bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple semiclassical model of pressure-broadened infrared/microwave linewidths in the temperature range 200–3000 K
Authors: Buldyreva Jeanna , Yurchenko Sergei N , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: July 2022

There is a need for line-broadening parameters for molecules found in exoplanetary atmospheres for a variety of broadeners and a range of temperatures. The use of an easily handled semiclassical theoretical expression is suggested for the calculation of pressure-broadened linewidths for (vib)rotational transitions over a large temperature range (200–3000 K) starting from a minimal set of input parameters: kinetic molecular properties and the character of the leading term in the intermolecular interaction potential. Applications to NO and OH colliding with rare-gas atoms and non-polar molecules demonstrate good consistency with available measurements over the full temperature range indicated. The procedure therefore can be expected to provide realistic estimates for line broadening of ‘exotic’ molecules and molecular ions present in hot planetary atmospheres.
Ties of Possibility: Selecting Future Founders in Tokyo’s Start-up Ecosystem
Authors: FRENKENBERGER Bjol R
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on seed-stage start-up fundraising in the ‘village’ (mura), an assemblage of actors in Tokyo’s start-up scene characterised by first-time founders in their 20s or early 30s and their supporters. I analyse how efforts to secure funding unfold between founders and venture capitalists (VCs). Anthropological explorations of start-ups are rare, and my research is based on one of the first long-term fieldwork-based studies in a Japanese context. The material used in this article stems from 12 months of multi-sited fieldwork and 39 further semi-structured para-ethnographic interviews. Both founders and VCs stress the importance of embodied and affective pitch performances. Interlocutors invoke and describe such practices in-depth and separate them from ‘rational’ analysis. The overall focus on convincing performance seems to enforce particular founder role ideals that stress confident top–down communication styles rather than the negotiation of shortcomings or critical open discourse. This preference for confident top–down communication appears partly informed by the uncertainty within which start-ups and VCs act. The findings of this article suggest that seed-stage fundraising conventions in Tokyo reflect a preference for particular affective performance ideals, which extend beyond the economic analysis of the business case itself.
Exon-based Phylogenomics and the Relationships of African Cichlid Fishes: Tackling the Challenges of Reconstructing Phylogenies with Repeated Rapid Radiations
Authors: Astudillo-Clavijo Viviana , Stiassny Melanie L J , Ilves Katriina L , Musilova Zuzana , Salzburger Walter , López-Fernández Hernán
Published: July 2022

African cichlids (subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae) are among the most diverse vertebrates, and their propensity for repeated rapid radiation has made them a celebrated model system in evolutionary research. Nonetheless, despite numerous studies, phylogenetic uncertainty persists, and riverine lineages remain comparatively underrepresented in higher-level phylogenetic studies. Heterogeneous gene histories resulting from incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and hybridization are likely sources of uncertainty, especially during episodes of rapid speciation. We investigate the relationships of Pseudocrenilabrinae and its close relatives while accounting for multiple sources of genetic discordance using species tree and hybrid network analyses with hundreds of single-copy exons. We improve sequence recovery for distant relatives, thereby extending the taxonomic reach of our probes, with a hybrid reference guided/de novo assembly approach. Our analyses provide robust hypotheses for most higher-level relationships and reveal widespread gene heterogeneity, including in riverine taxa. ILS and past hybridization are identified as the sources of genetic discordance in different lineages. Sampling of various Blenniiformes (formerly Ovalentaria) adds strong phylogenomic support for convict blennies (Pholidichthyidae) as sister to Cichlidae and points to other potentially useful protein-coding markers across the order. A reliable phylogeny with representatives from diverse environments will support ongoing taxonomic and comparative evolutionary research in the cichlid model system. [African cichlids; Blenniiformes; Gene tree heterogeneity; Hybrid assembly; Phylogenetic network; Pseudocrenilabrinae; Species tree.]
Payment strategies for behavioral health integration in hospital-affiliated and non-hospital-affiliated primary care practices
Authors: Ma Kris Pui Kwan , Mollis Brenda L , Rolfes Jennifer , Au Margaret , Crocker Abigail , Scholle Sarah H , Kessler Rodger , Baldwin Laura-Mae , Stephens Kari A
Published: July 2022

Recent value-based payment reforms in the U.S. called for empirical data on how primary care practices of varying characteristics fund their integrated behavioral health services. To describe payment strategies used by U.S. primary care practices to fund behavioral health integration and compare strategies between practices with and without hospital affiliation.Baseline data were used and collected from 44 practices participating in a cluster-randomized, pragmatic trial of behavioral health integration. Data included practice characteristics and payment strategies—fee-for-service payment, pay-for-performance incentives, grants, and graduate medical education funds. Descriptive and comparative analyses using Fisher’s exact tests and independent T-tests were conducted. The sample had 26 (59.1%) hospital-affiliated (hospital/health system-owned, academic medical centers and hospital-affiliated practices) and 18 (40.9%) non-hospital-affiliated practices (community health centers/federally qualified health centers and privately-owned practices). Most practices (88.6%) received payments through fee-for-service; 63.6% received pay-for-performance incentives; 31.8% received grant funds. Collaborative Care Management billing (CPT) codes were used in six (13.6%) practices. Over half (53.8%) of hospital-affiliated practices funded their behavioral health services through fee-for-service and pay-for-performance incentives only, as opposed to two-thirds (66.7%) of non-hospital-affiliated practices required additional support from grants and/or general medical education funds. Primary care practices support behavioral health integration through diverse payment strategies. More hospital-affiliated practices compared to non-hospital-affiliated practices funded integrated behavioral health services through fee-for-service and pay-for-performance incentives. Practices without hospital affiliation relied on multiple funding streams including grants and/or general medical education funds, suggesting their approach to financial sustainment may be more precarious or challenging, compared to hospital-affiliated practices.
Effect of Nox2 inhibition Unloading‐induced Changes in Morphology and nNOSμ Translocation in the Rat Soleus
Authors: Lawler John M , Hord Jeffrey M , Rodriquez Dinah A , Lee Yang , Guzzoni Vinicius , Garcia‐Villatoro Erika E , Garcia Marcela , Kuczmarski James M , Lawler Matthew S
Published: July 2022

Removal of mechanical loading (spaceflight, bedrest, casting) causes rapid atrophy of affected skeletal muscles. Recently, we identified that translocation of the mu‐splice variant of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOSμ) and downstream activation of FoxO3a were redox‐sensitive phenomena. Prospective sources or reactive oxygen species (ROS) include mitochondria and NADPH oxidase‐2 (Nox2). We tested the causal role of Nox2 in unloading induced atrophy using a peptidyl inhibitor (gp91ds‐tat) with the following groups: ambulatory controls (CON), hindlimb unloaded for 7 days with scrambled sequence (HUScr), and unloading for 7 days + 5 mg/kg/day gp91dsTAT (HUG). Nox2 inhibition provided significant against HU‐induced reduction of plantarflexor muscle mass and soleus muscle fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA), measured using ImageJ and SMASH programs. There was a trend towards protection against a partial shift in fiber‐type shift from slow to fast twitch. Loss of sarcolemmal nNOSμ activity with HU, visualized using NADPH diaphorase and confirmed with immunofluorescence were also mitigated by gp91dsTAT. Gp91dsTAT also attenuated membrane localization of the Nox2 subunit p67phox. We conclude that Nox2 inhibition protects against muscle fiber atrophy and translocation of nNOSμ.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by NASA (NNX13AE45G), NSBRI, NIH (AR054084), ACSM, Huffines Institute.
Psychostimulants differentially alter performance on the rodent psychomotor vigilance test following radiation exposure
Authors: Gupta Sneha R. , Hienz Robert D. , Davis Catherine M.
Published: July 2022

To investigate radiation‐induced cognitive deficits, the present report describes performance data obtained with the rPVT (rat Psychomotor Vigilance Test), an animal analog of the human PVT test currently employed in a variety of operational settings. The human PVT was developed as a highly sensitive and standardized assay capable of quantifying temporally dynamic changes in sustained attention, and requires responding to a light stimulus as soon as it appears. In the current study, rats were trained to perform the rPVT to baseline performance levels (≥75% correct and ≤25% premature responses) and were then irradiated with head‐only protons (150 MeV/n) at 25 or 100 cGy or sham‐irradiation. Following radiation exposure, rats were returned to Hopkins and continued daily rPVT assessments. At approximately 6 months post‐radiation exposure, rats were then characterized as radiation sensitive—i.e., those rats displaying radiation‐induced rPVT deficits, or radiation insensitive—i.e., irradiated rats performing the rPVT at sham‐irradiated control levels. Several different drugs were then assessed as countermeasures for these deficits in radiation sensitive rats, and were also assessed in radiation insensitive rats to determine if any performance disruptions would occur. d‐Amphetamine dose‐dependently improved performance in radiation sensitive rats, whereas it impaired rPVT performance in radiation insensitive rats at the two highest doses tested. Amphetamine's effects were decreased by the D1 antagonist, SCH 39166, but not the D2 antagonist, L‐741, 626. Atomoxetine and methylphenidate were also tested, but did not produce these differential effects. This data further supports the role of the dopamine neurotransmitter system in mediating individual differences in radiation‐induced deficits in neurobehavioral performance as assessed by the rPVT.

Support or Funding Information

Supported by the NSBRI through NASA cooperative agreement NCC 9‐58, grants NBPF01604, NBPF02802, NBPF04201, and EO00010, and NASA NNX15AC71G
Lower Body Negative Pressure Treadmill Exercise Attenuates Simulated Space Flight‐Induced Reductions of Balance Abilities in Males but not Females
Authors: Macaulay Timothy Ryan , Macias Brandon , Lee Stuart M.C. , Boda Wanda , Watenpaugh Donald E. , Hargens Alan
Published: July 2022

Spaceflight causes sensorimotor adaptations that result in balance deficiencies upon return to a gravitational environment. Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) treadmill exercise has been shown to protect against deconditioning in various other physiological systems during simulated spaceflight. Therefore, we hypothesized that LBNP treadmill exercise prevents balance losses in both male and female identical twins during 30 days of 6° head‐down‐tilt (HDT) bed rest. Fifteen (8M and 7F) identical twin sets participated in 30 days of bed rest. Within each twin pair, one twin was randomly assigned to an exercise group that performed 40 min of supine LBNP treadmill exercise set to generate 1.0–1.2 body weight, followed by 5 min of static LBNP, 6 days/wk. Their identical sibling was assigned to a non‐exercise control group. Before and immediately after bed rest, subjects completed standing and walking rail balance tests with eyes open and eyes closed. In control subjects, standing rail balance times (men: −42%, women: −40%), rail walk distances (men: −44%, women: −32%), and rail walk times (men: −34%, women: −31%) significantly decreased after bed rest. Compared to controls, subjects in the LBNP treadmill exercise group showed significantly attenuated losses of standing rail balance time, with prevention of 63% of the loss in men, but without a significant prevention in women (41%). In addition, LBNP treadmill exercise mitigated decreases in rail walk time in men, but not in women. Therefore, treadmill exercise within LBNP during spaceflight may maintain balance control; yet this protective effect may, to some extent, depend on gender.

Support or Funding Information

This study was funded by NASA grants NAG 9‐1425, NCC2‐1133, NNX10AM18G, and NNX13AJ12G, NIH grant to the UCSD GCRC M01 RR00827. BRM was supported by National Space Biomedical Research Institute through NCC 9‐58. We thank our outstanding twins and staff at the UCSD General Clinical Research Center, as well as the UCSD Faculty Mentorship Program and the 2015 Julia Brown Research Scholarship.
Expanding Structure Activity Relationships for the preQ1 Riboswitch: Functional Group Requirements and Metal Dependence in Pathogenic Aptamer Domains
Authors: Doan My‐Anh , Pahl Mallory N. , Neilson Ben K. , Suydam Ian T.
Published: July 2022

Many bacterial species regulate the production of queuosine modified tRNAs by employing riboswitches selective for 7‐aminomethyl‐7‐deazaguanine (preQ1), an essential precursor in the biosynthesis of queuosine. Analogous to other riboswitch systems, the preQ1 riboswitch mediates a feedback mechanism between a target mRNA and a recognized small molecule metabolite. For class‐I preQ1 riboswitches this regulatory mechanism is initiated by the specific binding of preQ1 to an aptamer domain in the 5′‐untranslated of the mRNA, driving the formation of an alternative RNA fold, and leading to a down regulation of protein production at the transcriptional level. The molecular details of this binding event have been well described for the Bacillus subtilis riboswitch aptamer, but the current model fails to explain the high binding affinities observed for several preQ1 analogs, particularly those introducing carbonyl functional groups at the 7‐aminomethyl position. To investigate the origin of these favorable metabolite/RNA contacts we have designed a series of carbonyl containing analogs and have adapted a rapid fluorescence‐based binding assay to measure their affinities as a function of magnesium concentration. Binding data for these analogs will be presented for the Bacillus subtilis aptamer and several pathogenic sequences of variable loop‐I length, including Staphylococcus aureus. These results directly test a binding model requiring inner sphere magnesium coordination between the carbonyl oxygen of these analogs and a phosphodiester oxygen in loop‐I.

Support or Funding Information

This work was supported by the Murdock Trust, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the College of Science and Engineering of Seattle University and the Department of Bioengineering of the University of Washington.
Comparison of Anterior Tibial Bone Microvascular Flow, with Macrovascular Flow during Body Tilt
Authors: Becker Rachel Lauren , Siamwala Jamila , Macias Brandon , Hargens Alan R.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study determined whether bone blood flow in the tibia is linearly proportional to blood flow of the feeding anterior tibial artery (ATA) during various positions of body tilt. We hypothesize bone microvascular flow is linearly proportional to input blood flow in the feeding ATA.

Methods

The IRB of UC San Diego approved the study of 18 healthy subjects, 10 females and 8 males, aged 26 ± 7 years. All subjects assumed sitting, supine, 6° head‐down tilt (HDT), 15° HDT, 6° head‐up tilt (HUT), and 15° HUT positions for 5min using an inversion table. All positions were randomized except the sitting position, which was the first position to be used as the baseline. An Ultrasound Device noninvasively measured peak systolic velocity of the right ATA with subsequent calculation of blood flow. A customized photoplethysmography (PPG) device non‐invasively measured the right leg's tibial bone microvascular flow. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded during the third minute of each position.

Results

ATA marcovascular blood flow increased significantly from the sitting to the 15°HDT (p=0.041). Tibial bone microvascular flow increased significantly in supine compared to sitting position (p=0.013). Tibial bone microvascular flow also increased significantly in both 6°HDT and 15°HDT compared to sitting positions (p=0.011, p=0.010). Furthermore, when comparing tibial microvascular bone blood flow to ATA macrovascular blood flow, the normalized slope for microvascular flow increases more than the normalized slope for macrovascular flow (p<0.001) (Figure 1, one way ANOVA) (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Our results document that the tibial bone microvasculature is more variable and widely regulated than the feeding arterial vasculature, probably due to precapillary vasoreactivity. The findings of this study are novel and may aid the understanding of various skeletal processes such as bone healing and bone homeostasis.

Support or Funding Information

This study was supported by NASA grant number NNX13AJ12G.
Antibiotic use and bacterial resistance in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Bowman Shelby , Sadowski Catherine K.
Published: July 2022

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent chronic skin disease caused by obstruction and/or inflammation of pilosebaceous follicles. Each year, about 50 million people in the United States are affected. The use of topical and oral antibiotics to manage acne has been associated with the development of bacterial resistance. This article reviews concerns about antimicrobial use, current treatment recommendations, and emerging research in unconventional treatments.
Effectiveness of Continuous Cuff Pressure Control in Preventing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials*
Authors: Maertens Bert , Lin Frances , Chen Yingyan , Rello Jordi , Lathyris Dimitrios , Blot Stijn
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Microaspiration of subglottic secretions is the main pathogenic mechanism for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Adequate inflation of the endotracheal cuff is pivotal to providing an optimal seal of the extraluminal airway. However, cuff pressure substantially fluctuates due to patient or tube movements, which can induce microaspiration. Therefore, devices for continuous cuff pressure control (CCPC) have been developed in recent years. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of CCPC in VAP prevention.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic search of Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform was conducted up to February 2022.

STUDY SELECTION:

Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing the impact of CCPC versus intermittent cuff pressure control on the occurrence of VAP.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI for VAP incidence between groups. Secondary outcome measures included mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and ICU stay. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Eleven RCTs with 2,092 adult intubated patients were included. The use of CCPC was associated with a reduced risk of VAP (OR, 0.51). Meta-analyses of secondary endpoints showed no significant difference in mortality but significant differences in durations of MV (mean difference, –1.07 d) and ICU stay (mean difference, –3.41 d) in favor of CCPC. However, the risk of both reporting and individual study bias was considered important. The main issues were the lack of blinding, potential commercial conflicts of interest of study authors and high heterogeneity due to methodological differences between studies, differences in devices used for CCPC and in applied baseline preventive measures. Certainty of the evidence was considered “very low.”

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of CCPC was associated with a reduction in VAP incidence; however, this was based on very low certainty of evidence due to concerns related to risk of bias and inconsistency.
Recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin induces signaling pathways towards cancer prevention in the breast of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers
Authors: Su Yanrong , Dang Nhi M. , Depypere Herman , Santucci-Pereira Julia , Gutiérrez-Díez Pedro J. , Kanefsky Joice , Janssens Jaak Ph. , Russo Jose
Published: July 2022

Background

Strategies for breast cancer prevention in women with germline BRCA1/2 mutations are limited. We previously showed that recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (r-hCG) induces mammary gland differentiation and inhibits mammary tumorigenesis in rats. The present study investigated hCG-induced signaling pathways in the breast of young nulliparous women carrying germline BRCA1/2
mutations.

Methods

We performed RNA-sequencing on breast tissues from 25 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who received r-hCG treatment for 3 months in a phase II clinical trial, we analyzed the biological processes, reactome pathways, canonical pathways, and upstream regulators associated with genes differentially expressed after r-hCG treatment, and validated genes of interest.

Results

We observed that r-hCG induces remarkable transcriptomic changes in the breast of BRCA1/2 carriers, especially in genes related to cell development, cell differentiation, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and G protein-coupled receptor signaling. We revealed that r-hCG inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling, MYC, HMGA1, and HOTAIR, whereas activates TGFB/TGFBR-SMAD2/3/4, BRCA1, TP53, and upregulates BRCA1 protein.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the use of r-hCG at young age may reduce the risk of breast cancer in BRCA1/2 carriers by inhibiting pathways associated with stem/progenitor cell maintenance and neoplastic transformation, whereas activating genes crucial for breast epithelial differentiation and lineage commitment, and DNA repair.
Ethoxyquin is a Competent Radical-Trapping Antioxidant for Preventing Ferroptosis in Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Tadokoro Tomonori , Ikeda Masataka , Abe Ko , Ide Tomomi , Miyamoto Hiroko Deguchi , Furusawa Shun , Ishimaru Kosei , Watanabe Masatsugu , Ishikita Akihito , Matsushima Shouji , Koumura Tomoko , Yamada Ken-ichi , Imai Hirotaka , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anti-cancer agent for various malignancies. Nevertheless, it has a side effect of cardiotoxicity, referred to as doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC), that is associated with a poorer prognosis. This cardiotoxicity limits the clinical use of DOX as a therapeutic agent for malignancies. Recently, ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death induced by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, has been recognized as a major pathophysiology of DIC. Ethoxyquin is a lipophilic antioxidant widely used for food preservation and thus may be a potential therapeutic drug for preventing DIC. However, the efficacy of ethoxyquin against ferroptosis and DIC remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the inhibitory action of ethoxyquin against GPx4-deficient ferroptosis and its therapeutic efficacy against DOX-induced cell death in cultured cardiomyocytes and cardiotoxicity in a murine model of DIC. In cultured cardiomyocytes, ethoxyquin treatment effectively prevented GPx4-deficient ferroptosis. Ethoxyquin also prevented DOX-induced cell death, accompanied by the suppression of malondialdehyde (MDA) and mitochondrial lipid peroxides, which were induced by DOX. Furthermore, ethoxyquin significantly prevented DOX-induced cell death without any suppression of caspase cleavages representing apoptosis. In DIC mice, ethoxyquin treatment ameliorated cardiac impairments, such as contractile dysfunction and myocardial atrophy, and lung congestion. Ethoxyquin also suppressed serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities, decreased the levels of lipid peroxides such as MDA and acrolein, inhibited cardiac fibrosis, and reduced TUNEL-positive cells in the hearts of DIC mice. Collectively, ethoxyquin is a competent antioxidant for preventing ferroptosis in DIC and can be its prospective therapeutic drug.
Lifestyle for breast cancer risk reduction
Authors: Mussallem Dawn
Published: July 2022

Primary prevention is the most cost-effective long-term strategy for reducing breast cancer occurrence. Lifestyle education centered on the 2018 American Institute for Cancer Research Cancer Prevention Recommendations, offered as a package, should be a core component of routine patient visits. The key components of the recommendations include maintenance of a normal weight; following a low-fat, whole-food, plant-predominant diet rich in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables; regular physical activity; and alcohol avoidance.
Results of a pilot study of a cooling mattress pad to reduce vasomotor symptoms and improve sleep
Authors: Avis Nancy E. , Levine Beverly J. , Coeytaux Remy
Published: July 2022

Objective

This single-arm pilot study was designed to generate pilot data on the use of a cooling mattress pad system on vasomotor symptoms (VMS; hot flashes and/or night sweats), self-assessed sleep, and daily hot flash interference among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 15 perimenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 45 to 59 years experiencing four or more VMS per day were recruited from the community. After completion of baseline questionnaires and a 2-week daily diary to confirm VMS eligibility, all women received a cooling mattress pad system to use at night for 8 weeks, during which time they continued to complete their daily diaries to record VMS frequency and severity. The primary study outcome was change from baseline in VMS frequency. Secondary outcomes were sleep quality, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and hot flash interference with daily life, assessed by the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale, where higher sores indicate worse sleep quality and higher interference, respectively. We used repeated-measures methods (analysis of covariance, paired t tests, and McNemar test) to evaluate outcomes.

Results

VMS frequency significantly declined by 52% at 8 weeks (P < 0.0001). Mean total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score significantly declined 3.27 points from 11.14 at baseline to 7.87 at follow-up (P = 0.011). The total Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale score significantly declined from 4.16 at baseline to 1.92 at follow-up (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Women who used a cooling mattress pad system experienced significant and clinically meaningful reductions in VMS frequency, sleep disturbance, and hot flash interference with daily activities over an 8-week period. These results provide preliminary evidence suggesting that a cooling mattress pad used while sleeping can provide a nonpharmacological option to reduce VMS and sleep disturbance for women experiencing menopausal hot flashes.
Simple predictive score for nocturnal hypertension and masked nocturnal hypertension using home blood pressure monitoring in clinical practice
Authors: Narita Keisuke , Hoshide Satoshi , Ae Ryusuke , Kario Kazuomi
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The decision whether to measure night-time blood pressure (BP) is challenging as these values cannot be easily evaluated because of problems with measurement devices and related stress. Using the nationwide, practice-based Japan Morning Surge-Home BP Nocturnal BP study data, we developed a simple predictive score that physicians can use to diagnose nocturnal hypertension.

Methods:

We divided 2765 outpatients (mean age 63 years; hypertensive patients 92%) with cardiovascular risks who underwent morning, evening, and night-time home BP (HBP) measurements (0200, 0300, and 0400 h) into a calibration group (n = 2212) and validation group (n = 553). We used logistic-regression models in the calibration group to identify the predictive score for nocturnal hypertension (night-time HBP ≥120/70 mmHg) and then evaluated the score's predictive ability in the validation group.

Results:

In the logistic-regression model, male sex, increased BMI) (≥25 kg/m2), diabetes, elevated urine-albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) (≥30 mg/g Cr), elevated office BP (≥140/90 mmHg) and home (average of morning and evening) BP (≥135/85 mmHg) had positive relationships with nocturnal hypertension. The predictive scores for nocturnal hypertension were 1 point (male, BMI, and UACR); 2 points (diabetes); 3 points (office BP ≥140/90 mmHg); 6 points (home BP ≥135/85 mmHg); total 14 points. Over 75% of the nocturnal hypertension cases in the validation group showed at least 10 points [AUC 0.691, 95% CI (0.647–0.735)]. We also developed a score for masked nocturnal hypertension, that is, nocturnal hypertension despite controlled daytime HBP.

Conclusion:

We developed a simple predictive score for nocturnal hypertension that can be used in clinical settings and for diagnoses.
Antihypertensive drug treatment in white-coat hypertension: data from the Plaque HYpertension Lipid-Lowering Italian Study
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Facchetti Rita , Quarti-Trevano Fosca , Grassi Guido
Published: July 2022

Aim:

Little evidence is available on whether antihypertensive treatment lowers cardiovascular risk in white-coat hypertension (WCH). Protection might be indirectly inferred, however, from the blood pressure (BP) effects of treatment as in trials BP reduction is linearly related to outcome reduction. We analyzed the effect of antihypertensive treatment on office and ambulatory BP in WCH using data from the Plaque HYpertension Lipid-Lowering Italian Study (PHYLLIS).

Methods

: Office and ambulatory blood pressure were measured in 470 hypertensive patients randomized to fosinopril or hydrochlorothiazide alone or combined with a statin before treatment and at 6 month or yearly intervals during 2.6 years of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether before randomization to treatment office and 24-h mean BP were elevated (sustained hypertension) or office BP was elevated but 24-h BP values were normal (WCH).

Results

: In both sustained hypertension and WCH antihypertensive treatment was associated with an early marked office BP reduction, which persisted virtually unchanged throughout the treatment period. In contrast, 24-h (and day and night) BP showed a marked and persistent treatment-related fall in sustained hypertension but no change in WCH. The results were similar when data were separately analyzed in patients under fosinopril or diuretic, with or without statin treatment.

Conclusion

: In WCH, antihypertensive treatment can effectively and durably reduce office BP. This reduction is accompanied by the inability to lower ambulatory BP from the normal values characterizing this condition at baseline. This appears to be unrelated to the type of treatment employed.
Circulating short-chain fatty acids in hypertension: a reflection of various hypertensive phenotypes
Authors: Ward Natalie C. , Carnagarin Revathy , Nolde Janis M. , Lugo-Gavidia Leslie Marisol , Chan Justine , Jose Ancy , Robinson Sandi , Joyson Anu , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Hypertension is the most common chronic condition globally, contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Despite advances in treatment options, approximately 10% of patients have resistant hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure that does not respond to treatment. The gut microbiome is now increasingly recognized to play a role in the development and pathogenesis of several diseases, including hypertension, although the exact mechanisms remain unclear.

Method:

The aim of the present study was to investigate circulating levels of short-chain fatty acids, metabolites produced by gut bacteria, in essential (n = 168) and resistant hypertensive (n = 27) patients, compared with healthy controls (n = 38).

Results:

Serum acetate was significantly lower in the resistant hypertensive population, compared with both the normotensive controls and those with essential hypertension (748 ± 89 versus 1335 ± 61 and 1171 ± 22 nmol/ml, P < 0.0001). Acetate was also significantly lower in treated versus untreated hypertensive patients or controls (1112 ± 27 versus 1228 ± 40 and 1327 ± 63 nmol/l, P < 0.01), with this finding more pronounced with increasing number of antihypertensive therapies. In contrast, propionate was lower and butyrate significantly higher in those with essential hypertension compared with controls (propionate: 25.2 ± 7.5 versus 58.6 ± 7.6 nmol/ml, P < 0.0001; butyrate: 46.5 ± 3.5 versus 14.7 ± 9.9 nmol/ml, P < 0.01). A novel and perhaps clinically relevant observation was the significant difference in acetate and propionate levels between patients taking ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers.

Conclusion:

The present study has highlighted differences in circulating short-chain fatty acids in different hypertensive phenotypes and a possible influence of drug number and class. Although further research is necessary, this may represent a novel therapeutic target, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension.
WNT1-inducible signalling pathway protein 1 stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice via the focal adhesion kinase/mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway
Authors: Liu Dian , Zhang Mingjun , Tian Jingjing , Gao Mingxiao , Liu Ming , Fu Xiangrui , Jin Tao , Pan Jinyu , Chen Fangna , An Fengshuang
Published: July 2022

Background:

The migration, proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical for plaque stability. WNT-inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP1), a member of the CCN family of extracellular matrix proteins, can expedite the migration and proliferation of VSMCs. However, its underlying mechanism and relationship with atherosclerosis remain elusive. The relationship between WISP1 and apoptosis of VSMCs has not been determined previously.

Method:

In the study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between WISP1 and plaque stability and its related mechanism.

ApoE−/− mice were divided following groups: the null lentivirus (NC), lentivirus WISP1 (IvWISP1) and WISP1-shRNA (shWISP1) groups. Immunofluorescence, Oil Red O and Masson's staining of the carotid arteries were performed. Transwell wound healing assay, CCK8 assay, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed using VSMCs. The levels of WISP1, P38, C-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt (also known as PKB, protein kinase B), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), cleaved caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax were detected by western blotting.

Results:

The relative area of lipids and monocytes/macrophages in the shWISP1 group increased compared with that of the NC group. However, the relative area of smooth muscle cell and collagen in the IvWISP1 group increased compared with that in the NC group. Therefore, WISP1 could stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. Besides, WISP1 accelerate the migration and proliferation of VSMCs via integrin α5β1 and FAK/MEK/ERK signalling pathways. In addition, WISP1 can inhibit the apoptosis of VSMCs via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Conclusion:

WISP1 not only inhibits the apoptosis of VSMCs via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway but also enhances the migration and proliferation of VSMCs via the integrin α5β1 and FAK/MEK/ERK pathways. Therefore, WISP1 could enhance the stability of atherosclerotic plaques.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with lower arterial stiffness in a metabolically healthy elderly population with overweight or obesity
Authors: Cobos-Palacios Lidia , Ruiz-Moreno Maria Isabel , Muñoz-Ubeda Mónica , López-Sampalo Almudena , Vilches-Perez Alberto , Vargas-Candela Antonio , Benitez-Porres Javier , Navarro-Sanz Ana , Pérez-Belmonte Luis Miguel , Lopez-Carmona Maria Dolores , Sanz-Canovas Jaime , Gomez-Huelgas Ricardo , Bernal-Lopez Maria Rosa
Published: July 2022

Background and aims:

Arterial stiffness is linked with the development of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular diseases. In clinical practice, measurement of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) has become a widely used study for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in elderly population. Our aim was to evaluate whether maintaining a healthy life, based on Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) and regular practice of physical activity, are associated with arterial stiffness in an elderly, metabolically healthy with overweight or obesity (MHOe) population.

Individuals and methods:

A transversal, analytical-descriptive study in MHOe population (aged ≥65 years) with a BMI at least 27 kg/ m2 who had one or less of the following cardiometabolic disorders: fasting plasma glucose at least 100 mg/dl, blood pressure at least 135/85 mmHg (or the use of blood pressure-lowering agents), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (≤ 40 mg/dl for men, ≤50 mg/dl for women) or triglycerides at least 150 mg/dl (or the use of lipid-lowering therapies) was conducted. Blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR), practice of physical activity, MedDiet adherence and food intake along with cf-PWV were analysed.

Results:

One hundred and fifty-eight MHOe individuals (age: 72.2 ± 5.0 years, BMI: 31.6 ± 3.8 kg/m2) were recruited. One hundred and nine of them were younger than 75 years of age (young-old, age: 69.3 ± 2.8 years and BMI: 32.0 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and 49 of them aged 75 years or older (old-old, age: 78.1 ± 2.9 years and BMI: 30.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2). All population showed a strong adherence to the Med Diet due major consumption of homemade meal, olive oil and lean meats. In addition, they presented an important practice of all intensities of physical activity. Young-old individuals had a cf-PWV of 9.7 ± 2.2 m/s and old-old individuals had a cf-PWV of 11.1 ± 4.4 m/s. In all populations, a negative correlation between cf-PWV and BMI (r = -0.17, P = 0.04) and a positive correlation with WHR in men (r = 0.18, P = 0.03) was found. WHR shows a significantly positive correlation with the cf-PWV values in old-old women participants (r = 0.41, P = 0.008). On the other side, only vigorous physical activity showed a negative correlation with cf-PWV in all population and in young-old individuals (r = -0.20; P = 0.02 and r = -0.22; P = 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion:

Healthy lifestyle habits based on MedDiet adherence and regular practice of physical activity are associated with lower arterial stiffness in a metabolically healthy population with overweight or obesity older than 65 years compared with data from other elderly populations previously reported in the literature.
Daily Meditation Practice for Managing Glaucoma Patients’ Attitudes and Acceptance
Authors: Brogan Kerr , Bigirimana Deus , Wightman Antony , Green Catherine , Martin Keith R.
Published: July 2022

Précis:

Overall, 63% of glaucoma patients agreed to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation. Predictors of accepting meditation included previous meditation practice, a diagnosis of glaucoma <1 year, and having a marital status of “single”.

Purpose:

To explore patients’ acceptance and barriers towards 45-60 minutes daily meditation for glaucoma management and to identify glaucoma patients with higher perceived stress levels who may benefit more from meditation practice.

Methods:

Glaucoma patients attending the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia outpatient department were invited to complete a patient survey. This survey explored if patients would agree to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation and included the Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale questionnaires. Questionnaire scores were compared across participants’ clinical and demographic characteristics using Student t test, ANOVA, and multiple-linear-regression analysis.

Results:

Of the 123 eligible patients screened, 100 completed the survey (81.3%). Sixty-three (63%) patients would agree to 45-60 minutes of daily meditation if advised by their doctor. Univariate analysis showed increased acceptance of meditation (lower Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory scores) to be associated with agreeing to meditate 45-60 minutes daily (P=0.002), currently or previously practicing meditation (P=0.006 and P=0.0004 respectively), and having a marital status as “single” (P=0.02). Multivariate regression analysis showed previous meditation practice and a glaucoma diagnosis of <1 year to be predictive of accepting meditation (P=0.01 and P=0.03 respectively). There were no predictive factors of Perceived Stress Scale scores.

Conclusion:

Given the high acceptance rate of 45-60 minutes daily meditation (63% of glaucoma patients sampled), this may be recommended for the benefit of patients. Patients who have previously meditated, have a relatively new diagnosis of glaucoma, and are single (marital status) were more accepting of meditation practice.
A Novel Tube Insertion Technique for Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation
Authors: Mohite Abhijit A. , Cheng Mei-Ling , Sung Velota C.T.
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

Early hypotony after non-valved glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation for complex glaucomatous eyes with labile aqueous production can lead to significant visual morbidity. We therefore sought to report the early postoperative outcomes of a novel surgical technique that allows atraumatic insertion of non-valved GDDs through a much smaller 25-gauge scleral track, to minimize entry site leakage and improve safety.

Methods:

Retrospective case series of 15 consecutive cases undergoing non-valved GDD insertion into the anterior chamber using a previously unreported technique.

Results:

All eyes underwent successful GDD insertion using our novel technique, with no intraoperative complications. The mean preoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), at day 1, week 1 and week 3 were 31.4, 22.4, 23.7, and 25.6 mm Hg, respectively. A statistically significant IOP reduction was achieved at day 1, week 1 and week 3 postoperatively (P<0.05) without any observed leakage at the scleral entry site. One eye (6.7%) with complex panuveitic glaucoma developed early hypotony (5 mm Hg) with shallow choroidal detachments on day 1. This was successfully managed with 1 intracameral ophthalmic viscoelastic device injection given at the slit-lamp and no further intervention.

Conclusions:

This novel single needle-docking intraocular insertion manoeuvre is an easily adoptable technique to make GDD insertion through a smaller 25-gauge water-tight scleral track more efficient and less traumatic. The technique reduces scleral distortion and therefore improves surgical safety particularly in eyes with complex secondary glaucoma.
Effects of Exercise on Optic Nerve and Macular Perfusion in Glaucoma and Normal Subjects
Authors: Nie Li , Cheng Dan , Cen Jiner , Ye Yufeng , Qiao Yilin , Fang Jia , Zhu Xueying , Wu Minhui , Xu Jiawen , Liang Yuanbo , Shen Lijun
Published: July 2022

Précis:

Using optical coherence tomography angiography, we found an increase in the blood flow in regional macular without significant changes in the optic disk in patients with glaucoma after a moderate exercise regime.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of moderate exercise on optic nerve and macular perfusion in glaucoma patients.

Methods:

Overall, 25 eyes of 25 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and 22 eyes of 22 normal subjects were included in the glaucoma and control groups, respectively. Foveal avascular zone parameters, whole and regional vessel density (VD) in the superficial layer of macula, VDs in the radial peripapillary capillary layer of the optic nerve head, intraocular pressure, and cardiovascular parameters were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after a 20-minute run at moderate speed.

Results:

In the glaucoma group, macular superficial VD of the whole image, parafovea, and superior and nasal regions were higher after 30 minutes of rest (44.049±5.704, 47.238±5.741, 48.692±6.648, and 47.852±5.078) than immediately after exercise (43.229±5.867, 46.334±5.984, 47.840±6.895, 46.793±5.238, P<0.05). The VD in the temporal and nasal regions was higher 30 minutes after exercise (45.105±5.512 and 47.852±5.078) than before exercise (44.265±5.803 and 46.750±5.639, P<0.05). The intraocular pressure decreased immediately after exercise (14.20±2.51 and 14.51±2.96 mmHg for glaucoma and controls, respectively) but was restored after 30 minutes of rest (15.84±3.57 mmHg for glaucoma and 16.50±2.25 mmHg for controls) in both groups (P<0.001). Cardiovascular parameters were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

Moderate physical exercise for 20 minutes increased blood flow in the macula region without significant change to the optic nerve and lowered intraocular pressure in glaucoma and normal subjects. The benefit of these findings to glaucoma patients needs further study.
A Myopic Normative Database for Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Yilmaz Hayati , Yeşiltaş Yağmur Seda , Aydemir Emre , Aksoy Aydemir Gözde , Gökgöz Özişik Gülce , Koylu Mehmet Talay , Cagatay Caglar , Bayer Atilla
Published: July 2022

Précis:

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) color codes after applying a myopic normative database. The diagnostic performance of the retinal nerve fiber layer analysis improved with the use of this database.

Purpose:

To evaluate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) OCT color codes based on a newly generated myopic normative database in comparison to the built-in normative database.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 371 subjects were included in this validation study in an attempt to generate a myopic normative database. Eighty myopic glaucomatous and 80 myopic healthy eyes were evaluated to determine the diagnostic performance of this database. The distribution of the color codes was investigated among the groups with reference to the built-in and myopic normative databases, and the 2 databases were compared in terms of abnormal color code frequency. The diagnostic performance of the myopic database was presented with sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values.

Results:

The agreement between the databases decreased with increasing myopia degree. The distribution of the color codes of the built-in software significantly differed among the study groups in all sectors (P=0.009 for the temporal sector and P<0.001 for the remaining sectors). When the myopic database was used, there were no longer significant differences among the groups for the temporosuperior, temporoinferior, temporal, and nasal sectors (P=0.561, 0.299, 0.201, and 0.089, respectively). After applying the myopic normative database, the specificity of the pRNFL color codes increased from 70.1% to 90.2%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value from 0.851 to 0.945.

Conclusions:

The use of a myopic normative database for pRNFL using SD-OCT significantly decreased differences among myopia severity groups, and may help to more reliably assess glaucoma in myopic eyes.