bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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.
An Epidemiologic Analysis of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis and Antifungal Susceptibilities
Authors: Hösükoğlu Fadile Gaye , Ekşi Fahriye , Erinmez Mehmet , Uğur Mete Gürol 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Inflammation of the vagina and vulva caused by Candida is called vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Risk factors for VVC include pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, frequent oral sexual intercourse, and the use of tight synthetic underwear and systemic antibiotics. Candida albicans, which belongs to the normal flora of the vagina, is the most common cause of VVC. However, an increase in VVC episodes caused by non-albicans Candida species, including Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis, has been reported. In this study, a total of 100 Candida isolates obtained from patients with vaginitis symptoms were evaluated. The susceptibility of the Candida strains to amphotericin B, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin was investigated using the reference broth microdilution method. Risk factors and demographic characteristics of the patients and the identified Candida species were also investigated. Among the 100 Candida strains isolated from vaginal samples, 47 (47%) were C. albicans, 43 (43%) C. glabrata, 5 (5%) C. kefyr, 2 (2%) C. krusei, 2 (2%) C. tropicalis and 1 (1%) was Candida guilliermondii. The incidences of Candida susceptibility to caspofungin, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, ketoconazole and amphotericin B were 75%, 35%, 27%, 80%, 97% and 100%, respectively. Also, there was a significant difference in antifungal susceptibility among patients belonging to certain risk groups, such as patients previously using antibiotics and recurrent cases. Prevalence of non-albicans Candida species and antifungal resistance, especially against azoles, are both increasing, and certain risk factors should be monitored strictly.
Update on pain management in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Pandanaboyana Sanjay , Huang Wei , Windsor John A. , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr 
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review
This review discusses the analgesic options available from randomized controlled trials and recent systematic reviews. The evidence from other settings is considered and the evidence specific to acute pancreatitis emphasized. This highlights the options that are best supported by evidence but also the options that warrant further clinical trials.

Recent findings
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol can provide adequate pain relief in patients with acute pancreatitis when compared with opioids. Epidural analgesia provides optimum pain relief in the first 24 h of onset of acute pancreatitis in addition to potential improvement in pancreatic perfusion. Several experimental analgesics and acupuncture have potential as opioid sparing strategies. Opioids are needed for patients with severe pain, to which adjuvant and experimental analgesics might be added.

Summary
Among the many options for pain management, the following principles should apply:
The spectrum of diabetes in acute and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Olesen Søren S. , Toledo Frederico G.S. , Hart Phil A. 
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review
To discuss the spectrum of diabetes related to acute and chronic pancreatitis (which are types of pancreatogenic diabetes) and its overlapping features with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Recent findings
Patients with diabetes related to acute and chronic pancreatitis present clinically within a spectrum of overlapping features with other forms of diabetes. In this spectrum, glucose metabolism alterations range from increased insulin resistance following acute pancreatitis (resembling type 2 diabetes) towards a permanent loss of beta-cell function and impaired insulin secretion in end-stage chronic pancreatitis. Overlapping features with type 1 diabetes (beta cell autoantibodies) and type 2 diabetes (obesity, dyslipidemia, and hereditary/genetic factors) contribute to the heterogeneity of this spectrum.

Summary
Pancreatogenic diabetes secondary to acute or chronic pancreatitis is a heterogeneous entity with a variable clinical presentation, including many cases that are misdiagnosed and treated as type 2 diabetes. This is problematic as pancreatogenic diabetes is associated with a poor prognosis and entails special considerations for management. Recent discoveries showing overlapping features with type 1 and type 2 diabetes along with an improved understanding of its pathophysiology are expected to improve the diagnosis and treatment of these and other forms of pancreatogenic diabetes.
Endoscopic methods for the detection and treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Niknam Negar , Obanor Steven , Lee Linda A. 
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review
The intent of this review is to describe new advances in endoscopic approaches to surveillance and management of gastric cancer.

Recent findings
There are new endoscopic techniques and approaches that have improved the detection of gastric cancer, including narrow band imaging, confocal laser endocytomicroscopy and magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy. This article highlights the role of endoscopic submucosal dissection in the treatment of focal and diffuse gastric dysplasia and early gastric cancer with a discussion of indications, complications and outcomes. We review several recent guidelines addressing the surveillance strategies for individuals at high-risk for developing gastric cancer, such as those with atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, how gastric dysplasia and early gastric cancer can be endoscopically managed, and recommended surveillance after endoscopic intervention.

Summary
Endoscopic approaches are evolving rapidly that will improve detection of dysplasia and early gastric cancer in high-risk individuals. Surveillance guidelines from various international societies reflect differences in local experience and prevalence of gastric cancer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection is now widely accepted as a first-line approach to early gastric cancers that can be resected en-bloc.
Clinical and translational markers of severity and prognosis in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Sirtl Simon , Beyer Georg , Mayerle Julia 
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review
The incidence of chronic pancreatitis as a progressive inflammation and fibrosis syndrome is on the rise due to increasing awareness and improved imaging modalities. Numerous classification systems have been suggested in recent years to describe the disease, but only few of them have been used to classify the severity and prognostic significance of the disease. Biomarkers for severity and (early) chronic pancreatitis diagnosis are not yet ready for clinical application.

Recent findings
In using the M-ANNHEIM and Chronic Pancreatitis Prognosis Score (COPPS) classification system, the severity assessment and short- and medium-term disease progression is available. A prospectively validated biomarker for early chronic pancreatitis diagnosis is not yet available, metabolome-based approaches seem to have the greatest potential for clinical translation.

Summary
Currently, due to the lack of universal definition for the early disease stage of chronic pancreatitis, it is difficult to accurately classify these patient cohorts in existing scoring systems. In principle, setting up a suitable scoring system would allow surveillance and establish a therapy approaches flanked by corresponding biomarker panel development. Therapy management of chronic pancreatitis and monitoring by means of scoring systems (such as the COPPS) would make a decisive contribution to improving patient treatment.