bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Benefits of Adropin in Aged Mice After Transient Ischemic Stroke via Reduction of Blood-Brain Barrier Damage
Authors: Yang Changjun , Liu Lei , Lavayen Bianca P. , Larochelle Jonathan , Gunraj Rachel E. , Butler Andrew A. , Candelario-Jalil Eduardo 
Published: October 2022

Background:

Adropin is a peptide encoded by the energy homeostasis-associated gene (
Enho
) that is highly expressed in the brain. Aging and stroke are associated with reduced adropin levels in the brain and plasma. We showed that treatment with synthetic adropin provides long-lasting neuroprotection in permanent ischemic stroke. However, it is unknown whether the protective effects of adropin are observed in aged animals following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We hypothesized that adropin provides neuroprotection in aged mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Methods:
Aged (18–24 months old) male mice were subjected to 30 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 48 hours or 14 days of reperfusion. Sensorimotor (weight grip test and open field) and cognitive tests (Y-maze and novel object recognition) were performed at defined time points. Infarct volume was quantified by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining at 48 hours or Cresyl violet staining at 14 days post–middle cerebral artery occlusion. Blood-brain barrier damage, tight junction proteins, and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) were assessed 48 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion by ELISA and Western blots.

Results:

Genetic deletion of
Enho
significantly increased infarct volume and worsened neurological function, whereas overexpression of adropin dramatically reduced stroke volume compared to wild-type controls. Postischemic treatment with synthetic adropin peptide given at the onset of reperfusion markedly reduced infarct volume, brain edema, and significantly improved locomotor function and muscular strength at 48 hours. Delayed adropin treatment (4 hours after the stroke onset) reduced body weight loss, infarct volume, and muscular strength dysfunction, and improved long-term cognitive function. Postischemic adropin treatment significantly reduced blood-brain barrier damage. This effect was associated with reduced MMP-9 and preservation of tight junction proteins by adropin treatment.

Conclusions:
These data unveil a promising neuroprotective role of adropin in the aged brain after transient ischemic stroke via reducing neurovascular damage. These findings suggest that poststroke adropin therapy is a potential strategy to minimize brain injury and improve functional recovery in ischemic stroke patients.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of a new cryptic species of Criconemoides informis group, C. neoinformis n. sp., and C. persicus n. sp., with notes on C. avicenniae
Authors: Hosseinvand Manouchehr , Eskandari Ali , Palomares-Rius Juan E. , Castillo Pablo , Abolafia Joaquín , Ghaderi Reza 
Published: October 2022

Summary
Criconemoides neoinformis n. sp., a cryptic species of C. informis group, and C. persicus n. sp. were recovered from the rhizosphere of pear and grass, in Zanjan and West Azerbaijan provinces, northwestern Iran, respectively. Criconemoides neoinformis n. sp. is characterised by 522-585 μm long females, having four separated pseudolips, anteriorly flattened lip region comprised of two annuli, 57-63 retrorse body annuli with smooth to slightly crenate margins, without anastomoses, 86.9-90.4 μm long stylet, having 6-10 annuli from vulva to posterior end and tail conical rounded with two, three or multilobed terminus and presence of males. Criconemoides persicus n. sp. could be characterised by flatly rounded lip region, having fused rectangular pseudolips, 515-615 μm body length, stylet 60-65 μm, body annuli 120-132 with smooth to slightly crenate margins, without anastomoses, 9-12 annuli from vulva to posterior end and tail conical rounded with two trilobed terminus. In inferred phylogenies, these two new species clustered with known Criconemoides species in 18S, 28S, ITS and COI trees. These species are clearly separated molecularly by all the studied markers. The use of molecular markers, mainly D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS region and COI, are very promising in the case of cryptic species found in this group of nematodes. We provided molecular markers (two sequences per marker) for these new species with morphological/morphometrical data using an integrative taxonomy approach for the unequivocal identification of these species.
Information Privacy in Healthcare — The Vital Role of Informed Consent
Authors: McClelland Roy , Harper Colin M. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The use and disclosure of patient information is subject to multiple legal and ethical obligations. Within European human rights law the differences relating to consent are reflected in the separate requirements of data protection law, the common law, and professional ethics. The GDPR requires explicit consent. This contrasts with the ethical and common law availability of reliance on implied consent for the use of patient information for that patient’s care and treatment. For any proposed use of patient information for healthcare purposes other than direct care, even where GDPR may be satisfied if the patient refuses to consent to disclosure, the information should not normally be disclosed. For any proposed use or disclosure outside healthcare the justification should normally be consent. However, consent is often not possible or appropriate and an overriding public interest can be relied upon to justify the use or disclosure, both legally and ethically.
Expecting More: Rethinking the Rights and Protections Available to Pregnant Workers under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
Authors: Orifici Adriana , Allen Dominique 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article integrates doctrinal and empirical legal research methods to evaluate manifestations of discrimination experienced by pregnant workers and develops proposals to strengthen labour law to better support working women. The article commences by mapping the framework of rights and protections currently applicable to pregnant women under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (‘FW Act’). It then analyses court decisions made under parts 3-1 and 3-2 of the FW Act that are relevant to pregnancy, which builds on the limited scholarship in this area. This is augmented by analysing the findings from a pilot study into the experiences of a group of pregnant workers in Victoria, which addresses an ongoing deficiency in the literature of the qualitative examination of workplace pregnancy discrimination. Scrutiny of the doctrinal and empirical data reveals the common manifestations and patterns of conduct that pregnant women experience at work. The article then considers how the rights and protections in the FW Act could be strengthened to better support pregnant women who experience unlawful conduct at work. It is argued that there are three critical gaps in the FW Act, which are leaving pregnant women vulnerable to detrimental treatment. Legislative reform proposals are formulated to address these gaps, of which the most pressing is to add pregnancy to s 65(1A) of the FW Act so that it comprises a ground on which employees can make requests for flexible working arrangements.
Identifying, exploring and integrating the spiritual dimension in proactive care planning: A mixed methods evaluation of a communication training intervention for multidisciplinary palliative care teams
Authors: van Meurs Jacqueline , Wichmann Anne B , van Mierlo Patricia , van Dongen Robert , van de Geer Joep , Vissers Kris , Leget Carlo , Engels Yvonne 
Published: October 2022

Background: Patients receiving palliative care value attention given to their spiritual needs. However, these needs often remain unexplored as healthcare professionals lack the skills to identify and explore them and to integrate this information into care plans. Aim: To evaluate the effects of an interactive communication training intervention for palliative care teams in order to identify and explore the spiritual dimension and integrate it in patients’ care plans. Design: A mixed methods pre-post study, including self-assessment questionnaires, evaluation of videos with simulated consultations (applied competence) and medical record review (implementation). Setting/participants: Three palliative care teams including nurses ( N = 21), physicians ( N = 14) and spiritual caregivers ( N = 3). Results: The questionnaires showed an improvement on ‘Patient and family-centred communication’ of the End-of-life professional caregiver survey (+0.37, p < 0.01; the 8-item S-EOLC (+0.54, p < 0.01) and regarding the Spiritual Care Competence Scale, on the three subscales used (+0.27, p < 0.01, +0.29, p < 0.01 and +0.32, p < 0.01). Video evaluations showed increased attention being paid to patient’s aims and needs. The medical record review showed an increase in anticipation on the non-somatic dimension (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–4.3, p < 0.05) and, using the Mount Vernon Cancer Network assessment tool, addressing spiritual issues (OR: 10.9, 95% CI: 3.7–39.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our training intervention resulted in increased palliative care professionals’ competence in identifying and exploring patients’ spiritual issues, and their integration in multidimensional proactive palliative care plans. The intervention directly addresses patients’ spiritual concerns and adds value to their palliative care plans.
Therapeutic role of nitroglycerin against copper-nitrilotriacetate induced hepatic and renal damage
Authors: Ahmed Ayesha Rahman , Vun-Sang Senty , Iqbal Mohammad 
Published: October 2022

Earlier we have shown that exposure to copper-nitrilotriacetate (Cu-NTA) manifests toxicity by generating oxidative stress and potent induction of proliferative reaction in the liver and kidney. In the study, we look at the impact of nitroglycerin (GTN) administration on Cu-NTA-induced oxidative stress and hyperproliferative response in the liver and kidney. GTN administration intraperitoneally to male Wistar rats after Cu-NTA administration intraperitoneally caused substantial protection against Cu-NTA-induced tissue injury, oxidative stress and hyperproliferative response. Cu-NTA administration at a dose of 4.5 mg/kg body weight produces significant ( p < .001) elevation in biochemical parameters including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) with a concomitant increase in microsomal lipid peroxidation. Along with these alterations, we discovered a substantial increment in [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic and renal DNA synthesis ( p < .001). Cu-NTA-induced tissue damage and lipid peroxidation in hepatic and renal tissues were inhibited by GTN treatment in a dose-dependent manner ( p < .05–0.001). Furthermore, GTN can suppress the hyperproliferative response elicited by Cu-NTA by down-regulating the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation into hepatic and renal DNA ( p < .01–0.001). Protective effect of GTN against Cu-NTA was also confirmed by histopathological changes in liver and kidney. This result suggests that GTN may serve as a scavenger for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces toxic metabolites of Cu-NTA, thereby avoiding tissue injury and oxidative stress. Further, administration of NO inhibitor, NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), exacerbated Cu-NTA induced oxidative tissue damage and cell proliferation. Overall, GTN reduces Cu-NTA-induced tissue damage, oxidative stress, and proliferative response in the rat liver and kidney, according to these findings. On the basis of the above results, present study suggests that GTN may be a potential therapeutic agent for restoration of oxidative damage and proliferation to liver and kidney.
U-KIM-1 as a predictor of treatment response in lupus nephritis
Authors: Nozaki Yuji , Shiga Toshihiko , Ashida Chisato , Tomita Daisuke , Itami Tetsu , Kishimoto Kazuya , Kinoshita Koji , Matsumura Itaru 
Published: October 2022

Objective Biomarkers of disease activity in lupus nephritis (LN) are in demand. This is because they may be useful in patients who are unable to undergo invasive kidney biopsy, as predictors of renal function, and for early detection of LN recurrence. The focus is on the measurement of urinary chemokines and cytokines, especially in urinary biomarkers, which are non-invasive and simple. In our previous report, we reported that kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) is expressed in injured tubules and that the number of tubular-KIM-expressing positive cells correlates with renal pathology findings and also with urinary (u)-KIM-1 levels. However, there have been no reports examining the effect of u-KIM-1 levels on response to therapy, correlation with renal pathology, and usefulness as a predictor of renal function. Methods U-KIM-1 levels were measured by ELISA in 61 SLE patients. In 38 active LN who underwent renal biopsy, we also examined whether u-KIM-1 levels affected LN disease activity, renal histological findings, and predictors of renal function. Results In SLE patients, proteinuria and u-KIM-1 levels were elevated in active LN compared to inactive LN. U-KIM-1 and proteinuria decreased with intensified treatment. U-KIM-1 levels also correlated with the percentage of glomerular crescent formation in renal pathology. In addition, patients with higher baseline u-KIM-1 levels had significantly higher eGFR and lower LN disease activity at 12 months after treatment intensification. Conclusions These data suggest that u-KIM-1 levels correlate with LN disease activity and renal histopathology findings and may be used as a predictor of treatment response.
Bring Your Whole Self to Work: Conversations with Affinity Group Leaders
Authors: Hughes Ashley M. , Bruni Sylvain , Malone Gwen , Trippe Jules , Barton Hanna , Jacinto Rosemarie Figueroa , Harper Christy 
Published: October 2022

The objective of this panel is to open a dialog between the general HFES membership and the HFES Coallition of Affinity Groups (COAG). COAG members will describe the foundation, actions and goals of HFES Affinity Groups and answer questions from attendees. The panel will start by Dr. Ashley Hughes and Sylvain Bruni briefly giving an overview and the purpose for this discussion panel. The panelists will then provide their views and experiences regarding this topic. Gwen Malone will discuss how she leads and envisions the future of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) group. Dr. Rose Figueroa will share about the formation of the newest Affinity Group, Disability and Chronic Illness (DCI) group. Dr. Jules Trippe and Hanna Barton will discuss their approach in building the LGBTQ+ community and group and Christy Harper will discuss leadership within the HF/E’s Women’s Organization for Mentoring And Networking (WOMAN). The specific theme of this discussion panel is focused on how we can engage members while promoting intersectional inclusivity. Discussion time: 90 minutes.
Examining Multitasking Performance in Naturalistic 2D Environments
Authors: Jackson Kenneth M. , Melles Lydia , McCarty Madeleine M. , Shaw Tyler H. , Helton William S. 
Published: October 2022

Visual searches are done frequently and commonly while doing other tasks. Previous research has shown that multitasking inhibits performance of tasks done together, however little has examined visual search and word recall performed together, especially when there are an undisclosed number of targets to be found. The purpose of this study is to examine how multitasking affects visual search and word recall. Participants recalled words shown on a heads-up display while simultaneously searching realistic landscape images for target distortions. The participants also completed these tasks individually. It was found that during multitasking, participants found significantly less targets and remembered significantly less words than when doing those tasks individually. It was also shown that prioritizing tasks led to small improvements in performance for that task. The results of this study could be used to influence design of technology made for individuals searching environments who also need to communicate information.
A Linear Decomposition Approach to Explain Excess Direct Healthcare Expenditures Associated with Pain Among Adults with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ikram Mohammad , Shaikh Nazneen Fatima , Sambamoorthi Usha 
Published: October 2022

Objective: Many patients with osteoarthritis experience pain which can lead to higher healthcare expenditures. It is important to understand the factors that drive the excess expenditures associated with pain in osteoarthritis. Design: Cross-sectional. Study sample: Our study sample consisted of adults (age ⩾ 18 years) from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS, 2018). Methods: Adults who were alive during the calendar year and had pain status were included in this study (N = 2804 weighted N = 32.03 million). Osteoarthritis was identified from the medical conditions file and household file. We used multivariable ordinary least squares regression to identify the statistically significant association of pain with direct healthcare expenditures. The Blinder-Oaxaca post-linear decomposition on log-transformed total direct healthcare expenditures was used to estimate the extent to which differences in characteristics contribute to the excess expenditures associated with pain. Results: Adults with osteoarthritis and pain had higher average expenditures ($21 814 vs $10 827, P < .001; 9.318 vs 8.538 in logtransformed expenditures) compared to those without pain. Pooled regression weights explained 62.9% of excess expenditures differences in characteristics between the 2 groups. The 2 main drivers of excess healthcare expenditures among adults with osteoarthritis and pain were (i) comorbidities (diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression, heart diseases, cancer, and non-cancer pain conditions and (ii) prescription medications (NSAIDs, opioids, and polypharmacy). Conclusion: Need factors such as comorbid conditions, and prescription treatment explained the excess healthcare expenditures among adults with osteoarthritis and pain. The study findings suggest that reducing polypharmacy and appropriate management of comorbid conditions may be a pathway to reduce excess expenditures among adults with osteoarthritis and pain.
TNFRSF13B/TACI Mutations in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Tsiouma Georgia K. , Skoulakis Charalampos E. , Lachanas Vasileios A. , Sevdali Eirini G. , Tsinti Gerasimina N. , Florou Zoi A. , Petinaki Efthymia A. , Speletas Matthaios G. 
Published: October 2022

Background The pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) remains still inconclusive. Recent studies identified an increased expression of BAFF (a B cell-activating factor) and its receptor TACI (Transmembrane Activator and cAML Interactor) in nasal polyp samples, while TNFRSF13B/TACI mutations have been found in patients with benign lymphoproliferative disorders and primary antibody deficiencies. Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible contribution of TNFRSF13B/TACI mutations in CRSwNP pathogenesis. Methods Forty-four (44) patients with CRSwNP (male/female: 33/11, mean age: 52.5 years, range: 16-83) were analyzed for TNFRSF13B/TACI mutations by PCR-sequencing. Results No pathogenic TNFRSF13B/TACI mutations were identified in our cohort study of CRSwNP patients. We detected two common missense mutations (p.P251L and p.V220A), along with other common silent mutations and intronic polymorphisms in an identical prevalence to healthy control population. Conclusion TNFRSF13B/TACI mutations might not play a role in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.
Visual Inspection for Lower Limb Malalignment Diagnosis Is Unreliable
Authors: Nguyen H. Chien , van Egmond Nienke , de Visser Huub M. , Weinans Harrie , Sakkers Ralph J.B. , Custers Roel J.H. 
Published: October 2022

Objective Visual inspection of the lower limb is often part of standard clinical practice during a physical examination at the outpatient clinic. This study aims to investigate how reliable visual inspections are in terms of detecting lower limb malalignments without additional tools and physical examinations. Design This study enrolled 50 patients. Each patient underwent a whole leg radiograph (WLR); in addition, a standardized digital photograph was taken of the lower limbs. Four persons (different experience levels) visually rated the digital photograph twice (unaware of the hip knee angle [HKA] on the WLR) and placed them in the category: severe valgus (>5°); moderate valgus (2°-5°); neutral, moderate varus (2°-5°); and severe varus (>5°). Visual ratings were compared with the measured HKA on WLRs for correlation using Spearman’s rho. Linear ordinal regression models with significance when P < 0.05 were used to test whether body mass index (BMI), age, gender, and HKA were possible risk factors for incorrect visual HKA assessment. Results Spearman’s rho between the visual assessment and measured HKA on the WLR was moderate with 0.478 ( P < 0.01). Women had an increased odds ratio of 3.7 ( P = 0.001) for incorrect visual assessment. Higher HKA also increased the odds ratio for erroneous visual assessment with 1.4 ( P = 0.003). BMI and age did not significantly increase the odds of erroneous visual leg axis assessments in this study. Conclusions Visual assessment of the lower limb alignment does not provide clinically relevant information. Lower limb malalignment diagnoses cannot be performed using only a visual inspection. Physical examination tests and radiographical assessments are advised. Level of evidence: Diagnostic level II
High-Anion-Gap Metabolic Acidosis During a Prolonged Hospitalization Following Perforated Diverticulitis: An Educational Case Report
Authors: Cecilia Farfan Ruiz Ana , Sriperumbuduri Sriram , Shaw Julie L V , Clark Edward G. 
Published: October 2022

Rationale: The metabolic acidoses are generally separated into 2 categories on the basis of an anion gap calculation: high-anion-gap and normal anion-gap metabolic acidosis. When a high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA) is not clearly explained by common etiologies and routine confirmatory testing, specialized testing can definitively establish rare diagnoses such as 5-oxoproline, d-lactate accumulation, or diethylene glycol toxicity. Presenting Concerns of the Patient: A 56-year-old woman had a prolonged hospital admission following perforated diverticulitis requiring sigmoid resection. Her hospitalization was complicated by feculent peritonitis and surgical wound dehiscence needing prolonged broad-spectrum antibiotics and wound debridements. She developed acute kidney injury and HAGMA in the hospital. Diagnoses: Chart review showed that she received a large cumulative dose of acetaminophen during her hospital stay. Laboratory studies showed markedly increased serum 5-oxoproline causing HAGMA. Interventions (Including Prevention and Lifestyle): Patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with N-acetylcysteine and renal replacement therapy. Outcomes: After admission to the intensive care unit, the patient continued to require vasopressor and ventilatory support for septic shock and a ventilator-associated pneumonia. After an initial recovery and resolution of her HAGMA, she subsequently suffered recurrent aspirations which were fatal. Teaching points: 1. The acronym GOLD MARK is useful when assessing patients with HAGMA and most causes of HAGMA can be established with routine testing. 2. When the etiology of HAGMA remains unclear, additional testing can be required to diagnose rare causes of HAGMA. 3. Rare causes of HAGMA are diethylene glycol, 5-oxoproline, and d-lactate accumulation. 4. Acidosis secondary to 5-oxoproline accumulation can occur even with “therapeutic” doses of acetaminophen in patients receiving it regularly for a prolonged period and who have depleted glutathione stores. 5. Risk factors for glutathione depletion include malnutrition, older age, sepsis, pregnancy, multiple chronic illnesses, and chronic kidney disease.