bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of probiotic supplementation on major cardiovascular-related parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus: a secondary-data analysis of a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Ahmadian Fatemeh , Razmpoosh Elham , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Javadi Maryam , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have a higher risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Meanwhile, probiotics are shown to positively impact CVD-related parameters. This randomized controlled trial sought to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on fundamental CVD-related parameters including atherogenic index of plasma (AIPs), blood pressure, the Framingham risk score, and antioxidant markers in patients with T2DM.

Methods
Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive 2 capsules/day of probiotics [each containing 500 mg of L.acidophilus(5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.plantarum(1.5 × 1010 CFU/g), L.fermentum(7 × 109 CFU/g), L.Gasseri(2 × 1010 CFU/g) and 38.5 mg of fructo-oligo-saccharides], or placebo for 6 weeks. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), atherogenic indices (the ratios of TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and logTG/HDL-C), the 10-year Framingham CVD risk score, as well as total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), paraoxonase (PON) and total oxidant status (TOS) were evaluated before and after the study. Final analyses were adjusted based on baseline parameters, and potential covariates including age, sex, PUFA and sodium intakes.

Results
Sixty participants completed the study. Compared with placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in SBP[-9.24 mmHg(− 14.5, − 3.9)], DBP[− 3.71 mmHg(− 6.59, − 0.83)], MAP[− 5.55 mmHg(− 8.8, − 2.31)], the Framingham risk categories [medium–low(1.5) vs. 2 (medium)] and logTG/HDL-C ratio [− 0.08 (− 0.14, 0)] (All P < 0.05) at the end of the study. No significant changes were observed in the antioxidant markers.

Conclusion
Overall, probiotic supplementation for 6 weeks led to a significant improvement in major CVD-related parameters in populations with T2DM, suggesting the possible beneficial role of probiotics in lowering the risk of future CVDs associated with diabetes. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to confirm the veracity of these results.
Trial registration: IRCT2013100714925N1 (registered on November, 9th, 2013).
Chemical genetic activation of the cholinergic basal forebrain hippocampal circuit rescues memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Liu Weilin , Li Jianhong , Yang Minguang , Ke Xiaohua , Dai Yaling , Lin Huawei , Wang Sinuo , Chen Lidian , Tao Jing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe degeneration of the cholinergic circuit from the basal forebrain to the hippocampus contributes to memory loss in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the internal relationships between the acetylcholine (Ach) cycle and memory decline during the early stages of AD currently remain unknown. Here, we investigate the mechanisms underlying the activation of the cholinergic circuit and its impact on learning and memory using APP/PS1 mice models.MethodsNovel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were used to measure learning and memory function. Magnetic resonance spectrum (MRS) imaging was applied to longitudinally track changes in neurochemical metabolism in APP/PS1 mice aged 2, 4, 6, and 8 months. The number of neurons and the deposition of Aβ plaques were measured using Nissl, immunohistochemistry, and Thioflavin S staining. We then employed a chemogenetic strategy to selectively activate the cholinergic circuit from the medial septal nucleus (MS) and the vertical limb of the diagonal band nucleus (VDB) on the basal forebrain to the hippocampus. MRS and immunoblotting techniques were used to measure the neurochemical metabolism levels and cholinergic-related proteins, respectively.ResultsWe found that the levels of choline (Cho) in the basal forebrain were markedly higher compared to other brain regions and that its decrease along with N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) levels in the hippocampus was accompanied by memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice aged 4, 6, and 8 months. In terms of pathology, we observed that the deposition of Aβ plaques gradually aggravated throughout the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice aged 6 and 8 months, while no Aβ deposition was detected in the basal forebrain. In contrast, the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) enzyme in the basal forebrain was decreased at 6 months of age and the cholinergic neurons were lost in the basal forebrain at 8 months of age. In addition, the activation of the cholinergic circuit from the MS and VDB to the hippocampus using chemical genetics is able to improve learning and reduce memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice. Similarly, the levels of Cho in the basal forebrain; NAA in the hippocampus, as well as the expression of ChAT and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (vAchT) in the basal forebrain; and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2 (CHRM2) in the hippocampus all increased.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that the neurochemical Cho and NAA of the cholinergic circuit can be used as biomarkers to enable the early diagnosis of AD. In addition, memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice can be attenuated using chemical genetics-driven Ach cycle activity of the cholinergic circuit.
Benchmarking Survival Outcomes Following Surgical Management of pT3 and pT4 Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Yung Amanda E. , Crouch Gareth , Varey Alexander H. R. , Lo Serigne , Elliott Michael S. , Lee Jenny , Rawson Robert , Gupta Ruta , Hong Angela M. , Clark Jonathan R. , Ch’ng Sydney 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
pT3/4 head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (HNcSCCs) are associated with poor outcomes, including local recurrence, metastasis and death. Whilst surgery remains the standard treatment for advanced HNcSCC, novel systemic therapies, such as immunotherapy, are being used earlier in the treatment paradigm. It is imperative that the clinical outcomes of surgery are clearly described so that conventional and emerging treatment modalities can be better integrated and sequenced in the management of pT3/4 HNcSCC.

Methods
Patients with confirmed pT3/4 HNcSCC undergoing curative surgical resection between 2014-2020 were identified retrospectively from a prospectively maintained research database. The primary outcomes of interest were locoregional control (LRC), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcome was surgical complication rate.

Results
A total of 104 patients (median age 74, range 41–94 years) were included, 90% of which had pT3 tumors; 36.5% received adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 24.3 (range 1.0–84.3) months. LRC at 5 years was 62.0%, DSS at 5 years was 83.7%, and OS at 5 years was 71.9%. Median time to recurrence was 8.4 months. LRC was reduced in the presence of margin involvement and previous treatment (radiotherapy/surgery). The major surgical complication rate was 9.6%.

Conclusions
More than 60% of patients treated surgically for pT3/4 head and neck cSCC were alive and free of disease at 5 years posttreatment. High-risk features such as margin involvement and having had previous treatment (radiotherapy/surgery) should be used to guide adjuvant therapy.
Study of bypassing Microsoft Windows Security using the MITRE CALDERA Framework
Authors: Mohamed Nachaat 
Published: April 2022

Background: Microsoft Windows Security is a recently implemented safeguard for the Windows operating systems, including the latest versions of Windows10 and 11. However, there is a major shortcoming in this system to stop Advanced Persistent Threat (APT). These are government-financed groups that are funded to attack other government entities. Following the initial security breach, the hacked Windows device is used to access the rest of the network devices in order to transfer data to external storage (Exfiltration). Methods: In this work, we have tested the Microsoft Windows Security system using MITRE CALDERA and ATT&CK frameworks and explain how APT groups are able to bypass Windows Security. Results: In this study we used "54ndc47" agent through GoLang feature in MITRE CALDERA platform to test and bypass Microsoft Windows Security systems (MS Windows 10). Through it, we were able to bypass the Windows Security system and display entire files in the victim's device. Conclusions: In this paper, we have provided recommendations to Microsoft to improve their Windows Security tool through the use of Artificial intelligence (AI).
Long-term mortality of academy award winning actors and actresses
Authors: Redelmeier Donald A. , Singh Sheldon M. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundSocial status gradients are powerful health determinants for individuals living in poverty. We tested whether winning an Academy award (Oscar) for acting was associated with long-term survival.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal cohort analysis of all actors and actresses nominated for an Academy award in a leading or a supporting role. For each, a control was identified based on age, sex, and co-staring in the same film.ResultsOverall, 2,111 individuals were analyzed with 1,122 total deaths occurring during a median follow-up of 68.8 years. Comparisons of winners to controls yielded a 4.8% relative difference average life-span (95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 7.9, p = 0.004), a 5.1 year absolute increase in life expectancy (95% confidence interval: 3.0 to 7.2, p < 0.001), and a 41% improvement in mortality hazard (95% confidence interval: 19 to 68, p < 0.001). The increased survival tended to be greater in recent years, for individuals winning at a younger age, and among those with multiple wins. The increased survival replicated in secondary analyses comparing winners to nominees and was not observed in analyses comparing nominees to controls.ConclusionsAcademy award winning actors and actresses show a positive association between success and survival, suggesting the importance of behavioral, psychological, or other modifiable health factors unrelated to poverty.
Adaptive HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis adherence interventions for young South African women: Study protocol for a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial
Authors: Velloza Jennifer , Poovan Nicole , Ndlovu Nontokozo , Khoza Nomhle , Morton Jennifer F. , Omony Jeanne , Mkwanazi Edwin , Grabow Cole , Donnell Deborah , Munthali Richard , Baeten Jared M. , Hosek Sybil , Celum Connie , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead 
Published: April 2022

Introduction
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective HIV prevention strategy and is recommended for populations at risk of HIV, including adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in HIV endemic settings. However, PrEP continuation and high adherence remain challenges to its impact. Existing PrEP adherence interventions can be time- and cost-intensive. Widescale PrEP delivery will require the identification of layered PrEP support strategies for AGYW with diverse prevention needs. We describe the design of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) to evaluate a PrEP adherence support model using scalable, stepped interventions in AGYW in South Africa.

Methods
“PrEP SMART” is a randomized trial in Johannesburg, South Africa, enrolling AGYW who are between 18 and 25 years of age, sexually active, newly initiating PrEP, and have regular access to a mobile phone. Participants are randomized 1:1 to standard-of-care PrEP counseling with either two-way SMS or WhatsApp group adherence support. Adherence is assessed at three months using tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) levels from dried blood spots collected at month 2 to categorize participants as “responders” (TFV-DP ≥500 fmol/punch) or “non-responders” (TFV-DP <500 fmol/punch). AGYW defined as ‘non-responders’ undergo a secondary 1:1 randomization to either quarterly drug-level feedback counseling or monthly issue-focused counseling, in addition to their first-level intervention. The primary outcome is PrEP adherence at nine months (TFV-DP ≥700 fmol/punch). We will assess the effect of our two initial interventions on TFV-DP levels among responders, assess the effect of our intensified interventions on TFV-DP levels among non-responders, and identify the optimal sequence of adherence interventions through nine months.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04038060. Registered on 30 July 2019.
New and rare species in the Kuzbass flora
Authors: Sheremetova Svetlana A. , Khrustaleva Irina A. , Ebel Alexander L. , Kupriyanov Andrey N. , Andreev Boris G. , Strelnikova Tatyana O. , Ebel Tatyana V. , Gudkova Polina D. 
Published: April 2022

Data on findings of new and rare species in the Kemerovo Region are given. For the first time for the territory of Siberia as a naturalized species Trifolium pannonicum is indicated. Another species listed for the first time for the Altai-Sayan region is Linum catharticum. 14 new species and 2 interspecific hybrids are listed for the Kemerovo Region: Adenophora lamarckii, Astragalus macroceras, Cardaria draba, Chrysaspis campestris, Galium aparine, Genista tinctoria, Geranium sergievskajae, Hypericum attenuatum, Juncus nastanthus, Oxytropis intermedia, Poa insignis, Poa × intricata, Poa sergievskajae, Potamogeton × angustifolius, Stipa krylovii, Trapa natans. New locations have been recorded for 21 species that are rare in the Kuzbass: Aconogonon divaricatum, Agropyron pectinatum, Amaranthus blitoides, Astragalus vaginatus, Chaenorhinum minus, Dactylorhiza viridis, Dianthus deltoides, Dracocephalum krylovii, Echinops sphaerocephalus, Elodea canadensis, Elymus excelsus, Geranium laetum, Hypericum maculatum, Juglans mandshurica, Juncus vvedenskyi, Leymus paboanus, Rubus humulifolius, Stellaria cherleriae, Sanicula europaea, Suaeda prostrata, Woodsia calcarea. Of the 18 new taxa for the Kemerovo Region, 6 species are adventive.
Stainless steel-FRCM system for strengthening of RC beams: towards a sustainable strengthening technique
Authors: Bencardino Francesco , Nisticò Mattia 
Published: April 2022

Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems for strengthening concrete structures are an alternative to traditional techniques. The FRCM system is a composite material consisting of two or more layers of cement-based matrix reinforced with dry fibres in the form of open mesh or fabric. When adhered to concrete structural members the FRCM system acts as supplemental external reinforcement. Many existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) members exhibit degradation due to the carbonation of concrete and/or corrosion of internal reinforcing steel bars. These RC members can be strengthened using stainless steel, in strip format (unidirectional fibres), embedded in a cementitious based matrix. The system, named Stainless Steel-FRCM, can be applied according to the Externally Bonded (EB) technique. In order to reduce times and costs of intervention, number of used materials, as well as the amount of chemical compounds, a novel Inhibiting-Repairing-Strengthening (IRS) technique is proposed and experimentally tested. Using a suitable matrix (thixotropic mortar with passivation properties) the main three operations of steel bars corrosion inhibition/protection, restoring of deteriorated concrete, and installation of the external strengthening can be carried out in one-step. For evaluating the effectiveness of both new strengthening system and installation technique an extensive experimental investigation was planned and developed. A part of the experimental research includes two groups of three RC beams (3.00 m and 4.80 m long): one strengthened withIRS technique, one strengthened with EB technique and one control beam. These beams were tested under monotonic loading. Further two beams, one beam for each group, strengthened according to IRS technique, were also tested under cyclic loading. The experimental results show the validity of the proposed solution in terms of structural performance and environmental sustainability.
Strength and durability characteristics of self compacting concrete (SCC) with recycled aggregate and manufactured sand
Authors: Chundupalle Sashidhar , Seeri Nirmala , Veera Sudarsana Reddy , Nelluri Venkata Ramana 
Published: April 2022

The investigations on self compacting concrete (SCC) with recycled coarse aggregate and Manufactured sand (M-Sand) were performed in this current study. The SCC mixtures were produced with the recycled coarse aggregate of proportions of 0 to 100% with step increment of 25% with a ratio of water binder at 0.36. In addition, the mixtures were also prepared by mixing it with M-Sand. The feasibility of utilizing the recycled coarse aggregate in SCC was evaluated through strength an durability studies. The obtained results demonstrated that the SCC produced from these materials can be effectively recommended for their usages in concrete industries.
Energy flows along the production and use of secondary materials with a special focus on concrete
Authors: Gruhler Karin , Schiller Georg 
Published: April 2022

Urban mining in the existing building stock can contribute to securing raw materials and conserving natural resources if the potential of recycling construction waste is consistently exploited. From an ecological point of view, it is on the one hand interesting what amounts of primary materials can potentially be substituted and on the other how much energy need to be invested for this. At present, the recycling of construction waste usually is considered from a material perspective. There is lack of an approach, extending material-oriented considerations by energetic aspects. The aim is to develop a uniform research approach by which energy expenditure during recycling of important construction products can be determined. Besides concrete seven further construction products are investigated. Recycling paths are described and analysed along waste management processing steps taking into account the quality of the demolition materials and the quality requirements of the possible new application variants in the construction sector. The result is a clear plea for more consistent recycling. The analyses of concrete indicate that "high-quality" recycling only results in energy advantages when "high-grade" demolition material is used. However, so-called "down-cycling" solutions allow resource conservation to be combined with energy savings, even with lower-quality demolition materials. The single-minded focus on "high-quality" recycling according to the general understanding should therefore be questioned. Instead, preference should be given to solutions that take resource conservation into account in a more holistic way especially with regard to resource conservation andclimate protection.
Mapeamento de Sistemas Privados de Ensino-SPE em municípios mato-grossenses,2015-2019
Authors: Adrião Theresa Maria de Freitas , Arruda Cristiane Santana de 
Published: April 2022

Este artigo analisa dados relacionados ao mapeamento sobre a adoção de Sistemas Privados de Ensino - SPE do estado de Mato Grosso, para os anos de 2015-2019. Dialoga com pesquisas anteriores sobre o tema, principalmente Adrião et al (2009). Tem-se como pressuposto as reflexões de (ADRIÃO, 2018), de que a adoção de SPEs é uma forma de privatização do currículo. As informações derivam de pesquisa exploratória realizada em sites governamentais do conjunto dos municípios mato-grossenses. Identifica-se que, no período, 14,18% desses municípios adquiriam SPE para a educação básica em Mato Grosso, com a predominância do Grupo Positivo Ltda e com maior concentração na região intermediária de Sinop.
A bonificação em Minas Gerais e a confluência com as recomendações do Banco Mundial: repercussões no trabalho docente
Authors: Pereira Mariane Gomes , Morais Sérgio Paulo 
Published: April 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as propostas do Banco Mundial (BM) para a docência, e como Minas Gerais assimilou tais proposições no governo de Aécio Neves (2003-2010). Para atingir tal finalidade, apresentamos uma breve análise de um documento do BM que destaca propostas para a docência. As fontes da pesquisa são constituídas por documento e por teses e dissertações que tratam das repercussões das bonificações no trabalho docente, principalmente do “Prêmio por Produtividade”. Sendo assim, identificamos que Minas Gerais assimilou as propostas do BM de modernização da gestão pública e implementou a bonificação. A base dessa premiação foi o mérito que não ocasionou a melhoria da qualidade da docência, mas, sim, a responsabilização dos agentes da educação.
Por uma Pedagogia Crítica: confluências entre as teorizações de Peter McLaren e o pensamento freireano
Authors: McLaren Peter , Silva Maria Vieira 
Published: April 2022

Ao longo de décadas as obras de Peter McLaren têm se constituído em referentes fundamentais para a solidificação da teoria crítica. No presente ensaio, McLaren apresenta importantes elementos de sua aproximação intelectual com a complexidade dialética e dialógica da obra de Paulo Freire, selada por uma sólida amizade. As narrativas do autor recuperam memórias de encontros com Freire e a importância da teoria freireana para fomentar políticas e práticas educacionais pautadas nas lutas contra-hegemônicas e no enfrentamento das atuais dinâmicas de poder ancoradas em políticas neoliberais e neoconservadoras.
La Pandemia como possibilidad de precarizacion del trabajo y del empleo
Authors: Gómez Tania Aillón 
Published: April 2022

Este artículo es resultado de la participación en la mesa redonda: “Trabalho Precário no Contexto da pandemia: Olhares sobre América latina”, organizada por la Universidad Federal de Uberlândia, él valora las tendências del trabajo y el empleo durante la pandemia por Covid-19; bajo el postulado de que un desastre sanitario no es solo natural; sino también resultado de prácticas humanas dentro de determinadas relaciones sociales. Esto hace que los riesgos por Covid-19 como la exposición al contagio o al desempleo, no sean los mismos para todos. En este sentido, los cambios en el empleo y en el trabajo, durante la pandemia por Covid-19, son resultado de la relación laboral, que, dentro del capitalismo, es una relación mercantil, permeada por desigualdades de clase, de género y étnicas.
Essential Drivers of Payment Gateway Continuance Intention: The Moderating Role of Usage Rate
Authors: Sutarso Yudi 
Published: April 2022

This study aims to analyze the effect of functional and economic benefit on the perceived value of payment gateway, elaborate the role of perceived value, subjectiveÂ norm, and behavior control on continuance intention, and identify the moderatingÂ role of usage rate on the relationship. The study employed Partial Least Squares toÂ test the proposed model and corresponding hypotheses. Using the purposive samplingÂ technique, the data collection was from 460 survey samples of Fintech paymentÂ gateway users in Indonesia. Analysis data used Two-step SEM, inner model, andÂ outer model analysis. The findings showed that functional and economic benefitsÂ influence the perceived value of payment gateway. Moreover, perceived value,Â subjective norm, and behavioral control effects continuance intention. This studyÂ shows the importance of the moderating role of usage level on the relationship ofÂ subjective norm and perceived behavior control with continuance intention onÂ payment gateway. This study recommends payment getaway providers to manageÂ customer value, promote sustainable intentions, and consider usage rates toÂ encourage subjective norms and behavioral control. Therefore, this study enables aÂ better understanding of the Theory of Plan Behavior (TPB) and ExpectationÂ Disconfirmation Theory (EDT) in the payment gateway context.