bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Spirulina in Structural Remodeling of Synapse in Telencephalon of Chronic Unpredictable Stress Model of Zebrafish
Authors: Kumar Harender , Garg Vincy , Kaur Kawalpreet , Kaur Ravneet 
Published: April 2023

Background Stress can affect the morphology and synaptic organization of the telencephalon. These structural changes at the cellular level can lead to the development of various psychopathologies. Purpose Given that the telencephalon plays a major role in stress responses, the current study aimed to investigate the role of Spirulina platensis as a neuroprotectant supplement in the early life of zebrafish in averting the alteration of synapse morphology in the telencephalon caused by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in the later stage. Methods 5dpf larvae were divided into two groups: one group was fed with a commercial fish diet and a second group with a 1% Spirulina-supplemented diet for 90 days. After 90 days, the adult zebrafish were exposed to CUS with different chronic stressors for 15 days. The synaptic plasticity was evaluated by morphometric analysis of synapse in telencephalon of zebrafish by transmission electron microscopy. Results The ultrastructural study demonstrated the protective role of Spirulina in the CUS model as no significant alterations in the length of the active zone, postsynaptic density, and synaptic cleft were observed as compared to the control group in the CUS model. Conclusion Thus, suggesting that the Spirulina supplementation can avert the remodeling effect of stress on synapse ultrastructure.
TBL Myanmar: Understanding the Barriers to Sale of Dehumidifiers in Emerging Markets
Authors: Chhabra Sakhhi 
Published: April 2023

Vipul Murarka, Executive Director of Tropical Biotechnology Ltd. (TBL), was perplexed after looking at the erratic sales of dehumidifiers over the past 3 years since he started in June 2016. Although the number of goods sold was growing until 2019, which gave a marginal increase in revenue earned, the top line was increasing at a decreasing rate, with 10% in the first year, 8% in the second year and 7% in the third year. He could not understand the reasons for these inconsistent sales despite offering quality solutions and having many satisfied clients in the past.Given the torrential rains throughout the year in Yangon, the capital of Myanmar, a dehumidifier was an essential product for factories, yet sales were not picking up as anticipated. Dehumidifiers as an industrial product aided many manufacturing units, as they helped in controlling moisture by extracting water from the air, thus reducing humidity and preventing the growth of mildew. There were myriad manufacturing companies in Yangon because of the availability of cheap labour, yet sales for certain months were flat, with not even one sales call funnelling to final action. These lull periods made Vipul anxious and forced him to think if he had entered the wrong industry. He even thought if the first-mover advantage turned into a disadvantage for him. The initial reason he speculated about this sales barrier was the price, as it was a high-investment product for industrial buyers. However, he also posited to himself that he might not have been able to position the advantages of the product aptly in the minds of the potential buyers.Unable to find a definitive reason for the sales barriers of the dehumidifiers, he approached his friend, Myint Than, an independent consultant and visiting faculty at an MBA institute where he taught sales and marketing strategy courses. Vipul and Myint had to find the reason for the barrier to the dehumidifier sales and eventually make a strategy to overcome these barriers for future growth before deciding the sales target for the year 2020.
Veteran homelessness in Australia: What do we know? What has been done? What do we need to do?
Authors: Wallace Duncan , Hoggett Kat , Cripps Sue , Hayhurst Wendy , Klinge Nathan 
Published: April 2023

Objective We report on the extent of veteran homelessness in Australia, what has already been done to address it and what actions are recommended to further improve the response. Conclusions Work conducted by not-for-profit organisations and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are outlined with positive prospects for significant coordinated action to further address the situation reported.
Fludrocortisone Plus Hydrocortisone Versus Hydrocortisone Alone as Adjunctive Therapy in Septic Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lock Ashley E. , Gutierrez G. Christina , Hand Elizabeth O. , Barthol Colleen A. , Attridge Rebecca L. 
Published: April 2023

Background: Trials evaluating hydrocortisone (HC) for septic shock are conflicting with all finding decreased time to shock reversal but few with mortality difference. Those with improved mortality included fludrocortisone (FC), but it is unknown if FC affected the outcome or is coincidental as there are no comparative data. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of FC + HC versus HC alone as adjunctive therapy in septic shock. Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted of medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock refractory to fluids and vasopressors. Patients receiving FC + HC were compared with those receiving HC. Primary outcome was time to shock reversal. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital, 28-, and 90-day mortality; ICU and hospital length of stay (LOS); and safety. Results: There were 251 patients included (FC + HC, n = 114 vs HC, n = 137). There was no difference in time to shock reversal (65.2 vs 71 hours; P = 0.24). Cox proportional hazards model showed time to first corticosteroid dose, full-dose HC duration, and use of FC + HC were associated with shorter shock duration, while time to vasopressor therapy was not. However, in 2 multivariable models controlling for covariates, use of FC + HC was not an independent predictor of shock reversal at greater than 72 hours and in-hospital mortality. No differences were seen in hospital LOS or mortality. Hyperglycemia occurred more frequently with FC + HC (62.3% vs 45.6%; P = 0.01). Conclusion and Relevance: FC + HC was not associated with shock reversal at greater than 72 hours or decreased in-hospital mortality. These data may be useful for determining corticosteroid regimen in patients with septic shock refractory to fluids and vasopressors. Future prospective, randomized studies are needed to further evaluate the role of FC in this patient population.
Outcomes among patients with peripheral artery disease in the Aspirin Dosing: A Patient-Centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness (ADAPTABLE) study
Authors: Weissler E Hope , Stebbins Amanda , Wruck Lisa , Muñoz Daniel , Gupta Kamal , Girotra Saket , Whittle Jeff , Benziger Catherine P , Polonsky Tamar S , Bradley Steven M , Hammill Bradley G , Merritt James G , Zemon Doris N , Hernandez Adrian F , Jones W Schuyler 
Published: April 2023

Background: We aimed to understand the effects of aspirin dose on outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) as well as their participation in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Methods: In a subanalysis of the Aspirin Dosing: A Patient-Centric Trial Assessing Benefits and Long-Term Effectiveness (ADAPTABLE) study, we compared aspirin doses (81 vs 325 mg) among participants with PAD and study participation metrics in patients with and without PAD. The primary outcome composite was all-cause mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. Results: Among 14,662 participants enrolled in ADAPTABLE with PAD status available, 3493 (23.8%) had PAD. Participants with PAD were more likely to experience the primary composite (13.76% vs 5.31%, p < 0.001), all-cause mortality (7.55% vs 3.01%, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (5.71% vs 2.09%, p < 0.001), stroke (2.45% vs 0.86%, p < 0.001), and major bleeding (1.19% vs 0.44%, p < 0.001). A higher aspirin dose did not reduce the primary outcome in patients with PAD (13.68% vs 13.84% in 81 mg and 325 mg groups; OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.88–1.25). Participants with PAD were less likely to enroll via email (33.0% vs 41.9%, p < 0.0001), less likely to choose internet follow-up (79.2% vs 89.5%, p < 0.0001), and were more likely to change their aspirin doses (39.7% vs 30.7%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: ADAPTABLE participants with PAD did not benefit from a higher dose of aspirin and participated in the study differently from those without PAD. These results reinforce the need for additional PAD-specific research and suggest that different trial strategies may be needed for optimal engagement of patients with PAD. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02697916)
The Danish landscape of providing support for caregivers of people with potentially life-threatening disease: A cross-sectional study among representatives of health services in Danish municipalities and hospitals
Authors: Dieperink Karin B. , Møller Jens-Jakob K. , Mikkelsen Tina B. , Nissen Nina Konstantin , La Cour Karen , Rottmann Nina 
Published: April 2023

Aims: (a) To investigate support for caregivers of people diagnosed with stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, or heart disease provided across healthcare settings in Denmark; (b) to assess differences in caregiver support across diagnoses and settings. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide survey among professionals representing healthcare settings at municipalities ( n = 479) and hospital wards and outpatient clinics ( n = 425). The survey assessed identification of caregivers and support initiatives. Results: The response rate was 81% for municipalities and 49% for hospitals. Identification of caregivers was frequent in dementia care (81% and 100%) and less frequent in COPD care (58% and 64%) in municipalities and hospitals, respectively. Caregiver support differed significantly across diagnoses within municipalities ( p = 0.009) and hospitals ( p < 0.001). Systematic identification of vulnerable caregivers was <25% for all diagnoses except dementia. The most common support initiatives involving caregivers were primarily aimed at the ill person and included guidance about the disease and consequences for everyday life and lifestyle changes. Caregivers were least involved in support initiatives addressing physical training, work retention, sexuality, or cohabitation. Conclusions: Disparities and significant differences across diagnoses exist in the identification of caregivers and the provision of support initiatives. Support initiatives involving caregivers primarily targeted patients. Future studies should investigate how caregivers’ needs can be met across different diagnoses and healthcare settings and investigate potential changes in caregivers’ needs during disease trajectories. In clinical practice, identification of vulnerable caregivers should be a major focus, and disease-specific clinical guidelines may be required to ensure sufficient support for caregivers.
A qualitative exploration of the experiences of young people and their parents regarding the impact of missing school to attend hospital-based orthodontic appointments
Authors: Oyeleye Teniola , Walker Roz , Cunningham Susan J 
Published: April 2023

Objective: To explore the experiences of young people and their parents regarding the impact on school performance due to time away from school for orthodontic appointments and to explore their views about a possible extension to the current service. Design: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Setting: UK district hospitals. Participants: A total of 11 pairs of interviewees: young people undergoing fixed appliances and their parents. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people and their parents. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A framework approach was used to analyse the data. Results: A thematic analysis of the data identified five main themes which were as follows: (1) expectations of the treatment process and appointments; (2) impact of school absences and treatment; (3) appointments; (4) implications for young people, parents and others; and (5) satisfaction with treatment. These themes were then further subdivided and analysed. Conclusion: Young people and their parents felt that attending appointments for orthodontic treatment had minimal impact on a young person’s school performance. However, some young people did engage in coping mechanisms in order to ensure this was the case. Young people and their parents advised they were satisfied with the process of the treatment despite the time missed at school/work. Some young people and their parents saw a real benefit to appointments that could be fitted into a ‘NHS seven-day’ service model, but this did not apply to all interviewees.
Perspectives and Attitudes of Dutch Healthcare Professionals Regarding the Integration of Complementary Medicine in Oncology
Authors: Schouten Aniek E.M. , Mentink Marit D.C. , Timmer-Bonte Johanna (Anja) N.H. , Noordman Janneke , van Dulmen Sandra 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Almost half of all patients with cancer use complementary medicine (CM) alongside conventional cancer treatment. Further integration of CM into clinical practice could enhance communication and ensure improved coordination between complementary medicine and conventional care. This study assessed the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the current status of integration of CM in oncology, as well as their attitudes and beliefs toward CM. Methods: A convenience, volunteer sample of healthcare providers and healthcare managers working in oncology in the Netherlands were surveyed, using a self-reporting, anonymous, online questionnaire. The perspectives on the current status of integration and barriers to implementing complementary medicine were characterized in part 1, while part 2 assessed respondents’ attitudes and beliefs regarding CM. Results: A total of 209 people completed part 1 of the survey and 159 people completed the entire questionnaire. Two-thirds (68.4%) of the respondents indicated that their organization has implemented complementary medicine in oncology, or envisions implementation, while 49.3% stated they were missing something to implement CM in oncology. About 86.8% of the respondents (completely) agreed that complementary medicine is an important supplement to oncological treatment. Female respondents were more likely to express positive attitudes, as well as respondents whose institutions have implemented CM. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that attention is being paid to the integration of CM into oncology. Overall, the attitudes of respondents toward CM were positive. The main barriers for implementing CM activities were missing knowledge, experience, financial support, and support from management. To improve the ability of healthcare providers to guide patients in their use of complementary medicine, these issues should be delved into in future research.
Comparison of AngioJet Thrombectomy System Versus Suction Catheter with the Adjunct of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Guo Hui , Gan Hai-run , Zhang Yong-yu , Wang Da-shuai , He Jia-nan , Zhao Ni , Huang Wei-le , Pang Peng-fei 
Published: April 2023

Background This study aims to investigate the value of the AngioJet thrombectomy system with adjunct of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in treating lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT). Methods 48 patients who were clinically confirmed LEDVT and treated by percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) combined with CDT, were included in this retrospective study (AJ-CDT, n = 33; Suction-CDT, n = 15). Baseline characteristics, clinical outcomes and surveillance data were reviewed and analyzed. Results The overall clot reduction rate of AJ-CDT group was significantly higher than that of Suction-CDT group (77.86% vs 64.47%, P = .027). The CDT therapeutic time (5.75 ± 3.04 vs 7.67 ± 2.82 days, P = .045) and urokinase dosage (3.63 ± 2.16 vs 5.76 ± 2.12 million IU, P = .003) were lower in AJ-CDT group, respectively. There was statistical significance in the transient hemoglobinuria between 2 groups (72.73% vs 6.67%, P < .001). At postoperative 48 hours, the serum creatinine (Scr) value was higher in AJ-CDT group compared to Suction-CDT group statistically (78.56 ± 32.16 vs 60.21 ± 15.72 μmol/l, P = .049). However, the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and uric acid (UA) concentration at postoperative 48 hours between these 2 groups were no statistical difference. There was no statistical significance in the Villalta score and post-thrombosis syndrome (PTS) incidence during postoperative follow-up. Conclusions AngioJet thrombectomy system is more effective for the treatment of LEDVT by providing a higher clot reduction rate with shorter thrombolytic time and lower thrombolytic drug dosage. However, the device-related potential risk of renal function injury should be taken appropriate precautions.
The case-control study on relationship between the serum concentration of IL-7 and the pathogenesis of psoriasis: ampere systematic review and meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Jiandong , Zeng Linxi , Huang Xin , Liu Lu , Guo Nana , Zhang Jinfang , Zhang Guoqiang 
Published: April 2023

Objective To explore the relationship between the serum concentration of IL-17 and the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods ampere database was established through literature search, and meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effect indicator of the included literatures. Results 5 articles were included in the study, and the quality evaluation score was 6–7 points by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria. There was heterogeneity in the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the two groups (I2 = 98.63%). The random effect model analysis showed that the combined SMD = 2.11, 95%CI (0.79, 3.43), the effect size between studies was statistically significant (z = 3.13, p = 0.00). Conclusion There was a statistical difference in serum IL-17 concentration between the case group and the control group. The serum concentration of IL-17 in the case group was higher than that in the control group.
Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy: an observational study and literature review
Authors: Deng Bo , Wang Jingguo , Qiu Yue , Liu Xiaoni , Jin Lei , Zhu Dongqing , Chen Xiangjun 
Published: April 2023

Background: The phenotype of peripheral neuropathy (PN) associated with glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoglobulin G (GFAP-IgG) has not been well described. Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the frequency, clinical, and electrophysiological characteristics of PN in GFAP-IgG-positive patients. Design: This study is a single-center retrospective observational study. Data Sources and methods: GFAP-IgG-positive patients with PN were retrospectively identified from the Huashan Hospital Autoimmune Encephalitis Cohort between 2017 and 2021. Eight patients who presented with PN from other published studies were also included in the analysis. The clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of GFAP-IgG-related PN were described. Results: A total of 21 (31%) patients (7 females, 14 males; Mage: 42 ± 16 years) from a cohort of 68 GFAP-IgG-positive patients presented with PN. Twenty of 21 patients had symmetrical weakness. Sensory and autonomic symptoms were present in 16 and 15 patients, respectively. Lower extremities were the most frequently involved regions for both motor (20/21) and sensory (15/21) symptoms. Moreover, 13 patients (4 females, 9 males; Mage: 43 ± 13 years) had electrodiagnostic study data, and 12 of 13 patients had abnormal findings. Regarding clinical features, motor nerve fibers were predominantly involved (12/13), and symmetric lower extremities (12/13) were the most commonly affected regions. Axonal neuropathy is the typical underlying pathophysiologic process of PN. All 21 patients responded to immunotherapy. However, four patients with tetraplegia had poor outcomes, and PN was the major determinant of their long-term disability. Most cases (6/8) from the literature presented with similar clinical and electrophysiological features to those from our cohort. Conclusion: Peripheral nerves could be involved in autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. Predominant motor axonal neuropathy mainly involving the lower extremities is the most common PN phenotype in this disorder. GFAP-IgG-related PN is responsive to immunotherapy. Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000029115 ( http://www.chictr.org ).
Creating Normative Growth Curves for Pediatric Upper Airway Volume
Authors: Prescher Hannes , Jiang David , Siddiqui Sahar , Giurcanu Mihai , Reid Russell R. , Collins John M. 
Published: April 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to create normative growth curves for pediatric upper airway volume using 3D computed tomography with emphasis on the neonatal age group. Methods: We completed a single-institution, retrospective review of all patients with available CT scans between the ages of 0 and 60 months. Patients were excluded if they exhibited any maxillofacial dysmorphism or upper airway pathology or if scans showed the presence of airway appliances or tubes. 3D volumetric upper airway analysis was performed and 2D cephalometric measurements and growth parameters including height, weight and age were recorded for all patients. Linear regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model for airway volume in terms of age adjusting for cephalometric and growth parameters stratified by sex and the resulting model was used to create separate percentile curves for each sex group. Results: The growth curves were created based on CT scans from 217 healthy patients. Mean airway volume was significantly larger in males than females (3.23 ± 1.98 mm3 vs 2.61 ± 1.64 mm3, p = 0.017). Conclusions: Normative growth curves for neonatal and pediatric upper airway volume are a useful tool for tracking changes in airway volume in the growing infant.
Evaluation of patients’ knowledge about their medications: A cross-sectional study in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alfadl Abubakr Abdelraouf , Anaam Mohammed Saif , Alhassun Musaad Saleh , Albuaymi Yazeed Rasheed , Alrehaili Faris Moallath , Alsikhan Rawan Saleh 
Published: April 2023

Background: To authors’ knowledge, in Saudi Arabia, information regarding patients’ knowledge about their medications is lacking. Objectives: This study aimed to fill this literature gap by assessing patients’ knowledge and perceptions about their medications. Design: To achieve the objective of the study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted outside community pharmacies in Qassim region through an exit interview with patients after getting their prescriptions filled or refilled. Methods: A convenient sample of patients was chosen based on acceptance to participate. A form was prepared based on the core and complementary medicines use indicators for evaluation of medicines use in healthcare settings developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Four hundred forty-three forms were completed. A total of 70% of the indicators of patients’ knowledge about their medications were found to be satisfactory, and a total of 89% of the patients were found to have positive perceptions about safety and effectiveness of their medications. Conclusion: Overall, patients’ knowledge about their medications was found to be reasonable with exception of the area “information about precautions and possible side effects” which had shown poor patients’ knowledge.