bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB‐12 in pectin and sodium alginate: A comparative study on viability, stability, and structure
Authors: Motalebi Moghanjougi Zahra , Rezazadeh Bari Mahmoud , Alizadeh Khaledabad Mohammad , Amiri Saber , Almasi Hadi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present study aimed at examining whether the microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA‐5 and Bifidobacterium animalis BB‐12 inside hydrogels could prolong their survival in freeze‐drying conditions, stored at 4℃ and in the gastrointestinal medium. Microencapsulation was performed by emulsion with a syringe, while sodium alginate and high methoxyl pectin were used as a carrier material. A relatively high efficiency of encapsulation was obtained (>92%). Z‐Average and pdI in samples were not significant (p < .05). In different treatments, changes in the number of bacteria after freeze‐drying, 30 days of storage, and gastrointestinal conditions, compared to each other, were significant (p < .05). However, the survival rate after a reduction during storage was higher than 106 cfu/g, indicating the suitability of the microencapsulation process. The surface of microcapsules observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the success of encapsulation. Finally, a lower decrease in the count of microencapsulated was observed in comparison to the free cells.
Rethinking health services operations to embrace patient experience of healthcare journey
Authors: Mahdavi Mahdi , Doshmangir Leila , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPatient experience is assumed pivotal for improving health services operations. The patient experience of healthcare services in Iran has been mostly assessed through the satisfaction and quality of single services or activities at individual providers, clinical departments, or health facilities. However, given the rise of chronic and multi‐morbid conditions, health services for these conditions consist of several activities and interactions through a journey that patients take in the health system. To fill in this gap, we propose focusing on the assessment of patient experience on the patient journey through the health system. We advocate that there is much potential for improving the patient experience by rethinking the operations management of health services to embrace the patient experience of the healthcare journey. Rethinking health operations management may include an exhaustive list of interventions. Concisely, at the strategic level, policy‐makers while understanding the need for shifting towards the patient experience, make sure that operational level management is experience oriented. This would be pursued through a strategic approach to patient experience, reconsidering qualifications for operational management, and benchmarking to identify and share best practices. Lessons learnt from previous quality improvement programmes are also considered as a capacity to establish the experience orientation.
Agendas and Strategic Voting
Authors: Holt Charles A. , Anderson Lisa R. 
Published: July 2021

This paper describes a simple classroom experiment in which students decide which projects to fund on the basis of majority voting. Several agendas are used to generate a voting cycle and an inefficiently high level of public spending. Classroom discussion allows students to discover for themselves how to manipulate outcomes through agenda design and strategic voting. The exercise leads naturally to a discussion of political institutions and the size of government.Use: This experiment can be used in introductory and public economics classes to teach concepts of voting cycles and inefficiencies in public choice.Time required: Twenty minutes for reading instructions and taking votes and 15 minutes for discussion.Materials: A printout of the instructions for each participant and one deck of ordinary playing cards for each group of seven voters.
Coordination
Authors: Capra C. Monica , Holt Charles A. 
Published: July 2021

Many economic games have multiple equilibria, some of which are better than others for everyone involved. Such coordination games are of special interest to economists because they raise the possibility that a group of individuals or even a whole economy might become mired in an unfavorable situation. This paper explains how to use playing cards in the classroom to implement an economic game with multiple, Pareto‐ranked equilibria. Discussion can focus on policies and institutions that promote coordination on better outcomes.Use: This experiment can be used in introductory economics to teach concepts of team production and coordination and in intermediate microeconomics to teach game‐theoretic concepts of Nash equilibrium and Pareto optimality.Time required: Five minutes for reading instructions, 20 minutes for decision making, and about 15 minutes for discussion.Materials: You will need one or more decks of playing cards, each deck accommodating 26 people. One copy of the instructions should be made for each person. Payment to a randomly selected individual is optional and will require about a dollar or two.
Turning Points in the U.S. Civil War: Views from the Grayback Market
Authors: Weidenmier Marc D. 
Published: July 2021

This article introduces a new high‐frequency time series of Confederate money prices taken from the newspapers of Richmond and leading cities in the Eastern Confederacy. The new grayback series is tested for turning points. The empirical analysis suggests that turning points in the Confederate grayback market were different from those identified in the Northern greenback market by Willard, Guinnane, and Rosen (1996). It appears that war did not always have symmetric effects on Northern and Southern money prices.Financial and commercial matters fluctuate under the successes and reverses of the war like ebb and tide, and it is not to be wondered that under the great military events that are now transpiring [Gettysburg], there should be a suspension of operations in [gold] trade. (Richmond Examiner July 9. 1863. p. 1)
Economics as Theology: Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations
Authors: Waterman A. M. C. 
Published: July 2021

Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations may be read as a work of natural theology similar in general style to Newton's Principia. Smith's ambiguous use of the word “nature” and its cognates implies an intended distinction between a positive sense in which “natural” means “necessary” and a normative sense in which “natural” means “right.” The “interest” by which humans are motivated is “natural” in the first sense, but it may not bring about social outcomes that are “natural” in the second sense. It will do so only if the social institutions within which agents seek their own “interest” are well formed. Smith provides a large‐scale, quasi‐historical account of the way in which well‐formed institutions gradually develop as unintended consequences of private “interest.” In so doing, he provides a theodicy of economic life that is cognate with St. Augustine's theodicy of the state as remedium peccatorum.“If a great book such as Smith's Wealth of Nations is read repeatedly, on even a fifth or a tenth reading one continues to learn new things. I doubt whether anyone will ever fully apprehend all the things that Smith wished to express, and there is even more to learn from an interesting mind than its owner wished to teach us.”George Stigler (1982, p. 108)
Enhanced water and oxygen barrier performance of flexible polyurethane membranes for biomedical application
Authors: Marcano Aracelys , Fatyeyeva Kateryna , Koun Malys , Dubuis Pascal , Grimme Marc , Chappey Corinne , Marais Stéphane 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn order to improve water and oxygen barrier properties, the surface of two commercial medical grade polyurethane (PU) membranes (Chronoflex® AR‐LT and Bionate® II) was modified by a spray deposited film of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol) (EVOH). The influence of the temperature, the deposited layer thickness and the EVOH ethylene group percentage (27%, 32%, and 44% for EVOH27, EVOH32, and EVOH44, respectively) on the barrier properties of the PU/EVOH multilayered membranes was investigated. The increase of the EVOH layer thickness leads to higher oxygen barrier properties (the highest barrier improvement factor of 412 was obtained). However, in case of the deposited layer thickness higher than 18 μm, microcracks appeared on the treated surface promote a significant loss of the barrier effect. Due to its higher crystallinity degree, EVOH27 provides a higher oxygen barrier effect compared to EVOH32 and EVOH44. On the contrary, an increase of the water barrier properties was observed with the increase of the percentage of ethylene groups. Moreover, the delamination of the EVOH layer was noted after water permeation, especially in case of EVOH44, which is the most hydrophobic layer. Nevertheless, significant decrease of the water and oxygen permeability of the modified PU membranes was achieved, thus showing the benefit of using the EVOH spray deposition for the biomedical application, which requires high performance material with flexible and barrier properties.
Comparison of potential inhibitors and targeting fat mass and obesity‐associated protein causing diabesity through docking and molecular dynamics strategies
Authors: Kumar S Udhaya , Rajan Bithia , Kumar D Thirumal , Cathryn R Hephzibah , Das Samprita , Zayed Hatem , Emmanuel Jebaraj Walter Charles , Ramanathan Gnanasambandan , Priya Doss. C George 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGenome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified an association between polymorphisms in the FTO gene and obesity. The FTO: rs9939609, an intronic variant, is considered a risk allele for developing diabesity in homozygous and heterozygous forms. This study aimed to investigate the molecular structure of the available inhibitors specific to the FTO mutations along with the rs9939609 variant. We identified the best‐suited inhibitor molecules for each mutant type containing the rs9939609 risk allele. Missense mutations unique to obesity and containing the risk allele of rs9939609 were retrieved from dbSNP for this study. Further stability testing for the mutations were carried out using DynaMut and iStable tools. Three mutations (G187A, M223V, and I492V) were highly destabilizing the FTO structure. These three mutants and native FTO were docked with each of the nine‐inhibitor molecules collected from literature studies with the help of PyRx and AutoDock. Further structural behavior of the mutants and native FTO were identified with molecular dynamics simulations and MM‐PBSA analyses, along with the 19complex inhibitor compound. We found the compound 19complex exhibited better binding interactions and is the top candidate inhibitor for the M223V and I492V mutants. This study provided insights into the structural changes caused due to mutations in FTO, and the binding mechanism of the inhibitor molecules. It could aid in developing antiobesity drugs for treating patients with mutations and risk alleles predisposing to obesity.
Identification of novel inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro) from Withania sp. by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Verma Surjeet , Patel Chirag N. , Chandra Muktesh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSince December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has claimed the lives of millions of people across the globe. To date, no medicine is available for the responsible virus SARS‐CoV‐2. 3CLpro, that is, 3‐chymotrypsin‐like protease, the main protease (Mpro), has an important role in cleaving pp1a and pp1ab polyproteins. This Mpro serves as an important target in drug designing against COVID‐19. Herein, the study includes the investigation, screening, and identification of potent leads from (Withania sps.), against SARS‐CoV‐2, using virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Seventy‐three natural compounds from this important medicinal plant were screened. The Binding affinity was used to identify the most probable target to inhibit the Mpro, compounds 27‐hydroxywithanolide F (W32, −11.5 kcal/mol), withanolide A (W56, −11.4 kcal/mol), and withacoagulin H (W30, −11.1 kcal/mol) showed highest binding energy. Lipinski's rule, followed by drug‐likability and likeness screening, resulted in 36 molecules. Further, MD simulation of 50 ns predicted withacoagulin H possessing strong binding affinity and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the active site. The binding free energy calculation showed the most negative energy of withacoagulin H (−63.463 KJ/mol) compared to other selected compounds. The study also compared the bonding energy of already reported repurposed and newly synthesized drugs. Further, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion predictions were made to found a good balance of potency. Hence the following screened compounds from Withania sps. could serve as the potential leads for drug development against COVID‐19.
CD146 expression regulates osteochondrogenic differentiation of human adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Scioli Maria Giovanna , Storti Gabriele , Bielli Alessandra , Sanchez Massimo , Scimeca Manuel , Gimble Jeffrey M. , Cervelli Valerio , Orlandi Augusto 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTissue engineering aims to develop innovative approaches to repair tissue defects. The use of adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in tissue regeneration was extensively investigated for osteochondrogenesis. Among the ASC population, ASCs expressing the CD146 were demonstrated to be multipotent and considered as perivascular stem cells, although the functional role of CD146 expression in these cells remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the influence of CD146 expression on osteochondrogenic differentiation of ASCs. Our results showed that, in two‐dimensional culture systems, sorted CD146+ ASCs proliferated less and displayed higher adipogenic and chondrogenic potential than CD146− ASCs. The latter demonstrated a higher osteogenic capacity. Besides this, CD146+ ASCs in three‐dimensional Matrigel/endothelial growth medium (EGM) cultures showed the highest angiogenic capability. When cultured in three‐dimensional collagen scaffolds, CD146+ ASCs showed a spontaneous chondrogenic differentiation, further enhanced by the EGM medium's addition. Finally, CD146− ASCs seeded on hexafluoroisopropanol silk scaffolds displayed a greater spontaneous osteogenetic capacity. Altogether, these findings demonstrated a functional and relevant influence of CD146 expression in ASC properties and osteochondrogenic commitment. Exploiting the combination of specific differentiation properties of ASC subpopulations and appropriate culture systems could represent a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of new regenerative therapies.
Unusual foreign body spontaneously discharged from the submandibular gland: A case report
Authors: Luo Wei‐Dong , Jia Yi‐Ping , Gong Jian , Zhao Qin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObstructive sialadenitis of the submandibular gland is most often caused by sialolithiasis and rarely by a foreign body. Here, we describe a patient with acute submandibular inflammation caused by a bamboo splinter. Transcutaneous and transoral ultrasound precisely located the splinter within Wharton's duct. Shortly thereafter, the bamboo splinter was spontaneously discharged while eating, which allowed complete remission of pain and swelling. Ultrasound confirmed the absence of the foreign body within Wharton's duct and relief of sialadenitis. Combined use of transcutaneous and transoral ultrasound can provide detailed information regarding the submandibular gland and foreign bodies, which enables proper treatment planning and adequate follow‐up.
Quantification of increased MUC5AC expression in airway mucus of smoker using an automated image‐based approach
Authors: Groiss Silvia , Somvilla Ina , Daxböck Christine , Fuchs Julia , Lang‐Olip Ingrid , Stiegler Philipp , Leber Bettina , Liegl‐Atzwanger Bernadette , Brislinger Dagmar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicroscopic analysis of mucus quantity and composition is crucial in research and diagnostics on muco‐obstructive diseases. Currently used image‐based methods are unable to extract concrete numeric values of mucosal proteins, especially on the expression of the key mucosal proteins MUC5AC and MUC5B. Since their levels increase under pathologic conditions such as extensive exposure to cigarette smoke, it is imperative to quantify them to improve treatment strategies of pulmonary diseases. This study presents a simple, image‐based, and high‐processing computational method that allows determining the ratio of MUC5AC and MUC5B within the overall airway mucus while providing information on their spatial distribution. The presented pipeline was optimized for automated downstream analysis using a combination of bright field and immunofluorescence imaging suitable for tracheal and bronchial tissue samples, and air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures. To validate our approach, we compared tracheal tissue and ALI cell cultures of isolated primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells derived from smokers and nonsmokers. Our data indicated 18‐fold higher levels of MUC5AC in submucosal glands of smokers covering about 8% of mucosal areas compared to <1% in nonsmoking individuals, confirming results of previous studies. We further identified a subpopulation of nonsmokers with slightly elevated glandular MUC5AC levels suggesting moderate exposure to second‐hand smoke or fine particulate air pollution. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel, user‐friendly and freely available tool for digital pathology and the analysis of therapeutic interventions tested in ALI cell cultures.
Survival, stent patency, and cost‐effectiveness of plastic biliary stent versus metal biliary stent for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction in a developing country tertiary hospital
Authors: Farani Muthia , Saldi Siti R F , Maulahela Hasan , Abdullah Murdani , Syam Ari F , Makmum Dadang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimPatients with advanced malignant obstructive jaundice often require biliary drainage. Resources restraint makes clinicians need to outweigh effectiveness of each biliary stents and their costs. Hence, a cost‐effectiveness analysis is necessary.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was done on malignant biliary obstruction patients undergoing palliative biliary stenting between January 2015 and December 2018. We evaluated 180‐day survival rate using log‐rank test and stent patency duration using Mann–Whitney U test. Effectiveness was defined as stent patency, while cost was calculated using hospital perspective using decision tree model and reported as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio.ResultsA total of 81 men and 83 women were enrolled in this study. One hundred and eighty days survival rate was 35.9% (median 76 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 50–102 days) and 33.3% (median 55 days, 95% CI 32–78 days), while average stent patency was 123 (8) days versus 149 (13) days for plastic and metal stent groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Metal stent could save Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) 1 217 750 to get additional 26 days of patency.ConclusionThere were no differences in survival and stent patency between the two groups. Metal biliary stent is more cost‐effective than plastic stent for palliation in malignant biliary obstruction.
Feasibility of bone marrow sparing volumetric modulated arc therapy to spare active bone marrow in cervical and vaginal cancer patients: a retrospective dosimetric analysis
Authors: Beavan Michaela , Dundas Kylie , Hudson Felicity , Surjan Yolanda , Lau Annie , Deshpande Shrikant , Lim Karen , Do Viet 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionChemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical and vaginal cancer. It is associated with high haematological toxicity (HT) that can lead to treatment interruptions and cancelled chemotherapy cycles, reducing the potential effectiveness of this regimen. Bone marrow sparing (BMS) utilising volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is one method to reduce dose to the active bone marrow (ABM) so that HT rates are reduced. The aim of this paper was to assess whether BMS‐VMAT can effectively spare the ABM whilst maintaining clinically acceptable target and organ‐at‐risk (OAR) doses.MethodsTwenty gynaecological cancer patients treated with definitive CRT at the Liverpool/Macarthur Cancer Therapy centres between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively included. ABM was delineated based on fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging. Weekly blood tests and ABM dose parameters at the V10Gy, V20Gy, V30Gy, V40Gy and Dmean were assessed on original plans for any potential correlation with grade 2+ HT. Replanned with VMAT for BMS, various dose parameters were compared with the original plan to assess for any significant differences.ResultsActive bone marrow doses were significantly reduced (P < 0.001 for all parameters) in BMS‐VMAT plans, and significant improvements in target and OAR coverage were found compared with the original plans. Compared with VMAT only, target and OARs were comparable. No significant correlations between HT and ABM doses were found.ConclusionBone marrow sparing volumetric modulated arc therapy can significantly reduce dose to the active bone marrow whilst maintaining acceptable target and OAR doses. Future prospective trials are needed to evaluate the clinical impact of BMS on toxicity and compliance.
Apraglutide, a novel glucagon‐like peptide‐2 analog, improves fluid absorption in patients with short bowel syndrome intestinal failure: Findings from a placebo‐controlled, randomized phase 2 trial
Authors: Eliasson Johanna , Hvistendahl Mark K. , Freund Nanna , Bolognani Federico , Meyer Christian , Jeppesen Palle B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundTreatment with glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) analogs improve intestinal adaptation in patients with short bowel syndrome–associated intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) and may reduce parenteral support requirements. Apraglutide is a novel, long‐acting GLP‐2 analog designed for once‐weekly dosing. This trial investigated the safety and efficacy of apraglutide in patients with SBS‐IF.MethodsIn this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, crossover phase 2 trial, eight adults with SBS‐IF were treated with once‐weekly 5‐mg apraglutide doses and placebo for 4 weeks, followed by once‐weekly 10‐mg apraglutide doses for 4 weeks, with a washout period of 6–10 weeks between treatments. Safety was the primary end point. Secondary end points included changes from baseline in urine volume output compared with placebo, collected for 48 h before and after each treatment period.ResultsCommon treatment‐related adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and included polyuria, decreased stoma output, stoma complications, decreased thirst, and edema. No serious AEs were considered to be related to apraglutide treatment. The safety profile was comparable for the lower and higher doses. Treatment with once‐weekly 5‐ and 10‐mg apraglutide doses significantly increased urine volume output by an adjusted mean of 714 ml/day (95% CI, 490–939; P < .05) and 795 ml/day (95% CI, 195–1394; P < .05), respectively, compared with placebo, with no significant differences between doses.ConclusionsOnce‐weekly apraglutide was well tolerated at both tested doses and significantly increased urine volume output, providing evidence for increased intestinal fluid absorption. A phase 3 trial is underway in adults with SBS‐IF.