bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galacto-oligosaccharides improve barrier function and relieve colonic inflammation via modulating mucosa-associated microbiota composition in lipopolysaccharides-challenged piglets
Authors: Gao Ren , Tian Shiyi , Wang Jing , Zhu Weiyun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) have been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets to exert beneficial effects on intestinal function. However, the modulation of intestinal microbiota and intestinal function by GOS in intestinal inflammation injury models has rarely been reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of GOS on the colonic mucosal microbiota composition, barrier function and inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-challenged suckling piglets.

Methods
A total of 18 newborn suckling piglets were divided into three groups, the CON group, the LPS-CON group and the LPS-GOS group. Piglets in the LPS-GOS group were orally fed with 1 g/kg body weight of GOS solution every day. On the d 14, piglets in the LPS-CON and LPS-GOS group were challenged intraperitoneally with LPS solution. All piglets were slaughtered 2 h after intraperitoneal injection and sampled.

Results
We found that the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged piglets was significantly injured and shedding, while the colonic mucosa of the LPS-GOS group piglets maintained its structure. Moreover, GOS significantly reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the LPS-challenged suckling piglets, and significantly increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). GOS significantly increased the relative abundance of norank_f__Muribaculaceae and Romboutsia, and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Alloprevotella, Campylobacter and Helicobacter in the colonic mucosa of LPS-challenged suckling piglets. In addition, GOS increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colonic digesta of LPS-challenged suckling piglets. GOS significantly reduced the concentrations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14), and the relative mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) in the LPS-challenged suckling piglets. In addition, GOS significantly reduced the relative mRNA expression of mucin2 (MUC2), and significantly increased the protein expression of Claudin-1 and zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) in LPS-challenged suckling piglets.

Conclusions
These results suggested that GOS can modulate the colonic mucosa-associated microbiota composition and improve the intestinal function of LPS-challenged suckling piglets.
Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Cancer: The Role of 68Gallium-DOTA-Somatostatin Analogue PET/CT and Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy
Authors: Hayes Aimee R , Crawford Alexander , Al Riyami Khulood , Tang Christine , Bomanji Jamshed , Baldeweg Stephanie E , Wild Damian , Morganstein Daniel , Harry Alice , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Oleinikov Kira , Khoo Bernard , Caplin Martyn E , Nicolas Guillaume P , Grossman Ashley B 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Context
Metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare malignancy with minimal treatment options. Many, but not all, MTCs express somatostatin receptors.

Objective
Our aim was to explore the role of 68Ga-DOTA-somatostatin analogue (SSA) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients with metastatic MTC and to determine their eligibility for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Methods
We retrospectively identified patients with metastatic MTC who had 68Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT at 5 centers. We collected characteristics on contrast-enhanced CT, 68Ga-DOTA-SSA and 18F-FDG PET/CT. The efficacy of PRRT was explored in a subgroup of patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS).

Results
Seventy-one patients were included (10 local recurrence, 61 distant disease). Of the patients with distant disease, 16 (26%) had ≥50% of disease sites with tracer avidity greater than background liver, including 10 (10/61, 16%) with &gt;90%. In 19 patients with contemporaneous contrast-enhanced CT, no disease regions were independently identified on 68Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT. Thirty-five patients had an 18F-FDG PET/CT, with 18F-FDG positive/68Ga-DOTA-SSA negative metastases identified in 15 (43%). Twenty-one patients had PRRT with a median TTF of 14 months (95% CI 8-25) and a median OS of 63 months (95% CI 21-not reached). Of the entire cohort, the median OS was 323 months (95% CI 152-not reached). Predictors of poorer OS included a short calcitonin doubling-time (≤24 months), strong 18F-FDG avidity, and age ≥60 years.

Conclusions
The prevalence of high tumor avidity on 68Ga-DOTA-SSA PET/CT is low in the setting of metastatic MTC; nevertheless, PRRT may still be a viable treatment option in select patients.
Research culture: science from bench to society
Authors: Canti Lorenzo , Chrzanowska Anna , Doglio M. Giulia , Martina Lia , Van Den Bossche Tim 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Research is a long process in which the collaboration between stakeholders involved in academia, industry and governments is crucial. Ideally, these stakeholders should work together to better align the innovation process with the values, needs and expectations of the research community. Reflecting on how we perform research and how our discoveries can benefit society is therefore of the utmost importance. The complete system of shared values concerning the research process is embedded in the concept of research culture, which has been gaining more attention in recent years. With the hope of increasing awareness of research culture among established scientists and early-career professionals, in this manuscript we discuss what research culture is, what it consists of and how it can positively influence scientific developments.
Association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) patterns and mortality: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Koome Gilbert , Thuita Faith , Egondi Thaddaeus , Atela Martin 
Published: August 2021

Background: Low and medium income countries (LMICs) such as Kenya experience nearly three times more cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to high income countries (HICs). This is primarily exacerbated by weak health systems especially at the pre-hospital care level. Generating local empirical evidence on TBI patterns and its influence on patient mortality outcomes is fundamental in informing the design of trauma-specific emergency medical service (EMS) interventions at the pre-hospital care level. This study determines the influence of TBI patterns and mortality. Methods: This was a case-control study with a sample of 316 TBI patients. Data was abstracted from medical records for the period of January 2017 to March 2019 in three tertiary trauma care facilities in Kenya. Logistic regression was used to assess influence of trauma patterns on TBI mortality, controlling for patient characteristics and other potential confounders. Results: The majority of patients were aged below 40 years (73%) and were male (85%). Road traffic injuries (RTIs) comprised 58% of all forms of trauma. Blunt trauma comprised 71% of the injuries. Trauma mechanism was the only trauma pattern significantly associated with TBI mortality. The risk of dying for patients sustaining RTIs was 2.83 times more likely compared to non-RTI patients [odds ratio (OR) 2.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62-4.93, p=0.001]. The type of transfer to hospital was also significantly associated with mortality outcome, with a public hospital having a two times higher risk of death compared to a private hospital [OR 2.18 95%CI 1.21-3.94, p<0.009]. Conclusion: Trauma mechanism (RTI vs non-RTI) and type of tertiary facility patients are transferred to (public vs private) are key factors influencing TBI mortality burden. Strengthening local EMS trauma response systems targeting RTIs augmented by adequately resourced and equipped public facilities to provide quality lifesaving interventions can reduce the burden of TBIs.
The effects of government policy on organizational performance of provincial administration organization: mediating role of public entrepreneurship
Authors: Karnsomdee Panitee 
Published: August 2021

Background: The new paradigm of government management has stimulated public organizations to establish innovative and competitive management policies through public entrepreneurship in order to provide excellent public service and to enhance public organizational performance. This research study aims to investigate the effects of government policy on organizational performance through the mediating role of public entrepreneurship of provincial administration organization in the upper northeastern region 2 in Thailand. Methods: This research employs a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Data were collected from 216 government officials through five-point Likert scale questionnaires with validity and reliability analyses. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics toward path analysis. Results: The research results reveal that government policy has a significant direct influence on organizational performance with a standardized coefficient of 0.655. Government policy has a significant indirect effect on organizational performance through the mediating role of public entrepreneurship with a standardized coefficient of 0.566. The total effects can be described with a standardized coefficient of 0.733 at a 0.05 significance level. Conclusions: The government should establish innovative and competitive public policies to support a rapid change of entrepreneurial orientation, and transform policies into action. As public entrepreneurship has a significant mediating role in enhancing organizational performance, conventional public structures of performance management are being replaced by more innovative, adaptive, and competitive public entrepreneurship in order to get the desired and effective public outcomes for a provincial administration organization.
Sea grapes powder with addition of tempe rich in collagen: An anti-aging functional food
Authors: Permatasari Happy Kurnia , Nurkolis Fahrul , Vivo Christopherous Diva , Noor Sutamara Lasurdi , Rahmawati Rahmawati , Radu Son , Hardinsyah Hardinsyah , Taslim Nurpudji Astuti , Mayulu Nelly , Wewengkang Defny Silvia , Kuswari Mury , Batubara Siti Chairiyah , Gunawan William Ben , Nahdi Maizer Said 
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to determine the potential anti-aging effects of sea grapes and tempe (Fermented soybeans) collagen particle size, by measuring the activities of anti-glycation, antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitors. Methods: Collagen was isolated from sea grapes and tempe freeze dried powder and treated with different NaOH concentrations (0.10 M; 0.20 M; 0.30 M), and CH3COOH 1 M solution, separately. The collagen particle size was adjusted by stirring at 1000 rpm for 5 and 10 hours. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to measure the antioxidant activity, and L-tyrosine and L-DOPA (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) were used as a marker of tyrosine inhibition. Results: The collagen treated with 0.10 M NaOH produced the highest collagen yield (11.65%), and largest particle size (2455 nm). Additionally, this collagen, when treated for 5 hours, exhibited 24.70% antioxidant activity, 62.60% anti-glycation, 8.97% L-tyrosine, and 26.77% L-Dopa inhibition activities. Meanwhile, the collagen treated for 10 hours had a 9.98% antioxidant activity, 41.48% anti-glycation, 7.89% L-tyrosine, and 2.67% L-Dopa inhibition activity. Conclusion: Sea grapes and tempe collagen powder treated with 0.10 M NaOH and stirred for 5 hours, as functional foods have anti-aging properties.
On the degree of approximation of continuous functions by a specific transform of partial sums of their Fourier series
Authors: Krasniqi Xhevat 
Published: August 2021

Using the Mean Rest Bounded Variation Sequences or the Mean Head Bounded Variation Sequences, we have proved four theorems pertaining to the degree of approximation in sup-norm of a continuous function f by general means τλn;A(f) of partial sums of its Fourier series. The degree of approximation is expressed via an auxiliary function H(t) ≥ 0 and via entries of a matrix whose indices form a strictly increasing sequence of positive integers λ := {λ(n)}∞n=1.
Circumventing Circumvention: An Economic Analysis of the Role of Education and Enforcement
Authors: Dey Debabrata , Ghoshal Abhijeet , Lahiri Atanu 
Published: August 2021

The role of education and enforcement in ensuring compliance with a law or policy has been debated for more than a century now. We reopen this debate in the context of security circumvention by employees, currently a leading cause of information security and privacy breaches. Drawing on prior literature, we develop a microeconomic framework that captures employees’ circumventing behavior in the face of security controls. This allows us to obtain interesting insights that have implications for how an organization should employ anticircumvention measures. First, unless circumvention is rampant, education and enforcement often work better in combination, and not in isolation. Second, there are incentives for an organization to tolerate circumvention to an extent, even when education and enforcement are cheap. Finally, education and enforcement may be strategic complements or substitutes in different parts of the parameter space. When they are complements, if a change in cost parameters compels the organization to increase one, it would also require an increase in the other in lockstep. In contrast, when they are substitutes, an increase in one is associated with a decrease in the other. This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Psychological distress and health-related quality of life in patients after hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, observational study
Authors: Vlake Johan Hendrik , Wesselius Sanne , van Genderen Michel Egide , van Bommel Jasper , Boxma-de Klerk Bianca , Wils Evert-Jan 
Published: August 2021

Introduction
Illnesses requiring hospitalization are known to negatively impact psychological well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after discharge. The impact of hospitalization during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic on psychological well-being and health-related quality of life is expected to be higher due to the exceptional circumstances within and outside the hospital during the pandemic surge. The objective of this study was to quantify psychological distress up to three months after discharge in patients hospitalized during the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave. We also aimed to determine HRQoL, to explore predictors for psychological distress and HRQoL, and to examine whether psychological distress was higher in COVID-19 confirmed patients, and in those treated in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Methods
In this single-center, observational cohort study, adult patients hospitalized with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 between March 16 and April 28, 2020, were enrolled. Patients were stratified in analyses based on SARS-CoV-2 PCR results and the necessity for ICU treatment. The primary outcome was psychological distress, expressed as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, up to three months post-discharge. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was the secondary outcome. Exploratory outcomes comprised predictors for psychological distress and HRQoL.

Results
294 of 622 eligible patients participated in this study (median age 64 years, 36% female). 16% and 13% of these patients reported probable PTSD, 29% and 20% probable anxiety, and 32% and 24% probabledepression at one and three months after hospital discharge, respectively. ICU patients reported less frequently probable depression, but no differences were found in PTSD, anxiety, or overall HRQoL. COVID-19 patients had a worse physical quality of life one month after discharge, and ICU patients reported a better mental quality of life three months after discharge. PTSD severity was predicted by time after discharge and being Caucasian. Severity of anxiety was predicted by time after discharge and being Caucasian. Depression severity was predicted by time after discharge and educational level.

Conclusion
COVID-19 suspected patients hospitalized during the pandemic frequently suffer from psychological distress and poor health-related quality of life after hospital discharge. Non-COVID-19 and non-ICU patients appear to be at least as affected as COVID-19 and ICU patients, underscoring that (post-)hospital pandemic care should not predominantly focus on COVID-19 infected patients.
Protocol for the systematic review of the epidemiology of superficial Streptococcal A infections (skin and throat) in Australia
Authors: Wiegele Sophie , McKinnon Elizabeth , Wyber Rosemary , Noonan Katharine 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveWe have produced a protocol for the comprehensive systematic review of the current literature around superficial group A Streptococcal infections in Australia.MethodsMEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Cochrane, CINAHL databases and the gray literature will be methodically and thoroughly searched for studies relating to the epidemiology of superficial group A Streptococcal infections between the years 1970 and 2019. Data will be extracted to present in the follow up systematic review.ConclusionA rigorous and well-organised search of the current literature will be performed to determine the current and evolving epidemiology of superficial group A Streptococcal infections in Australia.
Combining IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia-based risk stratification for fatal outcomes of COVID-19
Authors: Saji Ryo , Nishii Mototsugu , Sakai Kazuya , Miyakawa Kei , Yamaoka Yutaro , Ban Tatsuma , Abe Takeru , Ohyama Yutaro , Nakajima Kento , Hiromi Taro , Matsumura Reo , Suzuki Naoya , Taniguchi Hayato , Otsuka Tsuyoshi , Oi Yasufumi , Ogawa Fumihiro , Uchiyama Munehito , Takahashi Kohei , Iwashita Masayuki , Kimura Yayoi , Fujii Satoshi , Furuya Ryosuke , Tamura Tomohiko , Ryo Akihide , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: August 2021

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly increases the use of mechanical ventilation (MV). Such cases further require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and have a high mortality.

Objective
We aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers pathophysiologically reflecting future deterioration of COVID-19.

Methods
Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected from 102 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Interleukin (IL)-6 level and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA copy number in plasma were assessed with ELISA kit and quantitative PCR.

Results
Twelve patients died or required ECMO owing to acute respiratory distress syndrome despite the use of MV. Among various variables, a ratio of oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2), IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA on admission before intubation were strongly predictive of fatal outcomes after the MV use. Moreover, among these variables, combining SpO2/FiO2, IL-6, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA showed the highest accuracy (area under the curve: 0.934). In patients with low SpO2/FiO2 (< 261), fatal event-rate after the MV use at the 30-day was significantly higher in patients with high IL-6 (> 49 pg/mL) and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia (> 1.5 copies/μL) compared to those with high IL-6 or RNAaemia or without high IL-6 and RNAaemia (88% vs. 22% or 8%, log-rank test P = 0.0097 or P < 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusions
Combining SpO2/FiO2 with high IL-6 and SARS-CoV-2 RNAaemia which reflect hyperinflammation and viral overload allows accurately and before intubation identifying COVID-19 patients at high risk for ECMO use or in-hospital death despite the use of MV.
Coexistent ruins: Exploring Iraq’s Mesopotamian past through contemporary art
Authors: Malallah Hanaa 
Published: August 2021

The project will initiate and conduct interdisciplinary, expanded media, collaborative research at four ancient sites in Iraq, Mesopotamia: Ur, Babylon, Nippur and Nimrud as well as, through a series of workshops, talks, exhibitions and online coverage with the specific aim of exploring the critical question of how contemporary collaborative art projects conducted at these key archaeological sites can enable a re-engagement with this ancient heritage and history, facilitating a greater engagement with that past and thereby contribute to the local tourism and knowledge economies at these locations.
A female lead artist at each of the sites will facilitate a socially engaged programme that will utilize creative responses at these repeatedly colonized sites with participation from local residents, visitors to the sites and female art students; the programme aims to generate a renewed interest in the significance of this ancient heritage. The main aim is for this project to enable the small museums at these sites, which have been neglected for many years, to become more responsive to the needs of the local community. It intends to help with issues of post-conflict healing and reconciliation addressing issues of postcolonial conflict and survival.
Um novo ator na agroecologia
Authors: Sobrinho Severino Justino , Gomes Ramonildes Alves 
Published: August 2021

A pretensão desse trabalho é analisar as relações de integração de agricultores familiares agroecológicos com a empresa de comercialização Hortaliças Sempre Verde, localizada no município de Alagoa Nova-PB, especializada na comercialização de produtos hortifrutigranjeiros para redes de supermercados nos estados da Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte e Pernambuco, mantendo parcerias com agricultores agroecológicos para o fornecimento de produtos orgânicos. Os agricultores familiares que fornecem os produtos orgânicos para a empresa, na sua grande maioria, residem no município de Alagoa Nova, situado no agreste paraibano. Contudo, um dos circuitos que tem se mostrado viável para esses agricultores é a produção agroecológica integrada à empresa, que consiste em um acordo de exclusividade produtiva, celebrado entre agricultores agroecológicos e a empresa Hortaliças Sempre Verde. Como estratégia metodológica optamos pela revisão da literatura, realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas e abertas, pela observação direta e pela análise de dados secundários acessados na base do IBGE. Verificou-se que os agricultores agroecológicos têm uma integração direta com a empresa e um retorno financeiro rápido, submetendo sua produção agroecológica a racionalidade da empresa, gerando dependência e sujeição da renda.