bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zanamivir infusion improves endothelial function and reduces arterial stiffness in diabetic mice
Authors: Morales-Quinones Mariana , Foote Christopher , Ramirez-Perez Francisco , Jurrissen Thomas , Power Gavin , Betancourt-Cortes Edgar , Lazo-Fernandez Yoskaly , Augenreich Marc , Manrique-Acevedo Camila , Padilla Jaume , Martinez-Lemus Luis
Published: May 2023

Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening are consistently manifested in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify novel therapies that improve endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness in T2D. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a reduced capacity of the endothelium to induce vasodilation. Physiologically, this is evident as an impairment in flow-mediated dilation, a process in which the endothelial glycocalyx participates in the mechanosensation and mechanotransduction of shear that leads to the production of the vasodilator nitric oxide. Nitric oxide, in turn, has also been shown to be a potent regulator of vascular wall homeostasis, including arterial stiffness. In T2D, circulating neuraminidase activity is increased and implicated in glycocalyx degradation and endothelial dysfunction. Accordingly, we hypothesized that inhibition of neuraminidase activity would enhance endothelial function and reduce arterial stiffness in T2D. We tested this hypothesis in diabetic db/db mice infused with zanamivir (n=10) or vehicle control (n=10) for 4 weeks via subcutaneously implanted osmotic mini pumps. We chose to use the FDA approved neuraminidase inhibitor zanamivir to increase the translatability of our study. Treatment with zanamivir did not affect body weight or blood pressure. Nonetheless, it improved flow-mediated dilation in isolated mesenteric arteries assessed using pressure myography, with no associated changes in endothelium-independent vasodilation. Zanamivir also reduced stiffness in isolated mesenteric and femoral arteries, as well as aortic stiffness as assessed in vivo via pulse wave velocity and ex vivo via atomic force microscopy. These results indicate that zanamivir is a potential therapeutic to ameliorate vascular dysfunction in T2D.

National Institutes of Health grant: R01HL153264 to LM-L and JP

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Neuraminidase-1 inhibition reduces arterial stiffness and improves endothelial function in diabetic mice
Authors: Betancourt-Cortes Edgar , Betancourt-Cortes Edgar , Foote Christopher , Ramirez-Perez Francisco , Jurrisen Thomas , Power Gavin , Morales-Quiñones Mariana , Lazo-Fernandez Yoskaly , Augenreich Marc , Manrique-Acevedo Camila , Padilla Jaume , Martinez-Lemus Luis
Published: May 2023

Plasma neuraminidase (Neu) activity has been shown to be increased in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The net result of neuraminidase activity is cleavage of sialic acid moieties from structures such as the glycoproteins and proteoglycans found in the glycocalyx, a mesh protruding out from the plasmalemma of all cells. In the vasculature, the glycocalyx participates in multiple functions including the mechanosensation of blood flow by the endothelium and consequently the production of the potent vasodilator and vascular homeostasis regulator, nitric oxide. Notably, endothelial dysfunction in the form of reduced flow-mediated dilation and arterial stiffening are two major vascular abnormalities associated with T2D. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibition of Neu-1, which is a Neu isoform found in plasma, would improve flow-mediated dilation and reduce vascular stiffness in the db/db mouse model of T2D. To test this hypothesis, db/db mice were implanted subcutaneously with minipumps randomly assigned to deliver a Neu-1 inhibitor (n=10 mice) or vehicle control (n=10 mice) for 4 weeks. All differences reported here are significant at a P<0.05. Results show that compared with db/db controls, Neu-1 inhibition improved flow-mediated dilation in isolated mesenteric arteries as assessed using pressure myography. Neu-1 inhibition also reduced arterial stiffness as measured in vivo via aortic pulse wave velocity and ex vivo via passive pressure diameter curves in isolated femoral and mesenteric arteries. These findings indicate that Neu-1 inhibition can improve endothelial function and decrease arterial stiffness in the setting of T2D and thus support Neu-1 as potential target for amelioration of vascular disease in T2D. The particular mechanisms by which Neu-1 inhibition improves flow-mediated dilation and reduces arterial stiffness remain to be fully elucidated.

Supported by: National Institutes of Health grant: R01HL153264 to LM-L and JP.

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Angiotensin receptor blocker ameliorates hypertension, improves glucose intolerance, and reduces visceral fat in OLETF rats fed a high-cholesterol diet
Authors: Jardines Eira , Rodriguez Ruben , Nakano Daisuke , Nishiyama Akira , Ortiz Rudy
Published: May 2023

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) affects more than 30% of the US population and unmanaged can lead to cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes mellitus. MetS is a cluster of conditions, which include elevated arterial pressure, poor glucose tolerance with or without insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity. Existing literature has demonstrated high cholesterol diet’s (HCD) potential to develop MetS cluster factor conditions like dyslipidemia. Our lab has previously shown that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), a common therapy to treat hypertension by disrupting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), attenuate cluster factor conditions of MetS. However, the efficacy of ARBs during the consumption of a HCD remains unclear. Otsuka Long Evan Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (a MetS model) were fed an HCD and at presentation of elevated arterial pressure, they were treated with ARB (10 mg olmesartan/kg/d x 3 wks) by oral gavage. Blood pressure was monitored in real-time with surgically implanted radio telemeters. ARB reduced systolic blood pressure by 15±1mmHg (11%; p<0.05). ARB also reduced BM by 3% (p<0.05) in chow-fed and 4% (p<0.05) in HCD-fed OLETF compared to OLETF. However, there was no difference in BM between OLETF+ARB and OLETF+HCD+ARB. Neither, HCD nor ARB alone reduced abdominal fat in OLETF rats. Although, ARB in OLETF+HCD induced visceral fat loss (37%; p<0.05) compared to OLETF. Additionally, ARB reduced AUCglucose by 28% (P<0.05) and tended to reduce fasting blood glucose by 19% (p=0.06). These findings demonstrate that chronic treatment of ARB can effectively ameliorate MetS-associated hypertension, hyperglycemia, and abdominal obesity despite the additional insult of a HCD.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health NCMHD 9T37MD001480 and National Institutes of Health, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities. E.E.J was supported by NIH GRISE BIO-STeP.

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Core concepts intervention was more effective for improving student “big picture” understanding when accompanied by embedded core concept instruction
Authors: Schaefer Jennifer , Hannah Rachael
Published: May 2023

This study hypothesized that student ability to connect course content and scientific papers to broader contexts and concepts in neuroscience (“big picture”) could be improved through implementation of a novel intervention that uses core concepts for neuroscience higher education (Chen et al., 2023) as an instructional tool. The intervention was enacted in two upper-division undergraduate biology courses–one at a liberal arts institution and one at a large public university. In both courses, open-ended student responses explaining how a scientific paper fit into the broader picture of neuroscience were collected before and after the intervention. The intervention asked students to explicitly connect that same scientific paper to specific core concepts in neuroscience. Responses from before and after the intervention were compared for depth and quality of connection to broader contexts and concepts. In order to examine the most effective pedagogical approach for the core concept intervention, it was deployed without prior instruction on neuroscience core concepts in one course while instruction on the neuroscience core concepts were integrated into class meetings prior to the intervention in the other course. Results indicate that the intervention was more effective when embedded in ongoing pedagogical use of core concepts rather than without prior instruction on core concepts.

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Genetic deletion of CXCL10 prevents pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction
Authors: Souza-Neto Fernando , van Berlo Jop H
Published: May 2023

Rationale: Heart failure is an inflammatory disease characterized by elevated serum levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10, which are CXCR3 receptor ligands. Both chemokines are expressed by cardiac fibroblasts and myeloid cells in mice subjected to pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery. Although it is known that CXCR3-/- animals are protected from cardiac remodeling induced by TAC, the role of CXCL10 is unknown. Objective: To assess the role of CXCL10 in the cardiac remodeling response to cardiac pressure overload induced by TAC in mice. Methods and results: We subjected wild-type and CXCL10-/- (male and female) mice to TAC surgery. After 6 weeks, we observed that the CXCL10-/- mice showed an attenuation of heart weight when compared to the increase observed in wild-type animals. At the cellular level, the genetic deletion of CXCL10 prevented the TAC-induced increase in the cross-sectional area of cardiac tissue. In addition, echocardiographic changes, including dilation and cardiac dysfunction, induced by pressure overload in wild animals were blunted in CXCL10-/- mice. Conclusion: CXCL10 determines cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction induced by pressure overload in mice. We are currently unraveling the mechanism through which CXCL10 can accelerate the development of heart failure in response to cardiac pressure overload. T cells are likely mediating these effects.

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Peptide Restores Hyperoxia-Impaired Relaxation of Tracheal Smooth Muscle in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Thaçi Qëndrim , Kryeziu Islam , Reçica Shkëlzen , Beqiraj-Zeqiraj Qëndresa , Bislimi Kemajl , Mladenov Mitko , Sopi Ramadan
Published: May 2023

Neonatal hyperoxia induces airway hyperreactivity by potentiating contractile responses and impairing the relaxation of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Maintenance of balance between these processes in airways is critical for normal flow of air, and non-adrenergic- noncholinergic inhibitory system is an important component of airway smooth muscle tone. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that exogenous pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) will restore the impaired relaxant responses of tracheal smooth muscle exposed to neonatal hyperoxia. Tracheal cylinders were obtained from Wistar rat pups (P10) exposed to hyperoxia (≥ 95% O2) or room air for seven days. These cylinders were used to study relaxant responses of ASM evoked by electrical field relaxation (EFS) in precontracted tissues (carbachol, 5x10μM) in absence or presence of a single dose of PACAP (50 nM). In addition, the dose-response relaxant effect of PACAP (1nM – 1μM) was tested in absence or presence of a PAC1 receptor antagonist; a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS); a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor (rolipram); or a large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blocker (charybdotoxin). The relaxation is expressed as percentage of preconstricted state, and data are presented as mean±s.e.m. Hyperoxic exposure significantly decreased the relaxant responses of ASM towards EFS, as compared to those obtained from control animals exposed to room air, and these reduced relaxant responses in hyperoxic tissues were significantly reversed in presence of PACAP (p<0.001). PACAP induced dose-dependent relaxation and the relaxant responses were overcompensated in hyperoxic animals. PAC1 antagonist; PKA; PDE4 inhibition; or blockade of calcium-activated potassium channel significantly reduced PACAP-induced relaxation (p<0.01).The results of this study revealed that PACAP reverses the impaired relaxation of airway smooth muscle induced by hyperoxic exposure via cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and through calcium-activated potassium channel. We speculate that use of PACAP might be an effective therapeutic approach to prevent the airway hyperreactivity induced by hyperoxia.

Supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Kosovo - Small Research Grants: 2-2459-11

This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.
Teletrabalho em saúde: para onde vamos?
Authors: Castro Janete Lima de , Costa Thais Paulo Teixeira , Oliveira Nathalia Hanany Silva de , Silva Renata Rothbarth , Bodra Maria Eugênia Ferraz do Amaral , Aith Fernando
Published: May 2023

OBJETIVO: Identificar as normas jurídicas publicadas nos anos de 2020 e 2021 para regular direta ou indiretamente o teletrabalho em saúde no Brasil, analisando-as sob o enfoque dos seguintes temas, no contexto do teletrabalho: tempo da jornada de trabalho; ergonomia; ambiente laboral; segurança e saúde do trabalhador. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa legislativa e documental, com abordagem qualitativa descritiva. Foram coletadas e selecionadas todas as normas jurídicas que tratam direta ou indiretamente da regulação do teletrabalho em saúde no Brasil, publicadas nas bases da Imprensa Nacional e dos Conselhos Profissionais da área da saúde até junho de 2021. RESULTADOS: Destacam-se os seguintes: até junho de 2021 havia 113 normas jurídicas vigentes sobre a regulação do teletrabalho em saúde, sendo mais da metade (64) publicadas no ano de 2020. Dentre os achados, identificou-se um baixo número de normas voltadas a regular ou orientar aspectos relacionados ao tempo da jornada de trabalho; à ergonomia; ao ambiente laboral; à segurança e à saúde do trabalhador. Do total das 113 normas, apenas uma trata da jornada de trabalho e somente 13 destacaram a importância de que os ambientes de trabalho tenham condições para o oferecimento de um bom serviço. DISCUSSÃO: Identificamos ausências, nas normas jurídicas selecionadas, de dispositivos que regulam o teletrabalho em saúde, a fim de prover a defesa dos direitos do trabalhador e dos pacientes, ou ainda para garantir condições favoráveis à realização do teletrabalho, seja realizado nos domicílios, seja em outro espaço.
Sintomas de insônia durante a pandemia de covid-19: um estudo caso-controle
Authors: Bacelar Andrea , Conway Silvia Gonçalves , Assis Márcia , Silva Victor Menezes , Genta Pedro Rodrigues , Pachito Daniela Vianna , Tavares Júnior Almir Ribeiro , Sguillar Danilo Anunciatto , Moreira Gustavo Antonio , Drager Luciano Ferreira , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro
Published: May 2023

OBJETIVO: Identificar características relacionadas ao estilo de vida, sociodemográficas e saúde mental de pessoas com sintomas de insônia e pessoas sem insônia durante a pandemia. MÉTODOS: A partir de dados coletados por amostragem em bola de neve, por meio de um questionário online foi realizado um estudo caso-controle. Durante o período de novembro de 2020 a abril de 2021, 6.360 pessoas com idade média de 43,5 anos (DP = 14,3) participaram da pesquisa. No presente estudo, foram considerados 158 casos de transtorno de insônia e 476 controles (três controles por caso) selecionados aleatoriamente dentre os participantes sem problemas de sono. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise comparativa entre casos e controles mostraram que dormir menos de seis horas diárias (OR = 3,89; IC95% 2,50–6,05), sentir tristeza frequentemente (OR = 2,95; IC95% 1,69–5,17), residir em metrópoles (OR = 1,71; IC95% 1,04–2,84), estar com 40 anos ou mais (OR = 1,93; IC95% 1,22–3,06) e a interação entre ocupação e escolaridade mais precária (OR = 2,12; IC95% 1,22–3,69) foram fatores preditores para sintomas de transtorno de insônia durante a pandemia. CONCLUSÕES: Além da confirmação da hipótese de que problemas de saúde mental estão associados a sintomas de insônia, os resultados apontam para a insônia como um desfecho importante para estudos sobre efeitos do desemprego, vulnerabilidade e baixa escolaridade da população, sobretudo nas grandes metrópoles, ressaltando que os efeitos da crise sobre a saúde e a economia são distribuídos de forma extremamente desiguais.
Leptomeningeal Collaterals and Infarct Progression in Patients With Acute Large‐Vessel Occlusion and Low NIHSS
Authors: Kim Yong Soo , Kim Beom Joon , Menon Bijoy K. , Yoo Joonsang , Han Jung Hoon , Kim Bum Joon , Kim Chi Kyung , Kim Jae Guk , Kim Joon‐Tae , Park Hyungjong , Baik Sung Hyun , Han Moon‐Ku , Kang Jihoon , Kim Jun Yup , Lee Keon‐Joo , Jeong Han‐gil , Park Jong‐Moo , Kang Kyusik , Lee Soo Joo , Cha Jae‐Kwan , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Jeong Jin‐Heon , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang‐Soon , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Jun , Hong Keun‐Sik , Cho Yong‐Jin , Park Hong‐Kyun , Lee Byung‐Chul , Yu Kyung‐Ho , Oh Mi‐Sun , Kim Dong‐Eog , Ryu Wi‐Sun , Choi Kang‐Ho , Choi Jay Chol , Kim Joong‐Goo , Kwon Jee‐Hyun , Kim Wook‐Joo , Shin Dong‐Ick , Yum Kyu Sun , Sohn Sung‐Il , Hong Jeong‐Ho , Kim Chulho , Lee Sang‐Hwa , Lee Juneyoung , Bae Hee‐Joon ,   for the Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea investigators
Published: May 2023

Background

Approximately 10% of patients with acute ischemic stroke with large‐vessel occlusion (LVO) have mild neurological deficits. Although leptomeningeal collaterals (LMCs) are the major determinant of clinical outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke with LVO, the contribution of baseline LMC status to subsequent infarct progression in patients with mild stroke with LVO is poorly defined.

Methods

This observational study included patients with acute anterior circulation LVO and mild stroke symptoms (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale < 6) from a prospectively collected, multicenter, national stroke registry. The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score was quantified on the initial and follow‐up images. An infarct progression, defined as any Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score decrease between the initial versus follow‐up scans, was categorized as either 0/1/2+. The LMCs on the baseline images were graded as good, fair, or poor.

Results

Of the 623 included patients (mean age, 67.6±13.4 years; 380 [61.0%] men; 186 [29.9%] with reperfusion treatment), the baseline LMC was graded as good in 331 (53.1%), fair in 219 (35.2%), and poor in 73 (11.7%). The Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score decrement was noted as 0 in 288 (46%) patients, 1 in 154 (24%), and 2+ in 181 (29%). A poor LMC was associated with an infarct progression (adjusted odds ratio, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.22–3.47]).

Conclusions

Poor collateral blood flow was associated with infarct progression in patients with acute ischemic stroke with LVO and mild symptoms. In this selective population, early assessment of collateral blood flow status can help in early detection of patients susceptible to infarct progression.
Taxonomic identity of the enigmatic Western Australian fish species Stigmatonotus australis Peters, 1877 (Teleostei)
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C.
Published: May 2023

The familial classification and specific identity of Stigmatonotus australis Peters, 1877 has been unresolved ever since its original description. Examination of a photograph and X-radiograph of the holotype confirms placement in the serranid subfamily Anthiadinae. It is further identified to the genus Hypoplectrodes Gill, 1862 and shown to represent a juvenile specimen of the species currently called H. cardinalis Allen & Randall, 1990. Character and other evidence supporting this conclusion are summarised, including discussion of apparently contradictory characters. Consequently, the following synonymisations are proposed: the family-group name Stigmatonotidae Whitley, 1954 with Anthiadides Poey, 1861, the generic name Stigmatonotus Peters, 1877 with Hypoplectrodes Gill, 1862, and the species name H. cardinalis Allen & Randall, 1990 with S. australis Peters, 1877.
A new species of Strotarchus Simon, 1888 from Honduras (Araneae, Cheiracanthiidae)
Authors: CUBAS-RODRIGUEZ ALEX M. , BONALDO ALEXANDRE B. , BRESCOVIT ANTONIO D.
Published: May 2023

A new species, Strotarchus chamevazquezi sp. nov., is described based on both sexes from Department Francisco Morazán, Honduras. A detailed description, diagnosis, photographs, and distribution map of the new species are given. This is the first species of this genus recorded from Honduras.
A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Parental Outdoor Play Preferences and Association With Child Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Gavryutina Irina , Bochner Risa , Chin Vivian , Bargman Renee
Published: May 2023

Childhood obesity is highly prevalent among certain populations of New York. This cross-sectional pilot study examined the associations between parental attitudes about outdoor activities and body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was distributed among parents of 1 to 13 aged children at ambulatory pediatric clinics. Of 104 children included in the study 57 were of normal weight and 47 were overweight or obese. Most parents of children with BMI <85% reported frequent playground utilization, considered longer hours to spend outside on weekdays, reported a larger total temperature range for outdoor playground utilization and a lower tolerable minimum temperature compared to parents of children with BMI ≥85%, p < .05. Only having a parent born outside of the United States remained a significant predictor of overweight and obesity in the final model. Parents of children with BMI < 85% are more willing to spend time outdoors, regardless of weather. Immigrant parents are protective against overweight.
The Decline of Religion and Its Rise in Electoral Politics: Religious Belief, Religious Practice, and the Strength of Religious Voting Cleavages
Authors: Huber John , Mohamed Ahmed Ezzeldin
Published: May 2023

Economic development has been linked to a declining importance of religion. But alongside secularization, there has been an increased salience of religion in electoral politics. These seemingly contradictory trends can be understood by distinguishing between two dimensions of religiosity: religious belief and church attendance. We show that religious voting cleavages are strongest in democracies where there is religious cohesion, which means belief and practice go hand in hand. Voting cleavages require group members to have distinctive policy preferences and be politically engaged. Strong religious beliefs are associated with distinctive policy preferences (but not with political engagement), and church attendance is associated with political engagement. Thus, religious cohesion provides the key ingredients for a religious political cleavage. But what explains variation in religious cohesion in democracies? We find that religious cohesion increases with economic security. Thus, economic security can promote secularization, but also facilitate the religious cohesion associated with strong religious voting cleavages.
State Concessions and Protest Mobilization in Authoritarian Regimes
Authors: Leuschner Elena , Hellmeier Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Autocrats typically respond with coercion when citizens take to the streets demanding political reform. Sometimes, however, they tolerate mass protests and even give in to protesters’ demands. While the effect of coercion on mobilization is well-studied, we know less about the role of concession-making. We argue that accommodating demands is rarely an effective strategy in demobilizing opposition movements. Authoritarian rulers are usually neither willing nor able to fully address protesters’ dynamic demands, nor can they offer credible commitments. We conduct a quantitative analysis using multiple cross-national data sets to empirically assess the relationship between concessions by the government and subsequent mass mobilization. By analyzing protest events in temporal and spatial proximity, we estimate the effect of making concessions on protest mobilization at the subnational level in 18 autocracies from 1991 to 2012. Our results indicate that concessions are associated with a significant and substantive increase in subsequent protest activity.
To queue or not to queue: Facility managers and mental health care users’ experiences of integrated health care in a rural South African district
Authors: Rall Divan , Swartz Leslie
Published: May 2023

Background:

A key feature of South Africa’s state health care strategy since 1994 has been the development and expansion of services towards integrated health care at primary health care level. Within the new system, emphasis has been on the integration of patients with mental health care needs with other patients where multiple health conditions and needs would be addressed simultaneously. As part of a larger study into mental health care in a predominantly rural district, we investigated the experiences of facility managers and mental health service users in rural clinics within the system of care. We were interested both in their views as to the advisability of the integrated model and the ways in which they managed any challenges they may have experienced within the system at local level.

Methods:

Data were collected through once-off semi-structured interviews with facility managers and mental health care service users to gather qualitative information. Narratives were transcribed and translated into English. Transcriptions were imported to Atlas.ti 22 and analysed through Thematic Analysis.

Results:

The integration of mental health care into routine primary health services poses challenges to treatment delivery and to patients who come for treatment. Our study also suggests resegregating mental health care as a possible solution to facilitate service delivery and treatment to service users.

Conclusion:

This research provided first insights into facility managers’ and service users’ views of integrated mental health care at primary health care level in this district. While mental health care services have been expanded and integrated into primary health care over recent years, the system may not have been as streamlined as in other parts of the country. The integration of mental health into primary health care can pose various challenges to facilities, health care providers, and mental health service users. Managers in these constrained circumstances have observed that resegregating mental health care from physical treatment, as in the past, may be deemed more effective for health care provision and reception. Generalised integration of mental health treatment with physical care should be approached with caution unless there is wider scale provisioning and greater organisational change.
‘This Country is Done’: Fair Housing Discourse in Suburban Westchester
Authors: Martin Bradford
Published: May 2023

This article examines attitudes toward property, government, access to housing, integration, and community identity as expressed in the discourse surrounding the struggle over fair housing in Westchester, New York surrounding the 2009 court-ordered settlement. Building on the ‘new suburban history’, this article argues that opposition to fair housing drew on long-term conservative trends in the national political culture after 1968, but also reflected the specific dynamics of the early Obama years. Fair housing opponents contend that housing ‘choices,’ rooted in the values of ‘hard work,’ meritocracy, private property, and the free market, exemplify the patriotic tradition of American individualism. But, in doing so, they ignore decades of state-sponsored housing discrimination that contradicted free market principles. Drawing heavily on what one scholar has called ‘race-based neighborhood stereotyping’, these ideas constitute an important starting point for understanding the crippling resistance to fair housing initiatives, since this discourse has proven remarkably durable and politically galvanizing.
Mental Health and Oral Health in a Nationally Representative Cohort
Authors: Kalaigian A. , Chaffee B.W.
Published: May 2023

Evidence connects mental illness to other adverse health conditions, including oral health. However, longitudinal associations between mental and oral health remain understudied. We aimed to examine mental health–oral health associations prospectively in a nationally representative US cohort. Data were from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. The Global Appraisal of Individual Needs–Short Screener measured 3 types of mental health symptoms: internalizing, externalizing, and substance use problems. Six self-reported oral health conditions related to periodontal disease were evaluated: self-rated oral health, bleeding gums, loose teeth, tooth extraction, gum disease, and bone loss around teeth. Cross-sectional analysis within PATH Study wave 4 (2016 to 2018, n = 30,746) compared the survey-weighted prevalence of the 6 oral health outcomes according to severity of mental health problems. Prospectively, oral health outcomes were assessed 2 y later (wave 5, 2018 to 2019) according to wave 4 (baseline) mental health problems ( n = 26,168). Survey-weighted logistic regression models controlled for confounders (age, sex, tobacco use, etc.) with imputation for missing values. All 6 adverse oral health conditions were greater in prevalence among participants with severe internalizing problems. Multiple conditions were also associated with severe externalizing or substance use problems. Longitudinally associations attenuated, but multiple associations of meaningful magnitude persisted, most with internalizing problems. For example, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.50) for bleeding gums and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.68) for tooth extraction when we compared severe versus none/low internalizing problems. Providers should expect higher levels of oral disease among patients with adverse mental health symptoms. Independent of externalizing and substance use problems, symptoms of internalizing problems (related to depression and/or anxiety) are plausible risk factors for future oral disease. Better integration and coordination of mental and oral health treatment and prevention are recommended.
With No Will, There Is No Way: John Calvin on Education
Authors: Sosler Alex
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the educational philosophy of John Calvin. Whereas many consider Calvin to be a rationalist, the article explores Calvin's educational philosophy in his Institutes as primarily concerned with teaching toward the will, thus, extending Calvin's theology to his pedagogy. To affect the will, Calvin employs unique pedagogical strategies and by recovering these ancient practices, modern educators can more deeply and holistically impact student formation in the classroom.
The Janus Face of Organizational Knowing
Authors: Dumont Guillaume
Published: May 2023

This article challenges our current understanding of the role of knowing for organizational participation by discussing how, and under which circumstances, knowing hinders participation instead of fostering it. Drawing upon 18 months of fieldwork at a social impact accelerator, I first show that showing that the knowing emerging from collective practices and interactions generates disengagement among actors. Second, I illuminate the role of the social relations for actors to imbue their experience of new meanings and, third, develop a model of “meaningful reengagement” explaining how they retain their participation beyond the negative implication of knowing for participation. This article advances existing knowing research by bringing to the fore the role of relational patterns for participation, strengthening its relational but underdeveloped ambition, and providing insights for research on business accelerators and practitioners alike.
British-LatinX writers: Self-representation of the new Latin American diaspora in the UK
Authors: Alonso Alonso María
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the first major anthology of English-language British LatinX writers published in the UK, Un Nuevo Sol. British LatinX Writers (flipped eye publishing, 2019). The texts included in this anthology of poetry, short fiction and drama explore the configurations, manifestations and representations of the LatinX experience within the contemporary British canon. The multi-layered texts that form this book illustrate how the British LatinX community represents itself through literature in a distinctive way which also questions existing stereotypes and expectations. Un Nuevo Sol is a good example of the diversity of the literary techniques used by British LatinX authors. These techniques cover from code-switching to magical realism, although realism and experimental writing seem to dominate most of these texts. This is representative of the way in which the literary production of this super-diverse community in the UK results in a super-diverse literary style, as illustrated in this anthology.
A systematic review of typologies on aged care system components to facilitate complex comparisons
Authors: Suen Jenni , Dyer Suzanne , Shulver Wendy , Ross Tyler , Crotty Maria
Published: May 2023

Objectives: Typologies are frequently utilised in analyses of the quality, funding, and efficiency of aged care systems. This review aims to provide a comprehensive resource identifying and critiquing existing aged care typologies. Methods: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Econlit, Google Scholar, greylit.org and Open Grey databases from inception to July 2020, including typologies of national, regional or provider aged care systems. Article screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were conducted in duplicate. Results: 14 aged care typologies were identified; five applied to residential care, two to home care and seven to mixed settings; eight examined national systems and seven regional or provider systems. Five typologies classifying national financing or home care services, provider financing of staff and services and quality of residential care were considered high quality. The schematic provided summarises the focus area and aids in typology selection. Discussion: The aged care typologies identified cover a wide range of areas and contexts of aged care provision. This schematic, summary and critique will aid researchers, providers, and aged care policy makers to examine their own setting, compare it to other approaches to aged care provision and assist in identifying alternatives and important considerations, when undertaking aged care reform.
Revisiting the impact of renewable energy on carbon emission in 130 countries—The mediating effect of resource rental rents and human capital
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yang Xiaoli , Li Rongrong , Yang Ting
Published: May 2023

More efficient use of renewable energy to reduce carbon emission requires a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of renewable energy on carbon emissions. To this end, this work investigates the linear and nonlinear relationship between renewable energy consumption and carbon emissions in 130 countries from the new perspective of resource capital factors (total natural resources rents) and human capital (human capital index). The results are given that from a global perspective, the increase in the proportion of renewable energy consumption can accelerate the reduction of per capita carbon emissions before reaching a particular threshold value of total natural resources rents. When a specific natural threshold value is reached, the increase in the proportion of renewable energy consumption will reduce the rate of per capita carbon emissions. Another interesting finding is that the greater the human factor, the lower the reduction rate of per capita carbon dioxide emissions. To explain the above phenomenon, all countries are divided into four different income levels for further heterogeneity research. When the threshold variables are different, the impact on carbon emissions in various income countries is heterogeneous, which is further analyzed in the article. Furthermore, a meaningful discovery shows that whether the threshold variable is natural or human factor, low-income countries benefit the most from the carbon reduction effect brought by the increase in the proportion of renewable energy consumption, followed by lower-middle income and upper-middle income countries, and the lowest is higher-income countries.
The causal effects of age at menarche, age at first live birth, and estradiol levels on systemic lupus erythematosus: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Yongbin , Fang Yuxuan , Xu Nan , Tian Longlong , Min Xingxing , Chen Guiyu , Dai Tiantian , Liu Nianxing , Wang Xuanhan , Rao Yujun , Li Guoqing
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To determine whether age at menarche (AAM), age at first live birth (AFB), and estradiol levels are causally correlated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed after data was collected from a dataset of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) related to SLE (as outcome), and from open access databases to find statistics related to AAM, AFB, and estradiol levels (as exposure).

Result

In our study, a negative causal correlation between AAM and SLE was confirmed by MR analysis (MR egger: beta = 0.116, SE = 0.948, p = 0.909; weighted median: beta = −0.416, SE = 0.192, p = 0.030; and IVW: beta = −0.395, SE = 0.165 , p = 0.016). However, there were no genetic causal effects of AFB and the estradiol levels on SLE, based on the results of MR analysis as follows: AFB (MR egger: beta = - 2.815, SE = 1.469, p = 0.065; Weighted median: beta = 0.334, SE = 0.378, p = 0.377; and IVW: beta = 0.188, SE = 0.282, p = 0.505) and the estradiol levels (MR egger: beta = 0.139, SE = 0.294, p = 0.651; weighted median: beta = 0.063, SE = 0.108, p = 0.559; IVW: beta = 0.126, SE = 0.097, p = 0.192).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that AAM may be associated with increased risk of the development of SLE, while there were no such causal effects from AFB and estradiol levels.
Role of Meditation in Ameliorating Examination Stress Induced Changes in Cardiovascular and Autonomic Functions
Authors: Bhagat Anumeha , Srivastav Shival , Malhotra Anita S. , Rohilla Ravi , Sidana Ajeet K. , Deepak K. K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Examination stress is a very well-known model of psychological stress in students. It induces changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), along with changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), due to autonomic perturbations.

Purpose

To find out if Raj Yoga meditation (RYM) practice affects autonomic and cardiovascular function in healthy young subjects during periods of examination stress. Our primary objective was to evaluate the effect of one month of supervised RYM practice on ameliorating examination-induced changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function. The secondary objective was to measure the stress levels of medical students before and after RYM.

Methods

Pre-training measurements of SBP, DBP, HRV, and BRS were done, and the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) was administered to 80 participants one month before examinations. They were then trained in RYM. Post-training assessment of the same parameters was done after examinations and also after two months.

Results

In our study, RYM training decreased DBP ( p = 0.01) but not SBP. BRS showed a trend towards an increase after RYM practice, but it was not statistically significant ( p = 0.44). The standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN) ( p = 0.03), low-frequency (LF) nu (0.003), and high-frequency (HF) nu (0.04) showed a statistically significant change. Average RR, median RR, average rate, square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), pRR, total power, LF (µs2), and LF/HF ratio were not statistically significantly different between the three groups. There was a statistically significant decline in MSSQ scores for MSSQ I ( p = 0.04), MSSQ II ( p = 0.04), and MSSQ IV ( p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Short-term practice of supervised RYM during stressful periods is protective for the cardiovascular and autonomic systems and decreases stress in medical students.
Can an Integrated Palliative and Oncology Co-rounding Model Reduce Aggressive Care at the End of Life? Secondary Analysis of an Open-label Stepped-wedge Cluster-randomized Trial
Authors: Zhuang Qingyuan , Zhou Siqin , Ho Shirlynn , Neo Patricia Soek Hui , Cheung Yin Bun , Yang Grace Meijuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Clinical trial evidence on the effect of palliative care models in reducing aggressive end-of-life care is inconclusive. We previously reported on an integrated inpatient palliative care and medical oncology co-rounding model that significantly reduced hospital bed-days and postulate additional effect on reducing care aggressiveness.

Objectives

To compare the effect of a co-rounding model vs usual care in reducing receipt of aggressive treatment at end-of-life.

Methods

Secondary analysis of an open-label stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial comparing two integrated palliative care models within the inpatient oncology setting. The co-rounding model involved pooling specialist palliative care and oncology into one team with daily review of admission issues, while usual care constituted discretionary specialist palliative care referrals by the oncology team. We compared odds of receiving aggressive care at end-of-life: acute healthcare utilization in last 30 days of life, death in hospital, and cancer treatment in last 14 days of life between patients in two trial arms.

Results

2145 patients were included in the analysis, and 1803 patients died by 4th April 2021. Median overall survival was 4.90 (4.07 – 5.72) months in co-rounding and 3.75 (3.22 – 4.21) months in usual care, with no difference in survival (P = .12). We found no significant differences between both models with respect to receipt of aggressive care at end-of-life. (Odds Ratio .67 – 1.27; all P > .05)

Conclusion

The co-rounding model within an inpatient setting did not reduce aggressiveness of care at end-of-life. This could be due in part to the overall focus on resolving episodic admission issues.
How COVID-19 Influences Chinese Higher Education Leadership Effectiveness and Countermeasures: A Case Study in Yunnan Province
Authors: Wang Bin , Su Yujie , Xu Xiaoshu , Zhang Yunfeng , Kimberly Kolletar-Zhu
Published: May 2023

This study seeks to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on middle-level administration in higher education (HE) and to propose solutions to existing problems. The interview included 12 leaders from HE institutions in Yunnan province. Thematic analysis revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had the greatest impact on college leadership performance in five areas: teaching achievement, student management, the normal performance of personnel quality, organization operation, and school cost. Meanwhile, four countermeasures were recommended, including improving leaders’ forward-thinking ability; increasing their awareness of innovation; strengthening their work coordination; and enhancing their ability to handle internet public opinion.
Fahr’s Syndrome Secondary to Primary Hypoparathyroidism Presenting With Seizures and the Role of Steroid Therapy
Authors: Shah Syed Yasir , Hadi Faiza Amatul , Idrees Muhammad , Levin-Carrion Yaxel , Pande Harshawardhan , Oorloff Melysze Deanne , Khan Qaisar Ali , Nadella Adithya
Published: May 2023

Background:

Fahr’s syndrome a rare neurological condition characterized by an abnormal basal ganglia calcification. The condition has both genetic and metabolic causes. Here, we describe a patient who had Fahr’s syndrome and basal secondary to hypoparathyroidism, and her calcium level raised after the administration of steroid therapy.

Case report:

We presented a case of a 23-year-old female with seizures. Associated symptoms included headache, vertigo, disturbed sleep, and reduced appetite. Her laboratory workup revealed hypocalcemia and low parathyroid hormone level, computed tomographic (CT) scan of the brain showed diffuse calcification in the brain parenchyma. The patient was diagnosed as a case of Fahr’s syndrome secondary to hypoparathyroidism. The patient was started on calcium and calcium supplementations along with anti-seizure therapy. Her calcium level raised after the initiation of oral prednisolone and she remained asymptomatic.

Conclusion:

Steroid could be considered as an adjunct therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplementation in patient whose Fahr’s syndrome is secondary to primary hypoparathyroidism.
Part-time work and retirement in Spain, towards a system without gender discrimination
Authors: Devesa Carpio Enrique , Devesa Carpio Mar , Domínguez Fabián Inmaculada , Encinas Goenechea Borja , Meneu Gaya Robert
Published: May 2023

In Spain, part-time work is considered female, given that 73% of this type of work contract is carried out by women. The conditions for accessing and calculating the retirement pension for part-time workers have been modified in recent years. This has been the result of several judgments of European courts that conclude the existence of indirect gender discrimination. This paper analyses the measures that have been regulated after the aforementioned judgments to assess whether indirect gender discrimination has disappeared from the social protection system in Spain. This paper highlights the effect of the regulatory changes, some of them since 2019, and points out some pending issues, that if they were carried out, would ensure gender discrimination is effectively eliminated.
Audio research methods, attitudes, and accessibility theory: Using audio vignettes to elicit attitudes towards sex work
Authors: Kingston Sarah
Published: May 2023

Audio recording interviews, focus groups, and naturally occurring interactions have been utilised by social researchers for decades. Yet, the use of audio recordings as a tool to elicit participant responses has received less attention in social science research. This is despite heightened interest in non-traditional techniques such as the use of visual methodologies, and arts-based methods. In this article, I describe how I advanced a known method, vignettes, into an audio narrative to explore perceptions of sex work. This article reports on the methodological rationale for the novel use of audio vignettes, and the capacity they have for memory retrieval, eliciting reflections on lived experiences, and for providing richer attitudinal data. By drawing on ‘accessibility theory’, this article argues that audio vignettes are a powerful elicitor of attitudes. Furthermore, I claim that audio methods as I define them, can enhance the social scientists’ toolkit and that, what I term ‘audio sociology’ needs further development.