bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hepatoprotective effect of silibinin after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in a rat model is confirmed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR
Authors: Betsou Afrodite , Lambropoulou Maria , Georgakopoulou Anastasia-Eirini , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos , Konstandi Ourania , Anagnostopoulos Konstantinos , Tsalikidis Christos , Simopoulos Constantinos E , Valsami Georgia , Tsaroucha Alexandra K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We investigated the positive effect of silibinin after IV administration as silibinin-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin lyophilized product, by measuring gene expression and liver tissue protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, matrix metalloproteinases matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2.

Methods
63 Wistar rats of age 13.24±4.40 weeks underwent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the liver. The animals were randomized into three groups: Sham (S; n = 7); Control (C; n-28); silibinin (Si; n-28). The C and Si groups underwent 45 min ischemia. Si received silibinin-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin intravenously immediately before reperfusion at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Both groups were further divided into 4 subgroups, based on euthanasia time (i.e., 60, 120, 180 and 240 min).

Key findings
qRT-PCR results confirmed the statistically significant reduction of the expression of the pro-inflammatory factors at 240 min after I/R injury (tumor necrosis factor-α: P &lt; 0.05; MCR1: P &lt; 0.05) and matrix metalloproteinases (matrix metalloproteinases 2: P &lt; 0.05; matrix metalloproteinases 3: P &lt; 0.05) and the increase of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2 in liver tissue in the Si group. Moreover, results of immunohistochemistry levels confirmed that at 240 min pro-inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α: P &lt; 0.05; MCR1: P &lt; 0.05) and matrix metalloproteinases ( matrix metalloproteinases 2: P &lt; 0.05; matrix metalloproteinases 3: P &lt; 0.05) had a statistically significantly lower expression in the Si group while tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-2 had a higher expression.

Conclusions
Silibinin may have a beneficial effect on the protection of the liver.
Induction of somatic mutations by low concentrations of tritiated water (HTO): evidence for the possible existence of a dose-rate threshold
Authors: Nagashima Haruki , Hayashi Yuki , Sakamoto Yuki , Komatsu Kenshi , Tauchi Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Tritium is a low energy beta emitter and is discharged into the aquatic environment primarily in the form of tritiated water (HTO) from nuclear power plants or from nuclear fuel reprocessing plants. Although the biological effects of HTO exposures at significant doses or dose rates have been extensively studied, there are few reports concerning the biological effects of HTO exposures at very low dose rates. In the present study using a hyper-sensitive assay system, we investigated the dose rate effect of HTO on the induction of mutations. Confluent cell populations were exposed to HTO for a total dose of 0.2 Gy at dose rates between 4.9 mGy/day and 192 mGy/day by incubating cells in medium containing HTO. HTO-induced mutant frequencies and mutation spectra were then investigated. A significant inflection point for both the mutant frequency and mutation spectra was found between 11 mGy/day and 21.6 mGy/day. Mutation spectra analysis revealed that a mechanistic change in the nature of the mutation events occurred around 11 mGy/day. The present observations and published experimental results from oral administrations of HTO to mice suggest that a threshold dose-rate for HTO exposures might exist between 11 mGy/day and 21.6 mGy/day where the nature of the mutation events induced by HTO becomes similar to those seen in spontaneous events.
Health effects triggered by tritium: how do we get public understanding based on scientifically supported evidence?
Authors: Matsumoto Hideki , Shimada Yoshiya , Nakamura Asako J , Usami Noriko , Ojima Mitsuaki , Kakinuma Shizuko , Shimada Mikio , Sunaoshi Masaaki , Hirayama Ryoichi , Tauchi Hiroshi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Commission for ‘Corresponding to Radiation Disaster of the Japanese Radiation Research Society’ formulated a description of potential health effects triggered by tritium. This was in response to the issue of discharging water containing tritium filtered by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), generated and stored in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station after the accident. In this review article, the contents of the description, originally provided in Japanese, which gives clear and detailed explanation about potential health effects triggered by tritium based on reliable scientific evidence in an understandable way for the public, were summarized. Then, additional information about biochemical or environmental behavior of organically bound tritium (OBT) were summarized in order to help scientists who communicate with general public.
Acute pancreatitis as a late complication of intra-gastric balloon insertion
Authors: Abdulghaffar Shareefa , Badrawi Noor , Gowda Swaroop Keshe , AlBastaki Usama , AlNuaimi Dana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Intra-gastric balloon (IGB) insertion is a safe, well-tolerated and an effective weight loss procedure. It is commonly used as a step prior to bariatric surgery in obese patients with co-morbidities and failed conservative weight-loss methods. The main side effects post-IGB placement include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The reported complications of IGB include balloon over-inflation, balloon migration, esophagitis, ulceration, gastric perforation and bowel obstruction. We report a case of acute pancreatitis attributed to IGB placement, which is a rare complication of this procedure. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis due to IGB was made after excluding other causes of acute pancreatitis by radiological imaging. The patient underwent endoscopic IGB removal with rapid post-surgical improvement of her clinical course.
Legal tools for addressing uncertainty and managing risks in the energy sector: is there a role for international disaster law?
Authors: Antoine Ibrahim Imad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted once again the existing legal vacuums in the energy sector when it comes to addressing various situations such as disaster risk management and reduction. This reality can be seen in various instances where other regulatory frameworks are used instead of energy law. This article seeks to address the existing legal vacuum in the energy field in the context of pre- and post-energy disasters, such as the Covid-19 health disaster resulting in negative consequences for the energy sector. The author argues that international disaster law, taking the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction as a case study, can provide guidance when it comes to managing pre- and post-energy disasters scenarios. The author will support this claim by examining the potential use of the Sendai Framework priorities as guidance for policymakers in addressing disasters in the energy field while stressing the need to strike a balance between using existing binding and nonbinding frameworks from other regulatory fields to address the legal gaps and making sure that energy law applies in such situations.
Insight into skywave theory and breakthrough applications in resource exploration
Authors: Di Qingyun , Fu Changmin , Xue Guoqiang , Wang Miaoyue , An Zhiguo , Wang Ruo , Wang Zhongxing , Lei Da , Zhuo Xianjun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Skywave refers to the electromagnetic wave reflected or refracted from the ionosphere and propagated in the form of a guided wave between the ionosphere and the Earth's surface. Since the skywave can propagate over large distances, it has been widely used in long-distance communication. This paper explores and demonstrates the feasibility of skywave for deep resource and energy exploration at depths of up to 10 km. Theoretical and technical advancements were accomplished in furthering skywave applications. A new solution method based on Green's function has been developed to study skywave propagation in a fully coupled lithosphere-air-ionosphere full space model. For the first time, the model allows one to study skywave distribution characteristics in the lithosphere containing inhomogeneity such as ore deposits or oil and gas reservoirs. This model also lays a foundation for skywave data processing and interpretation. On a parallel line, we have developed a multi-channel, broadband, low-noise, portable data acquisition system suitable for receiving skywave signals. Using the skywave field excited by a high-power fixed source located in central China, actual field surveys have been carried out in some areas in China including the Biyang depression of Henan Province. The initial results appear encouraging—the interpreted resistivity models prove to be consistent with those of seismic exploration and known geological information, and the exploration cost is only ∼1/4 to 1/10 that of seismic surveys. These initial successful applications of the skywave theory lay a solid foundation for further verification of the new method.
Helping
Authors: Ungemah Joe 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This chapter investigates why people will help in some circumstances and fail to act in others. The brutal murder of Kitty Genovese in 1964 was witnessed by 37 witnesses, yet no one intervened, kick-starting research into understanding what elements of the social context causes paralysis in people to act. This is compared to a 2015 accident in London, which saw 50 bystanders lift a bus off a cyclist. The chapter unearths the rules of helping behavior and how to overcome the diffusion of responsibility. When the need for help is apparent, interpreted correctly, and responsibility to act is clear, the chances to overcome paralysis is high. Taking advantage of these rules is especially important for the gig economy, where the connections between people are more tenuous and diffused across organizations.
Understanding Societal Resilience
Authors: Anholt Rosanne , van Dullemen Caroline , de Carvalho Juliana Santos , Rijbroek Joris , Sieckelinck Stijn , Slootman Marieke W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Societal resilience is an emerging paradigm. It refers to responses and strategies at the level of individuals, groups, organizations, and societies that are dealing with complex societal problems. At the same time, these responses contribute to innovative solutions that make society more resilient to current and future challenges. Societal resilience is, however, conceptually relatively undefined. This ambiguity is generally seen as problematic for scholarly work. In this chapter, the authors show that societal resilience is an important social concept because of its openness. To study resilience requires research methodologies that engage many actual stakeholders. Collaborating with societal stakeholders allows not only for co-generating knowledge of local relevance, but also stimulating a comprehensive and critical research approach. Therefore, the current openness of societal resilience does not constitute an undesirable theory gap. It enables the possibility of having plural perspectives based on the complex realities on the ground.
Berkeley and Malebranche on Human Freedom
Authors: Daniel Stephen H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
For Berkeley, I am not a substance who just happens to associate ideas; rather, I am the differentiation and association of those ideas, the will that there be such an order, variety, and comprehension. In creating minds, God creates an infinity of active principles in terms of which objects are intentionally identified in virtue of actions for which we are justifiably held responsible. As Malebranche suggests, God impels us toward the good in general, but we fixate on particular goods. For both thinkers, we need to see how things exhibit God’s grandeur in being related in infinite ways. In this way, we are freed to identify all things as purposive and harmonious.
Free for All
Authors: Case George 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With bands like Grand Funk Railroad, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, and Alice Cooper plying their trade around the stadiums and arenas of midwestern America, it was clear that a new clientele for rock ‘n’ roll had appeared and become viable. Who were the fans of these artists, and what were they getting from the music? How did the music industry cater to these fans among the populations of the heartland and the mill towns? In what ways were the musicians connecting with their public? And why did the players mean so much more to the punters than to the critics?
Eighteenth-Century Women’s Poetry and the Feminine Accomplishment
Authors: Keown Kathleen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This essay posits that the production and reception of eighteenth-century women’s poetry was shaped by a pervasive cultural paradigm: the concept of the ‘feminine accomplishment’. As the aspirational middling sort began to demarcate certain pastimes as signifiers of polite femininity, poetry was increasingly promoted alongside dancing, drawing, and singing as a genteel accomplishment for young women. However, this association was never secure: poetry always occupied an ambiguous position within accomplishment discourse, and the implications of its inclusion (or exclusion) were regularly contested. In the first investigation of this phenomenon, this essay draws upon early eighteenth-century conduct literature and biographical accounts to explore how women’s poetry was encouraged by some as an intellectually stimulating recreation (and a source of familial and national pride)—but was disparaged by others as a pretentious, frivolous, and potentially dangerous ornamentation. The experiences of women writers including Jane Brereton, Laetitia Pilkington, and Martha Fowke reveal that, although an aura of accomplished amateurism could authorize their poetic production (in both manuscript and print), it could also lead to their compositions being patronized and dismissed. The liminal nature of poetry’s ‘accomplished’ status would make women’s verse composition a locus for broader contemporary debates surrounding gender, class, education, and the professionalization of writing.
Effects of red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation on the shelf life of fresh whole muscle beef
Authors: Bolkenov Bakytzhan , Duarte Toni , Yang Linghuan , Yang Frederick , Roque Breanna , Kebreab Ermias , Yang Xiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of red macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation for cattle on the shelf life of fresh beef steaks (longissimus dorsi). Three treatment groups (seven steers per treatment) included: 1) Control diet, 2) Control diet + 0.25% of macroalgae inclusion (low dose, LD), and 3) Control + 0.5% of macroalgae inclusion (high dose, HD). After the animals were harvested, the strip loins from all animals were collected and aged for 14 days at the meat lab of the University of California, Davis. Then the strip loins were cut into steaks, packaged, and placed on a retail display case for 6 days. During a retail display, instrumental color (L*, a*, and b*) of lean muscle and external fat surfaces were measured every 12 h. Bacterial counts for total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria (APB), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were assessed on days 0, 3, and 6 of retail display. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) analysis was conducted to measure the lipid oxidation and the pH was also assessed on days 0, 3, and 6. No interactive effect between treatments and time on the shelf life of steaks was observed. The HD red macroalgae supplement decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the lightness (L*) of the surface muscle of the steaks, while the lightness of the external fat was not affected (P &lt; 0.05) by treatments throughout the retail display. The external fat yellowness of the steaks was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in LD and HD treatment groups compared with the control group. An increase (P &lt; 0.05) in counts of AMB, APB, and LAB was observed on the steaks from the steers in the HD treatment group while steaks in Control and LD group had similar bacterial numbers throughout the retail display. The results indicated that the shelf life of steaks from cattle in LD group remained the same as that of the Control group, but the HD of A. taxiformis caused a darker color of steaks with higher microbial counts, which may lead to a shortened shelf life due to undesirable appearance and faster microbial spoilage.
Understanding stigma and food inequity: a conceptual framework to inform research, intervention, and policy
Authors: Earnshaw Valerie A , Karpyn Allison 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is increasing understanding that stigma associated with poverty, race, nationality, gender, obesity, and other intersecting, socially devalued characteristics is a key social determinant of health that plays a role in food inequities; yet, the processes linking stigma with food inequities are poorly defined. Building on prior conceptual and empirical stigma research in public health, this paper introduces The Stigma and Food Inequity Framework. Supporting empirical evidence for the associations proposed by the framework is reviewed. The framework proposes that stigma is manifested at the structural (e.g., neighborhood infrastructure and targeted marketing) and individual (e.g., internalized stigma and stereotypes) levels. These stigma manifestations are associated with food inequities via a series of mediating mechanisms, including access to resources, the home food environment, and psychosocial and behavioral processes, which ultimately undermine healthy food consumption, contribute to food insecurity, and impact diet quality. The framework further proposes that processes linking stigma with food inequities are situated within contexts of history, culture, and human development. Future directions to address stigma and enhance food equity include the value of addressing the broad range of underlying structural stigma manifestations when creating policy to promote food equity.
Effect of tailoring on weight loss among young adults receiving digital interventions: an 18 month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Napolitano Melissa A , Whiteley Jessica A , Mavredes Meghan , Tjaden Ashley Hogan , Simmens Samuel , Hayman Laura L , Faro Jamie , Winston Ginger , Malin Steven , DiPietro Loretta 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Weight loss outcomes among young adults in technology-based programs have been equivocal. The purpose of this study was to deliver digital weight loss treatments to young adults and examine the 6, 12, and 18 month effects on weight loss. Young adults with overweight/obesity (N = 459; 23.3 ± 4.4 years) were recruited from two university sites and randomly assigned to receive through Facebook and text messaging either personalized (TAILORED; n = 150) or generic (TARGETED; n = 152) weight loss information, messages, and feedback or general healthy body content (e.g., body image, sleep; CONTROL; n = 157). The study was powered to detect a 2.1-kg difference at all time points with the primary outcome being 18 months. There was no overall effect of treatment group on 6, 12, or 18 month weight loss (ps = NS). However, at 6 months, those in TAILORED who were highly engaged (completing &gt;66%) lost more weight compared to CONTROL (−2.32 kg [95% confidence intervals: −3.90, −0.74]; p = .004), with the trend continuing at 12 months. A significant baseline body mass index (BMI) by treatment group interaction (p = .004) was observed at 6 months. Among participants in the lowest baseline BMI category (25–27.5 kg/m2), those in TAILORED lost 2.27 kg (−3.86, −0.68) more, and those in TARGETED lost 1.72 kg (−3.16, −0.29) more than CONTROL after adjusting for covariates. Among participants with a BMI between 27.5 and 30 kg/m2, those in TAILORED lost 2.20 kg (−3.90, −0.51) more than participants in TARGETED. Results did not persist over time with no treatment interaction at 12 or 18 months. Initial body weight should be considered when recommending weight loss treatments for young adults. More intensive interventions or stepped care approaches may be needed for young adults with obesity.
Allopurinol Protects Against Cholestatic Liver Injury in Mice Not Through Depletion of Uric Acid
Authors: Liu Jing , Fan Yang , Yu Hang , Xu Tong , Zhang Chunze , Zhou Lijun , Li Gentao , Zhang Youcai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cholestasis is one of the most severe manifestations of liver injury and has limited therapeutic options. Allopurinol (AP), an inhibitor of uric acid (UA) synthesis, was reported to prevent liver damage in several liver diseases. However, whether AP protects against intrahepatic cholestatic liver injury and what is the role of UA in the pathogenesis of cholestasis remain unknown. In this study, we reported that AP attenuated liver injury in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). AP showed no significant effect on glutathione depletion, inflammation, or bile acid metabolism in livers of ANIT-treated mice. Instead, AP significantly improved fatty acid β-oxidation in livers of ANIT-treated mice, which was associated with activation of PPARα. The protective effect of AP on cholestatic liver injury was not attributable to the depletion of UA, because both exogenous and endogenous UA prevented liver injury in ANIT-treated mice via inhibition of NF-kB-mediated inflammation. In conclusion, the present study provides a new perspective for the therapeutic use of AP and the role of UA in cholestatic liver injury.
Antimalarial drug resistance markers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative adults with asymptomatic malaria infections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Chijioke-Nwauche Ifeyinwa , Oguike Mary C , Nwauche Chijioke A , Beshir Khalid B , Sutherland Colin J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
In Nigeria, indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs may contribute to the threat of drug resistance, but this has not been evaluated among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods
HIV-positive adults attending a university hospital HIV clinic and HIV-negative adult volunteers from the university hospital community with a positive blood film were treated with artemether–lumefantrine. Parasite DNA from before and after treatment was polymerase chain reaction amplified to identify molecular markers of drug susceptibility.

Results
The pfcrt76T genotype was prevalent among both HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants (78.6% and 68.2%, respectively). Three new mutations in the pfmdr1 gene—F73S, S97L and G165R—and the uncommon pfdhps S436F variant were detected, whereas pfdhps K540E and pfdhfr I164L were absent. The A437G allele of pfdhps predominated (62/66 [94%]). The I431 V mutation was found in 19 of 66 pretreatment pfdhps sequences (28.8%). The pfmdr1 86N allele was significantly more common at day 3 post-treatment than at baseline (odds ratio 8.77 [95% confidence interval 1.21 to 380]).

Conclusions
We found evidence of continued chloroquine use among HIV-positive individuals. Selection for the pfmdr1 86N after artemether–lumefantrine treatment was observed, indicating a possible threat to antimalarial efficacy in the study area. The complexity of pfdhps haplotypes emphasises the need for careful monitoring of anti-folate susceptibility in Nigeria.