bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N-Acetylcysteine improves intestinal function and attenuates intestinal autophagy in piglets challenged with β-conglycinin
Authors: Wang Huiyun , Li Chengcheng , Peng Meng , Wang Lei , Zhao Di , Wu Tao , Yi Dan , Hou Yongqing , Wu Guoyao 
Published: January 2021

Abstractβ-Conglycinin (β-CG), an anti-nutritional factor, is a major allergen in soybeans to induce intestinal dysfunction and diarrhea in neonatal animals, including piglets and human infants. This study with a piglet model determined the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on intestinal function and autophagy in response to β-CG challenge. Twenty-four 12-day-old piglets (3.44 ± 0.28 kg), which had been weaned at 7 days of age and adapted for 5 days after weaning, were randomly allocated to the control, β-CG, and β-CG + NAC groups. Piglets in the control group were fed a liquid diet containing 10% casein, whereas those in the β-CG and β-CG + NAC groups were fed the basal liquid diets containing 9.5% casein and 0.5% β-CG for 2 days. Thereafter, pigs in the β-CG + NAC group were orally administrated with 50 mg (kg BW)−1 NAC for 3 days, while pigs in the other two groups were orally administrated with the same volume of sterile saline. NAC numerically reduced diarrhea incidence (− 46.2%) and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, but increased claudin-1 and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (iFABP) protein abundances and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the jejunum of β-CG-challenged piglets. Although β-CG challenge decreased the villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and mRNA levels of claudin-1 and occludin, no significant differences were observed in these indices between the control and β-CG + NAC groups, suggesting the positive effects of NAC supplementation on intestinal mucosal barrier function. Moreover, NAC increased the concentrations of citrulline and D-xylose in the plasma, as well as the expression of genes for aquaporin (AQP) 3, AQP4, peptide transporter 1 (PepT1), sodium/glucose co-transporter-1 (SGLT-1), potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 13 (KCNJ13), and solute carrier family 1 member 1 (SLC1A1) in the jejunum, demonstrating that NAC augmented intestinal metabolic activity and absorptive function. Remarkably, NAC decreased Atg5 protein abundance and the LC3II/LC3I ratio (an indicator of autophagy) in the jejunum of β-CG-challenged piglets. Taken together, NAC supplementation improved intestinal function and attenuated intestinal autophagy in β-CG-challenged piglets.
Uncovering the mechanism of Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian decoction for treating ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking verification
Authors: Xu Lin , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Yifan , Zhang Zedan , Wang Fengyun , Tang Xudong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground: Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian Decoction (GGQLD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has been widely used for ulcerative colitis (UC) in China, but the pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. This research was designed to clarify the underlying pharmacological mechanism of GGQLD against UC.Method: In this research, a GGQLD-compound-target-UC network was constructed based on public databases to clarify the relationship between active compounds in GGQLD and potential targets. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to investigate biological functions associated with potential targets. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to screen and evaluate hub genes and key active ingredients. Molecular docking was used to verify the activities of binding between hub targets and ingredients.Results: Finally, 83 potential therapeutic targets and 118 corresponding active ingredients were obtained by network pharmacology. Quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, baicalein, and naringenin were identified as potential candidate ingredients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that GGQLD had anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. The effect of GGQLD on UC might be achieved by regulating the balance of cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF, IL-1β, CXCL8, CCL2) in the immune system and inflammation-related pathways, such as the IL-17 pathway and the Th17 cell differentiation pathway. In addition, molecular docking results demonstrated that the main active ingredient, quercetin, exhibited good affinity to hub targets.Conclusion: This research fully reflects the multicomponent and multitarget characteristics of GGQLD in the treatment of UC. Furthermore, the present study provided new insight into the mechanisms of GGQLD against UC.
Inflammation: a putative link between phosphate metabolism and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Voelkl Jakob , Egli-Spichtig Daniela , Alesutan Ioana , Wagner Carsten A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Dietary habits in the western world lead to increasing phosphate intake. Under physiological conditions, extraosseous precipitation of phosphate with calcium is prevented by a mineral buffering system composed of calcification inhibitors and tight control of serum phosphate levels. The coordinated hormonal regulation of serum phosphate involves fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), αKlotho, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol. A severe derangement of phosphate homeostasis is observed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a patient collective with extremely high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Higher phosphate levels in serum have been associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in CKD patients, but also in the general population. The causal connections between phosphate and CVD are currently incompletely understood. An assumed link between phosphate and cardiovascular risk is the development of medial vascular calcification, a process actively promoted and regulated by a complex mechanistic interplay involving activation of pro-inflammatory signalling. Emerging evidence indicates a link between disturbances in phosphate homeostasis and inflammation. The present review focuses on critical interactions of phosphate homeostasis, inflammation, vascular calcification and CVD. Especially, pro-inflammatory responses mediating hyperphosphatemia-related development of vascular calcification as well as FGF23 as a critical factor in the interplay between inflammation and cardiovascular alterations, beyond its phosphaturic effects, are addressed.
Assessment of Reliability and Validity of the Cochlear Implant Skills Review: A New Measure to Evaluate Cochlear Implant Users' Device Skills and Knowledge
Authors: Vasil Kara , Lewis Jessica , Ray Christin , Baxter Jodi , Bernstein Claire , Brewer Diane , Presley Regina , Sydlowski Sarah , Bosworth Cassandra , Bakke Matthew , Hume-Johnson Kelly , Hehl Emily , Moberly Aaron C. 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The Cochlear Implant Skills Review (CISR) was developed as a measure of cochlear implant (CI) users' skills and knowledge regarding device use. This study aimed to determine intra- and interrater reliability and agreement and establish construct validity for the CISR.

Method
In this study, the CISR was developed and administered to a cohort of 30 adult CI users. Participants included new CI users with less than 1 year of CI experience and experienced CI users with greater than 1 year of CI experience. The CISR administration required participants to demonstrate skills using the various features of their CI processors. Intra- and interrater reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, agreement was assessed using Cohen's kappa, and construct validity was assessed by relating CISR performance to duration of CI use.

Results
Overall reliability for the entire instrument was 92.7%. Inter- and intrarater agreement were generally substantial or higher. Duration of CI use was a significant predictor of CISR performance.

Conclusions
The CISR is a reliable and valid assessment measure of device skills and knowledge for adult CI users. Clinicians can use this tool to evaluate areas of needed instruction and counseling and to assess users' skills over time.
Older Listeners' Perception of Speech With Strengthened and Weakened Dynamic Pitch Cues in Background Noise
Authors: Shen Jing 
Published: January 2021

PurposeDynamic pitch, which is defined as the variation in fundamental frequency, is an acoustic cue that aids speech perception in noise. This study examined the effects of strengthened and weakened dynamic pitch cues on older listeners' speech perception in noise, as well as how these effects were modulated by individual factors including spectral perception ability.MethodThe experiment measured speech reception thresholds in noise in both younger listeners with normal hearing and older listeners whose hearing status ranged from near-normal hearing to mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The pitch contours of the target speech were manipulated to create four levels of dynamic pitch strength: weakened, original, mildly strengthened, and strengthened. Listeners' spectral perception ability was measured using tests of spectral ripple and frequency modulation discrimination.ResultsBoth younger and older listeners performed worse with manipulated dynamic pitch cues than with original dynamic pitch. The effects of dynamic pitch on older listeners' speech recognition were associated with their age but not with their perception of spectral information. Those older listeners who were relatively younger were more negatively affected by dynamic pitch manipulations.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the current pitch manipulation strategy is detrimental for older listeners to perceive speech in noise, as compared to original dynamic pitch. While the influence of age on the effects of dynamic pitch is likely due to age-related declines in pitch perception, the spectral measures used in this study were not strong predictors for dynamic pitch effects. Taken together, these results indicate next steps in this line of work should be focused on how to manipulate acoustic cues in speech in order to improve speech perception in noise for older listeners.
The impact of solar wind variability on pulsar timing
Authors: Tiburzi C. , Shaifullah G. M. , Bassa C. G. , Zucca P. , Verbiest J. P. W. , Porayko N. K. , van der Wateren E. , Fallows R. A. , Main R. A. , Janssen G. H. , Anderson J. M. , Bak Nielsen A.-S. , Donner J. Y. , Keane E. F. , Künsemöller J. , Osłowski S. , Grießmeier J.-M. , Serylak M. , Brüggen M. , Ciardi B. , Dettmar R.-J. , Hoeft M. , Kramer M. , Mann G. , Vocks C. 
Published: January 2021

Context. High-precision pulsar timing requires accurate corrections for dispersive delays of radio waves, parametrized by the dispersion measure (DM), particularly if these delays are variable in time. In a previous paper, we studied the solar wind (SW) models used in pulsar timing to mitigate the excess of DM that is annually induced by the SW and found these to be insufficient for high-precision pulsar timing. Here we analyze additional pulsar datasets to further investigate which aspects of the SW models currently used in pulsar timing can be readily improved, and at what levels of timing precision SW mitigation is possible.
Aims. Our goals are to verify: (a) whether the data are better described by a spherical model of the SW with a time-variable amplitude, rather than a time-invariant one as suggested in literature, and (b) whether a temporal trend of such a model’s amplitudes can be detected.
Methods. We use the pulsar timing technique on low-frequency pulsar observations to estimate the DM and quantify how this value changes as the Earth moves around the Sun. Specifically, we monitor the DM in weekly to monthly observations of 14 pulsars taken with parts of the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) across time spans of up to 6 years. We develop an informed algorithm to separate the interstellar variations in the DM from those caused by the SW and demonstrate the functionality of this algorithm with extensive simulations. Assuming a spherically symmetric model for the SW density, we derive the amplitude of this model for each year of observations.
Results. We show that a spherical model with a time-variable amplitude models the observations better than a spherical model with a constant amplitude, but that both approaches leave significant SW-induced delays uncorrected in a number of pulsars in the sample. The amplitude of the spherical model is found to be variable in time, as opposed to what has been previously suggested.
Globalizations Consequences, before and after COVID-19 Attack according to the Theory of Functional Equivalence
Authors: Avilov Oleg 
Published: January 2021

Research background: According to our theory, any need (imbalance) is excess of information, physical and chemical factors that arise in the course of life activities and cannot be eliminated by the body itself without the risk for the health. Satisfying the needs is a search of “channels” for establishing equivalence that is changed number of the mentioned factors for transforming their excess into strictly equivalent functional and structural changes in the organism. Globalization makes it faster. The indicator of that equivalence is established is decreasing of the stress level accompanied by positive emotions in the person.
Purpose of the article: The meaning of economic activity is not the achievement of any economic indicators, but the receipt of positive emotions in producers and consumers. Both production and consumption can be “channels” of establishing equivalence. With the COVID-19 epidemic, the possibilities of establishing equivalence at an optimal pace are significantly reduced.
Methods: The economic and social phenomena observed in society before and after the COVID-19 attack have been analyzed in terms of the basic concepts of functional equivalence theory.
Findings and Value added: Globalization can help to find “channels” for establishing equivalence more quickly through increased opportunities for consumption and production. The limitations of COVID-19 have led to greater imbalances among the populations of many countries without the capacity to reduce them. Constant stress can lead to depression, suicides, antisocial behavior. Ways to prevent these phenomena have been suggested.
Social-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania
Authors: Černikovaitė Miglė , Karazijienė Žaneta 
Published: January 2021

Research background: COVID-19 pandemic became the global issue in today’s world. Due to the globalized world, the virus had a possibility to spread across the globe and infect people from different nations and continents. However, COVID-19 pandemic is the consequence of globalization that has tremendous social-economic outcomes around the globe. COVID-19 also induced the panic in mass media and governments adopted new policies and precautions in order to minimize the damage and spread of this virus. However, due to the government restrictions, the consumer behavior also had a drastic change and influenced the economy as a whole.
Purpose of the article: To investigate the social-economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania.
Methods: scientific literature analysis, statistical analysis of secondary data and comparative analysis.
Findings & Value added: People are well informed about the COVID-19 pandemics in Lithuania. Thread of COVID-19 was seen as real and Lithuanians were in panic that affected their behaviour on purchasing consumer goods and services. Lithuanian economic sectors were affected differently. However, Lithuania has a mild social-economic effects of COVID-19, were more concerned about global issues related to the virus (spreading globally and in Europe, impact on economy and etc.) and less about personal, local and national issues (closure of Lithuanian borders, closure of schools and universities, crisis in tourism and other sectors).
Specifics of the Tax System to Support Tourism before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from South American Countries
Authors: Honajzrová Banús Shirley Consuelo 
Published: January 2021

Research background:Following the global trends concerning “tourism taxation,” South American governments identified and applied policies on taxation to raise revenues or fiscal relaxation measures to support their tourism sectors as strategies to increase its number of tourists, competitiveness, and the attractiveness of its destinations. Due to the COVID-19 threat, several countries have been forced to turn to emergency tax breaks and temporary changes in taxation measures.Purpose of the article:This research aims to determine which taxes, fees, and charges that affect the tourism sector in South American countries have been reduced/removed as a short-term measure to support tourism during the COVID-19 crisis.Methods:The paper is structured from deductive reasoning, which moves from a general to a more specific analysis. First, a basic description of the tax system’s specifications that affect South America’s tourism sector is presented based on comparative information in the form of an inventory of tourism-related taxes, based on an analytical study. With data obtained from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and other international organizations which are tracking the policies’ responses to COVID-19, an assessment of the key policy responses from these countries related to “tourism taxation” will be made and compared with other regions.Findings & Value added:The contribution presented focuses on exploring and describing the role of taxes used as a measure to support the tourism sector. Then, the tax incentives/reduction or removal made as a government response to the coronavirus pandemic threat and its possible impacts were analyzed. It also highlights recent trends and interesting practices in South America.
Global COVID-19 Pandemic and Indebtedness of Municipalities with Extended Power in the Czech Republic
Authors: Lajtkepová Eva 
Published: January 2021

Research background:In theory, indebtedness of municipalities is only ever associated with the acquisition of investments. It is advised that indebtedness should be regulated by the state, but there is a risk of limiting investment in local infrastructure.Purpose of the article:According to Act No. 23/2017 Coll., municipalities must regulate their own indebtedness and comply with the fiscal rule on pain of penalty. The aim of this text is to provide an analysis and examine the prospects of compliance with the fiscal rule in 205 municipalities with extended power. The analysis is carried out between 2017 and 2019, the risks of compliance in the following years mainly relate to the emerging economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:Given the subject of the analysis, secondary data was used for the research. Data was taken from the Monitor database operated by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic. The obtained data had been processed using standard statistical methods.Findings & Value added:To date, the indebtedness of municipalities with extended power is not excessive: the mean and median values are still well below the legal limit. Still, there are some municipalities where the legal limit has been exceeded, or whose indebtedness is nearing the limit. In the event of reduced tax revenue, which is to be expected in the coming years, these municipalities will struggle to comply with the fiscal rule. The consequences will include halting or limiting local investment, and/or reducing the quality of local public goods.
Globalization of Education: Online Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language in a Pandemic Condition
Authors: Savilova Svetlana L. , Kropotkina Anna A. , Kokhanovskaya Yevgenia V. 
Published: January 2021

Research background:In connection with the pandemic situation in the world, higher education had to find a solution to fulfill its obligations and end the academic year. The transition to a digital educational format has allowed universities to fulfill their obligations to provide educational services in full. The article dwells on the main concepts, models and characteristic features of modern distance learning. The relevance of distance learning technologies is substantiated, with the emphasis on the specific organization of the educational process, due to those technologies.Purpose of the article:The aim of the authors was to investigate into the expansion of online learning functions as a tool of the educational process, as well as into the ways to preserve and increase student motivation to study in the situation of distance education.Methods:Methods are proposed for creating a virtual learning environment based on: resorting to the material from various Internet sources; giving online lectures and consultations; working out tests; using an integration model, a convertible interactive database and a complex approach with the application of multiple resources for passing on and consolidating knowledge, as well as for rating students’ academic performance.Findings & Value added:Distance learning is a modern reality, which, as an important part and complement to the traditional form of the learning process of a modern student, expands the possibilities of classical university education.
Global Impact of COVID 19 on the Concept of “Going Concern”
Authors: Savova Kameliya 
Published: January 2021

Research background: The article presents a problem in the field of financial reporting. “Going concern” is the basic concept and principle in the preparation of the financial statements of enterprises.
Purpose of the article: The purpose of this article is to present the global impact of COVID 19 on the concept of “going concern”, which is used as a basis for the development of the financial statements of the companies. The essence of the “going concern” concept is clarified. The key factors provoking a crisis in the capital cycle of the enterprises and possible scenarios of manifestation of a “going concern” in conditions of uncertainty are presented.
Methods: The research methodology is based on a systematic approach with appropriate methodological tools for analysis, generalization, and graphic visualization of the achieved results. Empiric research of the information on revenues, profitability, and net cash availability of non-financial enterprises - issuers on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange was conducted, based on published interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2020.
Findings & Value added: The content of the research is useful for potential investors who are interested in non-financial companies - issuers on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. It provides important knowledge into understanding the economic nature of the ‘going concern’ concept applied in the globalizing economy as a basis for preparing financial statements.