bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of optical coherence tomography biomarkers in predicting the outcome of epiretinal membrane removal surgery
Authors: Georgiadis Odysseas
Published: January 2024

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common condition that can cause visual impairment. ERM removal surgery is an effective treatment option, but predicting postoperative visual outcomes is challenging. Imaging modalities, particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT), have emerged as valuable tools for preoperative evaluation and predicting surgical outcomes. This presentation focuses on the role of preoperative OCT biomarkers in estimating postoperative vision improvement after ERM removal surgery. Such biomarkers include the disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), the presence of ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL), the cotton ball sign, the cone outer segment tips (COST) line, the photoreceptor outer segment (PROS) length, the inner retina irregularity index, and the presence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

DRIL refers to the abnormal appearance of the inner retinal layers on OCT, and has been found to be associated with poorer postoperative visual outcomes in ERM removal surgery. Significant EIFL has also been associated with poorer visual outcomes after surgery. The cotton ball sign, which appears as a hyper‐reflective area in the inner nuclear layer, has been found to be associated with increased difficulty in ERM removal and poorer visual outcomes. These biomarkers suggest that a greater degree of retinal disorganization and irregularity may lead to more challenging surgeries and poorer visual outcomes.

In contrast, the presence of intact COST line and normal PROS length have been associated with better visual function. PVD, which represents separation of the vitreous from the retina, has been shown to be associated with less surgical trauma and better postoperative outcomes. The inner retina irregularity index, which measures the extent of disorganization of the inner retinal layers, has also been found to correlate with the changes in metamorphopsia and quality of vision after surgery.

These biomarkers have the potential to improve the accuracy of preoperative evaluation and prediction of surgical outcomes in ERM removal surgery. By identifying patients with a greater degree of retinal disorganization and irregularity, we can anticipate more challenging surgeries and poorer visual outcomes. Conversely, patients with minimal COST line defects, normal PROS length and full PVD may have better postoperative visual outcomes.

In summary, preoperative OCT findings can help predict postoperative visual outcomes in ERM removal surgery. The use of imaging modalities and specific biomarkers can provide useful insight in management decisions, case selection, and timing of surgery.
Cataract surgery in AMD patients
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej
Published: January 2024

Cataract and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) are leading causes of visual loss and they occur in the similar age group, thus co‐existence of both diseases is real clinical problem and challenge. Theoretical mechanisms considered to be involved in possible relations between cataract surgery and AMD progression include blue light toxicity and the role of post‐operative inflammation. None of these mechanisms was found to play a role in clinical conditions. Some earlier a recent population‐based studies reported an increased risk of late AMD after cataract surgery; however, this was not confirmed by recent cross‐sectional studies (clinical‐based) from South Korea and Australia. Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses reported a moderate quality of evidence to suggest that VA was better by approximately 7 letters in eyes with AMD that underwent cataract surgery vs. eyes with AMD that did not undergo cataract surgery for up to 12 months after surgery and the same quality of evidence did not find an increased risk of progression to exudative AMD for at least 12 months after surgery. The risks and possible advantages of cataract surgery in visual rehabilitation of wet and dry AMD patients will be discussed.
Systems biology approaches to understand gene specification networks in the zebrafish retina
Authors: Buono Lorena , Letelier Joaquín , Macho‐Rendon Javier , Almuedo‐Castillo María , Zang Jingjing , Mounieres Constanza , González‐Díaz Sergio , Polvillo Rocío , Sanabria‐Reinoso Estefanía , Corbacho Jorge , Sousa‐Ortega Ana , Neuhauss Stephan C. F. , Martínez‐Morales Juan R.
Published: January 2024

The ontogeny of the vertebrate retina has been a topic of interest to developmental biologists and human geneticists for many decades. Understanding the unfolding of the genetic program that transforms a field of progenitors' cells into a functionally complex and multi‐layered sensory organ is a formidable challenge. Although classical genetic studies succeeded in identifying the key regulators of retina specification, we are far from understanding the architecture of their gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and thus from predicting their behaviour. A goal in our group during the last years has been to analyse the bifurcation of the GRNs specifying the neural retina and RPE domains, as cells in these two compartments acquire their distinct shape; within a few hours window in zebrafish. We have characterized transcriptome dynamics and chromatin accessibility in segregating NR/RPE populations in zebrafish to identify active cis‐regulatory modules and enriched TF motives within them (Buono et al Nat com 2021). We have shown extensive network redundancy and context‐dependent activity for the core TFs within each domain. In line with this finding, we have shown that the simultaneous mutation of the key specifiers vsx1 and vsx2 by CRISPR/Cas9, which results in severe visual impairment and bipolar cells depletion, does not interfere with neural retina specification. We concluded that although important cis‐regulatory remodelling (ATAC‐seq) occurs in vsxKO retinas during early specification, this has little impact at a transcriptomic level (RNA‐seq). Our observations point to genetic redundancy as an important mechanism sustaining the integrity of the retinal specification network (Letelier & Buono et al Biorxiv 2022). We are currently complementing previous efforts by applying single‐cell methods to the analysis of neural retina and RPE networks. We have generated transcriptome and epigenome (chromium 10x multiome scRNAseq + scATACseq) datasets in zebrafish to obtain predictive information for the identification of novel genes and cis‐regulatory elements involved in the specification of retinal domains. These datasets are a valuable resource to reconstruct the final architecture of the retinal GRNs.
New methods for detection of early loss of rapid flicker, spatial vision, and chromatic sensitivity in glaucoma
Authors: Hafeez Aiman , Barbur John L. , Ctori Irene , Binns Alison , Wong Sui , Lim Sheng
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To examine whether ocular hypertension and early glaucoma cause measurable changes in spatial vision, rapid flicker sensitivity and red/green and yellow/blue colour vision.

Methods: We examined subjects aged 40 to 78 years with ocular hypertension (OHT), primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and age matched controls. Monocular best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was tested using EDTRS charts.VA and Functional Contrast Sensitivity (FCS) with Landolt ring stimuli of both positive and negative contrast were also measured monocularly with the Acuity‐Plus test. Red/green (RG) and yellow/blue (YB) colour thresholds were measured with the Colour Assessment and Diagnostics (CAD) test. Photopic (cone‐enhanced) and mesopic (rod‐enhanced) rapid flicker thresholds were measured at the fovea (0°) and at an eccentricity of 5° in each of the four quadrants using the Flicker‐Plus test. All subjects had their visual fields measured using the Humphrey visual field analyser (24–2 SITA standard protocol). Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFLT) and macular retinal layer thicknesses were measured using the Heidelberg Spectralis OCT.

Results: The mean, logMAR BCVA for OHT patients was 0.00 and for POAG and NTG patients was −0.10 and 0.10, respectively. For control participants, mean logMAR BCVA was 0.00. Mean pRNFL thickness was significantly reduced for glaucoma patients (59.5 ± 7.7 μm) as compared to control subjects (94.6 ± 5.13 μm) and OHT patients (115.5 ± 3.5 μm). POAG and NTG patients showed significantly higher colour thresholds (mean red/green threshold 4.97, blue/yellow 5.28 CAD units) compared to control subjects (mean red/green threshold 2.07, blue/yellow 1.62 CAD units). One OHT patient showed acquired loss of blue/yellow colour vision (3.23 CAD units), with normal VA. The Acuity‐Plus test which employs briefly presented stimuli, also revealed significant loss of VA (3.78 and 3.64 min of arc) and FCS (141.32% and 100%) in an NTG patient, with results outside normal limits for both positive and negative contrast, respectively. Central FCS was higher and outside the normal age limits for POAG patients (73.41% and 89.27%) as compared to age matched controls (61.27% and 33.63%). OHT patients, on the other hand, produced FCS thresholds within normal limits. Flicker modulation thresholds were higher for both rod and cone enhanced stimulus conditions in glaucoma and OHT patients, when compared to control subjects.

Conclusion: The results reveal non‐uniform, losses that can affect selectively each of the visual attributes examined in this study. These preliminary findings suggest that in addition to VA and FCS tests, colour vision and rapid flicker sensitivity should also be examined in patients with optic nerve pathologies like glaucoma.
Cost‐effectiveness simulation of AI screening for DR in Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Ryo , Akune Yoko , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Yamada Masakazu
Published: January 2024

Aims: We investigated the efficacy of AI‐based screenings in preventing blindness, specifically assessing cost‐effectiveness when two further detection opportunities are incorporated: “DR screening during national health checkups” and “DR screening during diabetes clinic visits at a physician's office”, or a combination of the two. We also examined potential additional costs associated with AI screening under various conditions.

Methods: We employed a Markov Model in this simulation study. We constructed the modelling of diabetes detection, treatment, and retinopathy treatment based on transition probabilities derived from epidemiological and clinical studies. These covered incidence and progression rates of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy, treatment options and their efficacy, and visual prognosis. The age range for the model was set at 40–90 years with a 1‐year cycle, assuming a population of 500 000 individuals with a discount rate of 2%. Simulations were conducted using TreeAge. Costs were calculated using the direct costs of general health examinations and insurance treatments. We assumed diabetic retinopathy would result in a consistent visual acuity following detection, progression, and treatment, providing utility values based on the severity of DR.

Results: DR screening via AI in health check‐up programs proved not to be cost‐effective, as it led to a 0.9% increase in cumulative blindness and the ICERs were dominated. The addition of an annual AI screening at physicians' clinics, with referrals to ophthalmology based on the results, resulted in an ICER of 8192751JPY/QALY, which was not cost‐effective. However, assuming that 75% of patients received AI screening during medical examinations and that 75% of these underwent ophthalmological examinations per the results, AI screening proved to be dominant and cost‐effective, reducing the cumulative number of blindness by 2.8%.

Conclusions: Even though automated AI diagnosis of DR is becoming a reality, our findings suggest that merely introducing AI screening in health checkups and physicians' clinics in Japan will not be cost‐effective. However, cost‐effectiveness can be improved by increasing the rate of screening and the follow‐up rate of ophthalmological examinations. If this is achieved, there might also be a possibility of incurring additional costs due to AI screening. Our study underlines the importance of a seamless link from diabetes detection to ophthalmologic care for successful DR screening with AI systems.
IOL calculation in standard situation
Authors: Eppig Timo
Published: January 2024

IOL calculation in cataract surgery is a highly standardized process assisted by various diagnostic devices and computerized formulas. There are still some uncertainties regarding preoperative measurements and the postoperative effective lens position resulting in unforeseeable refractive errors. We will discuss the procedures and pitfalls in standard situation intraocular lens calculation, including the differences in diagnostic equipment used for IOL calculation and the precautions when using standard IOL formulae. We will also discuss the major differences of IOL calculation formulas, including empirical formulas, formular based on gaussian optics, ray tracing, and new approaches based on machine learning/artificial intelligence.
Chromatic swept‐source corneal confocal microscopy ‐ A breakthrough innovation?
Authors: Sperlich Karsten , Bohn Sebastian , Stolz Heinrich , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Stachs Oliver
Published: January 2024

Methods for visual or quantitative exploration of the cellular morphology of the cornea based on inherent three‐dimensional features open up completely new diagnostic possibilities. However, previous approaches to confocal microscopy of the cornea using mechanical 3D scanning strategies are slow and thus only partially suitable for in vivo investigations. Addressing these shortcomings, the idea of developing a novel confocal microscopic technique for three‐dimensional in vivo imaging of the cellular morphology of the cornea is aimed. By exploiting induced chromatic aberration using a swept‐source laser in conjunction with a specifically designed high‐dispersion optic, an extremely fast method for focal positioning in the tissue shall be developed. Utilizing a dedicated laser line scanning, will enable the display of sectional images in real time. These are comparable to slit lamp images, but with cellular resolution. Furthermore, with an x–y scanning protocol, corneal volumes can be acquired in less than 1 s. The project thus paves the way for cellular 3D slit‐lamp microscopy and, in perspective, provides ophthalmologists with further methods for dedicated diagnostics of ocular surface diseases. This paper summarizes the concept of this novel approach.
Update on the range of visual electrophysiology tests and heir application with clinical examples
Authors: Robson Anthony G.
Published: January 2024

The International Society for clinical electrophysiology of vision (ISCEV) publishes open‐access standards and guidelines for routine electrophysiological tests of the visual system in order to optimize diagnostic value, to promote consistency and to allow meaningful inter‐laboratory comparisons. The ISCEV also publishes extended protocols with the aim of promoting convergence of methods that are not yet standardized, for tests that are widely used but often performed as an addition to the minimum ISCEV standard procedures (see www.ISCEV.org for all publications).

This talk will outline the main ISCEV standard methods including the full‐field electroretinogram (ERG), pattern ERG (PERG) and multifocal ERG (mfERG). Several extended full‐field ERG protocols will also be highlighted, including the dark‐adapted (DA) red flash ERG, photopic On–Off ERG and S‐cone ERG. The use of these methods in the clinic will be illustrated in cases of inherited and acquired retinal disorders, to show how the extended protocols complement standard techniques, to aid diagnosis and patient management and to probe and detail retinal function phenotypes.

The Standard full‐field ERG is recorded under dark‐adapted (DA) and light‐adapted (LA) conditions and provides a measure of generalized rod and cone system function at the level of the outer and inner retina, with minimal contribution from the macula. The mfERG assesses cone system function across the posterior pole and the PERG assesses macular and macular retinal ganglion cell function.

The DA red flash ERG is an extended protocol that provides a measure of generalized dark‐adapted retinal function, with the advantage of having both a cone system x‐wave and a rod system b‐wave within the same waveform. This enables the relative involvement of rod and cone systems to be assessed simultaneously and can help determine the origins of severely attenuated standard DA strong flash ERGs. The DA red flash ERG is also useful for assessing cone system function in photophobic patients, and in patients with variable ability to comply with longer ERG protocols. The photopic On–Off ERG is a response to an extended light stimulus (duration 150 or 200 ms) and is used to assess generalized cone system function of both the On and Off retinal pathways, useful when there is a locus of dysfunction that is post‐phototransduction or post‐receptoral, when On and Off retinal systems may be similarly, selectively or specifically affected e.g., in different forms of congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) or in forms of toxic retinopathy. The S‐cone ERG (short‐wavelength or “blue” flash ERG) is used to probe the function of the S‐cone retinal pathway, and can aid diagnosis and characterization in a variety of retinal dystrophies and disorders e.g., distinguishing between achromatopsia and S‐cone monochromacy.
In vivo corneal confocal microscopy: Technical innovations and frontier applications
Authors: Stachs Oliver
Published: January 2024

At present, the only commercially available system for in vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy enables unique insights into the corneal morphology, especially corneal nerves. Unfortunately—technology, user‐friendliness and image analysis of the standard platform has remained at the level of 15 years ago. This contribution presents cutting edge insights into new developments based on research within our German Research Foundation supported interdisciplinary research network. This covers a wide range of new developments addressing usability, large field as well as 3D imaging, dedicated contact cap designs, elastic image registration and AI based tissue classification. Furthermore, cutting edge technologies offer 4D imaging to perform dynamic investigations and multiwavelength as well as OCT‐guided Corneal Confocal Microscopy. Finally, key aspects demonstrating the potential of the technique for static and dynamic corneal nerves analysis will be presented.
Higher end‐of‐treatment HBsAg levels is associated with later onset but not severe relapse in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients stopping antivirals
Authors: Liu Yen‐Chun , Jeng Wen‐Juei , Peng Chien‐Wei , Chien Rong‐Nan , Liaw Yun‐Fan
Published: January 2024

Background

Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) level at end‐of‐treatment (EOT) predict clinical relapse (CR) after nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nuc) in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients. It is unclear if higher EOT qHBsAg leads to earlier onset or more severe off‐Nuc CR.

Aim

This large cohort study investigates the association between EOT qHBsAg and CR onset/severity.

Methods

This study enrolled HBeAg‐negative CHB patients who had achieved undetectable HBV DNA for over 1 year after receiving Nuc therapy before discontinuation. The EOT qHBsAg level was categorised into three groups: <100, 100–999, ≥1000 IU/mL. The study assessed the predictability of qHBsAg levels for CR, and analysed and compared the incidence, time to onset and severity of CR among these three groups.

Results

Patients with higher EOT qHBsAg showed a higher incidence of CR (≥1000, 100–999, <100 IU/mL: 73%, 65%, and 38%, p < 0.01) but a later onset of CR (median time to CR: 35, 33 and 27 weeks, p < 0.01). The predictabilities of EOT qHBsAg for CR were greater in patients aged <50‐year‐old or with genotype C than in those aged ≥50‐year‐old or with genotype B. There's no correlation between EOT qHBsAg level and ALT folds at CR (Pearson correlation coefficient: r = −0.03, p = 0.35). EOT qHBsAg was neither a predictor for severe hepatitis flare nor a predictor for hepatic decompensation.

Conclusions

Predictability using EOT qHBsAg levels for CR differed in subgroups of age and genotypes. Higher EOT qHBsAg levels correlate with higher incidence but later onset of CR. No correlation between EOT qHBsAg and relapse severity was observed.
Shared decision‐making and social science: A patient perspective
Authors: Ostroff Cheri
Published: January 2024

Shared decision making (SDM) between doctors and patients has been deemed important when providing care. Yet, it can be difficult to achieve. Specific examples from a patient perspective are integrated with the social science literature to provide an overview of components of SDM including the role of fit, trust, information asymmetry, cognitive decision frames and balancing medical and patient outcomes. Consideration of these issues should facilitate higher quality SDM conversations.
Making depositors greedy and careless: Government safety nets and the degradation of depositor discipline
Authors: Phung Giang , Troege Michael
Published: January 2024

In emerging countries, deposits play an important role in banks' total funding; hence, depositor discipline may significantly impact banking performance and financial system stability. This paper investigates depositor discipline before and after Vietnam's 2008–2011 banking crisis when depositors had little experience regarding bank bailouts and the amount of deposit insurance was limited to a low cap. The study points out that before the crisis, the level of deposit financing in banks depended on both the interest rates offered and on measures of banks' risk‐taking. After the crisis, given that the Vietnamese government prevented all bank failures to ensure economic, political, and social stability, depositors still react to interest rate changes, but substantially less to risk. This suggests that they have learned that their deposits are safe regardless of the risk the bank is taking.
BCC and Immunocryosurgery scar differentiation through computational resolution‐enhanced OCT images and skin optical attenuation: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Pavlou Eleftherios , Gaitanis Georgios , Bassukas Ioannis D. , Kourkoumelis Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Monitoring medical therapy remains a challenging task across all non‐surgical skin cancer treatment modalities. In addition, confirmation of residual tumours after treatment is essential for the early detection of potential relapses. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non‐invasive method for real‐time cross‐sectional imaging of living tissue, is a promising imaging approach for assessing relatively flat, near‐surface skin lesions, such as those that occur in most basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), at the time of diagnosis. However, the skin's inherent property of strong light scattering impedes the implementation of OCT in these cases due to the poor image quality. Furthermore, translating OCT's optical parameters into practical use in routine clinical settings is complicated due to substantial observer subjectivity. In this retrospective pilot study, we developed a workflow based on the upscale of the OCT images resolution using a deep generative adversarial network and the estimation of the skin optical attenuation coefficient. At the site of immunocryosurgery‐treated BCC, the proposed methodology can extract optical parameters and discriminate objectively between tumour foci and scar tissue.
Corporate pollution and reputational exposure
Authors: Chortareas Georgios , Kou Fangyuan , Ventouri Alexia
Published: January 2024

We study the empirical association between corporate pollution and reputational exposure using a sample of 745 U.S. firms from 2007 to 2019 and an ordered probit model. Our results reveal an inverse relationship between chemical emissions and reputational exposure rating, after controlling for various firm attributes. We examine the roles of corporate governance structure and the demographic background of the top management team in the transmission process from polluting chemical emissions to reputation. Further, the negative impact of corporate pollution on reputational exposure rating is much stronger in areas where residents are convinced that climate change is happening. We perform several tests and analyses designed to mitigate endogeneity issues and correct sample bias to ensure the robustness of our findings. Finally, our results suggest that the negative effect is stronger for companies with higher information asymmetry, which indicates the importance of information transparency for firms' credibility.
Digital pathology for reporting histopathology samples, including cancer screening samples – definitive evidence from a multisite study
Authors: Azam Ayesha S , Tsang Yee‐Wah , Thirlwall Jenny , Kimani Peter K , Sah Shatrughan , Gopalakrishnan Kishore , Boyd Clinton , Loughrey Maurice B , Kelly Paul J , Boyle David P , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Clark David , Ellis Ian O , Ilyas Mohammad , Rakha Emad , Bickers Adam , Roberts Ian S D , Soares Maria F , Neil Desley A H , Takyi Abi , Raveendran Sinthuri , Hero Emily , Evans Harriet , Osman Rania , Fatima Khunsha , Hughes Rhian W , McIntosh Stuart A , Moran Gordon W , Ortiz‐Fernandez‐Sordo Jacobo , Rajpoot Nasir M , Storey Ben , Ahmed Imtiaz , Dunn Janet A , Hiller Louise , Snead David R J
Published: January 2024

Aims

To conduct a definitive multicentre comparison of digital pathology (DP) with light microscopy (LM) for reporting histopathology slides including breast and bowel cancer screening samples.

Methods

A total of 2024 cases (608 breast, 607 GI, 609 skin, 200 renal) were studied, including 207 breast and 250 bowel cancer screening samples. Cases were examined by four pathologists (16 study pathologists across the four speciality groups), using both LM and DP, with the order randomly assigned and 6 weeks between viewings. Reports were compared for clinical management concordance (CMC), meaning identical diagnoses plus differences which do not affect patient management. Percentage CMCs were computed using logistic regression models with crossed random‐effects terms for case and pathologist. The obtained percentage CMCs were referenced to 98.3% calculated from previous studies.

Results

For all cases LM versus DP comparisons showed the CMC rates were 99.95% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 99.90–99.97] and 98.96 (95% CI = 98.42–99.32) for cancer screening samples. In speciality groups CMC for LM versus DP showed: breast 99.40% (99.06–99.62) overall and 96.27% (94.63–97.43) for cancer screening samples; [gastrointestinal (GI) = 99.96% (99.89–99.99)] overall and 99.93% (99.68–99.98) for bowel cancer screening samples; skin 99.99% (99.92–100.0); renal 99.99% (99.57–100.0). Analysis of clinically significant differences revealed discrepancies in areas where interobserver variability is known to be high, in reads performed with both modalities and without apparent trends to either.

Conclusions

Comparing LM and DP CMC, overall rates exceed the reference 98.3%, providing compelling evidence that pathologists provide equivalent results for both routine and cancer screening samples irrespective of the modality used.
Microstructure and microwave‐absorbing properties of B4C/C composite powders produced by combustion synthesis with an AC foaming agent
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqian , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing , Mu Yan , Xing Boying , Deng Peilin , Zhang Yanjie
Published: January 2024

To develop microwave‐absorbing properties of dielectric ceramics, B4C/C composite powders were prepared by combustion synthesis with B2O3, polyvinyl alcohol, and Mg as the raw materials in this work. The XRD, Raman, scanning electron microscope with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and VNA network analysis carried out the effects of the addition of azodicarbonamide (AC) foaming agent on the phase compositions, microstructure, and dielectric and microwave‐absorbing properties of the products. The results indicated that the addition of an AC foaming agent contributed to the formation of distinct morphologies with a larger specific surface area and uniform distribution of the free carbon in the B4C/C composite powders and improved its graphitization degree, which resulted in the formation of equivalent microcapacitors, enhanced interfacial polarization, improved conductive network, and leading to a low reflection loss (RL) and a broadened effective absorb bandwidth (EAB). Due to the dielectric loss as the dominant loss mechanism, C‐1.5 (1.5 wt.% AC foaming agent addition) exhibits the EAB of 3.02 GHz and the minimum RL (RLmin) of −22.90 dB at the thickness of 2.20 mm.
Sex‐specific differences in telomere length of patients with primary knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Kuszel Lukasz , Trzeciak Tomasz , Begier‐Krasinska Beata , Richter Magdalena , Li Jian , Czarny‐Ratajczak Malwina
Published: January 2024

Accelerated telomere shortening is associated with age‐related diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). We aimed to determine the relative telomere length (TL) in leukocytes and cartilage of patients with primary knee OA and to investigate factors that may affect TL in OA. Relative TL measurements were performed using qPCR in leukocytes of 612 individuals (310 patients with primary knee OA undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 302 unaffected controls). We also analysed cartilage in 57 of the 310 OA patients, measuring relative TL in severely affected and less affected (control) cartilage collected from the same knee. Cartilage TLs were compared to leukocyte TLs in all 57 patients. A significant sex‐by‐disease‐status interaction was found in regard to relative TL. Controlling for age, the average difference of leukocyte TL between female OA patients versus female controls was 0.217 units greater than that between male OA patients versus male controls (95% CI; [0.014, 0.421]). Relative TL comparison of severely and less affected cartilage samples from the same joint showed attrition of telomeres corresponding to disease severity (0.345 mean TL difference with 95% CI of [0.151, 0.539]) in the joint. We also noted that both severely and less affected cartilage had shorter telomeres than leukocytes collected from the same patient. Severe and moderate pain in OA patients was associated with shorter TL in leukocytes, but there was no association with depression or smoking in leukocytes and cartilage. Our study indicates that sex is an important factor in OA contributing to leukocyte and cartilage TL and that pain in OA shows an inverse association only with leukocyte TL.
Rifaximin treatment shapes a unique metagenome‐metabolism network in patients with decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Nie Mei‐Tong , Wang Pei‐Qin , Shi Pei‐Mei , Hong Xia‐Lu , Zhang Xin , Xiang Baoyu , Zhang Menghui , Xie Wei‐Fen
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis face poor prognosis and increased mortality risk. Rifaximin, a non‐absorbable antibiotic, has been shown to have beneficial effects in preventing complications and improving survival in these patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of rifaximin's effects remain unclear.

Methods

We obtained fecal samples from decompensated cirrhotic patients undergoing rifaximin treatment and controls, both at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. Shotgun metagenome sequencing profiled the gut microbiome, and untargeted metabolomics analyzed fecal metabolites. Linear discriminant and partial least squares discrimination analyses were used to identify differing species and metabolites between rifaximin‐treated patients and controls.

Results

Forty‐two patients were enrolled and divided into two groups (26 patients in the rifaximin group and 16 patients in the control group). The gut microbiome's beta diversity changed in the rifaximin group but remained unaffected in the control group. We observed 44 species with reduced abundance in the rifaximin group, including Streptococcus_salivarius, Streptococcus_vestibularis, Haemophilus_parainfluenzae, etc. compared to only four in the control group. Additionally, six species were enriched in the rifaximin group, including Eubacterium_sp._CAG:248, Prevotella_sp._CAG:604, etc., and 14 in the control group. Furthermore, rifaximin modulated different microbial functions compared to the control. Seventeen microbiome‐related metabolites were altered due to rifaximin, while six were altered in the control group.

Conclusion

Our study revealed distinct microbiome‐metabolite networks regulated by rifaximin intervention in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. These findings suggest that targeting these specific metabolites or related bacteria might be a potential therapeutic strategy for decompensated cirrhosis.
Preventing variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients with portal vein thrombosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Junyuan , Xia Yifu , Liu Xiao , Zhang Chunqing
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Preventing rebleeding is crucial, but the best prevention technique for patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains debatable. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis compared a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with endoscopic therapy (ET) plus nonselective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) for preventing variceal rebleeding in this patient population.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched from their inception until May 18, 2023. The studies were screened using predetermined criteria, relevant data were extracted, and pooled analyses were performed using the Reviewer Manager 5.4.1 software.

Results

We retrieved 1032 studies, of which 5 studies comprising a total of 272 patients were included. The postoperative variceal rebleeding rate was significantly lower in the TIPS group than in the ET + NSBBs group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11–0.35, P < 0.05, I2 = 0%), but the portal vein recanalization rate was higher (OR = 7.92, 95% CI = 3.04–20.67, P < 0.05, I2 = 0%). The rates of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and mortality did not differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that TIPS prevents variceal rebleeding without increasing the hepatic encephalopathy risk more effectively than ET plus NSBBs, but this benefit did not translate into improved survival. Thus, it may be preferable to ET plus NSBBs for preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with cirrhosis and PVT. However, more large‐scale and multicenter randomized controlled trials involving other patient populations are required to verify the clinical efficacy of both these treatments and ensure generalizability.
Ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation related genes serve as prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Deng Shi‐Zhou , Wu Xuechen , Kong Lingshu , Cheng Bo , Dai Lin
Published: January 2024

Background

Ubiquitination, small ubiquitin‐related modifiers, and NEDDylation are now found to function in cancer biology; however, its role in the oral cancer patients remains unclear.

Methods

A set of bioinformatic tools was integrated to analyze the expression and prognostic significance of ubiquitin and ubiquitin‐like (UB/UBL) genes. A UB/UBL‐related risk score was developed via correlation analyses, univariate Cox regression, and multivariate Cox regression. Nomogram analysis evaluates the model's prediction performance. The drug sensitivity analysis, immune profiles of UB/UBL‐classified oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, and their related function pathway were investigated, and the role of UB/UBL‐related genes in drug therapy was analyzed.

Results

A total of six prognostic UB/UBL‐related genes were obtained. PSMD3, PCGF2, and H2BC10 were significantly downregulated in OSCC tissue and associated with longer survival time. OSCC patients in the high‐risk group showed a significantly lower overall survival and enriched in cancer‐related pathways. The prognostic potential of genes associated with UB/UBL was discovered, and patients with high‐risk scores showed an increase of protumor immune infiltrates and a high expression of immune checkpoints. Moreover, the area under the curve of the annual survival rate was 0.616, 0.671, and 0.673, respectively. Besides, patients in the high‐risk group are more sensitive to docetaxel, doxorubicin, and methotrexate therapy.

Conclusions

We construct a prognosis model for OSCC patients with UB/UBL‐related genes and try to find a new approach to treating oral cancer patients. The UB/UBL‐related signature is helpful in developing new tumor markers, prognostic prediction, and in guiding treatment for OSCC patients.
Persistence of antibodies 5 years after hepatitis B vaccination in preterm birth children: A retrospective cohort study using real‐world data
Authors: Qin Wei , Shao Ling , Wang Jun , Zhang Huan , Wang Yao , Zhang Xiaqing , Xie Shaoyu , Pan Fan , Cheng Kai , Ma Liguo , Chen Yafei , Song Jian , Gao Dawei , Chen Zhichao , Yang Wei , Zhu Rui , Su Hong
Published: January 2024

Previous studies did not provide substantial evidence for long‐term immune persistence after the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) in preterm birth (PTB) children. Consequently, there is ongoing controversy surrounding the booster immunization strategy for these children. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the disparities in immune persistence between PTB children and full‐term children. A total of 1027 participants were enrolled in this study, including 505 PTB children in the exposure group and 522 full‐term children in the control group. The negative rate of hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in the PTB group was significantly lower than that in the control group (47.9% vs. 41.4%, p = .035). The risk of HBsAb‐negative in the exposure group was 1.5 times higher than that in the control group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–2.0). The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of HBsAb was much lower for participants in the exposure group compared to participants in the control group (9.3 vs. 12.4 mIU/mL, p = .029). Subgroup analysis showed that the very preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) and the preterm low birth weight infants (birth weight <2000 g) had relatively low GMC levels of 3.2 mIU/mL (95% CI: 0.9–11.1) and 7.9 mIU/mL (95% CI: 4.2–14.8), respectively. Our findings demonstrated that PTB had a significant impact on the long‐term persistence of HBsAb after HepB vaccination. The very preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) and the preterm low birth weight infants (birth weight <2000 g) may be special populations that should be given priority for HepB booster vaccination.
The efficacy of N‐acetylcysteine in decreasing airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in horses with 18 hours of head confinement
Authors: Tavanaeimanesh Hamid , Alinia Zahra , Sadeghian Chaleshtori Sirous , Moosavian Hamidreza , Mohebi Zeinab , Daneshi Mojtaba
Published: January 2024

Background

During transportation many horses develop post‐transportation infection, which can be life‐threatening and end their sport career. Preventing mucus accumulation and inflammation during transportation is vital, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to enhance overall horse health welfare.

Objectives

Assess the impact of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on mucus accumulation and inflammation in horses subjected to 18 hours of head confinement.

Animals

Six healthy crossbred horses, 5.3 ± 2.1 years of age and weighing 387 ± 30 kg.

Methods

Prospective placebo‐controlled cross‐over design study. The horses' heads were restrained in their stalls for a period of 18 hours. They were studied under 4 conditions: Not confined (NC): before head confinement, placebo (P), and confined head (CH): 18 hours of head confinement without treatment, and N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC): 18 hours of head confinement treated with NAC before confinement (15 mg/kg/day NAC PO for 3 days). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in each condition. Mucus accumulation along the trachea was evaluated by endoscopy.

Results

Endoscopic scores were significantly different between CH and other conditions, whereas no significant differences were found among NC, P, and NAC. The BAL cell count (34 291 ± 2624 cells/μL), neutrophil and lymphocyte count (18 601 ± 3193 cells/μL and 3337.4 ± 593 cells/μL, respectively) in CH were significantly higher compared to NAC. Neutrophil percentage was significantly higher in CH (53.8 ± 8%) compared to horses that received NAC (20.08 ± 8%). Conversely, in comparison to NAC (66.33 ± 9%), the percentage of macrophages was significantly lower in CH (35.7 ± 10%).

Conclusions

N‐acetylcysteine was found to significantly decrease mucus accumulation and inflammatory cell counts in horses with head confinement.
Effect of meloxicam or robenacoxib administration timing on renal function and postoperative analgesia in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy: A randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Krekis Alex , King Jonathan N. , D'Arcy‐Howard Duncan , Stapleton Nadene , Elliott Jonathan , Pelligand Ludovic
Published: January 2024

We evaluated the effect of administration timing of meloxicam and robenacoxib on renal function, platelet cyclo‐oxygenase and perioperative analgesia in 60 cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, in a prospective randomized blinded controlled study. Twelve cats were randomly allocated to one subcutaneous treatment group: meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg) or robenacoxib (2 mg/kg) at admission (MA, RA), at induction (MI, RI) and robenacoxib at the end of surgery (RE). All cats received the same anaesthesia protocol. Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma creatinine, drug concentrations and serum thromboxane (TxB2) were measured sequentially. Anaesthesia significantly increased PRA, as activity at end of the surgery was higher than 2 h later (mean ± SD: 26.6 ± 2.8 versus 10.0 ± 3.9 ng/mL/h). PRA remained higher at 2 h post‐surgery in admission groups compared to induction groups (p = .01). Serum TxB2 was lower with meloxicam than robenacoxib (p = .001), and was lower in the MA than each robenacoxib group at catheter placement. Admission groups (16/24 from RA and MA groups) received earlier rescue analgesia than other groups (p = .033). In conclusion, the renin‐angiotensin system was activated during anaesthesia despite cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition, possibly due to hypotension or surgical stimulation. There was no effect of drug or timing on the markers of renal function but one cat receiving meloxicam at induction had suspected IRIS grade II acute kidney injury.
Prevalence of food insecurity among caregivers of young children during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: O'Sullivan Elizabeth J. , Daly Caoimhe , Kennedy Aileen
Published: January 2024

Our objectives were to explore the prevalence of food insecurity in primary caregivers of young children in Ireland and to compare two tools for measuring food insecurity during the COVID‐19 crisis. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted among caregivers of children aged <2 years in Ireland in May/June 2020. Relevant survey questions were closed‐ended using two established tools for measuring food poverty/insecurity; the Irish Food Poverty Indicator and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the prevalence of food poverty/insecurity. To explore agreement in the classification of food insecurity by the Food Poverty Indicator and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Cohen's κ was used. Analyses are based on 716 participants; most had a 3rd‐level education and were married or in a partnership. Per the food poverty index, Ireland's national measure of food poverty, 3.9% (n = 28) of our sample were experiencing food poverty. This rose to 10.5% (n = 75) experiencing food insecurity when using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, which also measures worry/anxiety around access to food. There was low agreement between the tools, with 11.3% of the sample classified as food secure by one tool and food insecure by the other. Our current measure of food poverty in Ireland may not be sufficient to describe the food‐access struggles or worry/anxiety about food access, experienced by the population, particularly during an emergency like COVID‐19.
Re‐evaluating the honing framework: Naturalistic observation of same‐ and different‐sex couples' conversations
Authors: Robbins Megan L. , Spahr Chandler M. , Karan Alexander
Published: January 2024

The current study tested the honing framework, which posits that people in same‐, versus different‐, sex couples may reduce their social networks to primarily include members perceived as supportive, facilitating more satisfying social interactions and enjoying more positive affect. The honing framework also predicts similarities among people in same‐ and different‐sex couples, including quantity of social interactions, and social interaction links to well‐being. Seventy‐eight couples participated: 25 women with women, 19 men with men, and 34 different‐sex couples. Over two weekends, both partners wore the Electronically Activated Recorder, a device that records audible, naturally‐occurring social interactions. Additionally, each partner completed well‐being questionnaires. Actor‐partner interdependence models mostly supported the honing framework, revealing similarities among same‐ and different‐sex couples, including the quantity of social interactions, as well as interaction quantity links to well‐being. The data also revealed a novel, unpredicted component of the honing framework: people in same‐sex couples tended to have more one‐on‐one and fewer group interactions compared to people in different‐sex couples. This lends support to and further develops the honing framework, revealing that people in same‐sex couples manage to hone their social networks to close, supportive members with whom they have one‐on‐one, satisfying interactions.
Photodynamic therapy in periodontitis: A narrative review
Authors: Nie Min , Zhang Peipei , Pathak Janak Lal , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Yafei , Yang Jingmei , Shen Yuqin
Published: January 2024

Background

Periodontitis, a chronic infectious disease, is primarily caused by a dysbiotic microbiome, leading to the destruction of tooth‐supporting tissues and tooth loss. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which combines excitation light with photosensitizers (PS) and oxygen to produce antibacterial reactive oxygen species, is emerging as a promising adjuvant treatment for periodontitis.

Methods

This review focuses on studies examining the antibacterial effects of PDT against periodontal pathogens. It also explores the impact of PDT on various aspects of periodontal health, including periodontal immune cells, human gingival fibroblasts, gingival collagen, inflammatory mediators, cytokines in the periodontium, vascular oxidative stress, vascular behavior, and alveolar bone health. Clinical trials assessing the types of PSs and light sources used in PDT, as well as its effects on clinical and immune factors in gingival sulcus fluid and the bacterial composition of dental plaque, are discussed.

Results

The findings indicate that PDT is effective in reducing periodontal pathogens and improving markers of periodontal health. It has shown positive impacts on periodontal immune response, tissue integrity, and alveolar bone preservation. Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in periodontal health and alterations in the microbial composition of dental plaque when PDT is used alongside conventional treatments.

Conclusions

PDT offers a promising adjunctive treatment for periodontitis, with benefits in bacterial reduction, tissue healing, and immune modulation. This article highlights the potential of PDT in periodontal therapy and emphasizes the need for further research to refine its clinical application and efficacy.