in studying the molecular basis and possible discovery of therapeutics for the disease.
Early experiences of COVID‐19 infected, middle‐aged patients
Authors: Lee Jessica , Yam Mitchell , Young Noel , Iredell Jonathan 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis case report describes our early radiological experiences of middle‐aged patients with COVID‐19 at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. We found limited relationship between initial CT imaging appearances and progression to severe disease. The most effective use of imaging in COVID‐19 is yet to be determined.
Distinguishing among complex evolutionary models using unphased whole‐genome data through random forest approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Ghirotto Silvia , Vizzari Maria Teresa , Tassi Francesca , Barbujani Guido , Benazzo Andrea 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInferring past demographic histories is crucial in population genetics, and the amount of complete genomes now available should in principle facilitate this inference. In practice, however, the available inferential methods suffer from severe limitations. Although hundreds complete genomes can be simultaneously analysed, complex demographic processes can easily exceed computational constraints, and the procedures to evaluate the reliability of the estimates contribute to increase the computational effort. Here we present an approximate Bayesian computation framework based on the random forest algorithm (ABC‐RF), to infer complex past population processes using complete genomes. To this aim, we propose to summarize the data by the full genomic distribution of the four mutually exclusive categories of segregating sites (FDSS), a statistic fast to compute from unphased genome data and that does not require the ancestral state of alleles to be known. We constructed an efficient ABC pipeline and tested how accurately it allows one to recognize the true model among models of increasing complexity, using simulated data and taking into account different sampling strategies in terms of number of individuals analysed, number and size of the genetic loci considered. We also compared the FDSS with the unfolded and folded site frequency spectrum (SFS), and for these statistics we highlighted the experimental conditions maximizing the inferential power of the ABC‐RF procedure. We finally analysed real data sets, testing models on the dispersal of anatomically modern humans out of Africa and exploring the evolutionary relationships of the three species of Orangutan inhabiting Borneo and Sumatra.
BCAR1 promotes proliferation and cell growth in lung adenocarcinoma via upregulation of POLR2A
Authors: Mao Chun‐guo , Jiang Sha‐sha , Shen Cheng , Long Tan , Jin Hua , Tan Qun‐You , Deng Bo 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the effects of a novel carcinogenetic molecule, p130cas (breast cancer antiestrogen resistance protein 1 or BCAR1) on proliferation and cell growth in lung adenocarcinoma. The study also aimed to identify the possible underlying signal networks of BCAR1.MethodsFirst, we evaluated proliferation, cell colony formation, apoptosis, and cell cycle after BCAR1 was knocked out (KO) using CRISPR‐Cas9 technology in H1975 and H1299 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Subsequently, BCAR1 was upregulated in 293T cells and immunoprecipitation‐mass spectrometry (IP‐MS) was used with bioinformatics analysis to screen for potential networks of BCAR1 interacting proteins. Ultimately, we validated the correlated expressions of BCAR1 and a selected hub gene, RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A), in 54 lung adenocarcinoma tissues, as well as in H1975 and H1299 cells.ResultsCell proliferation of H1975 and H1299 was significantly inhibited following BCAR1‐KO. Colony formation of H1975 cells was also significantly decreased following BCAR1‐KO. IP‐MS demonstrated 419 potential proteins that may interact with BCAR1. Among them, 68 genes were significantly positively correlated to BCAR1 expression, as verified by TCGA. Six hub genes were revealed by PPI String. High expression of POLR2A, MAPK3, MOV10, and XAB2 predicted poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma, as verified by the K‐M plotter database. POLR2A and MAPK3 are involved in both catalytic activity and transferase activity. POLR2A and BCAR1 were significantly increased in lung cancer tissues as compared with matched normal tissues. High expression of POLR2A was significantly positively correlated to BCAR1 overexpression and predicted poor prognosis in 54 lung cancer cases. POLR2A expression was significantly decreased following BCAR1‐KO in H1975 and H1299 cells.ConclusionsBCAR1 promotes proliferation and cell growth, probably via upregulation of POLR2A and subsequent enhancement of catalytic and transferase activities. However, additional robust studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Pay for Performance and Treatment Outcome in Agonist Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Loscalzo Emily , Levit Alexander , Sterling Robert C. , Weinstein Stephen P. 
Published: October 2020

Background and ObjectivesPay for performance (P4P) models have become more popular in reimbursement for medical services, including treatment for substance use disorders. However, studies have not examined whether P4P has an impact on treatment outcome in the individual in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Thus, the present study was conducted at the individual level, rather than the programmatic level, to determine whether meeting the P4P early engagement criteria (four services in the initial 14 days of treatment and/or eight services within the initial 30 days of treatment) resulted in reduced opioid, benzodiazepine, and cocaine use.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 63 patients enrolled in OAT for opioid use disorder. χ2 analyses were conducted crossing P4P early engagement criteria status and urine drug screen (UDS) results for opioid, cocaine, and/or benzodiazepine use at 6 and 12 months postadmission. Methadone dosage and treatment retention were also considered. The odds ratio was used to determine the directionality of significant results.ResultsSignificant relationships were revealed between patients meeting 30‐day P4P early engagement criteria and opioid negative UDS, and with retention in treatment at 6 and 12 months. Methadone dosage was significant at a 6‐month follow‐up.Discussion and ConclusionsSince significant associations between opioid use and P4P as well as opioid use and methadone dose were revealed, findings partially supported hypothesis.Scientific SignificanceP4P and methadone dosage may have some benefit to individuals in OAT in attaining short‐term abstinence from opioids. P4P may be less useful in helping individuals achieve abstinence from other substances of abuse. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Distribution of private dental practices and dentists 2011 and 2018: Analysis by regional area
Authors: Jean Gillian , Kruger Estie , Tennant Marc 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether there has been a change in access to private dental services in regional and remote areas of Australia by comparing the distribution of private dental practices and dentists in 2011 to the distribution in 2018 according to state and territory and the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus.Design and settingA database of dental practices and dentists in Australia was compiled from open‐access sources for 2011 and 2018; dental practices were mapped by state, Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia Plus and Statistical Area 2 census district and linked to population data.Main outcome measuresChange in number of private dental practices, mean number of dentists per private practice, population per dental practice and mean number of dentists per population by geographic location from 2011 to 2018.ResultsThere were more dental practices in rural and remote areas in 2018 than in 2011. The percentage of Statistical Area 2s without a private dental practice was lower in 2018 but remained high in rural areas and increased with remoteness—inner regional 23.1%; outer regional 31.6%; and remote and very remote 48%. Growth in registered dentist numbers did not match population growth, and on average, there were less dentists per practice in inner regional and remote and very remote areas by the end of the study.ConclusionThere has been an improvement in spatial access to private dental services in regional areas of Australia, but slower rate of growth of dentist numbers compared to population growth resulted in poorer access to dental services and large population numbers must still travel outside their local Statistical Area 2 census district to access dental care.