bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor GPR37L1 in Mice Alters Cardiovascular Homeostasis in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Mouat Margaret A. , Jackson Kristy L. , Coleman James L. J. , Paterson Madeleine R. , Graham Robert M. , Head Geoffrey A. , Smith Nicola J. 
Published: February 2021

GPR37L1 is a family A orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) with a putative role in blood pressure regulation and cardioprotection. In mice, genetic ablation of Gpr37l1 causes sex-dependent effects; female mice lacking Gpr37l1 (GPR37L1−/−) have a modest but significant elevation in blood pressure, while male GPR37L1−/− mice are more susceptible to cardiovascular dysfunction following angiotensin II-induced hypertension. Given that this receptor is highly expressed in the brain, we hypothesize that the cardiovascular phenotype of GPR37L1−/− mice is due to changes in autonomic regulation of blood pressure and heart rate. To investigate this, radiotelemetry was employed to characterize baseline cardiovascular variables in GPR37L1−/− mice of both sexes compared to wildtype controls, followed by power spectral analysis to quantify short-term fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate attributable to alterations in autonomic homeostatic mechanisms. Additionally, pharmacological ganglionic blockade was performed to determine vasomotor tone, and environmental stress tests were used to assess whether cardiovascular reactivity was altered in GPR37L1−/− mice. We observed that mean arterial pressure was significantly lower in female GPR37L1−/− mice compared to wildtype counterparts, but was unchanged in male GPR37L1−/− mice. GPR37L1−/− genotype had a statistically significant positive chronotropic effect on heart rate across both sexes when analyzed by two-way ANOVA. Power spectral analysis of these data revealed a reduction in power in the heart rate spectrum between 0.5 and 3 Hz in female GPR37L1−/− mice during the diurnal active period, which indicates that GPR37L1−/− mice may have impaired cardiac vagal drive. GPR37L1−/− mice of both sexes also exhibited attenuated depressor responses to ganglionic blockade with pentolinium, indicating that GPR37L1 is involved in maintaining sympathetic vasomotor tone. Interestingly, when these mice were subjected to aversive and appetitive behavioral stressors, the female GPR37L1−/− mice exhibited an attenuation of cardiovascular reactivity to aversive, but not appetitive, environmental stimuli. Together, these results suggest that loss of GPR37L1 affects autonomic maintenance of blood pressure, giving rise to sex-specific cardiovascular changes in GPR37L1−/− mice.
Fructose and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Roeb Elke , Weiskirchen Ralf 
Published: February 2021

Background: The excessive consumption of free sugars is mainly responsible for the high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in industrialized countries. More and more studies indicate that fructose is involved in the pathophysiology and also in the degree of disease of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In epidemiologic studies, energy-adjusted higher fructose consumption correlates with NAFLD in overweight adults. In addition to glucose, fructose, as an equivalent component of conventional household sugar, appears to have negative metabolic effects in particular due to its exclusive hepatic metabolism. Liver-related mortality is strictly associated with the degree of fibrosis, whereas the most common cause of death in patients suffering from NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are still cardiovascular diseases. In this review article, we have summarized the current state of knowledge regarding a relationship between fructose consumption, liver fibrosis and life expectancy in NASH.Method: Selective literature search in PubMed using the keywords ‘non-alcoholic fatty liver’, ‘fructose’, and ‘fibrosis’ was conducted.Results: The rate of overweight and obesity is significantly higher in both, adult and pediatric NASH patients. The consumption of free sugars is currently three times the maximum recommended amount of 10% of the energy intake. The current literature shows weight gain, negative effects on fat and carbohydrate metabolism and NASH with hypercaloric intake of fructose.Conclusions: Excessive fructose consumption is associated with negative health consequences. Whether this is due to an excess of energy or the particular metabolism of fructose remains open with the current study situation. The urgently needed reduction in sugar consumption could be achieved through a combination of binding nutritional policy measures including taxation of sugary soft drinks. Previous studies suggest that diet-related fructose intake exceeding the amount contained in vegetables and fruits lead to an increase of hepatic lipogenesis. Thus, further studies to clarify the protective contribution of low-fructose intake to positively influence NAFLD in industrial population are urgently required.
Inhibition of Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Current (IK,Ca) Leads to Differential Atrial Electrophysiological Effects in a Horse Model of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fenner Merle Friederike , Gatta Giulia , Sattler Stefan , Kuiper Marion , Hesselkilde Eva Melis , Adler Ditte M. T. , Smerup Morten , Schotten Ulrich , Sørensen Ulrik , Diness Jonas Goldin , Jespersen Thomas , Verheule Sander , Van Hunnik Arne , Buhl Rikke 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSmall-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2) channels have been proposed as a possible atrial-selective target to pharmacologically terminate atrial fibrillation (AF) and to maintain sinus rhythm. However, it has been hypothesized that the importance of the KCa2 current—and thereby the efficacy of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current (IK,Ca) inhibition—might be negatively related to AF duration and the extent of AF-induced remodeling.Experimental Approach and MethodsTo address the hypothesis of the efficacy of IK,Ca inhibition being dependent on AF duration, the anti-arrhythmic properties of the IK,Ca inhibitor NS8593 (5 mg/kg) and its influence on atrial conduction were studied using epicardial high-density contact mapping in horses with persistent AF. Eleven Standardbred mares with tachypacing-induced persistent AF (42 ± 5 days of AF) were studied in an open-chest experiment. Unipolar AF electrograms were recorded and isochronal high-density maps analyzed to allow for the reconstruction of wave patterns and changes in electrophysiological parameters, such as atrial conduction velocity and AF cycle length. Atrial anti-arrhythmic properties and adverse effects of NS8593 on ventricular electrophysiology were evaluated by continuous surface ECG monitoring.ResultsIK,Ca inhibition by NS8593 administered intravenously had divergent effects on right and left AF complexity and propagation properties in this equine model of persistent AF. Despite global prolongation of AF cycle length, a slowing of conduction in the right atrium led to increased anisotropy and electrical dissociation, thus increasing AF complexity. In contrast, there was no significant change in AF complexity in the LA, and cardioversion of AF was not achieved.ConclusionsIntra-atrial heterogeneity in response to IK,Ca inhibition by NS8593 was observed. The investigated dose of NS8593 increased the AF cycle length but was not sufficient to induce cardioversion. In terms of propagation properties during AF, IK,Ca inhibition by NS8593 led to divergent effects in the right and left atrium. This divergent behavior may have impeded the cardioversion success.
Effects of Sleep Disturbances on Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wang Ying , Lin Jingjing , Zeng Ying , Liu Yanan , Li Yamin , Xia Kun , Zhao Jingping , Shen Yidong , Ou Jianjun 
Published: February 2021

Study Objectives: This study aims to identify the characteristic sleep disturbances that affect behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), providing a potential direction for sleep and behavioral intervention in ASD.Methods: The data of 513 children with ASD and 246 typically developing (TD) children aged between 2 and 5 years old were collected. The behavior performance of preschool children was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist for 1.5–5.0 years old. The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) was used to measure the sleep status of the children, and the Social Responsiveness Scale was used to measure the severity of disorder. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of sleep disturbances on behavioral problems, and independent-sample t-test was performed to compare the mean of the samples.Results: Compared to TD children, children with ASD had longer sleep onset delay and more night awakenings. The parasomnias score (a subscale of the CSHQ) was significantly associated with the internalizing (β = 0.113, P = 0.010), externalizing (β = 0.128, P = 0.006), and total problems (β = 0.143, P = 0.001) of children with ASD, while this association was not significant in TD children. “Bed wetting” and “restless and moves a lot” (two items in the CSHQ under parasomnia) significantly only affected the overall behavioral score in children with ASD (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Parasomnias, especially bed wetting and restlessness, are specifically associated with the behavioral problems of children with ASD rather than TD children.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health in Lower and Upper Middle-Income Asian Countries: A Comparison Between the Philippines and China
Authors: Tee Michael , Wang Cuiyan , Tee Cherica , Pan Riyu , Reyes Patrick W. , Wan Xiaoyang , Anlacan Joseph , Tan Yilin , Xu Linkang , Harijanto Chloe , Kuruchittham Vipat , Ho Cyrus , Ho Roger 
Published: February 2021

Objective: The differences between the physical and mental health of people living in a lower-middle-income country (LMIC) and upper-middle-income country (UMIC) during the COVID-19 pandemic was unknown. This study aimed to compare the levels of psychological impact and mental health between people from the Philippines (LMIC) and China (UMIC) and correlate mental health parameters with variables relating to physical symptoms and knowledge about COVID-19.Methods: The survey collected information on demographic data, physical symptoms, contact history, and knowledge about COVID-19. The psychological impact was assessed using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and mental health status was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).Findings: The study population included 849 participants from 71 cities in the Philippines and 861 participants from 159 cities in China. Filipino (LMIC) respondents reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than Chinese (UMIC) during the COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.01) while only Chinese respondents' IES-R scores were above the cut-off for PTSD symptoms. Filipino respondents were more likely to report physical symptoms resembling COVID-19 infection (p &lt; 0.05), recent use of but with lower confidence on medical services (p &lt; 0.01), recent direct and indirect contact with COVID (p &lt; 0.01), concerns about family members contracting COVID-19 (p &lt; 0.001), dissatisfaction with health information (p &lt; 0.001). In contrast, Chinese respondents requested more health information about COVID-19. For the Philippines, student status, low confidence in doctors, dissatisfaction with health information, long daily duration spent on health information, worries about family members contracting COVID-19, ostracization, and unnecessary worries about COVID-19 were associated with adverse mental health. Physical symptoms and poor self-rated health were associated with adverse mental health in both countries (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the need for widely available COVID-19 testing in MIC to alleviate the adverse mental health in people who present with symptoms. A health education and literacy campaign is required in the Philippines to enhance the satisfaction of health information.
An Extended Home Visit Programme Within the Swedish Child Healthcare System for First-Time Parents in Scania, Sweden: A Study Protocol
Authors: Mangrio Elisabeth , Hellström Lisa , Nilsson Eva-Lotta , Ivert Anna-Karin 
Published: February 2021

Background: The Swedish Child Healthcare (CHC) system aims to provide equal and fair health care for all children and families in Sweden. Currently in Sweden, the CHC offers every family two home visits during the child's 1st year of life. During 2019, an extended home visit programme, called Grow Safely, was started in the region of Scania for first-time parents. The aim of the extended home visit programme was to provide support for first-time parents in order to improve the overall health of the child and family and contribute to better conditions for equal health. Instead of two home visits during the 1st year, a subsample of first-time parents would receive six visits during the child's first 15 months. These six visits would be conducted by CHC nurses and social workers, midwives, and dental assistants. In the present paper, we describe a research project related to the regional extended home visit programme; the project aims to illuminate the experiences of the participants and to investigate the perceived benefits of the programme in relation to improved health, social and emotional interaction between parent and child, and attitudes toward authorities and surrounding society.Method/Analysis: In order to evaluate the introduction of the intervention, three qualitative interview studies and one quantitative study with follow-up questionnaires will be conducted. Since the research project also comprises studies focusing on the implementation and expectations of politicians, civil servants, organizational managers, and professionals working within the programme, interviews within these fields will be conducted.Discussion: Sweden has a well-established CHC programme, but improvements are always possible. Previous research has shown that home visits are an effective tool to improve both the child's physical and mental health as well as the parents' well-being. However, this kind of intervention involves a significant investment from all organizations involved in the home visits; hence, it is important that the intervention is evaluated. The research project described in the present paper intends to examine the impact of the intervention, and its findings will aid decisionmakers in determining the future of the home visit programme.
Patient Preferences for Lung Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Study Protocol Among Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Durosini Ilaria , Janssens Rosanne , Arnou Reinhard , Veldwijk Jorien , Smith Meredith Y. , Monzani Dario , Smith Ian , Galli Giulia , Garassino Marina , Katz Eva G. , Bailo Luca , Louis Evelyne , Vandevelde Marie , Nackaerts Kristiaan , de Wit G. Ardine , Pravettoni Gabriella , Huys Isabelle 
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Lung cancer is the deadliest and most prevalent cancer worldwide. Lung cancer treatments have different characteristics and are associated with a range of benefits and side effects for patients. Such differences may raise uncertainty among drug developers, regulators, payers, and clinicians regarding the value of these treatment effects to patients. The value of conducting patient preference studies (using qualitative and/or quantitative methods) for benefits and side effects of different treatment options has been recognized by healthcare stakeholders, such as drug developers, regulators, health technology assessment bodies, and clinicians. However, evidence-based guidelines on how and when to conduct and use these studies in drug decision-making are lacking. As part of the Innovative Medicines Initiative PREFER project, we developed a protocol for a qualitative study that aims to understand which treatment characteristics are most important to lung cancer patients and to develop attributes and levels for inclusion in a subsequent quantitative preference survey.Methods: The study protocol specifies a four-phased approach: (i) a scoping literature review of published literature, (ii) four focus group discussions with stage III and IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients, (iii) two nominal group discussions with stage III and IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients, and (iv) multi-stakeholder discussions involving clinicians and preference experts.Discussion: This protocol outlines methodological and practical steps as to how qualitative research can be applied to identify and develop attributes and levels for inclusion in patient preference studies aiming to inform decisions across the drug life cycle. The results of this study are intended to inform a subsequent quantitative preference survey that assesses patient trade-offs regarding lung cancer treatment options. This protocol may assist researchers, drug developers, and decision-makers in designing qualitative studies to understand which treatment aspects are most valued by patients in drug development, regulation, and reimbursement.
Valores maristas que los alumnos de educación superior perciben en el docente
Authors: Lopez Herrera Vicente Gerardo 
Published: February 2021

Hoy en día, las escuelas hablan cada vez más de formación integral del ser humano y sus filosofías están fundamentadas en conceptos humanistas, pero paradójicamente se alejan de sus valores en sus prácticas docentes y gestión institucional.
El presente artículo da cuenta signos de que un contexto humanizado y humanizador al interior de la universidad es posible; a partir de sistematizar la experiencia de los seguidores de Marcelino, quienes continúan recorriendo nuevos senderos para la realización de la Misión Marista; teniendo como fuente de inspiración el sueño del santo fundador: “vivir el Evangelio católico en las circunstancias concretas de su contexto histórico”.
Rekonstruksi Tafsir Kebebasan Perempuan dalam Al-Qur'an: Studi Kritis Pemikiran Zaitunah Subhan dan Fatimah Mernissi
Authors: Choiri Moch , Fathony Alvan 
Published: February 2021

Artikel ini membahas tentang posisi kaum wanita yang sejak dahulu dianggap sebagai sosok sumber dari berbagai kesalahan. Mulai dari masa peradaban Yunani, India, Romawi, China hingga peradaban Arab pra Islam. kedudukan dan citra seorang wanita tidak pernah dianggap setara dengan laki-laki. Wanita disamakan dengan budak dan anak-anak, dianggap lemah fisik dan akalnya. Wanita dituding sebagai sumber malapetaka dan pembawa sial. Ketidakadilan gender ini melahirkan gerakan feminisme intelektual yang menyugukan pemikiran-pemikiran baru tentang kesetaraan gender. Kehadiran tokoh-tokoh intelektual seperti Zaitunah Subhan dan Fatimah Mernissi, merupakan salah satu bukti bahwa perempuan juga berhak untuk membebaskan diri dari belenggu kultur sosial yang selama ini mengikat kaum perempuan. Namun, gerakan feminisme ini sedikit banyak telah memaksa para wanita untuk memberontak sebuah sistem kultural maupun struktural yang dianggap mendiskreditkan eksistensi mereka. Maka rekonstruksi dan reinterpretasi tafsir kebebasan perempuan dirasa perlu untuk dilakukan sebagai manifestasi kesadaran kaum feminis intelektual terkait tentang relasi masyarakat dan agama. Artikel ini mencoba menelusuri bagaimana tafsir kebebasan perempuan dalam al-Qur’an perspektif Fatimah Mernissi dan Zaitunah Subhan dan bagaimana rekonstruksi dari penafsiran kedua intelektual tersebut. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis metode deskriptif, taksonomi dan interpretatif. Hasil dalam penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa munculnya model penafsiran baru berdasarkan sudut pandang wanita ini tidak dapat dilepaskan dari tradisi dan kepentingan Barat yang tercermin dari gerakan Teologi Feminis sendiri. Maka perlu dilakukan kajian ulang tentang tafsir kebebasan perempuan versi feminisme.
Cattle Feed Resource, Water Sources and Housing System in the Central Rift Valley of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeto Aman , Banerjee Sandip , Mirkena Tadele , Tucho Tesfaye Alemu 
Published: February 2021

The study was conducted in Adami Tulu Jidokombolcha (ATJK), Bora, Dodola, Shala and Negele-Arsi districts with objective to assess main cattle feed resources, water sources and housing systems. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct survey. About 240 respondents were identified using random sampling techniques. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software (Ver. 24). Study result indicates that household in average had three hectares of land and allocated about two hectares of land for crop cultivation. Most respondents reported that cattle herding is not common during dry season while it is common during wet season. Survey result indicate that natural pasture, weed and maize tiller and stored crop residues are main feed resources in wet season while crop after math, crop residue and fodder trees are main resources during dry season. Brackish, local mineral and common salt are mineral sources for cattle in study areas. Lake, river and boreholes are important water sources in dry season where as ponds and rivers are main water sources during wet season for their cattle. The observed cattle watering frequency is mainly once a day. Housing system practiced in the study areas is mainly Kraal. The information generated from this study on land size per household, cattle herding system, feed resources, mineral sources, water sources, water utilization and housing type can be used as a baseline for any livestock development programs in those and similar areas.
JERICÓ/PB: SECA, VULNERABILIDADES SOCIOECONÔMICAS E ESTRATÉGIAS DE MITIGAÇÕES (2012-2017)
Authors: FREITAS ADRIANA SOARES DE , ESTEVAM STÊNIO MAIA , BARRETO FILHO BOANERGES DE FREITAS 
Published: February 2021

O objetivo do trabalho é descrever as condições socioeconômicas e as estratégias de mitigações adotadas pela população do entorno do Açude do Carneiro em Jericó/PB frente à seca de 2012 a 2017. Para a execução do trabalho foram realizadas pesquisa bibliográfica, levantamento documental e pesquisa de campo. Apurou-se que a maioria dos moradores das Comunidades Saquinho e Gangorra são pescadores e, subsidiariamente, praticam a agricultura de subsistência para complementar a renda familiar. As condições climáticas adversas e a elevada vulnerabilidade socioeconômica foram mitigadas, ainda que parcialmente, em função da existência de políticas públicas do Governo Federal, como o P1MC, Programa Bolsa Família e Seguro Defeso. Palavras-chave: Seca; Vulnerabilidade socioeconômica; Políticas públicas; Jericó/PB.