bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Workplace Monitoring and the Right to Private Life at Work
Authors: Atkinson Joe 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn Barbulescu v Romania, the European Court of Human Rights clarified the application of the Article 8 right to private life in the workplace, and the extent of the state's positive obligations to protect the right against workplace monitoring. The decision establishes that there is an irreducible core to the right to private life at work that does not depend on an employee's reasonable expectations of privacy, and sets out clear principles for striking a fair balance between Article 8 and the employer's interests in the context of workplace monitoring. This article considers the nature of states’ positive obligation to protect human rights at work, the scope of the right to private life, and the impact of the decision on domestic law of unfair dismissal.
Giant adrenal pseudocyst: A rare diagnosis
Authors: Haines Isabel , Macallister Andrew 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWe present a rare case of giant adrenal pseudocyst as a cause of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and highlight the typical multimodality imaging features. The case demonstrates the imaging features associated with giant adrenal pseudocysts to aid accurate and timely diagnosis. Despite the rarity of these lesions they are important to consider as benign lesions can closely mimic malignant ones. Unenhanced and contrast‐enhanced CT is the imaging of choice for adrenal cysts. However, MRI can provide more exquisite assessment of cystic, solid and enhancing components. Pseudocysts can be purely cystic, mixed or solid. Classically, adrenal pseudocysts are described as cystic lesions (of homogenous water density) with a fibrous wall and thin internal septations. Mural/septal calcification is commonly demonstrated due to haemorrhage, this is discernible from central/amorphous calcification seen in malignant disease. As in this case, pseudocysts can contain solid components or layering secondary to haemorrhage. The key to differentiating organised haematoma from tumour is the lack of enhancement. If serial imaging is undertaken in these patients rapid changes in the solid components may be seen reflecting resolving haematoma. Adrenal pseudocysts are rare and have a wide differential. Cystic adrenal lesions warrant multimodality assessment as their imaging features aid diagnosis and differentiation from malignant disease. We suggest that MRI plays a complimentary role to CT. CT is superior at demonstrating mural/septal calcification but MRI aids in determining cystic components and differentiating haemorrhage from tumour.
“But Problems Dwell so the Urge Is Constant…” Qualitative Data Analysis of the OST CHOICES Program
Authors: Shrestha Umit , Weber Tess L. , Hanson Jessica D. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundFetal alcohol spectrum disorders are a major public health concern including among American Indian (AI)/Alaska Native (AN) communities. Various studies have demonstrated higher alcohol consumption among AI/AN women during pregnancy compared with other groups. This study intends to understand the milieu within which such consumption patterns flourish. The study utilizes qualitative and quantitative data from the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) CHOICES Program, a tribally run public health program that aims to reduce alcohol‐exposed pregnancy preconceptually in AI women.MethodsAlcohol consumption pattern (n = 264) is analyzed using descriptive statistics. Consumption patterns included average drinks consumed daily, their choice of drinks (beer, whiskey, wine, etc.), how much money participants were spending on alcohol and amount of calories consumed from alcohol. Qualitative data analysis included open coding of data from decisional balance exercise of the CHOICES program that looked at good things and not so good things about participants’ drinking.ResultsWomen reported drinking an average of 12 drinks daily, ranging between 1 and 86. Women drinking at home spent a median of $4,320 and $12,960 if drinking at a bar. A median of 1,200 calories per day from alcohol was reported. More women reported drinking beer compared with other types of alcohol within a domestic setting. Qualitative data analysis identified positive and negative aspects of drinking among the participants of OST CHOICES Program. Positive aspects included escaping from problems, socializing, and relaxation. Negative aspects included impact on families and domestic violence.ConclusionsWhile understanding their milieu, our study also unraveled different struggles (such as violence, peer pressure, financial burden, and depression) encountered by Native women in their daily lives. According to the participants, positive aspects of drinking outweigh the negative aspects and they viewed their drinking as a solution and not a problem.
Changes in obese metabolic phenotypes over time and risk of incident chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nam Ki Heon , Yun Hae‐Ryong , Joo Young Su , Kim Joohwan , Lee Sangmi , Lee Changhyun , Park Kyoung Sook , Park Jung Tak , Chang Tae‐Ik , Kang Ea Wha , Yoo Tae‐Hyun , Kang Shin‐Wook , Han Seung Hyeok 
Published: July 2018

AimTo examine the association between metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and study whether changes in metabolic phenotypes over time could affect CKD risk.MethodsA total of 8589 subjects from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were categorized into four groups based on the presence of obesity and metabolic abnormalities (MA). The primary endpoint was an onset of incident CKD defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariable Cox analysis and time‐varying Cox analysis were performed to delineate the relationship between obese metabolic phenotypes and incident CKD after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and clinical and laboratory parameters.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up duration of 9.3 years, CKD occurred in 782 (9.1%) participants. In the multivariable Cox model, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident CKD in the MHO, metabolically abnormal non‐obese (MANO), and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) groups was 1.42 (P = 0.002), 1.45 (P < 0.001), and 1.77 (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with the metabolically healthy non‐obese (MHNO) group. Time‐varying analysis with these four phenotypes as time‐varying exposures showed the same results. Furthermore, subjects with persistent MHO through follow‐up were at a 2.0‐fold increased risk of CKD (P < 0.001). 41.0% of subjects experienced phenotype changes during follow‐up. Over the long term, the MHO group had a higher proportion of transition to the MA phenotype and unfavourable metabolic profiles than the MHNO group. Among MHO subjects, those who transitioned to MAO were at a 4.1‐fold increased risk of incident CKD than those who regressed to MHNO. In addition, transition to MHO from other groups carried a higher risk of CKD than persistent MHNO.ConclusionMHO subjects are at increased risk for incident CKD.
Risk of amputations associated with SGLT2 inhibitors compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors: A propensity‐matched cohort study
Authors: Adimadhyam Sruthi , Lee Todd A. , Calip Gregory S. , Smith Marsh Daphne E. , Layden Brian T. , Schumock Glen T. 
Published: July 2018

AimTo determine the risk of amputations associated with sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) relative to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP4i).Materials and MethodsWe conducted an active comparator, new user cohort study using data from the Truven Health MarketScan (2009‐2015) databases. Patients aged ≥18 years newly initiating SGLT2i or DPP4i between April 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015 were included. Patients were matched 1:1 on high dimensional propensity scores and followed until the earliest of any amputation, treatment discontinuation, disenrollment or end of study period (December 31, 2015). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and robust 95% confidence intervals (CI) for amputation risk.ResultsThere were 30 216 comparable patients in each arm after matching. Over a median follow‐up of 0.6 years, there were 60 amputations (SGLT2i: 36; DPP4i: 24), most at the level of partial foot (75%) and associated with diabetes‐related vascular disease (66.7%). The incidence of amputations was higher among SGLT2i patients (1.62 vs. 1.15 per 1000 person‐years) with a HR of 1.38 (CI: 0.83‐2.31). In subgroup analyses, risk differed by type of SGLT2i: canagliflozin, HR 1.15 (CI: 0.63‐2.09); dapagliflozin or empagliflozin, HR 2.25 (CI: 0.78‐6.47).ConclusionAll SGLT2i had an elevated, though not statistically significant, risk for amputations.
Potential killers exposed: tracking endogenous influenza‐specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Keating Rachael , Morris Melissa Y , Yue Wen , Reynolds Cory E , Harris Tarsha L , Brown Scott A , Doherty Peter C , Thomas Paul G , McGargill Maureen A 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCurrent influenza A virus (IAV) vaccines stimulate antibody responses that are directed against variable regions of the virus, and are therefore ineffective against divergent strains. As CD8+ T cells target the highly conserved, internal IAV proteins, they have the potential to increase heterosubtypic immunity. Early T‐cell priming events influence lasting memory, which is required for long‐term protection. However, the early responding, IAV‐specific cells are difficult to monitor because of their low frequencies. Here, we tracked the dissemination of endogenous IAV‐specific CD8+ T cells during the initial phases of the immune response following IAV infection. We exposed a significant population of recently activated, CD25+CD43+ IAV‐specific T cells that were not detected by tetramer staining. By tracking this population, we found that initial T‐cell priming occurred in the mediastinal lymph nodes, which gave rise to the most expansive IAV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell population. Subsequently, IAV‐specific CD8+ T cells dispersed to the bronchoalveolar lavage and blood, followed by spleen and liver, and finally to the lung. These data provide important insight into the priming and tissue dispersion of an endogenous CD8+ T‐cell response. Importantly, the CD25+CD43+ phenotype identifies an inclusive population of early responding CD8+ T cells, which may provide insight into TCR repertoire selection and expansion. A better understanding of this response is critical for designing improved vaccines that target CD8+ T cells.
Effects of task experience and layout on learning from text and pictures with or without unnecessary picture descriptions
Authors: Rop Gertjan , Schüler Anne , Verkoeijen Peter P.J.L. , Scheiter Katharina , van Gog Tamara 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe presentation of extraneous (i.e., irrelevant or unnecessary) information may hamper learning with multimedia. The present study examined whether people can learn to ignore unnecessary information with increasing experience with the task and whether this depends on the layout of that information. In two experiments, participants learned about the process of mitosis from a multimedia slideshow, with each slide presenting a combination of expository text and a picture on one of the stages in the process. Slides either contained no unnecessary text (control condition) or unnecessary text (i.e., merely describing the picture) either integrated in the picture (integrated condition) or presented underneath the picture (separated condition). Knowledge about the studied mitosis phase was tested immediately after each slide using a cloze test. Across Experiments 1 and 2, we did not find a reliable negative effect of the unnecessary text on cloze test performance. As a result, the question of whether task experience would reduce or eliminate that negative effect could not be answered. The eye movement data did confirm, however, that participants attended less to the unnecessary information with increasing task experience, suggesting that students can adapt their study strategy and learn to ignore unnecessary information.
Inference of patient‐specific subpathway activities reveals a functional signature associated with the prognosis of patients with breast cancer
Authors: Han Junwei , Liu Siyao , Jiang Ying , Xu Chaohan , Zheng Baotong , Jiang Minghao , Yang Haixiu , Su Fei , Li Chunquan , Zhang Yunpeng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer in women worldwide. Better prediction of breast cancer prognosis is essential for more personalized treatment. In this study, we aimed to infer patient‐specific subpathway activities to reveal a functional signature associated with the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. We integrated pathway structure with gene expression data to construct patient‐specific subpathway activity profiles using a greedy search algorithm. A four‐subpathway prognostic signature was developed in the training set using a random forest supervised classification algorithm and a prognostic score model with the activity profiles. According to the signature, patients were classified into high‐risk and low‐risk groups with significantly different overall survival in the training set (median survival of 65 vs 106 months, P = 1.82e‐13) and test set (median survival of 75 vs 101 months, P = 4.17e‐5). Our signature was then applied to five independent breast cancer data sets and showed similar prognostic values, confirming the accuracy and robustness of the subpathway signature. Stratified analysis suggested that the four‐subpathway signature had prognostic value within subtypes of breast cancer. Our results suggest that the four‐subpathway signature may be a useful biomarker for breast cancer prognosis.
Diagnosis of anti‐laminin γ‐1 pemphigoid by immunoblot analysis
Authors: Solimani F. , Pollmann R. , Ishii N. , Eming R. , Hashimoto T. , Schmidt T. , Hertl M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAnti‐laminin‐γ1 (lam‐γ1) pemphigoid, a recently described immunobullous disorder sharing immune serological features of bullous pemphigoid and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), is characterized by the detection of serum IgG autoantibodies against the lam‐γ1 chain, a 200 kDa heterotrimeric component of the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ).ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to develop an easy‐to‐perform and reliable assay for the serological detection of anti‐lam‐γ1 IgG autoantibodies. The clinical appearance alone is not sufficient to establish diagnosis of anti‐lam‐γ1 pemphigoid and rather requires immune serological evidence of (i) IgG reactivity against the dermal portion of salt‐split human skin; (ii) exclusion of IgG against other components of the DEJ; and (iii) IgG reactivity with a 200 kDa protein of dermal extracts by immunoblot analysis (IB).MethodsThe sera of 55 patients with anti‐lam‐γ1 pemphigoid were tested by IB with two recombinant heterotrimers, laminin 111 (lam‐111) and laminin 421 (lam‐421), as well as with a recombinant lam‐γ1 chain monomer. Additionally, a total of 41 control sera from patients with EBA (n = 15), psoriasis vulgaris (PV; n = 14), and healthy controls (HC; n = 12) were tested.ResultsImmunoblot analysis revealed a positive reactivity with lam‐111 and/or lam‐421 in 46/55 (84%) of anti‐lam‐γ1 pemphigoid sera. Moreover, 8/9 of the initially non‐reactive sera were positive with the lam‐γ1 monomer, leading to an overall sensitivity of 98.2%. Analyses of 41 control sera with the three lam‐γ1 recombinants led to a specificity of 88%. Specifically, 3/15 EBA sera, 1/14 PV serum and 1/12 HC serum reacted with the lam‐γ1 monomer while only the 3 EBA sera reacted with lam‐421.ConclusionsHere we show a novel two‐step IB assay using the two recombinant laminin trimers and lam‐γ1 chain monomer for the detection of anti‐lam‐γ1 serum IgG with high sensitivity and specificity. This assay will facilitate the diagnosis and further characterization of this disease.
The complex interplay between gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome: A longitudinal assessment
Authors: Stasi Cristina , Caserta Anna , Nisita Cristiana , Cortopassi Sonia , Fani Bernardo , Salvadori Stefano , Pancetti Andrea , Bertani Lorenzo , Gambaccini Dario , de Bortoli Nicola , Dell'Osso Liliana , Blandizzi Corrado , Marchi Santino , Bellini Massimo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimsThe aims of this study were to better define the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders and to examine the efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of IBS patients.MethodsOne hundred fifty subjects with diagnosis of IBS (Roma III criteria) and relative sub‐classification (constipated, diarrhea, and mixed) were assessed for psychopathological features and gastrointestinal symptoms using IBS Symptom Severity Score and were consecutively enrolled. Fifty patients assumed paroxetine for 16 weeks and were longitudinally evaluated.ResultsThe entire sample had a moderate/severe gastrointestinal symptomatology (IBS‐SSS 285.1 ± 98.6). The IBS subtypes were diarrhea (47.3%), constipated (32%), and mixed (20.7%). Panic disorder was found in 17.4% and major depressive episode in 14.7%. More than 50% of the patients showed “psychopathological features.” This group showed more severe gastrointestinal symptoms and worse quality of life than the group without any psychiatric comorbidity (44%). Psychiatric patients also showed a significant impairment of physical state, subjective feeling of well‐being, and leisure activities when compared with no psychiatric patients. When the IBS‐SSS > 300 group was subgrouped in psychiatric (67.2%) and no psychiatric (32.8%), we found significant differences in all clinician‐administered and self‐reported scales with more severe psychopathological features in psychiatric group (P < 0.01). Among the patients treated with paroxetine, 34 (68%) completed the longitudinal evaluation showing a significant improvement of both psychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms.ConclusionsThis study confirms a high presence of psychiatric comorbidities, emphasizing the need for psychiatric screening in all patients with IBS; moreover, the longitudinal evaluation of patients treated with paroxetine showed a significant improvement of both psychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Late Transitions and Bereaved Family Member Perceptions of Quality of End‐of‐Life Care
Authors: Makaroun Lena K. , Teno Joan M. , Freedman Vicki A. , Kasper Judith D. , Gozalo Pedro , Mor Vincent 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo examine associations between healthcare transitions at the end of life (EOL; late transitions) and bereaved family members' and friends' assessment of EOL quality of care (QOC).DesignNational Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a prospective cohort of Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older.SettingUnited States, all sites of death.ParticipantsFamily members and close friends of decedents from NHATS Rounds 2 through 6 (N=1,653; weighted 6.0 million Medicare deaths).MeasurementsMultivariable logistic regression with survey weights was used to examine the association between having a late transition and reports of perceived unmet needs for symptom management, spiritual support, concerns with communication, and overall QOC.ResultsSeventeen percent of decedents had a late transition. Bereaved respondents for decedents experiencing late transitions were more likely to report that the decedent was treated without respect (21.3% vs 15.6%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09–2.33), had more unmet needs for spiritual support (67.4% v 55.2%; AOR=1.48, 95% CI=1.03–2.13), and were more likely to report they were not kept informed about the person's condition (31.0% vs 20.9%; AOR=1.54, 95% CI=1.07–2.23). Bereaved respondents were less likely to rate QOC as excellent when there was a late transition (43.6% vs 48.2%; AOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.58–1.06). Subgroup analyses of those experiencing a transition between a nursing home and hospital (13% of all late transitions) revealed such transitions to be associated with even worse QOC.ConclusionTransitions in the last 3 days of life are associated with more unmet needs, higher rate of concerns, and lower rating of QOC than when such late transitions are absent, especially when that transition is between a nursing home and hospital.
Hormonal regulation of oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1; MUC9) in the rhesus macaque cervix
Authors: Slayden Ov Daniel , Friason Francis Kathryn E. , Bond Kise Rosen , Mishler Emily Cathleen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundMacaques are outstanding animal models for the development of new contraceptives. In women, progestin‐only contraceptives often fail to block ovulation and are believed to act by altering cervix physiology. Herein, we assessed oviductal glycoprotein 1 (OVGP1) in the macaque cervix as a marker for progestogen action.MaterialsRhesus macaques were treated with estradiol (E2), E2 plus progesterone (P), and E2 plus levonorgestrel (LNG), a contraceptive progestin. Samples consisted of archived blocks of midcervix mucosa (epithelium and lamina propria) and fresh epithelial cells collected non‐invasively by cytobrush. OVGP1 was assayed by quantitative real‐time PCR and localized by immunocytochemistry.ResultsOVGP1 transcript was maximal after E2 and reduced after treatment with E2 + P (P < .05). LNG also reduced OVGP1 expression (P < .05). OVGP1‐specific staining localized to epithelial cells, and transcript was quantifiable in cytobrush collected samples.ConclusionsOVGP1 expression in cytobrush samples of macaque cervix provides a non‐invasive indicator of contraceptive progestin action.
Reciprocal modulation of Cav2.3 voltage‐gated calcium channels by copper(II) ions and kainic acid
Authors: Neumaier Felix , Akhtar‐Schäfer Isha , Lüke Jan Niklas , Dibué‐Adjei Maxine , Hescheler Jürgen , Schneider Toni 
Published: July 2018

AbstractKainic acid (KA) is a potent agonist at non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (non‐NMDA) ionotropic glutamate receptors and commonly used to induce seizures and excitotoxicity in animal models of human temporal lobe epilepsy. Among other factors, Cav2.3 voltage‐gated calcium channels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of KA‐induced seizures. At physiologically relevant concentrations, endogenous trace metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+) occupy an allosteric binding site on the domain I gating module of these channels and interfere with voltage‐dependent gating. Using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in human embryonic kidney (HEK‐293) cells stably transfected with human Cav2.3d and β3‐subunits, we identified a novel, glutamate receptor‐independent mechanism by which KA can potently sensitize these channels. Our findings demonstrate that KA releases these channels from the tonic inhibition exerted by low nanomolar concentrations of Cu2+ and produces a hyperpolarizing shift in channel voltage‐dependence by about 10 mV, thereby reconciling the effects of Cu2+ chelation with tricine. When tricine was used as a surrogate to study the receptor‐independent action of KA in electroretinographic recordings from the isolated bovine retina, it selectively suppressed a late b‐wave component, which we have previously shown to be enhanced by genetic or pharmacological ablation of Cav2.3 channels. Although the pathophysiological relevance remains to be firmly established, we speculate that reversal of Cu2+‐induced allosteric suppression, presumably via formation of stable kainate‐Cu2+ complexes, could contribute to the receptor‐mediated excitatory effects of KA. In addition, we discuss experimental implications for the use of KA in vitro, with particular emphasis on the seemingly high incidence of trace metal contamination in common physiological solutions.
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