bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homocysteine Suppresses Autophagy Through AMPK-mTOR-TFEB Signaling in Human THP-1 Macrophages
Authors: Yang Yu-ping , Ren Yong-gang , Cai Bi-qing , Huang Dan-dan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:
Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. It is known that macrophage autophagy plays a protective role in atherosclerosis and that hyperhomocysteinemia is strongly linked to autophagy. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of homocysteine (Hcy) on macrophage autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Hcy on autophagy in a human acute monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1). The Hcy-treated THP-1 cells exhibited increased levels of the autophagy substrate SQSTM1 (p62) and decreased levels of the autophagy markers LC3 II/I and Beclin-1, indicating a decrease in autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, Western blotting showed that Hcy significantly increased the levels of p-mTOR and nuclear TFEB and decreased the levels of p-AMPK and cytoplasmic TFEB. These data suggest that Hcy inhibits autophagosome formation in human THP-1 macrophages through the AMPK-mTOR-TFEB signaling pathway. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of atherosclerotic diseases caused by Hcy.
Association Between Self-Reported Disability and Lifetime History of Traumatic Brain Injury With Loss of Consciousness Among Veterans and Nonveterans in North Carolina
Authors: Sarmiento Kelly , Waltzman Dana , Daugherty Jill , Okoro Catherine A. , Proescholdbell Scott 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Compared with civilians, service members and veterans who have a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to experience poorer physical and mental health. To investigate this further, this article examines the association between self-reported history of TBI with loss of consciousness and living with 1 or more current disabilities (ie, serious difficulty with hearing, vision, cognition, or mobility; any difficulty with self-care or independent living) for both veterans and nonveterans.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study using data from the North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 4733 veterans and nonveterans aged 18 years and older.

Results:
Approximately 34.7% of veterans residing in North Carolina reported having a lifetime history of TBI compared with 23.6% of nonveterans. Veterans reporting a lifetime history of TBI had a 1.4 times greater risk of also reporting living with a current disability (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8) compared with nonveterans. The most common types of disabilities reported were mobility, cognitive, and hearing.

Conclusions:
Compared with nonveterans, veterans who reported a lifetime history of TBI had an increased risk of reporting a current disability. Future studies, such as longitudinal studies, may further explore this to inform the development of interventions.
Concussion Evaluation Patterns Among US Adults
Authors: Womack Lindsay S. , Breiding Matthew J. , Daugherty Jill 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare individuals who were not evaluated by a doctor or nurse for a self-reported concussion versus individuals who were evaluated for a concussion by demographic variables, concussion history, and concussion circumstances.

Settings and Participants:
Data were collected from 2018 SpringStyles, a web-based panel survey of US adults 18 years or older (n = 6427), fielded in March-April.

Design:
Cross-sectional.

Main Measures:
Respondents were asked whether they believed they had sustained a concussion in their lifetime and details about their most recent concussion, including whether they were evaluated by a doctor or nurse.

Results:
Twenty-seven percent of adults in the survey reported a lifetime concussion (n = 1835). Among those individuals, 50.4% were not evaluated by a healthcare provider for their most recent concussion. Not being evaluated was higher among individuals whose concussion was caused by a slip, trip, or fall (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.65-2.99), riding a bicycle (APR = 2.28; 95% CI, 1.58-3.27), being struck by or against something by accident (APR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.88-3.34), or being struck by or against something during a fight or argument (APR = 2.89; 95% CI, 2.11-3.97), compared with individuals whose concussion was caused by a motor vehicle crash. No evaluation was also higher among individuals whose concussion occurred while engaging in a sports or recreational activity (APR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.07-1.82) or engaging in regular activities around the house (APR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.27-2.14), compared with individuals whose concussion occurred while working for pay.

Conclusion:
More than a quarter of adults reported a lifetime concussion; however, half of them were not evaluated for their last concussion by a healthcare provider. Examination by a healthcare professional for a suspected concussion may prevent or mitigate potential long-term sequelae. Furthermore, current US surveillance methods may underestimate the burden of TBI because many individuals do not seek evaluation.
Reactive Balance Responses After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
Authors: Morris Amanda , Casucci Tallie , McFarland Mary M. , Cassidy Benjamin , Pelo Ryan , Kreter Nicholas , Dibble Leland E. , Fino Peter C. 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
Balance testing after concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can be useful in determining acute and chronic neuromuscular deficits that are unapparent from symptom scores or cognitive testing alone. Current assessments of balance do not comprehensively evaluate all 3 classes of balance: maintaining a posture; voluntary movement; and reactive postural response. Despite the utility of reactive postural responses in predicting fall risk in other balance-impaired populations, the effect of mTBI on reactive postural responses remains unclear. This review sought to (1) examine the extent and range of available research on reactive postural responses in people post-mTBI and (2) determine whether reactive postural responses (balance recovery) are affected by mTBI.

Design:
Scoping review.

Methods:
Studies were identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Dissertations and Theses Global, PsycINFO, SportDiscus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were injury classified as mTBI with no confounding central or peripheral nervous system dysfunction beyond those stemming from the mTBI, quantitative measure of reactive postural response, and a discrete, externally driven perturbation was used to test reactive postural response.

Results:
A total of 4747 publications were identified, and a total of 3 studies (5 publications) were included in the review.

Conclusion:
The limited number of studies available on this topic highlights the lack of investigation on reactive postural responses after mTBI. This review provides a new direction for balance assessments after mTBI and recommends incorporating all 3 classes of postural control in future research.
Parent Interventions Improve Behavior After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Cermak Carly A. , McCabe Sarah A. , Kuchurean Brianna , Schaefer Julia , Tendera Anna , Beal Deryk S. 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
To examine child behavior change scores from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of parent interventions for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched to identify studies that examined parent interventions for pediatric TBI. Inclusion criteria included (i) a parent intervention for children with TBI; (ii) an RCT study design; (iii) statistical data for child behavior outcome(s); and (iv) studies that were published in English.

Results:
Seven studies met inclusion criteria. All interventions reported improved child behavior after pediatric TBI; however, child and parent factors contributed to behavior change scores in some interventions. Factors found to contribute to the level of benefit included age of child, baseline behavior levels, sociodemographics (eg, parent income, parent education), and parent mental health.

Conclusion:
Improved child behavior outcomes resulting from parent interventions for pediatric TBI are well supported by the evidence in the peer-reviewed literature. Clinicians are encouraged to consider child and parent factors as they relate to child behavior outcomes.
VISUAL AND ANATOMICAL CHANGES AFTER DRUG CESSATION IN PENTOSAN POLYSULFATE SODIUM–ASSOCIATED MACULOPATHY
Authors: Gupta Priya R. , Grewal Dilraj S. 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe a case of development of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS)–related maculopathy that exhibited potential improvement in imaging findings after drug cessation.

Methods:
This study is a case report.

Results:
A 66-year-old woman presented with progressive pigmentary maculopathy associated with long-term PPS usage, including development of a choroidal neovascular membrane in her right eye. After discontinuation of PPS, her clinical course was notable for partial subjective and objective improvement in visual acuity, as well as partial improvement in outer retinal architecture on ocular coherence tomography, but persistence of retinal pigment epithelium atrophy and autofluorescence changes.

Conclusion:
The course of retinopathy after discontinuation of PPS has yet to be fully determined and has so far been suggested to be progressive. Anatomical improvements seen in our case suggest that further investigations are warranted to determine whether there is potential for partial reversal of some changes in PPS maculopathy.
Intraocular lens power calculation with ray tracing based on AS-OCT and adjusted axial length after myopic excimer laser surgery
Authors: Savini Giacomo , Hoffer Kenneth J. , Ribeiro Filomena J. , Dias Joao Mendanha , Coutinho Catarina P. , Barboni Piero , Schiano-Lomoriello Domenico 
Published: February 2022

Purpose:
To report the results of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation by ray tracing in eyes with previous myopic excimer laser surgery.

Setting:
G.B. Bietti Foundation I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy.

Design:
Retrospective interventional case series.

Methods:
A series of consecutive patients undergoing phacoemulsification and IOL implantation after myopic excimer laser was investigated. IOL power was calculated using ray-tracing software available on the anterior segment optical coherence tomographer MS-39. Axial length (AL) was measured by optical biometry, and 4 values were investigated: (1) that from the printout, (2) the modified Wang/Koch formula, and (3) the polynomial equation for the Holladay 1 and (4) for the Holladay 2 formulas. The mean prediction error (PE), median absolute error (MedAE), and percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 diopters (D) were reported.

Results:
The study enrolled 39 eyes. Entering the original AL into ray tracing led to a mean hyperopic PE (+0.56 ±0.54 D), whereas with the Wang/Koch formula, a mean myopic PE (−0.41 ±0.53 D) was obtained. The Holladay 1 and 2 polynomial equations lead to the lowest PEs (−0.10 ±0.49 D and +0.08 ±0.49 D, respectively), lowest MedAE (0.37 D and 0.25 D), and highest percentages of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D (71.79% and 76.92%). Calculations based on the Holladay 2 polynomial equation showed a statistically significant difference compared with other methods used (including Barrett-True K formula), with the only exception of the Holladay 1 polynomial equation.

Conclusions:
IOL power was accurately calculated by ray tracing with adjusted AL according to the Holladay 2 polynomial equation.
Characterisation of the pathophysiology of neuropathy and sensory dysfunction in a mouse model of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Schmidt Daniela , Díaz Paula , Muñoz Daniela , Espinoza Fernanda , Nystrom Alexander , Fuentes Ignacia , Ezquer Marcelo , Bennett David L. , Calvo Margarita 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare genetic condition in which mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1) lead to decreased expression of this anchoring protein of the skin, causing the loss of stability at the dermo-epidermal junction. Most patients with RDEB experience neuropathic pain and itch due to the development of a small fibre neuropathy, characterised by decreased intraepidermal innervation and thermal hypoaesthesia. To understand the physiopathology of this neuropathy, we used a mouse model of RDEB (Col7a1flNeo/flNeo) and performed a detailed characterisation of the somatosensory system. Col7a1flNeo/flNeo mice showed a decrease in heat sensitivity, an increase in spontaneous scratching, and a significant decrease in intraepidermal nerve fibre density in the hindpaw; these changes were distal because there was no significant loss of unmyelinated or myelinated fibres in the nerve trunk. Of interest, we observed a decrease in axon diameter in both myelinated and unmyelinated fibres. This axonal damage was not associated with inflammation of the dorsal root ganglion or central projection targets at the time of assessment. These results suggest that in RDEB, there is a distal degeneration of axons produced by exclusive damage of small fibres in the epidermis, and in contrast with traumatic and acute neuropathies, it does not induce sustained neuroinflammation. Thus, this animal model emphasizes the importance of a healthy cutaneous environment for maintenance of epidermal innervation and faithfully replicates the pathology in humans, offering the opportunity to use this model in the development of treatments for pain for patients with RDEB.
Estrogen modulation of the pronociceptive effects of serotonin on female rat trigeminal sensory neurons is timing dependent and dosage dependent and requires estrogen receptor alpha
Authors: Kaur Sukhbir , Hickman Taylor M. , Lopez-Ramirez Angela , McDonald Hanna , Lockhart Lauren M. , Darwish Omar , Averitt Dayna Loyd 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The role of the major estrogen estradiol (E2) on orofacial pain conditions remains controversial with studies reporting both a pronociceptive and antinociceptive role of E2. E2 modulation of peripheral serotonergic activity may be one mechanism underlying the female prevalence of orofacial pain disorders. We recently reported that female rats in proestrus and estrus exhibit greater serotonin (5HT)-evoked orofacial nocifensive behaviors compared with diestrus and male rats. Further coexpression of 5HT2A receptor mRNA in nociceptive trigeminal sensory neurons that express transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channels contributes to pain sensitization. E2 may exacerbate orofacial pain through 5HT-sensitive trigeminal nociceptors, but whether low or high E2 contributes to orofacial pain and by what mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that steady-state exposure to a proestrus level of E2 exacerbates 5HT-evoked orofacial nocifensive behaviors in female rats, explored the transcriptome of E2-treated female rats, and determined which E2 receptor contributes to sensitization of female trigeminal sensory neurons. We report that a diestrus level of E2 is protective against 5HT-evoked orofacial pain behaviors, which increase with increasing E2 concentrations, and that E2 differentially alters several pain genes in the trigeminal ganglia. Furthermore, E2 receptors coexpressed with 5HT2A and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and enhanced capsaicin-evoked signaling in the trigeminal ganglia through estrogen receptor α. Overall, our data indicate that low, but not high, physiological levels of E2 protect against orofacial pain, and we provide evidence that estrogen receptor α receptor activation, but not others, contributes to sensitization of nociceptive signaling in trigeminal sensory neurons.
Causative organisms and antimicrobial susceptibility in jaundiced infants with significant bacteriuria
Authors: Chen Lih-Ju , Chen Ping-Ju , Yang Shun-Fa , Chen Jia-Yuh 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Jaundice may be one of the first signs of urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants. The most common pathogen is Escherichia coli. Currently recommended antibiotic treatment for neonatal UTI is ampicillin and an aminoglycoside. Recently, increasing ampicillin and gentamicin resistance in strains of E. coli has been isolated. The aim of this study was to determine causative organisms and antimicrobial susceptibility in jaundiced infants with significant bacteriuria (SB).

Methods:
We evaluated admitted afebrile, asymptomatic infants younger than 1-month old with hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin >15 mg/dl) requiring phototherapy between January 2011 and December 2015. A total of 615 asymptomatic jaundiced infants were enrolled. Urinalysis and urine cultures were performed on all jaundiced infants. A urine culture was defined as SB if a single pathogen with more than 105-colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) by sterile urinary collection bag or 104 CFU/ml by catheterization was isolated.

Results:
A total of 88 (14.3%) of 615 asymptomatic jaundiced infants had positive urinary culture. E coli was the most common cultured bacteria (40 cases, [45.5%]). Enterococcus faecalis was the second most common bacteria (17 cases, [19.3%]). Seven cases (8.0%) of Streptococcus agalactiae and six cases (6.8%) of Klebsiella pneumoniae were also identified. Ampicillin sensitivity was found in 22.5% of E. coli infections, gentamicin sensitivity was found in 84.2%, and extended-spectrum β-lactamases were found in 7.5%.

Conclusion:

E. coli was the most common causative organism for infants with SB. We suggest modifying current empiric antibiotics by changing gentamicin to amikacin for neonatal Gram-negative bacterial infections.
Lycopene treatment improves intrahepatic fibrosis and attenuates pathological angiogenesis in biliary cirrhotic rats
Authors: Huang Hui-Chun , Hsu Shao-Jung , Chang Ching-Chih , Kao Yun-Chieh , Chuang Chiao-Lin , Hou Ming-Chih , Lee Fa-Yauh 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Liver cirrhosis is characterized by liver fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, which results in hyperdynamic circulation, portal-systemic collateral vascular formation, and abnormal angiogenesis. Lycopene is a nutrient mostly found in tomatoes. The beneficial effects of lycopene include anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-angiogenesis; however, the association between liver cirrhosis and pathological angiogenesis has yet to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene on biliary cirrhotic rats.

Methods:
The efficacy of lycopene treatment in common bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced biliary cirrhotic rats was evaluated. Sham-operated rats served as surgical controls. Lycopene (20 mg/kg/day, oral gavage) or vehicle was administered to BDL or sham-operated rats for 4 weeks, after which the hemodynamics, liver biochemistry, portal-systemic shunting, liver and mesenteric angiogenesis, and hepatic angiogenesis-related protein expressions were examined.

Results:
Lycopene alleviated hyperdynamic circulation as evidenced by decreased cardiac index and increased peripheral vascular resistance (p < 0.05), but it did not affect portal pressure or liver biochemistry in the BDL rats (p > 0.05). Lycopene significantly diminished the shunting degree of portal-systemic collaterals (p = 0.04) and mesenteric vascular density (p = 0.01), and also ameliorated intrahepatic angiogenesis and liver fibrosis. In addition, lycopene upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), and downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) protein expressions (p < 0.05) in the livers of the BDL rats.

Conclusion:
Lycopene ameliorated liver fibrosis, hyperdynamic circulation, and pathological angiogenesis in biliary cirrhotic rats, possibly through the modulation of intrahepatic Akt/PI3K/eNOS and VEGFR-2 pathways.
A Mixed-Methods Examination of the Impact of the Partnerships to Improve Community Health Produce Prescription Initiative in Northeastern North Carolina
Authors: Lyonnais Mary Jane , Kaur Archana P. , Rafferty Ann P. , Johnson Nevin S. , Jilcott Pitts Stephanie 
Published: February 2022

Objective:
To conduct a mixed-methods examination of the impact of the Partnerships to Improve Community Health produce prescription initiative in northeastern North Carolina.

Design:
Quantitative surveys were conducted among participants before and after the distribution of produce prescription vouchers. Univariate statistics were used to describe the participant population, and paired t tests were used to examine change in fruit and vegetable intake. Qualitative, in-depth telephone interviews were conducted among participants, health educators, and food retailers and coded for themes.

Setting:
Eight health promotion programs, 2 food pantries, and 11 food retailers.

Participants:
In each health promotion program or food pantry, between 6 and 97 participants were enrolled.

Intervention:
Produce prescription vouchers were distributed to participants and redeemed at local food retailers.

Main Outcome Measure (s):
An increase in local fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption.

Results:
Of the produce prescription participants who completed the baseline survey (n = 93), 86% were female, 64% were African American, and 68% were food insecure. The voucher redemption rate was 18%. The majority of participants indicated that they visit farmers' markets more now than before the produce prescription initiative, that shopping at the farmers' market made it easy to include more fresh produce in their family's diet, and that they tried a new farmers' market because of the produce prescription initiative. All health educators and food retailers who participated felt that the initiative benefited their program or operation and were willing to partner with the program again.

Conclusions:
While redemption rates were lower than anticipated, the produce prescription initiative had positive impacts on participants' local fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption. Because of COVID-19, the initiative was not implemented until late in the North Carolina produce season. Moving forward, the program will start earlier and work with local food retailers to connect with their communities to increase redemption rates.