bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of kefir consumption on carbohydrate profile of mother’s milk
Authors: Kurt Tuğçe Tok , Gökırmaklı Çağlar , Guzel-Seydim Zeynep B 
Published: September 2021

Background: Human milk contains the nutrients necessary for the growth and development of babies as it contains essential bioactive components to support the immune system. Galactooligosaccharides which are important indigestible prebiotics, help multiply the growth of beneficial microorganisms selectively and inhibit the growth of the pathogenic organism. The nutrition of the mother is essential since it affects the composition of mother’s milk. Kefir affects the digestive system, lactose intolerance immune system, anti-microbial effects, probiotic and prebiotic features. However, there is no report on how kefir consumption may have effects on composition of mother’s milk. In this aspect, this study aimed to determine the effects of kefir consumption on the carbohydrate profiles of the mother’s milk. Methods: This study started immediately after birth, mothers were fed with 500 ml/day of kefir made from kefir grains for 30 days in the KF group. Mothers who are in the control group (KI) continued their regular diet. Mother’s milk was collected on the 10th, 20th, and 30th day and stored at 4ºC. Carbohydrate profile including GOS was determined using the liquid chromatographic method with the HI-PLEX column.Results: The mean lactose concentrations of mother’s milk who consumed kefir were 4,68; 4,72; 5,89 g/100ml on days 10th, 20th, and 30th, respectively. Glucose concentrations were 0,29; 0,08; 0,21 g/100ml on 10th, 20th, 30th days, respectively. For the mother’s milk samples in the control group, the averages of lactose concentration were 5,42; 5,73; 5,51 g/100ml on days 10th, 20th, and 30th. GOS peaks were specified depending on the rich content of prebiotics. Conclusion: Consumption of authentic kefir may have effect on carbohydrate profile, including GOS of mother’s milk. Keywords: Human milk, kefir, prebiotic, galactooligosaccharides
Connecting the world through local Indigenous Knowledge
Authors: Sraku-Lartey Margaret 
Published: September 2021

This paper focuses upon the importance and value of local Indigenous Knowledge and how it is being threatened in today’s modern world rather than being leveraged to catalyze development. The author specifically calls out three types of Indigenous Knowledge: (1) medicinal knowledge related to human health, i.e., herbal medicine; (2) sacred groves – geographic areas set aside to preserve plants and animals and that can help to mitigate the impact of climate change; and (3) living libraries – communities of people who are also holders of cultural wisdom and history and who are custodians of all knowledge relating to the history of their own community. The author makes a call to action, requesting that scientists, librarians, publishers, and others in the information community collaborate and move forward together to save and build upon global Indigenous Knowledge.
Optimal design of magnetorheological damper with multiple axial fluid flow channels using BP neural network and particle swarm optimization methodologies
Authors: Hu Guoliang , Qi Haonan , Chen Miao , Yu Lifan , Li Gang , Zheng Han 
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a magnetorheological (MR) damper with multiple axial fluid flow channels is developed to solve the conflicts between limitation of size dimension and improvement of damping performance. By setting symmetrical excitation coils at both ends of the MR damper, the effective fluid flow channels of the proposed MR damper are significantly lengthened. In order to investigate the distributions of magnetic flux lines and magnetic flux density of the MR damper, the finite element model of the MR damper is established by using ANSYS software. Moreover, an optimization method combining BP neural network and particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed to improve the magnetic field utilization of the designed damper, and the damping performances of initial and optimal MR dampers are also experimentally tested. The test results show that the output damping force of initial and optimal MR dampers is 3.13 kN and 5.98 kN respectively under the applied current of 1.8 A, increasing by 91.1%, and the dynamic adjustable range is 11.5 and 16.1 respectively, increasing by 40.0%. It is found that the damping performance of the proposed MR damper is significantly improved.
New types of fuzzy (m, n)-ideals in ordered semigroups
Authors: Muhiuddin G. , Mahboob A. , Khan N. M. , Al-Kadi D. 
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we introduce new types of fuzzy (m, n)-ideals in ordered semigroups. In fact, the notion of (∈ , ∈ ∨ (κ*, qκ))-fuzzy (m, n)-ideals of the ordered semigroups is introduced. Further, we present the characterzations of this notion in different ways. Then the (κ*, κ)-lower part of the (∈ , ∈ ∨ (κ*, qκ))-fuzzy (m, n)-ideals is defined and its associated properties are investigated. After that, (m, n)-regular ordered semigroups are characterized in terms of its (∈ , ∈ ∨ (κ*, qκ))-fuzzy (m, n)-ideals and their (κ*, κ)-lower parts.
Research on seismic stability of reinforced concrete frame structure based on numerical simulation
Authors: Liu Jinchao 
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: The analysis of seismic stability of structure is important in the field of engineering. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to verify the reliability of numerical simulation in seismic stability of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. METHODS: Based on the numerical simulation, the material constitutive model of RC frame structure was introduced and then a finite element model was established through ABAQUS to analyze its seismic stability. RESULTS: The simulation results of ABAQUS were similar to the test values, the tangent slope of the skeleton curve of the structure decreased gradually, the interstorey displacement of storey 1 was the largest, the maximum error of the interstorey displacement angle was 0.005, and the ductility coefficient was 4. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental results verify the reliability of the numerical simulation method and provide some theoretical support for its better application in the study of seismic stability.
Developing A Collection Policy : Photographic And Digital Archives At The National Library In Chile
Authors: Fuente Soledad A. 
Published: September 2021

<p>The purpose of this thesis is to propose a model for a collections policy for the Photographic and Digital Archives of the National Library in Chile. The current policy is in its early stages of development and the institution has a large interest in its implementation. The main focus of this research is collections policies, as a form of generating best practice in the field, and a vehicle to implement institutional mission, vision, and objectives from a theoretical and practical perspective. </p>
Antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) and areca (Areca catechu L.) nuts against food borne and oral pathogens
Authors: Khatun Masuda , Hoque Md Mahfuzul 
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) and areca nut (Areca catechu) against six food borne enteric pathogens viz. Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Staphylococcus epidermidis (icddr,b), Salmonella typhimurium (AIM-40, icddr,b), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 12079) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 12079), and four oral pathogens such as isolates 1 & 2 of each of the two bacteria viz. Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. was investigated. Ethanol extract of betel leaf produced highest zone of inhibition (18.0 ± 1.91 mm) against Staphylococcus epidermidis (icddr,b) whereas that of areca nut produced highest zone of inhibition (15.0 ± 0.816 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). But no inhibition was found against Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC AIM-40, icddr,b), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 12079) by the Ethanol extract of betel leaf. The MIC and MBC values of both ethanol extracts indicated that Gram positive organisms were more susceptible than Gram negative organisms. Highest antimicrobial activity of ethanol extracts of betel leaf was found against the isolate 1 of Staphylococcus sp. (16.5±0.5) and that of areca nut was recorded against the isolate 1 of Staphylococcus sp. (12.0±0.5) and the isolate 2 of Pseudomonas sp. (12.0±0.5). Present study reveals the potentials of both the extracts to inhibit food borne enteric and oral pathogens that could be used as food preservatives to prevent the food borne illness as well as for maintaining the oral and gut health.
Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 38, Number 1, June 2021, pp 15-19
«The creative turn» in European social theory
Authors: Matsevich-Dukhan Iryna Ja. 
Published: September 2021

The article reveals specific features of contemporary European social theory within its turn to the nature of creative practices. Different socio-philosophical methods of their cognition are demonstrated. The explication of the character of European social theory as a whole outlines the increasing interest in the formation of a theory of creative society which critically grounds the set of political programmes «Creative Europe». The author defines the concept of the creative turn within a comparative analysis of those theories of contemporary society which explore the peculiarity of social reality constituting on the basis of creative economy. Its practices become a special subject matter of social theory revealing societal limitations of their fulfillment.
Unilateral Intervention in the Sinuses of Rabbits Induces Bilateral Inflammatory and Microbial Changes
Authors: Lux Christian A. , Johnston James J. , Waldvogel-Thurlow Sharon , Dassi Camila , Douglas Richard G. , Cho Do-Yeon , Taylor Michael W. , Biswas Kristi 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a globally prevalent inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses which severely impairs patients’ quality of life. An animal model of unilateral sinusitis by transient sinus occlusion has been described previously in rabbits. The aim of this study was to characterise the sinusitis rabbit model by investigating temporal and bilateral changes in the bacterial community and mucosal inflammation.MethodsDevelopment of sinusitis was achieved by endoscopically placing Merocel®, a sterile nasal packing material, in the left middle meatus of six New Zealand white rabbits for four weeks. After a total period of 14 weeks, rabbits were assessed for sinusitis by endoscopic examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology. Swabs from the left and right middle meatus were obtained for bacterial community analysis at three time points (week 0, week 4, week 14) during the study.ResultsEndoscopic evaluation showed unilateral inflammation in all animals examined after the 4-week blocking period and at week 14. Notably, inflammatory changes were also seen in the contralateral sinus of all animals at week 4. MRI images demonstrated unilateral sinus opacification at week 4 in two rabbits, and partial unilateral sinus opacification at week 14 in one rabbit only. Histological analyses revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity of mucosal inflammation with inconsistent findings across all animals. No significant differences in mucosal inflammatory markers (such as goblet cell hyperplasia, epithelial denudation and oedema) could be identified between nostrils at week 14. The bacterial community in the rabbit sinuses was heavily dominated by Helicobacter at week 0 (baseline). At the end of the blocking period (week 4), bacterial alpha and beta diversity were significantly increased in both nostrils. The bacterial community composition at week 14 had primarily returned to baseline, reflecting the endoscopic and radiological results.ConclusionThis study reaffirmed the ability for development of sinusitis without inoculation of any pathogens in a rabbit model. We were able to demonstrate bilateral sinonasal mucosal inflammation, by inducing unilateral sinus blockage, which resulted in significant changes to the sinonasal bacterial community. These findings may explain some of the clinical observations seen in CRS and warrant further research to reveal potential implications for its therapeutic management.
Using a Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Method in Assessing the Causal Relationships Between Human Blood Metabolites and Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Zixian , Chen Shiyu , Zhu Qian , Wu Yonglin , Xu Guifeng , Guo Gongjie , Lai Weihua , Chen Jiyan , Zhong Shilong 
Published: September 2021

Background: Heart failure (HF) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction is an important factor related to HF pathogenesis and development. However, the causal effect of blood metabolites on HF remains unclear.Objectives: Our chief aim is to investigate the causal relationships between human blood metabolites and HF risk.Methods: We used an unbiased two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the causal relationships between 486 human blood metabolites and HF risk. Exposure information was obtained from Sample 1, which is the largest metabolome-based genome-wide association study (mGWAS) data containing 7,824 Europeans. Outcome information was obtained from Sample 2, which is based on the results of a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of HF and contains 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls of Europeans. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) model was used as the primary two-sample MR analysis method and followed the sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis.Results: We observed that 11 known metabolites were potentially related to the risk of HF after using the IVW method (P &lt; 0.05). After adding another four MR models and performing sensitivity analyses, we found a 1-SD increase in the xenobiotics 4-vinylphenol sulfate was associated with ~22% higher risk of HF (OR [95%CI], 1.22 [1.07–1.38]).Conclusions: We revealed that the 4-vinylphenol sulfate may nominally increase the risk of HF by 22% after using a two-sample MR approach. Our findings may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis underlying HF and novel strategies for HF prevention.
Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and an Increased Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Population of HFpEF
Authors: Zhou Ying , Fu Liyao , Sun Jiaxing , Zhu Zhaowei , Xing Zhenhua , Zhou Shenghua , Tai Shi , Wang Yongjun 
Published: September 2021

Background: The association between metabolic syndrome and the development of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has not been completely clarified.Aim: To evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and the risk of HF hospitalization for patients with HFpEF.Methods: Patient data were obtained from the American cohort of the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial database. Data for the primary outcome (hospitalization for HF) and secondary outcomes (all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause hospitalization) were collected, and hazard ratios (HRs) for the patients with and without metabolic syndrome were analyzed by applying a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model.Results: Among the 1,548 total participants, 1,197 had metabolic syndrome. The patients with metabolic syndrome exhibited worse heart function and a lower quality of life than those without metabolic syndrome. During the 3.3 years of follow-up, 351 patients were hospitalized for HF. After a multivariable adjustment, the risk of hospitalization for HF and all-cause hospitalization (adjusted HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01–2.00; p = 0.042 and adjusted HR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.04–1.54; p = 0.017, respectively) were independently associated with HFpEF for the patients with metabolic syndrome. In addition, the risks of HF hospitalization and all-cause hospitalization among 267 propensity score-matched patients were higher for patients with metabolic syndrome (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05–2.23, and p = 0.025 and HR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.08–1.67, and p = 0.009, respectively).Conclusion: The risks of HF hospitalization and all-cause hospitalization were higher for patients with HFpEF having metabolic syndrome than for those without metabolic syndrome.
Ocean Mesoscale Variability: A Case Study on the Mediterranean Sea From a Re-Analysis Perspective
Authors: Bonaduce Antonio , Cipollone Andrea , Johannessen Johnny A. , Staneva Joanna , Raj Roshin P. , Aydogdu Ali 
Published: September 2021

The mesoscale variability in the Mediterranean Sea is investigated through eddy detection techniques. The analysis is performed over 24 years (1993–2016) considering the three-dimensional (3D) fields from an ocean re-analysis of the Mediterranean Sea (MED-REA). The objective is to achieve a fit-for-purpose assessment of the 3D mesoscale eddy field. In particular, we focus on the contribution of eddy-driven anomalies to ocean dynamics and thermodynamics. The accuracy of the method used to disclose the 3D eddy contributions is assessed against pointwise in-situ measurements and observation-based data sets. Eddy lifetimes ≥ 2 weeks are representative of the 3D mesoscale field in the basin, showing a high probability (&gt; 60%) of occurrence in the areas of the main quasi-stationary mesoscale features. The results show a dependence of the eddy size and thickness on polarity and lifetime: anticyclonic eddies (ACE) are significantly deeper than cyclonic eddies (CE), and their size tends to increase in long-lived structures which also show a seasonal variability. Mesoscale eddies result to be a significant contribution to the ocean dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea, as they account for a large portion of the sea-surface height variability at temporal scales longer than 1 month and for the kinetic energy (50–60%) both at the surface and at depth. Looking at the contributions to ocean thermodynamics, the results exhibit the existence of typical warm (cold) cores associated with ACEs (CEs) with exceptions in the Levantine basin (e.g., Shikmona gyre) where a structure close to a mode-water ACE eddy persists with a positive salinity anomaly. In this area, eddy-induced temperature anomalies can be affected by a strong summer stratification in the surface water, displaying an opposite sign of the anomaly whether looking at the surface or at depth. The results show also that temperature anomalies driven by long-lived eddies (≥ 4 weeks) can affect up to 15–25% of the monthly variability of the upper ocean heat content in the Mediterranean basin.
A Novel Nomogram for Individualized Gonadotropin Starting Dose in GnRH Antagonist Protocol
Authors: Li Yubin , Duan Yuwei , Yuan Xi , Cai Bing , Xu Yanwen , Yuan Yuan 
Published: September 2021

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is one of the most vital parts of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). At present, no matter what kinds of COS protocols are used, clinicians have to face the challenge of selection of gonadotropin starting dose. Although several nomograms have been developed to calculate the appropriate gonadotropin starting dose in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol, no nomogram was suitable for GnRH antagonist protocol. This study aimed to develop a predictive nomogram for individualized gonadotropin starting dose in GnRH antagonist protocol. Single-center prospective cohort study was conducted, with 198 women aged 20-45 years underwent IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET cycles. Blood samples were collected on the second day of the menstrual cycle. All women received ovarian stimulation using GnRH antagonist protocol. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictive factors of ovarian sensitivity (OS). A nomogram for gonadotropin starting dose was developed based on the multivariate regression model. Validation was performed using concordance statistics and bootstrap resampling. A multivariate regression model based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, antral follicle count (AFC), and body mass index (BMI) was developed and accounted for 59% of the variability of OS. An easy-to-use predictive nomogram for gonadotropin starting dose was established with excellent accuracy. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.833 (95% CI, 0.829-0.837). Internal validation using bootstrap resampling further showed the good performance of the nomogram. In conclusion, gonadotropin starting dose in antagonist protocol can be predicted precisely by a novel nomogram.
Temporal Changes in Vaginal Microbiota and Genital Tract Cytokines Among South African Women Treated for Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Mtshali Andile , San James Emmanuel , Osman Farzana , Garrett Nigel , Balle Christina , Giandhari Jennifer , Onywera Harris , Mngomezulu Khanyisile , Mzobe Gugulethu , de Oliveira Tulio , Rompalo Anne , Mindel Adrian , Abdool Karim Salim S. , Ravel Jacques , Passmore Jo-Ann S. , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Jaspan Heather B. , Liebenberg Lenine J. P. , Ngcapu Sinaye 
Published: September 2021

The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) with oral metronidazole is often ineffective, and recurrence rates are high among African women. BV-associated anaerobes are closely associated with genital inflammation and HIV risk, which underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between vaginal microbiota and genital inflammation in response to treatment. In this cohort study, we therefore investigated the effects of metronidazole treatment on the vaginal microbiota and genital cytokines among symptomatic South African women with BV [defined as Nugent score (NS) ≥4] using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and multiplex bead arrays. Among 56 BV-positive women, we observed short-term BV clearance (NS &lt;4) in a proportion of women six weeks after metronidazole treatment, with more than half of these experiencing recurrence by 12 weeks post-treatment. BV treatment temporarily reduced the relative abundance of BV-associated anaerobes (particularly Gardnerella vaginalis and Atopobium vaginae) and increased lactobacilli species (mainly L. iners), resulting in significantly altered mucosal immune milieu over time. In a linear mixed model, the median concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly reduced in women who cleared BV compared to pre-treatment. BV persistence and recurrence were strongly associated with mucosal cytokine profiles that may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. Concentrations of these cytokines were differentially regulated by changes in the relative abundance of BVAB1 and G. vaginalis. We conclude that metronidazole for the treatment of BV induced short-term shifts in the vaginal microbiota and mucosal cytokines, while treatment failures promoted persistent elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the genital tract. These data suggest the need to improve clinical management of BV to minimize BV related reproductive risk factors.