bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new method for removing artifacts from recordings of the electrically evoked compound action potential: Single-pulse stimulation
Authors: Skidmore Jeffrey , Yuan Yi , He Shuman
Published: January 2024

This report presents a new method for removing electrical artifact contamination from the electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) evoked by single cathodic-leading, biphasic-pulse stimulation. The development of the new method is motivated by results recorded in human cochlear implant (CI) users showing that the fundamental assumption of the classic forward masking artifact rejection technique is violated in up to 45% of cases tested at high stimulation levels when using default stimulation parameters. Subsequently, the new method developed based on the discovery that a hyperbola best characterizes the artifacts created during stimulation and recording is described. The eCAP waveforms obtained using the new method are compared to those recorded using the classic forward masking technique. The results show that eCAP waveforms obtained using both methods are comparable when the fundamental assumption of the classic forward masking technique is met. In contrast, eCAP amplitudes obtained using the two methods are significantly different when the fundamental assumption of the classic forward masking technique is violated, with greater differences in the eCAP amplitude for greater assumption violations. The new method also has excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation > 0.98). Overall, the new method is a viable alternative to the classic forward masking technique for obtaining artifact-free eCAPs evoked by single-pulse stimulation in CI users.
ERLIN1/2 scaffolds bridge TMUB1 and RNF170 and restrict cholesterol esterification to regulate the secretory pathway
Authors: Veronese Matteo , Kallabis Sebastian , Kaczmarek Alexander Tobias , Das Anushka , Robers Lennart , Schumacher Simon , Lofrano Alessia , Brodesser Susanne , Müller Stefan , Hofmann Kay , Krüger Marcus , Rugarli Elena I.
Published: January 2024

Complexes of ERLIN1 and ERLIN2 form large ring-like cup-shaped structures on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and serve as platforms to bind cholesterol and E3-ubiquitin ligases, potentially defining functional nanodomains. Here, we show that ERLIN scaffolds mediate the interaction between the full-length isoform of TMUB1 and RNF170. We identify a luminal N-terminal conserved region in TMUB1 and RNF170 required for this interaction. Three-dimensional modelling shows that this conserved motif binds the SPFH domain of two adjacent ERLIN subunits at different interfaces. Protein variants that preclude these interactions have been previously linked to hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). By using omics approaches in combination with phenotypic characterisation of cells lacking both ERLINs, we demonstrate a role for ERLIN scaffolds in maintaining cholesterol levels in the ER by favouring transport to the Golgi over esterification, thereby regulating Golgi morphology and the secretory pathway.
Prognostic factors for a change in eye health or vision: A rapid review
Authors: Hammond Greg M. , Needham-Taylor Antonia , Bromham Nathan , Gillen Elizabeth , Searchfield Lydia , Lewis Ruth , Cooper Alison , Edwards Adrian , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor , Davies Jacob
Published: January 2024

The general public are advised to have regular routine eye examinations to check their vision and ocular health; however current UK guidance on how often to have eye examinations is not evidence-based and was issued in 2002.This Rapid Review aims to provide an evidence base that stakeholders can use to form updated guidance for Wales by asking the question ‘What are the prognostic factors for a change in ocular status in the general population attending routine eye examinations?’

The review included evidence available from January 2009 up until August 2023. Evidence was included from 2011 up until 2023. 19 studies were included: two systematic reviews; nine prospective cohort studies; three retrospective cohort studies; two longitudinal studies; two case-control studies; and one cross-sectional study were included.

Research Implications and Evidence Gaps

Future research to inform appropriate eye examination intervals should be narrower in focus to ensure as much relevant and useful evidence as possible is gathered. There are large amounts of evidence on prevalence and prognostic factors for prevalent conditions, which did not meet the inclusion criteria of this rapid review which looks at incident or changing conditions.

Policy and Practice Implications

Caution should be taken if using this review for decision making on appropriate eye examination intervals due to low certainty and generalisability. This review should be used to identify key prognostic factors and suggesting these for further targeted research and evidence synthesis.

Economic considerations

Sight loss costs the UK economy 25 billion pounds per annum, with more than 2 million people in the UK currently living with sight loss. The economic implications of appropriate or inappropriate testing intervals for different causes of vision loss will be different. When captured at a population wide scale, the earlier detection of conditions through examination can result in significant economic savings.

Funding statement

The Centre for Health Economics and Medicines Evaluation, the Bangor Institute for Medical and Health Research, and the Swansea Centre for Health Economics were funded for this work by the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, itself funded by Health and Care Research Wales on behalf of Welsh Government.
Automation risk and subjective wellbeing in the UK
Authors: Zheng Jiyuan , Rohenkohl Bertha , Barahona Mauricio , Clarke Jonathan M
Published: January 2024

The personal well-being of workers may be influenced by the risk of job automation brought about by technological innovation. Here we use data from the Understanding Society survey in the UK and a fixed-effects model to examine associations between working in a highly automatable job and life and job satisfaction. We find that employees in highly automatable jobs report significantly lower job satisfaction, a result that holds across demographic groups categorised by gender, age and education, with higher negative association among men, higher degree holders and younger workers. On the other hand, life satisfaction of workers is not generally associated with the risk of job automation, a result that persists among groups disaggregated by gender and education, but with age differences, since the life satisfaction of workers aged 30 to 49 is negatively associated with job automation risk. Our analysis also reveals differences in these associations across UK industries and regions.
Mapping the Existing Body of Knowledge on New and Repurposed TB Vaccine Implementation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Buis Joeri S. , Jerene Degu , Gebhard Agnes , Bakker Roel , Majidulla Arman , Kerkhoff Andrew D. , Limaye Rupali , Pelzer Puck T.
Published: January 2024

There is global consensus on the urgent need for a safe and effective TB vaccine for adults and adolescents to improve global TB control, and encouragingly, several promising candidates have advanced to late-stage trials. Significant gaps remain in understanding the critical factors that will facilitate the successful implementation of new and repurposed TB vaccines in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), once available. By synthesizing the existing body of knowledge, this review offers comprehensive insights into the current state of research on implementation of these adults and adolescent vaccines. This review explores four key dimensions: (1) epidemiological impact, (2) costing, cost-effectiveness, and/or economic impact, (3) acceptability, and the (4) feasibility of implementation; this includes implementation strategies of target populations, and health system capabilities. Results indicate that current research primarily consists of epidemiological and costing/cost-effectiveness/economic studies in India, China, and South Africa, mainly modelling with M72/AS01, BCG revaccination, and generic vaccines. Varying endpoints, vaccine efficacies, and vaccination coverages were used. Globally, new, and repurposed TB vaccines are estimated to save millions of lives. Economically, these vaccines also demonstrate promise with expected cost-effectiveness in most countries. Projected outcomes were dependent on vaccine characteristics, target population, implementation strategy, timing of roll out, TB burden/country context, and vaccination coverage. Potential barriers for vaccine acceptability included TB-related stigma, need for a second dose, and cost, while low pricing, community and civil society engagement and heightened public TB awareness were potential enablers in China, India, and South Africa. Potential implementation strategies considered spanned from mass campaigns to integration within existing vaccine programs and the primary target group studied was the general population, and adults and adolescents. In conclusion, future research must have broader geographical representations to better understand what is needed to inform tailored vaccine programs to accommodate diverse country contexts and population groups to achieve optimal implementation and impact. Furthermore, this review underscores the scarcity of research on acceptability of new and repurposed TB vaccines and their delivery among potential beneficiaries, the most promising implementation strategies, and the health system capabilities necessary for implementation. The absence of this knowledge in these areas emphasizes the crucial need for future research to ensure effective TB vaccine implementation in high burden settings worldwide.
Diminishing topological Faraday effect in thin layer samples
Authors: Berger Christian , Bayer Florian , Molenkamp Laurens W. , Kiessling Tobias
Published: January 2024

A striking feature of three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators (TIs) is the theoretically expected topological magnetoelectric (TME) effect, which gives rise to additional terms in Maxwell's laws of electromagnetism with an universal quantized coefficient proportional to half-integer multiples of the fine-structure constant α. In an ideal scenario one therefore expects also quantized contributions in the magnetooptical response of TIs. We review this premise by taking into account the trivial dielectric background of the TI bulk and potential host substrates, and the often present contribution of itinerant bulk carriers. We show (i) that one obtains a nonuniversal magnetooptical response whenever there is impedance mismatch between different layers and (ii) that the detectable signals due to the TME rapidly approach vanishingly small values as the impedance mismatch is detuned from zero. We demonstrate that it is methodologically impossible to deduce the existence of a TME exclusively from an optical experiment in the thin film limit of 3D TIs at high magnetic fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Do energy transition and environmental taxation contribute to sustainable development? Evidence from OECD countries
Authors: Dradra Zohra
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In this study, the author intend to investigate the impacts of renewable energy use and environmental taxation on sustainable development measured by the adjusted net savings (ANS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the quantile regression (QR) for a set of 24 Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD) countries over the period 1994–2018.

Findings

The main empirical findings of estimates show that access to renewable energy and environmental taxation generate positive and significant effects in increasing the ANS for most quantiles. Hence, they are practical tools for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Practical implications

This study has important implications for governments and policymakers of the OECD countries. Therefore, governments can use subsidies and incentives to promote the adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices. Similarly, by imposing taxes on pollution and resource use, governments can encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and practices toward more sustainable behavior.

Originality/value

This paper is based on a novel measure of sustainable development (ANS) and a novel econometric method (QR).
Predicting construction cost index using fuzzy logic and machine learning in Jordan
Authors: Al Kailani Heba , Sweis Ghaleb J. , Sammour Farouq , Maaitah Wasan Omar , Sweis Rateb J. , Alkailani Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The process of predicting construction costs and forecasting price fluctuations is a significant and challenging undertaking for project managers. This study aims to develop a construction cost index (CCI) for Jordan’s construction industry using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and predict future CCI values using traditional and machine learning (ML) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The most influential cost items were selected by conducting a literature review and confirmatory expert interviews. The cost items’ weights were calculated using FAHP to develop the CCI formula.

Findings

The results showed that the random forest model had the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.09%, followed by Extreme Gradient Boosting and K-nearest neighbours with MAPEs of 1.41% and 1.46%, respectively.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies within the use of FAHP to address the ambiguity of the impact of various cost items on CCI. The developed CCI equation and ML models are expected to significantly benefit construction managers, investors and policymakers in making informed decisions by enhancing their understanding of cost trends in the construction industry.
Physical inactivity among university students in Pakistan
Authors: Safdar Nafeesa , Ali Qamar , Zahra Aiman , Hussain Tanveer
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Physical activity is an eminent practice for the maintenance of physical and mental health. Physical fitness always enables students to perform their various tasks efficiently specifically in academic performance. Student health is a principal factor for the performance of all kinds of activities particularly in academic performance. This study aimed to evaluate physical activity among university students and the factors for being inactive.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was designed and distributed among the students via WhatsApp, Skype and email, however, some responses were collected physically to maintain the quality of data. The questionnaire was categorized into demographic factors, current physical activity status and reasons for physical inactivity. Each section was further divided into questions and total 24 questions were asked from each individual for evaluation of inactiveness.

Findings

The finding of this research explored that enormous number of students are doing part time jobs and unable to find enough time for relaxation. The research was limited and evaluated limited factors and explored that 60.6% of students had less time for entertainment and this is only 2 h for this 60.6% of students. Among all factors of physical activity walking was preferable for 48.34% of the students. Students want to participate in healthy activities. Moreover, students are unable to perform physical exercise due to busy schedules of jobs (47.02%), part-time job burden (15.89%), study burden (35.10%) and poor health conditions (1.32%).

Originality/value

This study concluded that higher percentage of students have stress of limited resources and under this stress condition they are unable to take a balanced diet which they considered cost-effective. They did not perform maximum in their academic and daily activities and did not participate in sports activities. It was also observed that institutions did not provide a sufficient platform for physical activity for students. The research shows the factors which affect the student’s academic performance as being physically inactive. Evaluation of results explored that numerous students have limited resources during their career development and their attention remain diverted to overcome their limited resources which keep them physically unfit. The findings also explored that physically inactive students have heavy study and job burden which is not overcome and analyzed by their institutions.
Linking national culture and entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ferreira Neuza C.M.Q.F. , Dinis Anabela R.L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study generates an aggregated overview of the literature on national culture and entrepreneurship (NC&E). The aim is to map the NC&E field via a systematic literature review of 130 articles published in refereed academic journals up to the end of 2022

Design/methodology/approach

Two different citation analysis methods are used: bibliographic coupling and co-citation

Findings

The results include the most influential studies, top-cited references and journals, and five major thematic clusters. The latter are (1) cultural models, frameworks and case studies; (2) social entrepreneurship, perceived barriers and entrepreneurial intentions; (3) institutions and sociocultural environments; (4) entrepreneurial orientation, cognition and networks; and (5) economic growth, entrepreneurial activity and firm performance

Originality/value

In contrast to previous NC&E literature reviews, this research employs a combination of bibliographic coupling and co-citation analysis. The findings offer a clearer understanding of the intellectual structure of this field and suggest new avenues for future investigations, including several relationship links with the resource-based view
The effects of digital platforms on customers’ satisfaction in international shipping business
Authors: Loh Hui Shan , Lee Jia Le , Gu Yimiao , Chen Helen Shanyin , Tay Huay Ling
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The introduction of digitalisation in the shipping industry has fundamentally transformed traditional business models. This necessitates an investigation of its impact on customer satisfaction. This study aims to adapt the technology acceptance model in its survey instrument design to understand and evaluate customer satisfaction of shipping lines’ digital platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Primary data were collected through an online survey designed to measure customer satisfaction in relation to the digitalisation initiatives implemented by the shipping lines. Survey respondents comprised professionals who were online platform users, particularly in the instant spot quotation process and blockchain bill of lading.

Findings

The results for both instant spot quotation process and blockchain bill of lading revealed digital trust to be the most influential determinant of customer satisfaction, followed by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. There was also a very strong correlation between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness as well as between digital trust and perceived ease of use. The managerial implications of digitalisation are also discussed.

Originality/value

The adoption of digital tools is gaining traction in the container shipping sector, and there exists a need to investigate the correlation between digitalisation and customer satisfaction. This study offers significant insights to stakeholders in the shipping industry, particularly in designing and implementing user-friendly digital platforms.
Assessing ISO 18404 standard applicability in the service sector: a qualitative study
Authors: Sony Michael , Ramadan Mariam Ali , Antony Jiju , Al Dhaheri Maha Khalifa , McDermott Olivia , Cudney Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research aims to establish the applicability of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 18404 standard to the service sector, identify any required amendments and identify the critical success factors and barriers to deploying the standard within the service sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a qualitative approach by interviewing operational excellence (OPEX) professionals who work in the service sector.

Findings

The findings indicate a significant lack of knowledge about the existence of the standard and a general scepticism regarding the applicability of the current ISO 18404 standard to the service sector.

Research limitations/implications

Limited examples of the application of ISO 18404 in organisations exist, as only a few organisations have adopted the standard. Therefore, the research focussed on the challenges and obstacles that experienced OPEX professionals perceived could be an issue.

Originality/value

The study will aid service sector organisations in understanding the standard and, subsequently, determine whether to pursue it as part of an OPEX programme. This research is the first study on the application of ISO 18404 to the service sector.
Long‐term stability of sapling dynamics is regulated by soil phosphorus availability in subtropical forest
Authors: Liang Minxia , Zheng Yi , Johnson David , Burslem David F. R. P. , Shi Liuqing , Zhang Juanjuan , Yu Shixiao , Liu Xubing
Published: January 2024

The abiotic and biotic factors that regulate stability in species‐rich forests are poorly resolved, and this limits the ability to predict how climate change and other perturbations impact forest dynamics. Phosphorus limitation and nitrogen deposition are important factors affecting the dynamics and functioning of tropical and subtropical forests, but how long‐term temporal stability of tree communities is affected by availability and heterogeneity of soil phosphorus and nitrogen remains unclear.

We collected annual dynamic data of 20,768 regenerating saplings, which were censused from 2008 to 2019 in a subtropical forest, to investigate how soil nutrients affect the temporal stability of productivity at both population and community levels.

We found that concentrations of soil inorganic phosphorus were significantly and positively correlated with sapling richness and phylogenetic diversity, leading to significantly higher species asynchrony and community temporal stability. By contrast, higher concentrations of organic phosphorus weakened community stability via a negative effect on species richness. Structural equation models provide further strong evidence that increasing concentrations of soil inorganic phosphorus strongly promoted community temporal stability via increased species diversity, species asynchrony and population stability, while organic phosphorus displayed opposite effects. Meanwhile, soil concentrations of available and unavailable forms of nitrogen showed much weaker and negative associations with community stability.

Synthesis. Using a 12‐year data set of sapling demography from a subtropical forest of south China, our study demonstrates that soil phosphorus is an important determinant of the long‐term stability of sapling dynamics and consequently the whole‐community structure, and the composition of soil phosphorus pools predicts the temporal stability and diversity of tree communities in phosphorus‐limited forests.
A novel soluble di‐iron monooxygenase from the soil bacterium Solimonas soli
Authors: Yang Sui Nin Nicholas , Haritos Victoria , Kertesz Michael A. , Coleman Nicholas V.
Published: January 2024

Soluble di‐iron monooxygenase (SDIMO) enzymes enable insertion of oxygen into diverse substrates and play significant roles in biogeochemistry, bioremediation and biocatalysis. An unusual SDIMO was detected in an earlier study in the genome of the soil organism Solimonas soli, but was not characterized. Here, we show that the S. soli SDIMO is part of a new clade, which we define as ‘Group 7’; these share a conserved gene organization with alkene monooxygenases but have only low amino acid identity. The S. soli genes (named zmoABCD) could be functionally expressed in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 but not in Escherichia coli TOP10. The recombinants made epoxides from C2C8 alkenes, preferring small linear alkenes (e.g. propene), but also epoxidating branched, carboxylated and chlorinated substrates. Enzymatic epoxidation of acrylic acid was observed for the first time. ZmoABCD oxidised the organochlorine pollutants vinyl chloride (VC) and cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cDCE), with the release of inorganic chloride from VC but not cDCE. The original host bacterium S. soli could not grow on any alkenes tested but grew well on phenol and n‐octane. Further work is needed to link ZmoABCD and the other Group 7 SDIMOs to specific physiological and ecological roles.
Long‐term efficacy of idebenone in patients with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy according to age at symptom onset and disease phase: Results from the LEROS study
Authors: Llòria Xavier , Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick , Carelli Valerio , Tomasso Livia , Klopstock Thomas
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial disease resulting in bilateral vision loss. Childhood‐onset LHON has a relatively good prognosis, suggesting that age influences disease progression and, potentially, treatment response. In LEROS, a Phase IV, open‐label interventional study (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02774005), visual acuity (VA) outcomes following 24 months of idebenone treatment (IDE) were compared to those of an external Natural History (NH) cohort.

Methods: LEROS included patients aged ≥12 years with a disease onset ≤5 years prior. Data from 181 patients were compared to retrospective data from a NH cohort (N = 372), matched by time since symptom onset. Here, we compare clinically relevant recovery (CRR) and clinically relevant worsening (CRW) from baseline to Month 24 in IDE eyes versus NH eyes, stratified by time since symptom onset at baseline: subacute/dynamic (≤1 year) and chronic (>1 year) phase, and by age at symptom onset (<18 years, ≥18 years).

Results: In patients aged <18 years, VA outcomes were observed, in IDE versus NH eyes, as follows: CRR: subacute/dynamic 31.8% (7/22) vs 59.1% (13/22), p = 0.048; chronic 31.3% (5/16) vs 21.6% (8/37), p = 0.241; CRW: subacute/dynamic 26.3% (5/19) vs 21.4% (3/14), p = 0.558; chronic 8.3% (1/12) vs 19.2% (5/26), p = 0.078. In patients aged ≥18 years, the following VA outcomes were observed: CRR: subacute/dynamic 51.5% (51/99) vs 22.6% (12/53), p = 0.001; chronic 32.0% (32/100) vs 12.5% (7/56), p < 0.001; CRW: subacute/dynamic 25.7% (19/74) vs 62.9% (22/35), p < 0.001; chronic 1.8% (1/56) vs 20.6% (7/34), p = 0.003.

Conclusions: Idebenone improved the ratio of positive to negative VA outcomes. Treatment benefit was particularly pronounced in patients ≥18 years at onset, with only non‐significant positive trends observed in chronic patients <18 years. Results in subacute/dynamic patients aged <18 years were limited by an unusually high recovery rate in the NH cohort, warranting further study.
Risk factors associated with visual performance of enhanced monofocal intraocular lens
Authors: Kim Da Ran
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To investigate the ocular parameters that affect visual acuity and quality with an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 and Tecnis Eyhance Toric DIU).

Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery with ICB00 or DIU by a single surgeon were included. Prior to surgery, the patients' age, gender, axial length, anterior chamber depth, spherical aberration Z (4,0), vertical coma, horizontal coma, angle κ, angle α and other ocular parameters were investigated. At 1 month after surgery, uncorrected near (40 cm, UNVA), intermediate (66 cm, UIVA) and distance logMAR visual acuity (UDVA), IOL decentration amount and a quality of visual acuity (QoV) questionnaire were conducted.

Results: A total of 43 patients with 58 eyes were enrolled in this study. The results of univariate linear regression analyses showed a negative correlation between spherical aberration and logMAR UNVA and UIVA (p = 0.003, β = −0.51 and p = 0.018, β = −0.23, respectively), and a positive correlation between angle α and logMAR UIVA (p = 0.036, β = 0.19). Deeper anterior chamber depth was associated with poorer total QoV (p = 0.018, β = 14.43), particularly in the glare, halo, blurred and fluctuation perception. A higher amount of IOL decenteration showed a tendency to decrease UNVA and UIVA (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.336, r = 0.221), but there was no significant effect on UDVA (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.042).

Conclusions: In enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses, a higher level of spherical aberration is associated with better performance in near and intermediate visual acuity, while a larger angle α has a negative impact. A deeper anterior chamber depth negatively effects on the quality of visual acuity. Moreover, as the amount of IOL decentration increases, there is a tendency for a decrease in near and intermediate visual acuity.

References

1. Xu J, Lin P, Zhang S, Lu Y, Zheng T. Risk Factors Associated with Intraocular Lens Decentration After Cataract Surgery. Am J Ophthalmol. 2022 Oct;242:88–95.

2. Schmid R, Luedtke H, Borkenstein AF. Effect of decentration and tilt on four novel extended range of vision intraocular lenses regarding far distance. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2022 Sep 26:11206721221128864.
Proteomic changes in age‐related cataract and post‐vitrectomy cataract
Authors: Karakosta Christina , Samiotaki Martina , Bisoukis Anastasios , Papakonstantinou Dimitrios , Moschos Marilita
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To present distinct signalling pathways involved in the development of age‐related cataract (ARC) and post‐vitrectomy cataract (PVC).

Methods: Three sample groups, for example, the aqueous humour, the anterior capsule and the content of the phaco cassette, were collected during cataract surgery. The samples were collected from 12 patients without diabetes mellitus (DM), older than 75 years old, and from 7 patient patients without DM, who had undergone vitrectomy for retinal detachment in the past 12 months. The samples were prepared based on Sp3 protocol (single‐pot, solid‐phase‐enhanced, sample‐preparation). The recognition and quantification of proteins was performed with liquid chromatography online with tandem mass spectrometry. Data analysis was performed using the DIA‐NN software for identification and quantification of peptides and proteins. Perseus software was used for statistical analysis and data visualization.

Results: Wnt signalling pathway and oxidation–reduction pathway were significantly upregulated in the content of the phaco cassette samples of ARC, while proteasome complex and complement/coagulation cascades pathways were upregulated in those of PVC. Regulation of complement pathway was significantly upregulated in all three samples of PVC. Lipid/fatty acid oxidation and response to hydrogen peroxide pathways were upregulated in anterior capsule samples of PVC.

Conclusions: Comparisons between the three sample types of ARC and PVC, revealed proteomic profiles and deregulated pathways, that clarify the pathophysiology of those types of cataract. These data sets may allow the identification of specific proteins as druggable targets against cataract.
SR1375: Phase 1 results of a novel, orally administered lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 inhibitor targeting diabetic macular oedema
Authors: Hu Yanan , Gong Xuechun , Ma Shiping , Bai Ruxing , Wang Pan , Li Hong , Wu Mingyue , Li Yang , Wang Fei , Li Shuai , Wu Kai
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) activity have been linked to a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy and inhibiting Lp‐PLA2 activity showed improvement in vision and macular oedema for patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME). SR1375 is an orally available, selective inhibitor of Lp‐PLA2 that shows significant retinal vascular leakage reduction in preclinical studies, and is being developed for DME. A phase 1, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study is conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of SR1375 in healthy subjects.

Methods: A total of 72 healthy subjects were enrolled, with 54 had received SR1375. 48 subjects were in the single ascending dose arms (1, 3, 10, 30, 100 and 200 mg) while 24 subjects were in the multiple ascending dose arms (5, 15 and 50 mg once daily for 14 days).

Results: SR1375 was safe and well tolerated across all doses. It had excellent oral absorption with the exposure level increasing in an approximately dose proportional manner after single and multiple doses. The elimination of SR1375 was slow with a long t1/2 ranging from 28.8 to 90.0 h. The accumulation of SR1375 was not significant after multiple administrations. The plasma inhibition on Lp‐PLA2 activity by SR1375 was strong (up to 95%) and enduring, which was correlated with the concentration of SR1375 (IC50 as 1.41 ng/mL) and almost returned to basal level when the concentration of SR1375 was low enough.

Conclusions: SR1375 was safe and effective in inhibiting plasma Lp‐PLA2. The safety and PK/PD profile supports the once daily therapy. A Phase 2 study for DME patients is planned later this year. It would be a 12‐week randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled trial. The primary objective is to assess the effect of SR1375 on vision and oedema.
Ganglion cell loss in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Gawęcki Maciej , Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the amount of deficit of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and individual retinal layers, including ganglion cells, in different types of CSCR and with the reference to its duration.

Methods: The retrospective analysis included 69 eyes of patients with resolved CSCR managed in Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmological Clinic between 01.01.2019 and 30.06.2022. The diagnosis of CSCR was based on the criteria outlined by the Central Serous Chorioretinopathy International Group. The analysis included data obtained from medical history, BCVA testing, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) measurements, with specific thickness values for individual retinal layers. The results were compared among affected eyes, unaffected fellow eyes and healthy controls.

Results: BCVA values were significantly lower in acute (0.08 ± 0.12 logMAR) and chronic (0.26 ± 0.19 logMAR) versus controls (0.0 logMAR). The thickness of all retinal layers (central subfoveal thickness, CST; inner retina with ganglion cell complex, GC; outer retina, ORT; and photoreceptor outer segments, POS) and macular volume (MV) were significantly decreased in chronic eyes versus controls (p < 0.01). Acute eyes had significant thinning of the outer retina and POS only compared to control eyes (p < 0.01). The amount of deficit in CST, ORT, GC and MV was strongly correlated with poorer BCVA (p < 0.001), and the deficit of CST, ORT and GC was correlated with disease duration (p < 0.05). The subfoveal choroidal thickness was significantly greater in affected and fellow eyes versus controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Damage to the outer retina and photoreceptors occurs early in the course of CSCR, with a deficit in ganglion cells noted adjunctively in chronic forms of the disease. Further studies are required to precisely determine correlation between visual loss in CSCR and deficits in individual retinal layers.
Discrepancies in central foveal intensity with different autofluorescence modalities in CNGB3‐associated achromatopsia and correlation with integrity of ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography
Authors: Akhtar Haseeb , Lam Jeffrey , Arno Gavin , Webster Andrew R. , Michaelides Michel , Mahroo Omar
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Autofluorescence (AF) imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) aid assessment of retinal disease. We compared relative central foveal signal intensity obtained with two AF platforms in patients with CNGB3‐associated achromatopsia, identifying cases with apparent discrepancy between the two modalities. We then explored whether such discrepancies associated with ellipsoid zone (EZ) features on OCT.

Methods: Patients with CNGB3‐associated disease were identified from the genetic database of a large referral centre. Those who had undergone blue (488 nm) AF (Heidelberg Spectralis) and green (532 nm) AF (Optos plc) imaging during the same visit were included. The central foveal signal was graded qualitatively in as brighter or darker compared to the wider macular region. OCT images from the same visit were also graded as to whether there the EZ line was continuous centrally. This grading was performed blinded to the AF grading.

Results: Forty‐four patients (24 females) were included. Mean (SD) age was 32 (18) years. Each patient had the same AF grading for both eyes with each modality. For blue AF images, the central foveal signal was darker in all cases; for green AF images, the central fovea was darker in most, but brighter in 12 patients (4 females). Mean (SD) age of this group was 23 (13) years, whilst mean (SD) age of the other patients was 36 (19) years. Patients showing discrepancy were significantly younger (p = 0.028). The central EZ line was gradable in 43 patients: it was interrupted in 33% (n = 14) of right and 33% (n = 14) of left eyes. All patients in whom AF discrepancy was seen had a continuous EZ line centrally.

Conclusions: Discrepancy was observed between the two AF modalities in 27% of patients, where the central fovea appeared hyperfluorescent in green, but not in blue, AF images. These patients were significantly younger, and all had a continuous EZ line centrally. The findings further define structural alterations in achromatopsia.
Changes in macular sensitivity in long‐term type 1 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy after 5 years of follow‐up
Authors: Fernández‐Espinosa Guisela , Orduna‐Hospital Elvira , Sopeña‐Pinilla María , Bielsa‐Alonso Sofía , Arias‐Álvarez Marta , Tomás‐Grasa Cristina , Boned‐Murillo Ana , Díaz‐Barreda María Dolores , Acha‐Pérez Javier , Pinilla Isabel
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To compare macular sensitivity measured with microperimetry in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) without signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) after 5 years of follow‐up.

Methods: Twenty‐six eyes from 26 long‐term DM1 patients without DR signs were included. All participants underwent a complete ophthalmic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, fundoscopy, axial length and microperimetry examination using macular integrity assessment (MAIA) microperimeter (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). The data wERE compared with the macular sensitivity results obtained 5 years ago. Nonparametric tests were used for the comparison (Mann–Whitney U test).

Results: The mean age of the DM1 patients was 43.04 ± 11.03 years and their disease evolution time was 29.69 ± 9.25 years with good glycaemic control (HbA1c = 7.47 ± 0.84%). Regarding sex distribution, 11 eyes were from women (42.3%) and 15 were from men (57.7%). The DM1 patients did not show statistically significant changes in macular sensitivity in any of the macular rings between 2018 and 2023 with p > 0.05. Central macular sensitivity had no significant changes with p = 0.378, and a mean of 27.38 ± 2.55 dB in 2018 versus a mean of 27.77 ± 2.46 dB in 2023. Macular integrity, fixation stability P1 and fixation stability P2 remained unchanged, p = 0.292, p = 0.861 and p = 0.529, respectively, showing no decrease in retinal sensitivity.

Conclusions: Long term DM1 patients with no DR lesions show no changes in macular sensitivity after 5 years of follow‐up.
Inflammation status after retinal detachment could be modulate by TP53 gene
Authors: Galindo‐Cabello Nadia , Pérez‐Prieto Paula , Fernández‐Fernández Julio , López‐García Antonio , García‐Vázquez Carmen , Rodríguez‐Cabello José , Lapresa Rebeca , Almeida Angeles , Pastor‐Idoate Salvador , Usategui‐Martin Ricardo
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: The TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism has been linked to the risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and may alter the functional prognosis of individuals with retinal detachment (RD). The current study aims to determine the effect of the TP53 Arg72Pro variant on inflammation and apoptosis following RD.

Methods: Sixty patients undergoing RD surgery were included in the study. Using the PCR‐RFLP method, the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism was identified in peripheral blood. A RD model was also performed in humanized TP53 Arg72Pro KI mice. In human and animal retinal tissues, mRNA expression for genes involved in inflammation and apoptosis were examined using comparative quantitative PCR (qPCR). Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the presence of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the mouse retina. For statistical analysis, the SPSS v15 program was employed.

Results: After RD, mice with the proline mutation exhibited increased expression of the inflammatory genes TGFB1, IL1 and IL6. Additionally, after RD, the immunoexpression of retinal GFAP was also raised in the Pro variant. Carriers of the Arg/Arg mutation displayed an increase in the relative mRNA expression of the BAX and CASP3 intrinsic apoptotic genes in retinal tissue after RD in patients and mice model.

Conclusions: The human TP53 Arg72Pro genetic variant has been linked to inflammation and retinal cellular death after RD, suggesting that it could be a genetic biomarker for RD prognosis.

Funded: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Spain Government) (PID2020‐114585RA‐I00).
Are there any differences in the retina and optic nerve anatomies in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: López Carmen Miquel , Hernández Antonio Eusebio López , García‐Ayuso Diego , Medina José Javier García , Vellosillo Monica Del Río , Abellán Maria Victoria Navarro , de los Reyes Retamero Sánchez María , Matallana Maravillas De Paco
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To compare different macular, peripapillary and papillary parameters between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and normotypical subjects.

Methods: In this observational, prospective, case–control study a group of 50 subjects with ADHD were compared with a group of 50 normotypical subjects (controls). Both groups underwent a complete ophthalmological study and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements including thickness of the entire retina, inner and outer layers thickness at the macula using 1–3‐6 mm Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid, peripapillary nerve fibre layer (pRFNL) thickness and Bruch's membrane opening‐minimum rim width (BMO‐MRW) parameters. Both eyes, the right and the left one, were compared independently between both groups.

Results: When analysing the macula, it was seen a diffuse thinning of complete retina, inner retina and outer retina presenting symmetrical thinning patterns in both eyes in ADHD. The thickness of all pRNFL sectors were also significantly reduced in both eyes in ADHD in all the quadrants. However, BMO‐MRW parameters did not show any differences in any eye between both groups.

Conclusions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with a diffuse thinning of the entire retina, inner retina and outer retina, furthermore pRNFL was also significantly reduced in both eyes.
Comparative analysis of the quality of life among different retinal diseases
Authors: Darriba David Blanco , Fernandez‐Vigo Jose Ignacio , Burgos‐Blasco Barbara , Amor Patricia Robles , Marzo Elena Montolío , Ávila Haizea Haizea Etxabe
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: To assess the difference and repercussions on the quality of life (QoL) among different retinal diseases such as diabetic macular oedema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), pathologic myopia (PM), neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was carried out in 241 patients, affected by DME (n = 44), RVO (n = 41), PM (n = 34) and nAMD (n = 85) receiving intravitreal injections due to the presence of macular oedema or choroidal neovascularization. The CSC patients included (n = 37) were those with persistent subretinal fluid candidates for laser treatment. The patients included completed the National Eye Visual Functioning Questioning‐25 (NEI VFQ‐25). Best eye visual acuity (BEVA) was recorded through the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) scale.

Results: There were significant differences between subgroups for all the domains, except for the general vision in which all scores among diseases ranged from 40.7 to 45.2 out of 100 (p = 0.436), despite the difference in the mean BEVA (CSC: 86.3 ± 11.9; RVO: 78.5 ± 15.5, DME: 73.3 ± 15.2, nAMD: 72.9 ± 12.6 and PM: 68.5 ± 18.1 letters respectively; p < 0.001). The lowest VFQ‐25 total score was observed in the PM patients (52.1 ± 20.9), followed by nAMD (55.3 ± 20.8), RVO (65.0 ± 22.3), DME (68.6 ± 21.0) and CSC (70.9 ± 16.2). The DME group reported the worst score for general health (38.9 ± 21.4), having the CSC patients the highest general health score. Mental health and role difficulties were lowest for PM (48.2 ± 28.8 and 48.2 ± 31.9, p < 0.007).

Conclusions: This study reveals the differences in the QoL among the main retinal diseases such as DME, RVO, nAMD, PM and CSC, describing the different repercussions that they can suffer, observing higher impact in PM and nAMD.

Keywords: quality of life; NEI VFQ‐25; age‐related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; central serous chorioretinopathy; high myopia; retinal vein occlusion.
The inflammatory potential of diet is associated with the risk of age‐related eye diseases
Authors: Vergroesen Joëlle , Thee Eric , de Crom Tosca , Jong Jessica Kiefte‐de , Voortman Trudy , Klaver Caroline , Ramdas Wishal
Published: January 2024

Aims/Purpose: Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of cataract, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and possibly open‐angle glaucoma (OAG). We assessed whether the inflammatory potential of diet (quantified using the dietary inflammatory index; DII) affects the incidence of these eye diseases. Serum inflammation markers were investigated as possible mediators.

Methods: Participants aged >45 years were derived from the Rotterdam Study. From 1991 onwards, every 4–5 years, participants underwent extensive eye examinations. At baseline, blood samples and dietary data were collected. The DII was adapted (aDII) based on data availability. Of the 7436 participants free of eye diseases at baseline, 4036 developed incident eye diseases over time (cataract = 2895, early‐intermediate AMD = 891, late AMD = 81, OAG = 169).

Results: A higher aDII was significantly associated with increased inflammation. A higher neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with an increased risk of cataract and AMD. Additionally, complement component 3c (C3c) and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) were associated with increased risks of cataract and late AMD, respectively. Every point increase in the aDII was associated with a 9% increased risk of cataract (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.09 [1.04–1.14]). The NLR and C3c partly mediated this association. We also identified associations of the aDII with risk of AMD (early‐intermediate AMD, OR [95% CI]: 1.11 [1.03–1.19]; late AMD, OR [95% CI]: 1.24 [1.02–1.53]). The NLR partly mediated these associations. The aDII was not associated with OAG.

Conclusions: We observed an unfavourable association between the aDII and cataract. More importantly, we found an association between the aDII and risk of AMD. Especially the NLR, a marker of subclinical inflammation, seems to be involved. These findings are relevant for patients with AMD and substantiate the current recommendations to strive for a healthy lifestyle to prevent blindness.