bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucosamine sulphate: an umbrella review of health outcomes
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Demurtas Jacopo , Smith Lee , Reginster Jean-Yves , Bruyère Olivier , Beaudart Charlotte , Honvo Germain , Maggi Stefania ,   on behalf on the European Geriatric Medicine Society Special Interest Groups in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Arthritis
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims: Glucosamine sulphate (GS) can be used as background therapy in people affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA). Knowledge regarding the efficacy and safety of GS is of importance since its use worldwide is increasing. Therefore, the present study aimed to map and grade the diverse health outcomes associated with GS using an umbrella review approach. Methods: Medline, Cinahl and Embase databases were searched until 1 April 2020. An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out. The evidence from the RCTs was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Results: From 140 articles returned, 11 systematic reviews, for a total of 21 outcomes (37 RCTs; 3949 participants; almost all using 1500 mg/day), were included. No systematic reviews/meta-analyses of observational studies were included. Regarding the findings of the meta-analyses, 9/17 outcomes were statistically significant, indicating that GS is more effective than placebo. A high certainty of evidence, as assessed by GRADE, supported the use of GS ( versus placebo) in improving the Lequesne Index, joint space width change, joint space width change after 3 years of follow up, joint space narrowing and OA progression. No difference in terms of adverse effects was found between GS and placebo. In systematic reviews, GS was associated with a better glucose profile and a better physical function performance than placebo. Conclusion: GS, when used as a prescription drug (i.e. crystalline glucosamine sulphate) at 1500 mg daily dosage, can positively affect the cartilage structure, reduce pain, improve function and glucose metabolism in people with knee OA, without having a greater incidence of adverse effects than placebo.
Speed Overestimation of the Moving Away Object in the Intentional Reaction Causal Effect
Authors: Parovel Giulia , Guidi Stefano 
Published: December 2020

We describe a new illusory speed effect arising in visual events developed by Michotte (1946/1963 ) in studies of causal perception and, more specifically, within the so-called intentional reaction effect: When an Object B is seen intentionally escaping from another Object A, its perceived speed is overestimated. In Experiment 1, we used two-alternative forced choice comparisons to estimate perceived speed scale values for a small square moving either alone or in different contexts known to elicit different impressions of animacy ( Parovel et al., 2018 ). The results showed that B’s speed was overestimated only in the condition in which it moved away from another approaching square moving in a nonrigid way, like a caterpillar. In Experiment 2, we psychophysically measured the magnitude of speed overestimation in that condition and tested whether it could be affected by further animacy cues related to the escaping object (the actual velocity of the square) and to the approaching square (its type of motion: caterpillar or linear). Results confirmed that B’s speed was overestimated up to 10% and that the degree of overestimation was affected by both experimental factors, being greater at higher speeds and when the chasing object moved in an animate fashion. This speed bias might be related to a higher sensitivity of the visual processes to threat-related events such as fighting and chasing, leading to evolutionary adaptive behaviours such as speedy flight from predators, but also empathy and emotion understanding.
Ambulatory end-stage liver disease in Ghana; patient profile and utility of alpha fetoprotein and aspartate aminotransferase: platelet ratio index
Authors: Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Awuku Yaw Asante , Agyei-Nkansah Adwoa , Duah Amoako , Bampoh Sally Afua , Ayawin Joshua , Asibey Shadrack Osei , Björkström Niklas K. , Ye Weimin , Afihene Mary Yeboah , Roberts Lewis Rowland , Plymoth Amelie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundEnd-stage liver disease (ESLD) is a major burden on public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important risk factor. We aimed to describe clinical characteristics of ESLD from cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the performance of aspartate aminotransferase (AST)—platelet ratio index (APRI) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in Ghana.MethodsWe performed an observational cross-sectional study in outpatient hepatology clinics at three teaching hospitals in Ghana, West Africa. One hundred and forty-one HCC, 216 cirrhosis and 218 chronic HBV patients were recruited by convenience sampling. Sociodemographic, history and examination, laboratory, and disease staging information were shown using descriptive statistics. Performance of the APRI score in diagnosis of cirrhosis and AFP in the diagnosis of HCC was determined using AUROC analysis.ResultsMedian age at presentation was 44 years for HCC and 46 years for cirrhosis. HBV was found in 69.5% of HCC and 47.2% of cirrhosis cases, and HCV in 6.4% and 3.7% respectively. APRI cut-off of 2 had sensitivity of 45.4% and specificity of 95% in diagnosis of cirrhosis, and cut-off of 1 had sensitivity of 75.9% and specificity of 89%. AUC of AFP was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.94) in diagnosis of HCC. Low monthly income was associated with lower odds of undertaking AFP. Thirty one percent of cirrhotic persons were Child–Pugh C, and 67.9% of HCC patients had advanced or terminal disease at presentation.ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the young age of ESLD patients in Ghana and the advanced nature at presentation. It highlights shortcomings in surveillance and the need for policies to address the burden and improve outcomes in Ghana.
Acetabular- and femoral orientation after periacetabular osteotomy as a predictor for outcome and osteoarthritis
Authors: Goronzy Jens , Franken Lea , Hartmann Albrecht , Thielemann Falk , Blum Sophia , Günther Klaus-Peter , Nowotny Jörg , Postler Anne 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Periacetabular osteotomy is a successful treatment for hip dysplasia. The results are influenced, however, by optimal positioning of the acetabular fragment, femoral head morphology and maybe even femoral version as well as combined anteversion have an impact. In order to obtain better insight on fragment placement, postoperative acetabular orientation and femoral morphology were evaluated in a midterm follow-up in regard to functional outcome and osteoarthritis progression.

Methods
A follow-up examination with 49 prospectively documented patients (66 hips) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) was performed after 62.2 ± 18.6 months. Mean age of patients undergoing surgery was 26.7 ± 9.6 years, 40 (82%) of these patients were female. All patients were evaluated with an a.p. pelvic x-ray and an isotropic MRI in order to assess acetabular version, femoral head cover, alpha angle, femoral torsion and combined anteversion. The acetabular version was measured at the femoral head center as well as 0.5 cm below and 0.5 and 1 cm above the femoral head center and in addition seven modified acetabular sector angles were determined. Femoral torsion was assessed in an oblique view of the femoral neck. The combined acetabular and femoral version was calculated as well. To evaluate the clinical outcome the pre- and postoperative WOMAC score as well as postoperative Oxford Hip Score and Global Treatment Outcome were analyzed.

Results
After PAO acetabular version at the femoral head center (31.4 ± 9.6°) was increased, the anterior cover at the 15 o’clock position (34.7 ± 15.4°) was reduced and both correlated significantly with progression of osteoarthritis, although not with the functional outcome. Combined acetabular and femoral torsion had no influence on the progression of osteoarthritis or outcome scores.

Conclusion
Long-term results after PAO are dependent on good positioning of the acetabular fragment in all 3 planes. Next to a good lateral coverage a balanced horizontal alignment without iatrogenic pincer impingement due to acetabular retroversion, or insufficient coverage of the anterior femoral head is important.
14-Day Ketone Supplementation Lowers Glucose and Improves Vascular Function in Obesity: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Walsh Jeremy J , Neudorf Helena , Little Jonathan P 
Published: December 2020

AbstractContextPostprandial hyperglycemia increases systemic inflammation and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A ketone monoester (KME) drink containing β-hydroxybutyrate (β-OHB) rapidly lowers plasma glucose, which may be a strategy protecting against postprandial hyperglycemia.ObjectiveWe hypothesized that KME would attenuate 2-hour postprandial glucose, lower systemic inflammation, and improve vascular function in adults with obesity.MethodsIn a randomized crossover design, 14 participants with obesity (age = 56 ± 12 years; body mass index = 32.8 ± 7.7 kg/m2) consumed KME (12 g β-OHB) or placebo 15 minutes prior to each meal for 14 days with all meals provided and matched between conditions. Postprandial glycemia was assessed by continuous glucose monitoring. Vascular function and inflammation were assessed before and after treatment periods.ResultsPostprandial glucose was 8.0% lower in KME versus placebo (g = 0.735; P = 0.011) and 24-hour average glucose reduced by 7.8% (g = 0.686; P = 0.0001). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation increased from 6.2  ±  1.5% to 8.9 ± 3.3% in KME (g = 1.05; P = 0.0004) with no changes in placebo (condition × time interaction, P = 0.004). There were no changes in plasma cytokines; however, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte caspase-1 activation was lower following KME supplementation versus placebo (stimulation × condition × time interaction; P = 0.004). The KME supplement was well tolerated by participants and adherence to the supplementation regimen was very high.ConclusionsIn adults with obesity, 14 days of premeal KME supplementation improves glucose control, enhances vascular function, and may reduce cellular inflammation. KME supplementation may be a viable, nonpharmacological approach to improving and protecting vascular health in people with heightened cardiometabolic risk.
Indirect Suppression of Pulsatile LH Secretion by CRH Neurons in the Female Mouse
Authors: Yip Siew Hoong , Liu Xinhuai , Hessler Sabine , Cheong Isaiah , Porteous Robert , Herbison Allan E 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Acute stress is a potent suppressor of pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, but the mechanisms through which corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release remain unclear. The activation of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) CRH neurons with Cre-dependent hM3Dq in Crh-Cre female mice resulted in the robust suppression of pulsatile LH secretion. Channelrhodopsin (ChR2)-assisted circuit mapping revealed that PVN CRH neuron projections existed around kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) although many more fibers made close appositions with GnRH neuron distal dendrons in the ventral ARN. Acutely prepared brain slice electrophysiology experiments in GnRH- green fluorescent protein (GFP) mice showed a dose-dependent (30 and 300 nM CRH) activation of firing in ~20% of GnRH neurons in both intact diestrus and ovariectomized mice with inhibitory effects being uncommon (&lt;8%). Confocal GCaMP6 imaging of GnRH neuron distal dendrons in acute para-horizontal brain slices from GnRH-Cre mice injected with Cre-dependent GCaMP6s adeno-associated viruses demonstrated no effects of 30 to 300 nM CRH on GnRH neuron dendron calcium concentrations. Electrophysiological recordings of ARN kisspeptin neurons in Crh-Cre,Kiss1-GFP mice revealed no effects of 30 -300 nM CRH on basal or neurokinin B-stimulated firing rate. Similarly, the optogenetic activation (2-20 Hz) of CRH nerve terminals in the ARN of Crh-Cre,Kiss1-GFP mice injected with Cre-dependent ChR2 had no effect on kisspeptin neuron firing. Together, these studies demonstrate that PVN CRH neurons potently suppress LH pulsatility but do not exert direct inhibitory control over GnRH neurons, at their cell body or dendron, or the ARN kisspeptin neuron pulse generator in the female mouse.
Human Glucagon Expression Is under the Control of miR-320a
Authors: Jo SeongHo , Xu Guanlan , Jing Gu , Chen Junqin , Shalev Anath 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Increased glucagon is a hallmark of diabetes and leads to worsening of the hyperglycemia, but the molecular mechanisms causing it are still unknown. We therefore investigated the possibility that microRNAs might be involved in the regulation of glucagon. Indeed, analysis of the glucagon 3′ untranslated region (UTR) revealed potential binding sites for miR-320a, and using luciferase reporter assays we found that miR-320a directly targets the 3′ UTRs of human and rodent glucagon. In addition, endogenous glucagon mRNA and protein expression as well as glucagon secretion were reduced in response to miR-320a overexpression, whereas inhibition of miR-320a upregulated glucagon expression. Interestingly, miR-320a expression was decreased by high glucose, and this was associated with an increase in glucagon expression in human islets and mouse αTC1-6 cells. Moreover, miR-320a overexpression completely blunted these effects. Importantly, miR-320a was also significantly downregulated in human islets of subjects with type 2 diabetes and this was accompanied by increased glucagon expression. Thus, our data suggest that glucose-induced downregulation of miR-320a may contribute to the paradoxical increase in glucagon observed in type 2 diabetes and reveal for the first time that glucagon expression is under the control by a microRNA providing novel insight into the abnormal regulation of glucagon in diabetes.
Activation of Ovarian Taste Receptors Inhibits Progesterone Production Potentially via NO/cGMP and Apoptotic Signaling
Authors: Jiang Jingle , Liu Siyi , Qi Lina , Wei Quanwei , Shi Fangxiong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Taste receptors are not only expressed in the taste buds, but also in other nongustatory tissues, including the reproductive system. Taste receptors can be activated by various tastants, thereby exerting relatively physiologic functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms underlying ovarian taste receptor activation on progesterone production using saccharin sodium as the receptor agonist in a pseudopregnant rat model. Taste 1 receptor member 2 (TAS1R2) and taste 2 receptor member 31 (TAS2R31) were demonstrated to be abundantly expressed in the corpora lutea of rats, and intraperitoneal injection of saccharin sodium can activate both of them and initiate their downstream signaling cascades. The activation of these ovarian taste receptors promoted nitric oxide (NO) production via endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). NO production then increased ovarian cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) levels, which, in turn, decreased ovarian cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate levels. In addition, the activation of ovarian taste receptors induced apoptosis, possibly through NO and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. As a result, the activation of ovarian taste receptors reduced the protein expression of steroidogenesis-related factors, causing the inhibition of ovarian progesterone production. In summary, our data suggest that the activation of ovarian taste receptors inhibits progesterone production in pseudopregnant rats, potentially via NO/cGMP and apoptotic signaling.
Repeated Activation of Noradrenergic Receptors in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Suppresses the Response to Hypoglycemia
Authors: Sejling Anne-Sophie , Wang Peili , Zhu Wanling , Farhat Rawad , Knight Nicholas , Appadurai Daniel , Chan Owen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Activation of the adrenergic system in response to hypoglycemia is important for proper recovery from low glucose levels. However, it has been suggested that repeated adrenergic stimulation may also contribute to counterregulatory failure, but the underlying mechanisms are not known. The aim of this study was to establish whether repeated activation of noradrenergic receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) contributes to blunting of the counterregulatory response by enhancing local lactate production. The VMH of nondiabetic rats were infused with either artificial extracellular fluid, norepinephrine (NE), or salbutamol for 3 hours/day for 3 consecutive days before they underwent a hypoglycemic clamp with microdialysis to monitor changes in VMH lactate levels. Repeated exposure to NE or salbutamol suppressed both the glucagon and epinephrine responses to hypoglycemia compared to controls. Furthermore, antecedent NE and salbutamol treatments raised extracellular lactate levels in the VMH. To determine whether the elevated lactate levels were responsible for impairing the hormone response, we pharmacologically inhibited neuronal lactate transport in a subgroup of NE-treated rats during the clamp. Blocking neuronal lactate utilization improved the counterregulatory hormone responses in NE-treated animals, suggesting that repeated activation of VMH β2-adrenergic receptors increases local lactate levels which in turn, suppresses the counterregulatory hormone response to hypoglycemia.
Comparison of time-use patterns and self-efficacy in family caregivers of patients with chronic disease
Authors: Riyahi Azade , Abdolrazaghi Hosseinali , Sarlak Nazanin , Faraji Sepideh , Nobakht Zahra 
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims Caregivers perform an important role but caring affects other roles they perform, resulting in poor time management and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the time-use patterns and self-efficacy of caregivers of two groups of patients with chronic disease: those with a diagnosis of mental illness and those without a diagnosis of mental illness. Methods Family caregivers of patients with a chronic disease who were aged between 20–60 years, resident in Arak, not taking care of another patient and literate were eligible to participate. The presence of mental illness was based on a psychiatrist's diagnosis at least 6 months before the study. The Mothers' Time Use Questionnaire, Sherer Self-efficacy Scale and a demographic questionnaire were used to capture data relating to time-use, self-efficacy and participant characteristics. Data were analysed using independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test to identify and compare time-use patterns and self-efficacy. Results There were no significant between-group differences in demographics or mean time-use scores in six domains (rest/sleep, leisure, housework, work/occupation, social participation and satisfaction with time management). Self-care time-use scores (time, quality, importance and enjoyment) were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with chronic disease with a diagnosis of mental illness. Patient care time-use scores were significantly higher for caregivers of patients with chronic disease without a diagnosis of mental illness. Mean self-efficacy score was significantly higher in the group caring for patients with a diagnosis of psychiatric disease. Conclusions Chronic physical illnesses may result in greater dependence on caregivers than mental illness, increasing the amount of time spent on care and reducing caregiver self-efficacy.
Health-related quality of life improves over the duration of home-based rehabilitation services
Authors: Fulton Shelley , Dunk Penny , Stiller Kathy 
Published: December 2020

Background/Aims Home-based rehabilitation is an alternative to inpatient rehabilitation. There is little research evaluating its effect on health-related quality of life. This study aimed to investigate whether health-related quality of life improves with rehabilitation services provided in the home. Methods A prospective, single-arm, observational study was undertaken, involving 121 patients receiving home-based rehabilitation services. A health-related quality of life questionnaire was completed by participants at the start and completion of services (using the 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimension instrument) and analysed descriptively. Changes in health-related quality of life were compared using paired sample t-tests. Multivariate regression analyses were undertaken to investigate the effects of various factors (eg age, gender, diagnostic category) on the observed changes in health-related quality of life. Results Improved health-related quality of life was found: more participants reported ‘no’ or ‘slight’ problems at completion than initially, and there were significant increases in index values (P<0.001) and EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale scores (P<0.001). Admission scores, diagnostic group and duration of home-based rehabilitation services influenced health-related quality of life. Conclusions Health-related quality of life improved from start to completion of home-based rehabilitation services. This may reflect natural recovery and/or the effect of the rehabilitation interventions. Health-related quality of life measures, such as the 5-Level EuroQol-5 Dimension instrument, may be useful to evaluate the effect of home-based rehabilitation.
Binding Space: The Book as Spatial Practice, Marian Macken (2018)
Authors: Avramidis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2020

Review of: Binding Space: The Book as Spatial Practice, Marian Macken (2018)
London: Routledge, 186 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-47248-323-2, p/bk, £42.99
Déconfiner les consciences par la systémique
Authors: Vitrac Richard 
Published: December 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all of humanity. It was the first time that virtually all human beings on earth felt concerned by a particular event: a Chinese allegedly ate pangolin infected with a virus, causing an epidemic that has spread to all mankind.
In the case of covid 19, virtually all humans have been informed by television and the internet. This made them stand together beyond any language, race or religion. However, this shared solidarity was based on the fear of illness and death. There was nothing to counterbalance this atavistic fear, other than, for some, a faith in a particular religion.
On the contrary, systemic sciences, through Cognitive and Systemic Relativity (CSR), shows that fundamentally, our consciousness is immortal because it is not subject to time; it is inspatiotemporal or eternal. It only depends on each one to awaken his social consciousness (his ego) to its dimension of eternity, which corresponds to his EGO which is the Relativist Observer, pilot of the body.
In addition, this individual awakening has the advantage of functioning as a positive pandemic, based on confidence in the source of life which is the Consciousness of Existing, the root of our EGO, and therefore also of our ego.
This positive pandemic is based on a particular functioning which is the systemic entanglement of all the systems on earth since the EGO of all living systems on earth are in communion at all times.
The conscious restoration of this communion of all EGO through trust in our individual EGO sets in motion the healing software of all systems on earth.
This corresponds to the entry of humanity into what we might call universal brotherhood and which Teilhard de Chardin calls the noosphere.