bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progressive peripapillary capillary vessel density loss and long‐term visual field progression in Normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Chen De‐Fu , Wang Chenmin , Zhou Weihe , Si Yuqing , Chu Xizhong , Hu Chengju , Shang Xiao , Wang Xiaoyan , Zuo Jingjing , Huang Qiangjie , Lu Xiaonan , Cheng Gangwei , Leung Dexter Y. L. , Liang Yuanbo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To explore the association between progressive peripapillary capillary vessel density (pcVD) reduction and the progression of visual field (VF) impairment in individuals with normal tension glaucoma (NTG).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

The study enrolled 110 participants with one eye each, totalling 110 NTG eyes. VF defects were evaluated using standard automated perimetry mean deviation (MD), while pcVD measurements were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography throughout the follow‐up period. Estimates of VF progression were determined by event‐based and trend‐based analyses. Fast VF progression was defined as an MD slope steeper than −0.5 dB/year, while the slow progression or stable VF was defined as an MD slope better or equal to −0.25 dB/year. Linear mixed‐effects models were employed to analyse the rates of change in pcVD reduction and VF MD decline over time. Additionally, univariable and multivariable linear models were used to examine the relationship between pcVD changes and VF loss rates in NTG.

Results

Slow VF progression or stable VF was observed in 45% of subjects, while 25% had moderate progression and 30% showed fast progression. Patients with VF progression exhibited faster rate of pcVD reduction in peripapillary global region (−0.73 ± 0.40%/year vs. −0.56 ± 0.35%/year, p = 0.022). Moreover, this rate positively correlated with VF MD decline in NTG (estimate 0.278, 95% CI 0.122–0.433, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

In individuals with NTG, faster VF progression was linked to a quicker reduction in pcVD, suggesting a positive correlation between pcVD decline and VF deterioration.
Protein–Protein interactive networks identified in bronchoalveolar lavage of severe compared to nonsevere asthma
Authors: Hastie Annette T. , Bishop Andrew C. , Khan Mohammad S. , Bleecker Eugene R. , Castro Mario , Denlinger Loren C. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Fahy John V. , Israel Elliot , Levy Bruce D. , Mauger David T. , Meyers Deborah A. , Moore Wendy C. , Ortega Victor E. , Peters Stephen P. , Wenzel Sally E. , Steele Chad H.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Previous bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) proteomic analysis has evaluated limited numbers of subjects for only a few proteins of interest, which may differ between asthma and normal controls. Our objective was to examine a more comprehensive inflammatory biomarker panel in quantitative proteomic analysis for a large asthma cohort to identify molecular phenotypes distinguishing severe from nonsevere asthma.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 48 severe and 77 nonsevere adult asthma subjects were assessed for 75 inflammatory proteins, normalized to BALF total protein concentration. Validation of BALF differences was sought through equivalent protein analysis of autologous sputum. Subjects' data, stratified by asthma severity, were analysed by standard statistical tests, principal component analysis and 5 machine learning algorithms.

Results

The severe group had lower lung function and greater health care utilization. Significantly increased BALF proteins for severe asthma compared to nonsevere asthma were fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), TGFα, IL1Ra, IL2, IL4, CCL8, CCL13 and CXCL7 and significantly decreased were platelet‐derived growth factor a‐a dimer (PDGFaa), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin 5 (IL5), CCL17, CCL22, CXCL9 and CXCL10. Four protein differences were replicated in sputum. FGF2, PDGFaa and CXCL7 were independently identified by 5 machine learning algorithms as the most important variables for discriminating severe and nonsevere asthma. Increased and decreased proteins identified for the severe cluster showed significant protein–protein interactions for chemokine and cytokine signalling, growth factor activity, and eosinophil and neutrophil chemotaxis differing between subjects with severe and nonsevere asthma.

Conclusion

These inflammatory protein results confirm altered airway remodelling and cytokine/chemokine activity recruiting leukocytes into the airways of severe compared to nonsevere asthma as important processes even in stable status.
Genotype–phenotype correlation in Prader‐Willi syndrome: A large‐sample analysis in China
Authors: Mao Shujiong , Yang Lili , Gao Ying , Zou Chaochun
Published: January 2024

The genotype–phenotype relationship in PWS patients is important for a better understanding of the clinical phenotype and clinical characteristics of different genotypes of PWS in children. We aimed to explore the influence of specific gene changes on the clinical symptoms of PWS and the value of early screening and early intervention of the condition. All data in this study were extracted from the database of the XiaoPang Weili Rare Disease Care Center. The collected information included basic demographics, maternal pregnancy information, endocrine abnormalities, growth and development abnormalities, and other clinical phenotypes. The relationships between genotypes and phenotypes in the major categories of PWS were analyzed. A total of 586 PWS cases with confirmed molecular diagnosis and genotyping were included in this study. Among them, 83.8% belonged to the deletion type, 10.9% the uniparental disomy (UPD) type, and 5.3% the imprinting defect (ID) type. Age‐wide comparison among the three groups: The rate of hypopigmentation in the deletion group was higher than that in the UPD group (88.8% vs. 60.9%; p < 0.05); A total of 62 patients (14.2%) had epilepsy; and no statistical significance was found among the three groups (p = 0.110). Age‐wide comparison between the deletion and non‐deletion types: the rate of skin hypopigmentation and epilepsy in the deletion group was significantly higher than that in the non‐deletion group (88.8% vs. 68.4%, p < 0.001; 15.9% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.040). The intergroup comparison for the >2‐year age group: there were significant intergroup differences in the language development delay among the three groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of delayed language development was the highest in the deletion group, followed by the UPD group, and the lowest in the ID group. The rates of obesity and hyperphagia in the deletion group were also higher than those in the non‐deletion group (71.1% vs. 58.9%, p = 0.041; 75.7% vs. 62.0%, p = 0.016). There are significant differences in the rates of skin hypopigmentation and language developmental delay among the deletion, UPD, and ID genotypes. The patients with deletion type had significantly higher rates of lighter skin color, obesity, hyperphagia, language developmental delay, and epilepsy. The results of this study will help clinicians better understand the impact of different PWS molecular etiologies on specific phenotypes.
Successful conversion of transpapillary bile duct drainage to endoscopic ultrasound‐guided choledochoduodenostomy using an inflated balloon catheter
Authors: Watanabe Masafumi , Okuwaki Kosuke , Kusano Chika
Published: January 2024

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Repurposing of atorvastatin and metformin denotes their individual and combined antiproliferative effects in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Salim Elsayed I. , Elsebakhy Safaa , Hessien Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background

Due to the limited success in the treatment of lung adenocarcinomas, new treatment protocols are urgently needed to increase the curability rate and the survival of lung cancer patients.

Objectives

Although statins, like atorvastatin (Ator), and metformin (Met) are widely accepted as hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic drugs, respectively, there are many predictions about their enhancing antitumor effect when they are combined with traditional chemotherapeutics.

Methods

The individual and combined antiproliferative potential of Ator and Met was tested by MTT‐assay in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line, compared to the corresponding effect of Gemcitabine (Gem) with implication on the mechanisms of action.

Results

Initially, both drugs demonstrated concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity in A549 cells. Also, their combination index (CI) indicated their synergistic effect at equi‐IC50 concentration (CI = 0.00984). Moreover, Ator and/or Met‐treated cells revealed disrupted patterns of SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA, and TAC, developed apoptosis, and larger fractions of the cell population were arrested in G0/G1 phase, particularly in cells dually‐treated both Ator and Met. These observations were accompanied by downregulation in the expression of iNOS, HO‐1, and the angiogenic marker VEGF, meanwhile, an altered expression of MAPK and AMPK was observed.

Conclusion

Conclusively, these data suggest that repurposing of Ator and Met demonstrates their individual and combined antiproliferative effect in non‐small cell lung cancer and they may adopt a similar mechanism of action.
Green or greed? Generational perspectives of sustainability claims in restaurants
Authors: Mahasuweerachai Patcharaporn , Suttikun Chompoonut , Bicksler William Hamilton
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to develop a model connecting perceptions of restaurants' motives for applying sustainable practices with feelings of warmth, thus resulting in perceived value and willingness to pay premium prices (WTPP). Using two‐step covariance‐based structural equation modeling (CB‐SEM), data from 429 Thai customers revealed that positive images and warm glow result when customers perceive operators’ motives as altruistic, impacting perceived sustainability value and WTPP. Generation analysis showed its moderating effect on the relationship between perceptions of egoism motive and warm glow feelings.
Effect of grain size on tribological behavior of hot‐pressed boron carbide sliding against alumina balls
Authors: Zhou Zhihui , Xia Jie , Wang Minbo , Li Ruidi , Yuan Tiechui
Published: January 2024

Boron carbide ceramics (B4C) have extraordinary hardness and well‐abrasive resistance, while the tribological behavior of ceramic materials is complicated, which are affected by microstructures, mechanical properties, and surface characteristics, and so on. In this paper, the effect of grain size on the mechanical properties especially the wear resistance of hot‐pressed B4C was investigated. The average coefficient of friction of the B4C/Al2O3 friction pair ranges from .41 to .66. The sample with the minimum grain size possesses the lowest wear rate of about 2.15 × 10−6–7.66 × 10−6 mm3∙N−1∙m−1. The analysis of the wear rate (WR) and grain size (G) indicates that the wear resistance (WR−1) and the reciprocal of the square root of grain size (G−1/2) are in line with the Hall–Petch relation. Fracture and the resulting abrasive wear are the main wear mechanisms of B4C in the dry sliding process. This success provides a theoretical basis and a design approach of microstructure to improve the tribological behavior of ceramic materials.
Predictive role of NICU‐related stress, postpartum depression trajectory and family coping on growth trajectory of moderate‐to‐late preterm infants: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ren Zijin , Gao Wenying , Wang Qihui , Duan Yi , Tang Xiaoli , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2024

Aims

To describe the changes in moderate‐to‐late preterm infants' (MLPIs) growth during 12 months of corrected age (CA) and to examine the predictive role of NICU‐related stress, postpartum depression trajectory and family coping ability on the physical developmental trajectory of MLPIs.

Design

A prospective longitudinal study.

Methods

There were 237 mother–infant dyads with at least two follow‐up data records included. General characteristics and NICU‐related stress were recorded from medical records at baseline. Infants' physical growth was measured at 40 weeks, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months CA during outpatient follow‐up. Maternal postpartum depressive symptoms and family coping ability were assessed by questionnaires at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months CA and 1 month CA respectively. We investigated the modifiable factors inside and outside of NICU on the trajectories of physical growth in the first year in MLPIs, mainly by using latent growth curve models with time‐varying covariates.

Results

The curved trajectories of weight, length and head circumference in the first year in MLPIs demonstrated gradually slowed growth rates and these infants were above the WHO growth standards for the same age and sex. The latent growth curve models indicated that more NICU‐related stress was negatively associated with the weight and length at 40 weeks CA, and family coping ability (parent–child relationship) at 1 month CA was associated with the growth rate of weight. Besides, more NICU‐related stress predicted faster length growth rate. The infants of mothers who were in the group of high‐level postpartum depression trajectory had a slower growth rate of head circumference.

Conclusions

Our study identified the modifiable factors along the care continuum influencing the trajectory of MLPIs' physical growth. Nurses should receive more training about infant stress measurement and family‐centred care to work in partnership with parents so that MLPIs can reach their full developmental potential. Also, multidisciplinary interventions including stress reduction strategies, close psychological monitoring and education improving parent–infant relationships should be further developed to achieve optimizing growth in the first year of MLPIs.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

It is recommended that nurses pay attention to the long‐term physical growth status of MLPIs, and closely support their families. Quantifying NICU‐related stress and developing reduction strategies should be the priority for clinical staff during hospitalization. After discharge, persistent screening of depressive symptoms, psychological intervention and education about the parent–child relationship need to be included in the follow‐up visits.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. The study only included patients who were research participants.
Oxidative stress suppresses PHB2‐mediated mitophagy in β‐cells via the Nrf2/PHB2 pathway
Authors: Liu Shan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Lan , Yang Aige , Guo Yuqing , Jiang Lei , Wang Huijuan , Xu Shunjiang , Zhou Huimin
Published: January 2024

Aims/Introduction

Mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress is a main driver of pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prohibitin2 (PHB2) is a vital inner mitochondrial membrane protein that participates in mitophagy to remove the damaged mitochondria. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of PHB2‐mediated mitophagy in oxidative stress‐induced pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction.

Materials and Methods

PHB2 and mitophagy‐related protein expression were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in RINm5F cells treated with H2O2 and islets of diabetic rats. Mitophagy was observed by mitochondrial and lysosome colocalization. RINm5F cells were transfected by phb2 siRNA or overexpression plasmid to explore the role of PHB2 in mitophagy of RINm5F cells. The mechanism of Nrf2 regulating PHB2 was explored by Nrf2 inhibitor and agonist.

Results

The expression of PHB2, mitophagy related protein PINK1, and Parkin were decreased in RINm5F cells incubated with H2O2 and in islets of diabetic rats. Overexpression of PHB2 protected β‐cells from oxidative stress by promoting mitophagy and inhibiting cell apoptosis, whereas transfection with PHB2 siRNA suppressed mitophagy. Furthermore, PHB2‐mediated mitophagy induced by oxidative stress was through the Nrf2/PHB2 pathway in β‐cells. Antioxidant NAC alleviated oxidative stress injury by promoting PHB2‐mediated mitophagy.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that PHB2‐mediated mitophagy can protect β‐cells from apoptosis via the Nrf2/PHB2 pathway under oxidative stress. Antioxidants may protect β‐cell from oxidative stress by prompting PHB2‐mediated mitophagy. PHB2‐mediated mitophagy as a potential mechanism takes part in the oxidative stress induced β‐cell injury.
Collaborative sustainability planning for an outcome measure in outpatient stroke rehabilitation: A qualitative description study
Authors: Ataman Rebecca , Ahmed Sara , Berta Whitney , Thomas Aliki
Published: January 2024

Rationale

Evidence suggests that sustainability planning and the use of a collaborative approach to planning result in better sustainability outcomes and more relevant knowledge. Yet, both approaches appear to be underutilized. A detailed description of collaborative sustainability planning may encourage the use of these two impactful strategies.

Aims and Objectives

To explore the collaborative sustainability planning process for a single outcome measure in three rehabilitation sites.

Methodology

Within the Mayo‐Portland Adaptability Inventory—version 4 (MPAI‐4) implementation project, we conducted a qualitative description study. We used data from 12 core sustainability planning meetings and 108 follow‐up meetings that included a total of 31 clinical and research team participants. Sustainability planning was informed by an MPAI‐4‐specific implementation guide, and by the results from a realist review of the sustainability of rehabilitation practices and the Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool. We analyzed qualitative data using thematic content analysis.

Results

Three themes describe the collaborative sustainability planning process: (1) “collaboration as a driver for sustainability” which captures the active collaboration underpinning sustainability planning; (2) “co‐creation of a sustainability plan to achieve shared objectives” which captures the identified barriers and facilitators, and selected sustainability strategies linked to one of six collaboratively identified shared objectives; and (3) “the iterative nature of sustainability planning” which captures the necessity of an agile and responsive sustainability planning process.

Conclusion

Identified strategies may be useful to support (collaborative) sustainment. Future research could investigate the effect of collaborative sustainability planning on sustainability objectives, and the relationship between these objectives.
Characterising the social interaction style of autism in young adult males with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Moser C. , Campanelli A. , Friedman L. , Thurman A. J. , Roberts J. E. , Abbeduto L. , Klusek J.
Published: January 2024

Background

The characterisation of autism in fragile X syndrome (FXS) has been a source of controversy due to the complexity of disentangling autism traits from common features of the FXS phenotype. Autism in FXS is significantly underdiagnosed in the community, which may be partly due to insufficient clinical description of the social interaction profile of autism within the FXS phenotype. In this study, we applied a classic framework for characterising social interaction styles in autism to a sample of young adult males with FXS and co‐occurring autism to enhance understanding of how the social challenges associated with autism manifest within FXS.

Methods

Participants were 41 males (M age = 18 years) with FXS and co‐occurring autism. Interaction samples were coded for expression of predominately ‘active’ (characterised by a desire to make social approaches) or ‘passive’ (characterised by lack of initiation of social approach towards others) interaction profiles. Differences in the expression of phenotypic features of FXS, including anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, cognitive, adaptive and language impairments and autism symptom severity, were examined across those with passive and active interaction styles.

Results

Approximately half of the sample was classified as active and half as passive, demonstrating diversity in the social phenotype of autism associated with FXS. The two subtypes did not differ in autism severity, anxiety or attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms or in cognitive, adaptive or language abilities.

Conclusions

This study enhances understanding of FXS‐associated autism by documenting phenotypic variability in the social interaction profile in this group, with active and passive social interaction styles represented. The two social interaction styles were not associated with differential expression of common phenotypic features of FXS, suggesting similar support needs.