bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agriophyllum Oligosaccharides Ameliorate Diabetic Insulin Resistance Through INS-R/IRS/Glut4-Mediated Insulin Pathway in db/db Mice and MIN6 Cells
Authors: Bao Shuyin , Wang Xiuzhi , Cho Sung Bo , Wu Yan-Ling , Wei Chengxi , Han Shuying , Bao Liming , Wu Qiong , Ao Wuliji , Nan Ji-Xing 
Published: August 2021

We have previously reported that Agriophyllum oligosaccharides (AOS) significantly enhance glycemic control by increasing the activation of insulin receptor (INS-R), insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) proteins in hepatic tissues. However, the effect of glucose control by AOS on the regulation of pancreatic tissues in db/db mice and MIN6 cells remains to be determined. An oral dose of AOS (380 or 750 mg/kg) was administered to type-2 diabetic db/db mice for 8 weeks to determine whether AOS regulates glucose by the INS-R/IRS/Glut4-mediated insulin pathway. Meanwhile, the effects of AOS on glucose uptake and its related signaling pathway in MIN6 cells were also investigated. The results showed that the random blood glucose (RBG) level in the AOS-treated group was lower than that in the control group. AOS reduced the levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and free fatty acid (FFA) and significantly improved the pathological changes in the pancreatic tissues in db/db mice. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 was increased in the AOS-treated group than in the model group. Further, in vitro experiments using MIN6 cells showed that AOS regulated INS-R, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Glut4 protein and mRNA levels and attenuated insulin resistance and cell apoptosis. The results of both in vitro and in vivo experiments were comparable. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometric analysis of AOS with precolumn derivatization with 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC) tentatively identified five types of sugars: glucose, lactose, rutinose, glucuronic acid, and maltotriose. Our present study clearly showed that AOS is efficacious in preventing hyperglycemia, possibly by increasing insulin sensitivity and improving IR by regulating the INS-R/IRS/Glut4 insulin signal pathway. Therefore, AOS may be considered as a potential drug for diabetes treatment.
Adiponectin Inhibits the Production of TNF-α, IL-6 and Chemokines by Human Lung Macrophages
Authors: Salvator Hélène , Grassin-Delyle Stanislas , Brollo Marion , Couderc Louis-Jean , Abrial Charlotte , Victoni Tatiana , Naline Emmanuel , Devillier Philippe 
Published: August 2021

Background: Obesity is associated with an elevated risk of severe respiratory infections and inflammatory lung diseases. The objectives were to investigate 1) the production of adiponectin by human lung explants, 2) the expression of the adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 by human lung macrophages (LMs), and 3) the impact of recombinant human adiponectin and a small-molecule APN receptor agonist (AdipoRon) on LMs activation.Material and methods: Human parenchyma explants and LMs were isolated from patients operated for carcinoma. The LMs were cultured with recombinant adiponectin or AdipoRon and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng ml−1), poly (I:C) (10 µg ml−1) or interleukin (IL)-4 (10 ng ml−1) for 24 h. Cytokines or adiponectin, released by explants or LMs, were measured using ELISAs. The mRNA levels of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were determined using real-time quantitative PCR. AdipoRs expression was also assessed with confocal microscopy.Results: Adiponectin was released by lung explants at a level negatively correlated with the donor’s body mass index. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were both expressed in LMs. Adiponectin (3–30 µg ml−1) and AdipoRon (25–50 μM) markedly inhibited the LPS- and poly (I:C)-induced release of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, IL-6 and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL8, CXCL10) and the IL-4-induced release of chemokines (CCL13, CCL17, CCL22) in a concentration-dependent manner. Recombinant adiponectin produced in mammalian cells (lacking low molecular weight isoforms) had no effects on LMs.Conclusion and implications: The low-molecular-weight isoforms of adiponectin and AdipoRon have an anti-inflammatory activity in the lung environment. Targeting adiponectin receptors may constitute a new means of controlling airways inflammation.
(-)-Carveol Prevents Gastric Ulcers via Cytoprotective, Antioxidant, Antisecretory and Immunoregulatory Mechanisms in Animal Models
Authors: Serafim Catarina Alves de Lima , Araruna Maria Elaine Cristina , Alves Júnior Edvaldo Balbino , Silva Leiliane Macena Oliveira , Silva Alessa Oliveira , da Silva Marcelo Sobral , Alves Adriano Francisco , Araújo Aurigena Antunes , Batista Leônia Maria 
Published: August 2021

Background: (-)-Carveol (p-Mentha-6,8-dien-2-ol) is a monocyclic monoterpenic alcohol, present in essential oils of plant species such as Cymbopogon giganteus, Illicium pachyphyllum and in spices such as Carum carvi (cumin). Pharmacological studies report its antitumor, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.Hypothesis/Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute non-clinical oral toxicity, gastroprotective activity of monoterpene (-)-Carveol in animal models and the related mechanisms of action.Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD guide 423 in mice. Ethanol, stress, NSAIDs and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models were used to investigate antiulcer properties. The related mechanisms of action were using the ethanol-gastric lesions protocol.Results: (-)-Carveol has low toxicity, with a lethal dose 50% (LD50) equal to or greater than 2,500 mg/kg according to OECD guide nº 423. In all gastric ulcer induction methods evaluated, (-)-Carveol (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion in comparison with the respective control groups. To investigate the mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective activity, the antisecretory or neutralizing of gastric secretion, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunoregulatory effects were evaluated. In the experimental protocol of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) reduced (p &lt; 0.001) the volume of gastric secretion in both routes (oral and intraduodenal). The previous administration of blockers NEM (sulfhydryl groups blocker), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), significantly reduced the gastroprotection exercised by (-)-Carveol, suggesting the participation of these pathways in its gastroprotective activity. In addition, treatment with (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) increased (p &lt; 0.001) mucus adhered to the gastric wall. Treatment also increased (p &lt; 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced (p &lt; 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels.Conclusion: Thus, it is possible to infer that (-)-Carveol presents gastroprotective activity related to antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms.
Comparison of Two Multidisciplinary Occupational Rehabilitation Programs Based on Multimodal Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Self-Rated Health and Work Ability
Authors: Lyby Peter Solvoll , Johansen Thomas , Aslaksen Per M. 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Musculoskeletal pain and common mental disorders constitute the largest proportion of people who are on sick leave. This study investigated the efficacy of two multidisciplinary occupational rehabilitation programs on self-rated health and work-related outcomes. The interventions were identical in content but differed in length. It was hypothesized that a longer inpatient program would yield greater improvements than a shorter outpatient program.Methods: Patients were sick-listed workers referred to occupational rehabilitation by the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. A non-randomized 2 Condition (20 days, n = 64 versus 12 days, n = 62) × 4 repeated measures (start, end, 3 months, 12 months) between-subject design was used. Both programs were based on multimodal cognitive behavior therapy with a return-to-work focus. Health-related questionnaires were the Subjective Health Complaints inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF-36 Bodily Pain. Work-related questionnaires were the Work Ability Index, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Return To Work Self-Efficacy, and Return To Work expectations. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed models and Cohen’s d.Results: The results revealed that both groups improved on the selected outcomes. Within-group contrasts and effect sizes showed that the inpatient group showed larger effect sizes at the end of rehabilitation and 12 months post-intervention for work-related outcomes than the outpatient group.Conclusion: Both programs were efficacious in improving health- and work-related outcomes during and after rehabilitation, but the inpatient group generally displayed stronger and more rapid improvements and was more stable at one-year postintervention.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in the Ventral Tegmental Area Distinguishes Responders to Suvorexant Prior to Treatment: A 4-Week Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Izuhara Muneto , Miura Shoko , Otsuki Koji , Nagahama Michiharu , Hayashida Maiko , Hashioka Sadayuki , Asou Hiroya , Kitagaki Hajime , Inagaki Masatoshi 
Published: August 2021

Background: The ventral tegmental area (VTA; a dopaminergic nucleus) plays an important role in the sleep-wake regulation system including orexin system. In addition to neuronal activity, there is increasing evidence for an important role of glial cells (i.e., astrocytes and microglia) in these systems. The present study examined the utility of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for detecting neural and/or glial changes in the VTA to distinguish responders from non-responders before treatment with the orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant.Methods: A total of 50 patients were screened and 9 patients were excluded. The remaining 41 patients with insomnia who have or not a psychiatric disease who were expected to receive suvorexant treatment were included in this study. We compared MRS signals in the VTA between responders to suvorexant and non-responders before suvorexant use. Based on previous reports, suvorexant responders were defined as patients who improved ≥3 points on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index after 4 weeks of suvorexant use. MRS data included choline (reflects non-specific cell membrane breakdown, including of glial cells) and N-acetylaspartate (a decrease reflects neuronal degeneration).Results: Among 41 examined patients, 20 patients responded to suvorexant and 21 patients did not. By MRS, the choline/creatine and phosphorylcreatine ratio in the VTA was significantly high in non-responders compared with responders (p = 0.039) before suvorexant treatment. There was no difference in the N-acetylaspartate/creatine and phosphorylcreatine ratio (p = 0.297) between the two groups.Conclusions: Changes in glial viability in the VTA might be used to distinguish responders to suvorexant from non-responders before starting treatment. These findings may help with more appropriate selection of patients for suvorexant treatment in clinical practice. Further, we provide novel possible evidence for a relationship between glial changes in the VTA and the orexin system, which may aid in the development of new hypnotics focusing on the VTA and/or glial cells.
Psychoactive Substance Use and Its Relationship to Stress, Emotional State, Depressive Symptomatology, and Perceived Threat During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Martínez-Vélez Nora Angélica , Tiburcio Marcela , Natera Rey Guillermina , Villatoro Velázquez Jorge Ameth , Arroyo-Belmonte Miriam , Sánchez-Hernández Graciela Yazmín , Fernández-Torres Morise 
Published: August 2021

People can increase their use of psychoactive substances in response to stressful situations as a maladaptive mechanism for reducing negative affective states. It is therefore necessary to examine changes in the use of such substances and their relationship to mental health in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.Objective: Evaluate the relationship between psychoactive substances and stress, emotional state, and symptomatology during the COVID-19 lockdown in Mexico.Method: A national survey was conducted, using the free Google Forms platform, of residents of Mexico aged 18 and older. The survey was disseminated through social media.Results: The sample comprised 4,122 individuals, mostly women (71.8%), with an age range of 18–81 years (M = 37.08, SD = 12.689), of which 46.8% were single, and 42.9% married. In general, there was a reduction in substance use during the first 2 months of the quarantine; the most commonly used substances were alcohol, tobacco, and tranquilizers. Respondents who described having greater use than before the pandemic presented greater stress, depressive symptomatology, and perceived threat than those who did not use substances.Conclusions: Respondents who did not use substances reported lower levels of stress, depressive symptomatology, impact of the coronavirus pandemic, and perception of its threat. Women reported greater stress, depressive symptomatology, and emotional intensity than men.
Preventing Re-Emergence of COVID-19: A National Survey of Public Risk Perceptions and Behavioural Intentions Concerning Travel Plan Among Taiwanese
Authors: Wong Li Ping , Chiu Ching-Ju , Alias Haridah , Lee Tony Szu-Hsien , Hu Zhijian , Lin Yulan 
Published: August 2021

Background: The objectives of this study were to investigate risk perceptions and travel intention among the general public in Taiwan during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: This study used a cross-sectional online survey to collect data. The questionnaire was disseminated via the social media platform (LINE and Facebook) to the general public.Results: A total of 3,237 complete responses were received, of whom 5.8% (95% CI 5.1–6.7) of the participants reported intent to travel to overseas countries with an apparent community spread and 5.5% (95% CI 4.7–6.3) reported intent to travel to other overseas countries in the next 1 month. A relatively higher proportion (46.5%; 95% CI 44.7–48.2) reported intention for domestic travelling. Participants who viewed travelling to only be risky for older adults or those with medical conditions (OR = 2.19; 95% CI 1.38–3.47) and who perceived that one will not get infected if one takes recommended precautionary measures (OR = 3.12; 95% CI 1.85–5.27) reported higher travelling intention to overseas countries with an apparent community spread.Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that risk perceptions were depicted as a strong influence of travel intentions.
Occupation-Based Life Expectancy: Actuarial Fairness in Determining Statutory Retirement Age
Authors: Deeg Dorly J.H. , De Tavernier Wouter , de Breij Sascha 
Published: August 2021

This study examines occupation-based differences in life expectancy and the extent to which health accounts for these differences. Twentyseven-year survival follow-up data were used from the Dutch population-based Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (n = 2,531), initial ages 55–85 years. Occupation was based on longest-held job. Results show that the non-skilled general, technical and transport domains had an up to 3.5-year shorter life expectancy than the academic professions, accounting for the compositional characteristics age and gender. Statutory retirement age could be made to vary accordingly, by allowing a proportionally greater pension build-up in the shorter-lived domains. Health accounted for a substantial portion of the longevity difference, ranging from 20 to 66%, depending on the health indicator. Thus, health differences between occupational domains today can be used as a means to tailor retirement ages to individuals’ risks of longevity. These data provide a proof of principle for the development of an actuarially fair method to determine statutory retirement ages.
Long-term oral prednisolone exposure in primary care for bullous pemphigoid: population-based study
Authors: Persson Monica SM , Harman Karen E , Thomas Kim S , Chalmers Joanne R , Vinogradova Yana , Langan Sinead M , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Gran Sonia 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundOral prednisolone is the mainstay treatment for bullous pemphigoid, an autoimmune blistering skin disorder affecting older people. Treatment with moderate-to-high doses is often initiated in secondary care, but then continued in primary care.AimTo describe long-term oral prednisolone prescribing in UK primary care for adults with bullous pemphigoid from 1998 to 2017.Design and settingA prospective cohort study using routinely collected data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a primary care database containing the healthcare records for over 17 million people in the UK.MethodOral prednisolone exposure was characterised in terms of the proportion of individuals with incident bullous pemphigoid prescribed oral prednisolone following their diagnosis, and the duration and dose of prednisolone.ResultsIn total, 2312 (69.6%) of 3322 people with bullous pemphigoid were prescribed oral prednisolone in primary care. The median duration of exposure was 10.6 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.4–24.0). Of prednisolone users, 71.5% were continuously exposed for >3 months, 39.7% for >1 year, 14.7% for >3 years, 5.0% for >5 years, and 1.7% for >10 years. The median cumulative dose was 2974 mg (IQR 1059–6456). Maximum daily doses were ≥10 mg/day in 74.4% of prednisolone users, ≥20 mg/day in 40.7%, ≥30 mg/day in 18.2%, ≥40 mg/day in 6.6%, ≥50 mg/day in 3.8%, and ≥60 mg/day in 1.9%.ConclusionA high proportion of people with incident bullous pemphigoid are treated with oral prednisolone in UK primary care. Action is required by primary and second care services to encourage use of steroid-sparing alternatives and, where switching is not possible, ensure prophylactic treatments and proactive monitoring of potential side effects are in place.
Methodological challenges for a new philosophy of technology
Authors: Pontes Bonfiglioli Cristina 
Published: August 2021

Nicola Liberati, Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Dept. of Philosophy, School of Humanities), presents us with his unique view of how Philosophy of Technology can move beyond traditional approaches in Philosophy of Technology to solve current problems we see emerging from the use of the latest technologies in contemporaneity.
Annual Maps of Forests in Australia from Analyses of Microwave and Optical Images with FAO Forest Definition
Authors: Qin Yuanwei , Xiao Xiangming , Wigneron Jean-Pierre , Ciais Philippe , Canadell Josep G. , Brandt Martin , Li Xiaojun , Fan Lei , Wu Xiaocui , Tang Hao , Dubayah Ralph , Doughty Russell , Chang Qing , Crowell Sean , Zheng Bo , Neal Kevin , Celis Jorge A. , Moore Berrien 
Published: August 2021

The Australian governmental agencies reported a total of 149 million ha forest in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2010, ranking sixth in the world, which is based on a forest definition with

tree

height
>
2

meters

. Here, we report a new forest cover data product that used the FAO forest definition (

tree

cover
>
10
%

and

tree

height
>
5

meters

at observation time or mature) and was derived from microwave (Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar, PALSAR) and optical (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS) images and validated with very high spatial resolution images, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data from the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat), and in situ field survey sites. The new PALSAR/MODIS forest map estimates 32 million ha of forest in 2010 over Australia. PALSAR/MODIS forest map has an overall accuracy of ~95% based on the reference data derived from visual interpretation of very high spatial resolution images for forest and nonforest cover types. Compared with the canopy height and canopy coverage data derived from ICESat LiDAR strips, PALSAR/MODIS forest map has 73% of forest pixels meeting the FAO forest definition, much higher than the other four widely used forest maps (ranging from 36% to 52%). PALSAR/MODIS forest map also has a reasonable spatial consistency with the forest map from the National Vegetation Information System. This new annual map of forests in Australia could support cross-country comparison when using data from the FAO Forest Resource Assessment Reports.
Jogada ensaiada: representações sociais da figura do goleiro no futebol brasileiro pós Barbosa
Authors: Breunig Felipe Freddo , Oliveira Douglas Meyer , Fraga Alex Branco 
Published: August 2021

INTRODUÇÃO: Este ensaio aborda as representações sociais em torno do papel do goleiro no contexto do futebol brasileiro. O marco temporal é a Copa do Mundo de 1950 pelo impacto histórico e sociocultural que a derrota da seleção brasileira na final no Maracanã teve no cenário nacional à época. OBJETIVO: Analisa dados e informações de alguns autores sobre a Copa do mundo daquele ano, especialmente sobre a falha do goleiro Barbosa, que foi culpado pela derrota brasileira na final daquela Copa. MÉTODOS: Análise interpretativa de discursos sobre goleiros na ótica da Teoria do Espaço de Representação do Futebol. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui que no Brasil, desde o episódio Barbosa, construiu-se uma representação de fundo racista sobre a confiabilidade de goleiros negros, assim como uma exacerbada valorização de goleiros estrangeiros. Discute possíveis caminhos a serem seguidos em pesquisas futuras nesta temática.ABSTRACT. Set piece: social representations of the goalkeeper figure in Brazilian football post-BarbosaBACKGROUND: TThis essay addresses the social representations surrounding the role of the goalkeeper in the context of Brazilian football. The time frame is the 1950 World Cup due to the historical and sociocultural impact that the defeat of the Brazilian team in the final at Maracanã Stadium had on the national scene at the time. OBJECTIVE: It analyzes data and information from some authors about the World Cup of that year, especially about the failure of goalkeeper Barbosa, who was held responsible for the Brazilian defeat in the final of that Cup. METHODS: Interpretative analysis of discourses about goalkeepers from the perspective of the Football Representation Space Theory. CONCLUSION: It concludes that in Brazil, since the Barbosa episode, a representation of racist background has been built on the reliability of black goalkeepers, as well as an exacerbated appreciation of foreign goalkeepers. It discusses possible paths to be followed in future research on this topic.