bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carvedilol Protects Against the H2O2-induced Cell Damages in Rat Myoblasts by Regulating the Circ_NFIX/miR-125b-5p/TLR4 Signal Axis
Authors: Wang Xiao , Sun Qi , Hu Wei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been involved in the regulation of various kinds of cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction. This study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism associated with circRNA nuclear factor IX (circ_NFIX) in carvedilol-mediated cardioprotection in H2O2-treated H9c2 cells. Flow cytometry was performed for the analysis of cell cycle and apoptosis. Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was measured by LDH assay. The relative levels of circ_NFIX, microRNA-125b-5p (miR-125b-5p), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels were examined by Western blot. The target interaction was proved by dual-luciferase reporter assay. H2O2-induced cell cycle arrest, proliferation repression, apoptosis, and LDH promotion in H9c2 cells were inhibited by carvedilol. The circ_NFIX level was reduced after carvedilol treatment in H2O2-treated H9c2 cells, and circ_NFIX overexpression inhibited the protective effects of carvedilol on H2O2-induced cell damages. Furthermore, circ_NFIX was validated to serve as a sponge of miR-125b-5p, and the inhibitory function of circ_NFIX in carvedilol-induced cardioprotection was achieved by sponging miR-125b-5p. Moreover, TLR4 acted as a target gene of miR-125b-5p and miR-125b-5p inhibitor upregulated the TLR4 expression to suppress the protective effects of carvedilol on H2O2-treated H9c2 cells. In addition, circ_NFIX regulated the TLR4 level by exerting the sponge influence on miR-125b-5p. The rat model also indicated that Carv might suppress the progression of acute myocardial infarction by regulating the levels of circ_NFIX, miR-125b-5p, and TLR4. These findings suggested that carvedilol protected H9c2 cells against the H2O2-induced cell dysfunction through depending on the circ_NFIX/miR-125b-5p/TLR4 axis.
Fisetin Prevents Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein–Induced Macrophage Foam Cell Formation
Authors: Varghese Johnna F. , Patel Rohit , Singh Mohit , Yadav Umesh C. S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract:
Foam cell formation is an important event in atherosclerosis. Fisetin, a bioflavonoid, has been identified to possess anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and anticancerous properties; however, its role as a lipid homeostasis regulator in macrophages, specifically in the presence of metabolic stressors such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is not well understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of fisetin in preventing oxLDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation. U937-derived macrophages were stimulated with oxLDL with or without fisetin for varied time points, and various parameters were assessed including cell viability by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; reactive oxygen species (ROS) by dichlorofluorescin diacetate assay; lipid accumulation by Oil Red O staining; and expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, and associated downstream proteins 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunoblotting. Functionality of FAS enzyme was determined using enzyme activity assay. Docking studies were performed to determine the in silico interaction between NLRP3 and fisetin. The results showed that fisetin up to the dose of 10 µM did not alter cell viability but at the same dose could decrease the accumulation of lipids in macrophages and prevented foam cell formation. Fisetin could also ameliorate and reduce oxLDL-induced upregulation of SREBP-1 and thereby the expression of its downstream lipid synthesis genes HMGCR and FAS and inhibited ROS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In conclusion, fisetin could inhibit foam cell formation by blocking oxLDL-induced ROS formation and subsequent NLRP3 activation, thereby inhibiting SREBP-1 and its downstream genes including FAS and HMGCR.
Epidemiology and risk factors for stroke in young individuals: implications for prevention
Authors: Hussain Aliza , Lee Michelle , Rana Jamal , Virani Salim S. 
Published: June 2021

Purpose of review
Summarize and examine the epidemiology, etiologies, risk factors, and treatment of stroke among young adults and highlight the importance of early recognition, treatment, and primordial prevention of risk factors that lead to stroke.

Recent findings
Incidence of stroke, predominantly ischemic, among young adults has increased over the past two decades. This parallels an increase in traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and use of tobacco, and use of illicit substances among young stroke patients. Compared to older patients, there is a much higher proportion of intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage in young adults. The cause of ischemic stroke in young adults is also more diverse compared to older adults with 1/3rd classified as stroke of undetermined etiology due to inadequate effort or time spent on investigating these diverse and rare etiologies. Young premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease patients have suboptimal secondary prevention care compared to older patients with lower use of antiplatelets and statin therapy and lower adherence to statins.

Summary
Among young patients, time-critical diagnosis and management remain challenging, due to atypical stroke presentations, vast etiologies, statin hesitancy, and provider clinical inertia. Early recognition and aggressive risk profile modification along with primary and secondary prevention therapy optimization are imperative to reduce the burden of stroke among young adults and save potential disability-adjusted life years.
Association of self-measured home, ambulatory, and strictly measured office blood pressure and their variability with intracranial arterial stenosis
Authors: Hisamatsu Takashi , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Hozawa Atsushi , Fujiyoshi Akira , Torii Sayuki , Segawa Hiroyoshi , Kondo Keiko , Kadota Aya , Takashima Naoyuki , Shitara Satoshi , Arima Hisatomi , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Shiino Akihiko , Nozaki Kazuhiko , Ueshima Hirotsugu , Miura Katsuyuki 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
Hypertension and intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) are closely related; however, few studies have compared the strength of the relationship between strictly measured office and out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurements. The relationship of day-by-day or short-term variability in BP to asymptomatic ICAS also remains unclear.

Methods:
In apparently healthy 677 men (mean age, 70 years) from a population-based cohort, we examined the association of strictly measured office BP and 7-day home BP with ICAS on magnetic resonance angiography. We conducted 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring in 468 of the men. Variability indices included day-by-day, daytime, and night-time variability, nocturnal decline, and morning pressor surge. Any ICAS was defined as either mild (1–49%) or severe (≥50%) stenosis.

Results:
We observed mild and severe ICAS in 153 (22.6%) and 36 (5.3%) participants, respectively. In multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression with robust error variance, higher SBP in office, home, or ambulatory BP monitoring was associated with the presence of any or severe ICAS. The associations with ICAS were comparable between office, home, and ambulatory SBP (all heterogeneity P values >0.1). Independent of mean SBP, greater nocturnal decline or morning pressor surge, but not day-by-day, daytime, or night-time variability, in SBP was associated with higher burden of any or severe ICAS.

Conclusion:
The magnitude of association of strictly measured office BP for asymptomatic ICAS was comparable with that of BP measured at home or in ambulatory BP monitoring. Circadian BP variation based on ambulatory BP monitoring was positively associated with asymptomatic ICAS burden.
The Association Between Intraocular Pressure and Visual Field Worsening in Treated Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Yohannan Jithin , Boland Michael V. , Ramulu Pradeep 
Published: June 2021

Precis:
In treated eyes with mild/suspect glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) increments are associated with worsening mean deviation (MD) once IOP reaches the 20s. In moderate/advanced eyes, IOP increments are associated with worse visual field (VF) performance across the entire IOP range.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between mean treated IOP and VF worsening and understand how this relationship is affected by glaucoma severity and IOP range.

Methods:
A total of 1446 eyes of 869 treated glaucoma patients with at least 5 longitudinal reliable VF tests and IOP measures were included. Mixed-effects linear models were employed to understand the effect of eye-specific mean treated IOP on MD slope. Models included interaction terms to assess the differing relationships between MD slope and mean IOP by glaucoma severity (suspect/mild vs. moderate/advanced) and splines to account for the differing effects of mean IOP on MD slope at different IOP ranges (above or below 21 mm Hg).

Results:
In suspect/mild glaucoma, when treated IOP values were <21 mm Hg, a 1 mm Hg increment in IOP was not associated with an increase in the rate of VF worsening (P>0.05) but when treated IOP values rose >21 mm Hg, a 1 mm Hg increment in IOP was associated with faster VF worsening (−0.09 dB/y per 1 mm Hg increment, P<0.05). In moderate/advanced disease, a 1 mm Hg increment in treated IOP was associated with faster VF worsening both below and above 21 mm Hg, but the effect was much more pronounced in the higher range (−0.02 dB/y per mm Hg increment <21 mm Hg vs. −0.74 dB/y per mm Hg increment >21 mm Hg, P<0.05 for both).

Conclusion:
IOP remained associated with VF worsening in eyes with more advanced glaucoma throughout the IOP range but was only associated with VF worsening in eyes with less severe glaucoma at higher IOP.
Outcomes of cataract surgery with toric intraocular lens implantation after keratoplasty
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Furiosi Luca , Yu Angeli Christy , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Scuteri Gianfranco , Gardeli Ioanna , Busin Massimo , Bovone Cristina , Spena Rossella 
Published: June 2021

Purpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and predictability of cataract extraction with toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or mushroom penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Setting:
Villa Igea Hospital, Forlì, Italy.

Design:
Prospective case series.

Methods:
Toric IOL implantation was offered to patients with cataract, corneal astigmatism >1.5 diopters (D) and regular central corneal topography after complete suture removal. Phacoemulsification was performed through a 2.4 mm scleral tunnel and an enVista monofocal toric MX60T or Eyecryl monofocal toric IOL was inserted in the capsular bag. Main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, total prediction error, and IOL misalignment.

Results:
37 consecutive patients who had previously undergone either DALK (n = 27, 73%) or 2-piece mushroom PK (n = 10, 27%) were included. All patients completed the 6-month follow-up. The mean toric IOL power was 5.3 ± 1.1 D. Both UDVA and CDVA significantly improved (from 1.02 ± 0.27 to 0.46 ± 0.31 logMAR and from 0.65 ± 0.27 to 0.11 ± 0.12 logMAR, respectively; P < .001). 20 eyes (54%) reached UDVA ≥20/40, whereas 35 eyes (95%) reached a CDVA ≥20/40. Final refractive astigmatism was 0.93 ± 0.87 D, with 35 eyes (95%) within 2 D. Prediction error was ≤1 D in 18 eyes (49%). Absolute IOL misalignment was 3.3 ± 3.5 degrees.

Conclusions:
Toric IOL implantation in postkeratoplasty eyes allowed reduction of refractive astigmatism to predictably low levels with concomitant improved visual outcomes.
Impact of chronic pain on driving behaviour: a systematic review
Authors: Vaezipour Atiyeh , Oviedo-Trespalacios Oscar , Horswill Mark , Rod J.E. , Andrews Nicole , Johnston Venerina , Delhomme Patricia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Driving is a complex task that requires both the ability to rapidly identify potential hazards and respond appropriately to driving situations to avoid crashing. A great deal of research has sought to increase road safety by focusing on risky behaviours, very few of which have explored the effects of chronic pain (CP) on driving behaviour. This systematic review aimed to assess driving behaviour and motor vehicle crash risk in drivers with CP. Four databases (Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) were searched using relevant search terms. From 8543 studies, 22 studies met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. A driving behaviour framework, based on the Michon model of driving behaviour, is proposed to map the effect of CP on driving behaviour. Findings suggest that drivers with CP engage in risk-compensatory strategies that are positive from a precautionary perspective. However, there is considerable variability in the use of such strategies across different samples, suggesting that there are significant barriers and facilitators involved in these decisions. Moreover, our findings provide some evidence that CP could increase crash risk and change driving behaviour. Evidence-based recommendations for practitioners and policymakers are proposed regarding the risks of driving in individuals experiencing CP. Future research into CP in driving could benefit from having a unified evidence-based approach to determine behaviour at all levels of the driving task.
A Single-Blind Randomized Comparison of Lithium and Lamotrigine as Maintenance Treatments for Managing Bipolar II Disorder
Authors: Parker Gordon , Ricciardi Tahlia , Tavella Gabriela , Hadzi-Pavlovic Dusan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Purpose/Background
No study to date has compared lithium and lamotrigine as maintenance mood stabilizers for bipolar II disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare these two medications in terms of their maintenance efficacy and side effect profile, thus evaluating their comparative cost/benefit profile.

Methods/Procedures
Forty-four subjects with a newly diagnosed bipolar II disorder were randomly assigned to receive either lithium or lamotrigine treatment in a 20-week single-blinded study. Subjects received either slow-release lithium progressively up-titrated to achieve a serum level of 0.8 mEq/L, or lamotrigine increased progressively to a maintenance dose of 200 mg/d. Our primary outcome measure examined daily data on hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Secondary measures evaluated hypomanic and depressive symptom severity, global functioning, and global improvement in hypomanic and depressive symptoms.

Findings/Results
We terminated the trial principally because of severe ongoing side effects experienced by many of those receiving lithium, and with additional concerns about initial severe side effects (including psychosis) experienced by several assigned to lamotrigine. Analyses of study completer data for 28 participants suggested comparable efficacy of both medications; however, lamotrigine had a distinctly lower rate of severe side effects across the study. We calculated that if study trends on outcome measures were valid, then an extremely large sample would be required to demonstrate superiority of either drug, thus making it unlikely that any such adequately powered study will be mounted in the future.

Implications/Conclusions
The small sample size limits any definitive conclusions, but our data suggest that lithium and lamotrigine are likely to have equal efficacy as mood stabilizers for those with a bipolar II condition but that, as maintenance treatments, lithium has more distinctive side effects.
Lung Cancer Mortality in the Swiss Working Population
Authors: Bovio Nicolas , Wild Pascal , Guseva Canu Irina 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
To assess the effect of occupational exposures on lung cancer mortality in Switzerland after adjustment for non-occupational lung carcinogens.

Methods:
Using data on 4,351,383 Swiss residents, we used negative binomial regression to assess the effect occupation on lung cancer mortality between 1990 and 2014, accounting for socio-demographic factors, predicted probabilities of smoking and measured environmental radon exposure.

Results:
After adjustment, male machine operators and workers in mining, stone working and building materials manufacturing showed the highest risk. Women working in electrical engineering, electronics, watchmaking, vehicle construction and toolmaking, and transport occupations also remained at high risk. Radon exposure had no effect on lung cancer mortality, while smoking demonstrated a significant effect in both sexes.

Conclusions:
The results suggest the presence of occupational exposures to lung carcinogens in addition to non-occupational factors.
Evaluation of the Role of KIM-1 in Detecting Early Nephrotoxicity in Lead-Exposed Workers
Authors: Hussein Abo-Bakr Abbas , Ahmed Manal Hassan , Kamal Manal Mohamed , Ayesh Narges Abd-El-Atey , Fouad Marwa Mohammed 
Published: June 2021

Objectives:
Lead nephropathy usually starts silent. This study aimed to evaluate using kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) as an early nephrotoxicity predictor of long-term low-level occupational lead exposure.

Methods:
History, examination, and laboratory investigations including: blood lead, urinary KIM-1, serum uric acid, creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, serum albumin, and urine analysis were done on 35 lead-exposed workers and a matched control group.

Results:
Higher blood lead levels were found among the exposed group compared to the control one. No statistically significant difference was found regarding renal failure manifestations or standard renal functions (uric acid, blood urea, and creatinine). Urinary KIM-1 was statistically significantly increased among the exposed group.

Conclusion:
Renal adverse effects were associated to lead fumes exposure. KIM-1 can be used as biomarker for detecting early renal affection among lead-exposed workers.
Heart Rate Variability in Different Levels of Burnout—Cross-Sectional Study of Different Occupational Groups Heart Rate Variability and Burnout
Authors: Thielmann Beatrice , Karlsen Håvard R. , Darius Sabine , Böckelmann Irina 
Published: June 2021

Objectives:
The aim of this study was a subjective and objective stress analysis of occupational groups.

Methods:
The study examined 414 employees with patients or children contact on work. The age ranged from 22 to 63 years. Subjective stress was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and objective stress with heart rate variability (HRV).

Results:
Twenty-one percent of subjects showed a high level of exhaustion, 12.9% a high level of cynicism and low performance. There were significant group differences between cynicism levels in meanNN (P = .008) and meanHR (P = .002). There were no significant differences in HRV for exhaustion and professional efficacy.

Conclusions:
The health-impairing manifestations of the three dimensions of the burnout syndrome are not associated with the lower HRV. However, healthy subjects from a “screening” study who had not been clinically diagnosed with burnout were examined here.
Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on cardiovascular disease
Authors: Maher Lisa L.M. , Coke Lola A. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder that has direct correlation to cardiovascular disease. Understanding the etiology and symptoms of this condition as it relates to cardiovascular disease can improve comprehensive health assessments and determine the use of appropriate screening tools. This case-based approach follows a patient through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options. Although lifestyle behavior changes are recommended for all patients, other options, such as positive airway pressure therapy, oral appliances, implantable therapy, surgery, and pharmacological and oxygen therapies, exist and should be explored as treatment options. Yearly follow-up provides the best method for long-term treatment success. Treatment of OSA reduces the incidence of cardiac comorbidities and improves cardiovascular health.
Stapedotomy Removing Only the Stapes Head and Not the Entire Stapes Superstructure: Long-term Results
Authors: Malafronte Giuseppe , Trusio Antonio , Motta Giovanni , Filosa Barbara 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
To describe a new stapedotomy in which is removed only the stapes head not the entire stapes superstructure and its long-term results.

Study Design:
Prospective study.

Patients:
The study was started on January 2015 and ended on September 2020. Seventy patients with otosclerosis were included in the study. They underwent stapedotomy from January 2015 to April 2016. The main follow-up for the study group was (5.1 yrs). The study group was divided into two groups (A and B) according the short hearing results (1 yr) and long hearing results (5.1 yrs). Group A including short hearing results. Group B including long hearing results. For all patients in groups A and B, the surgeon (M.G.), microscope, the anesthesia (local), the approach (transcanal), the prostheses (piston-type), and the new stapedotomy (removal of the stapes head only and not of the entire stapes superstructure), were identical.

Results:
No patients exhibited postoperative dizziness or worsening of bone conduction. Cutting the stapes neck never caused bleeding or footplate complications. The average time to perform the new stapedotomy was 15 minutes. Air-bone gap (ABG) closure to within 10 dB was achieved in 66 of 70 (94.28%) cases in group A and in 65 of 70 (92.85%) cases in group B. This difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:
The Malafronte's stapedotomy is an easy, safety, minimally invasive, and fast surgical technique. Its hearing outcomes are good and stable over time.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Versus Intratympanic Steroid for Salvage Treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lei Xia , Feng Yanyan , Xia Ling , Sun Changling 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and intratympanic steroids (ITS) as salvage treatment for patients with refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Data Sources:
Electronic search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases to June 1, 2020.

Methods:
For each outcome measure, a forest plot was generated and a pooled relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) was calculated. Potential publication bias in the meta-analysis was assessed using funnel plot.

Results:
The numbers of cases with hearing improvements and pure tone averages (PTA) changes after salvage treatment were entered into the R software to calculate the pooled effect of HBOT compared with ITS. When pooling the results of the studies reporting the proportion of patients with hearing improvement, a fixed-effects model was used. We calculated the RR and found no significant difference when HBOT compared with ITS (RR = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83–1.42, p = 0.55). With respect to the PTA changes, a fixed-effects model was used. The improvement in the PTA (in dB) was calculated in MD and no significant difference was found between the two groups (MD = 0.55, 95% CI: –1.76–2.86, p = 0.64).

Conclusion:
Both HBOT and ITS offer some benefits for refractory SSNHL patients, and there were no significant differences in hearing outcomes between the two modalities. Future RCTs that include large samples are needed to demonstrate superiority of one of the treatments.