bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and genetic variability in cosmopolitan tardigrade species - Paramacrobiotus fairbanksi Schill, Förster, Dandekar & Wolf, 2010
Authors: Kayastha Pushpalata , Szydło Wiktoria , Mioduchowska Monika , Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: July 2023

Paramacrobiotus fairbanksi was described from Alaska (USA) based on integrative taxonomy and later reported from various geographical locations making it a true cosmopolitan species. The ‘Everything is Everywhere’ (EiE) hypothesis assumes that microscopic organisms have unique features that help them to inhabit many different environments, meaning they can be considered cosmopolitan. In the present work we report four new populations of Pam. fairbanksi from the Northern Hemisphere which suggests that the ‘EiE’ hypothesis is true, at least for some tardigrade species. We also compared all known populations of Pam. fairbanksi at the genetic and morphological levels. The p-distances between COI haplotypes of all sequenced Pam. fairbanksi populations from Albania, Antarctica, Canada, Italy, Madeira, Mongolia, Spain, USA and Poland ranged from 0.002% to 0.005%. In total, twelve haplotypes (H1-H12) of COI gene fragments were identified. We also report statistically significant morphometrical differences of species even though they were cultured and bred in the same laboratory conditions, and propose epigenetic factor as a main cause rather than temperature, predation risk and food availability. Furthermore, we also discuss differences in the potential distribution of two Paramacrobiotus species.
Meropenem versus Ceftazidime-Avibactam versus Ceftazidime-Avibactam with Aztreonam as empiric, first-line treatment of high-risk febrile neutropenia: first report of the CAMerA Trial, an open-labelled, randomized-controlled trial.
Authors: Jadhav Sachin Suresh , Jyothi Goutham Kumar , Matani Anjali , Panchal Amey C , Ojha Nishit , Tony Sonu , Naik Yesheswini N
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Infections due to extended spectrum beta-lactam (ESBL) positive, carbapenemase producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) and NDM1 resistance Enterobacteriaceae have significantly increased internationally and may account for up to 70% of infections in some geographies. Parallelly, high colistin resistance rates have also been reported. We are reporting the initial results of the first randomized-controlled trial addressing this issue of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteremia (GNB).
Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of first-line Ceftazidime–Avibactam with or without Aztreonam in high-risk FN, versus meropenem.
Methodology: Adult patients with high-risk FN were randomized to Meropenem, Ceftazidime-Avibactum or Ceftazidime-Avibactum with Aztreonam as the first line antibiotic regimen.
Results: Compared to meropenem, there was a trend towards reduced antibiotic failure, as defined by breakthrough fever within 7 days, with ceftazidime-avibactam, with or without aztreonam, although this wasn’t statistically significant, (p value = 0.076). Besides this, antibiotic failure was significantly associated with blood culture positivity (p= 0.015). Also, the presence of lung infiltrates was significantly associated with transfer to ICU (p=0.001).
Conclusion: In high-risk FN, there was a trend to a higher incidence of antibiotic failure with first-line therapy with meropenem, compared to ceftazidime-avibactam with or without aztreonam, (p value = 0.076).
Transforming Tree Topping Waste into Flooring: A Study on the Production and Evaluation of Oriented Strand Board Finish using Urban and Garden Residues
Authors: Dastjerdi Mohammad Manafi , Rohani Abbas , Hosseinabadi Hamid Zarea , Nik Mohammadali Ebrahimi
Published: July 2023

Oriented strandboard (OSB) has become a popular building material for residential construction, but little research has been conducted on its use as a finish floor material. the study investigated the quality and performance of OSB as an alternative to traditional engineered wood products for finish floors. Four types of OSB finish floors using a mixture of garden and urban tree toppings were produced and evaluated, along with different types and levels of resin and mat moisture content. The finish floor panels were subjected to a battery of tests, including concentrated loading, indentation, falling-ball impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and surface wettability. The findings showed that urea formaldehyde resin with garden tree toppings performed best in floor surface indentation, abrasion resistance, and falling-ball indentation. The phenol formaldehyde resin with garden tree toppings, on the other hand, showed less moisture absorption and swelling during surface wetting tests and better resistance to force application in the concentrated loading test. Our qualitative comparison revealed that OSB finish floor production using 100% garden tree topping strands and 12% urea formaldehyde resin, along with 14% mat moisture content, produced the best results. this study provides valuable insights into the potential use of OSB as a sustainable and cost-effective finish floor material, using waste materials from urban and garden tree toppings.
Study on the formation process and mechanism of aerobic granular sludge in the Sequencing Batch Biofilter Granular Reactor
Authors: Lin Ling , Chen Shuangshuang , Hou Yi , Lei Lirong
Published: July 2023

SBBGR is a promising wastewater treatment technology because of its low sludge yield and good toxicity tolerance. However, little attention has been paid to the formation process of AGS in SBBGR and the mechanism of formation. In this study, aerobic granular sludge with good performance was successfully cultivated around day 40 by using synthetic wastewater as feed: the mixed liquid suspended solids and mixed liquor volatile suspended solids raised from 3.85 g/L and 1.85 g/L to 31.38 g/L and 24.74 g/L respectively, and the COD, TN, and TP removal efficiencies were respectively 91.21%, 84.99%, and 58.14%. The experimental results showed that Amoebacteria and Bacteroides phylum played an important role in the formation of aerobic granular sludge, filamentous bacteria act as the three-dimensional skeleton, surrounded by filling bacilli and rod-shaped bacteria, and PN plays a dominant role in promoting granulation during the culture process.
The study and application of space-time absolute nodal coordinate formulation quadrilateral cable element
Authors: Chen Dekun , Wang Yue , Lu Nianli , Lan Peng , Xue Yuan
Published: July 2023

The construction of high-order shape function is a key and difficulty for unstructured grid mesh and sliding boundary problem.
In this paper, a construction method of space-time absolute nodal coordinate formulation quadrilateral cable (SACQ) is proposed and the accuracy of SACQ element is studied and verified with 3 different applications.
First, the shape function of SACQ is constructed with spatiotemporal reduction coordinate and the action integral of SACQ is composed with Lagrangian function and discrete with perspective transformation.
second, numerical convergence region is discussed and determined with Courant number.
Furthermore, a space-time nodal dislocation and its relation with Courant number is studied.
The simulation and verification are focusing on some realistic problems.
Finally, one-sided impact, free-flexible pendulum, taut string with sliding boundary and a deployable guyed mast under impact transverse wave are simulated.
In these problems, unstructured grid meshed with SACQ has similar energy convergence and accuracy with structured grid but shows better efficiency.
GRK2 deficiency in vascular smooth muscle cellsexacerbates angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm formation by increasing vascular inflammation and TGFβRII degradation
Authors: chen shaoliang , ye peng , wang dongchen , kong chaohua , chao yuelin , jiang zihao , luo jie , yu wande , jiang xiaomin , zhu linlin , gu yue , zhang juan
Published: July 2023

Aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening complication of hypertension-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Accumulating evidence has proven that G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is an important regulator of vascular remodelling and blood pressure. Genetic testing has shown that the expression of transforming growth factor-β type II receptor (TGFβRII) differs significantly between normal and aneurysm tissues. However, no evidence has proven that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific GRK2 deletion exacerbates aortic aneurysm formation. This study aimed to prove the involvement of GRK2 deficiency in aortic aneurysm pathogenesis n a manner dependent on TGFβRII degradation and increased inflammation. We found that GRK2 was downregulated in aneurysm tissues from patients with aortic dissection. Then, mice with VSMC-specific GRK2 deletion were implanted with a micro-osmotic pump containing angiotensin II (AngII) to induce hypertension. GRK2 deficiency led to an increased occurrence of aortic aneurysms, with a decrease in the TGFβR2II level, which enhanced elastin degradation and increased macrophage infiltration. We used adeno-associated virus to overexpress GRK2 in VSMCs in ApoE knock-out (ApoE-/-) mice. Upregulation of GRK2 significantly inhibited the expression of TGFβRII and alleviated aortic aneurysm progression. In vitro, knock-down of GRK2 reduced the cell membrane distribution of TGFβRII by promoting its ubiquitination. Moreover, conditioned medium (CM) from VSMCs with or without adenovirus-mediated GRK2 overexpression in the presence of AngII were used to stimulate macrophages. AngII-induced inflammation was reversed after treatment with CM from VSMCs treated with adenovirus. These findings also indicated an important and novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit aortic aneurysm progression.
Mutations in DEAD/H-box Helicase 11 Correlate with Increased Relapse Risk in Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia with Normal Cytogenetics
Authors: Ruan Guo-Rui , Zhou Ya-Lan , Zhao Ming-Yue , Gale Robert , Jiang Hao , Jiang Qian , Liu Lixia , Qin Jiayue , Cao Shanbo , Lou Feng , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: July 2023

People with acute myeloid leukaemia with normal cytogenetics (CN-AML) have diverse outcomes explained, in part, by different mutation topography. DEAD/H-box helicase 11 mutations are associated with the rare genetic disease Warsaw breakage syndrome with increasing evidence of a potential role in oncogenesis. We studied DNA samples from 423 consecutive newly-diagnosed adults with CN-AML by deep targeted regional sequencing (TRS). DDX11 mutations were detected in 29 subjects and were significantly associated with higher cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) with a Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.17 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.28, 3.66; P = 0.004) and worse relapse-free survival (RFS; HR = 2.19; [1.29, 3.73]; P = 0.004) compared with subjects with wild-type DDX11 in multi-variable analyses. About two-thirds of the DDX11 mutations were putative germline mutations based on variant allele frequency (VAF) analyses. In 2 subjects we proved germline origin of the DDX11 mutation by analyses of oral mucosa DNA samples from family members. Sub-group analyses suggested germline DDX11 mutations were also significantly associated with higher CIR compared with wild-type DDX11. In conclusion, we show the adverse impact of DDX11 mutations on relapse in persons with CN-AML. The trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01455272, NCT02185261) and in chictr.org (ChiCTR-OCH-10000940).
Analysis of land suitability for rubber plantations in Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency, Indonesia
Authors: utomo budi , Septinar Helfa , Putri Mega Kusuma , Ningrum Mei Vita Romadon
Published: July 2023

Rubber cultivation will be productive if it is planted on suitable land. This study analyzes land suitability for rubber plantations in Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency. The research uses the land suitability evaluation method, with a matching analysis between land characteristics and the requirements for growing rubber plants. The research sample was obtained from the overlay of rainfall maps, slope maps, and soil maps, so six research samples were obtained. The research sample was then analyzed in the laboratory. The analysis results matched the criteria for growing rubber plants, then scored. Interpretation of research results starting from class (S1) is very suitable, class (S2) is moderate suitable, class (S3) is marginally suitable, and class (N) is not suitable. The results showed two categories of land suitability for rubber plantations in Sembawa District: very suitable (S1) and class suitable (S2). Each region has different characteristics, so in maximizing land use, it is necessary to identify the limiting factors for each suitability parameter and management by regional characteristics and improve the limiting factors that can be increased.
Impact of spinal surgery on locomotive syndrome in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in clinical decision limit stage 3: A retrospective study
Authors: Nakae Ichiro , Hashida Ryuki , Otsubo Ryota , Iwanaga Sohei , Matsuse Hiroo , Yokosuka Kimiaki , Yoshida Tatsuhiro , Fudo Takuma , Morito Shinji , Shimazaki Takahiro , Yamada Kei , Sato Kimiaki , Shiba Naoto , Hiraoka Koji
Published: July 2023

Background
Locomotive syndrome (LS) is characterized by reduced mobility. Clinical decision limit (CDL) stage 3 in LS indicates physical frailty. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) is one of the causes of LS, for which lumbar surgery is considered to improve the CDL stage. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of lumbar surgery and independent factors for improving the CDL stage in patients with LSS.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at our University Hospital. A total of 157 patients aged ≥ 65 years with LSS underwent lumbar surgery. The 25-Question Geriatric Locomotive Function scale (GLFS-25) was used to test for LS, and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used to evaluate functional ability. Lower limb pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Patients with at least one improvement in the CDL stage following lumbar surgery were included in the improvement group. Differences in lower limb pain intensity between the groups were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine correlations between Δ lower limb pain and Δ GLFS-25. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with improvement in LS.
Results
The proportion of patients with improved CDL stage was 45.1% (improvement/non-improvement: 32/39). Δ Lower limb pain was significantly reduced in the improvement group compared with that in the non-improvement group (51.0 [36.3–71.0] vs 40.0 [4.0-53.5]; p = 0.0107). Δ GLFS-25 was significantly correlated with Δ lower limb pain (r = 0.3774, p = 0.0031). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that TUG and age were significantly associated with improvement in LS (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.47).
Conclusions
Lumbar surgery effectively improved the CDL stage in patients with LSS. In addition, TUG was an independent factor associated with improvement in the CDL.
Determining the Acceptability and Feasibility of an Emergency Department Virtual Observation Unit Fall Prevention Program : A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Jones Abigail E. , Kennedy Maura , Hayden Emily M. , Ouchi Kei , Shankar Kalpana , Chary Anita , Li Angel , McLoughlin Kara , White Benjamin , Garcia Esteban Franco , Dellheim Vanessa , Liu Shan W.
Published: July 2023

Background
A third of all community dwellers aged 65 and above fall each year (1); therefore, one of the most common reasons for older adults to present to an Emergency Department (ED). To prevent recurrent falls, EDs should implement programs to systematically assess patients’ multifactorial fall risks. In this study, we aim to determine the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of an ED Virtual Observation Unit (ED VOU) Falls program.
Methods
This is a quasi-experimental study that aims to enroll 100 patients aged ≥ 65 years who present to the ED with a history of falling within 1 year or a risk of falling. Recruitment began 3/9/2023 and aims to enroll 50 subjects in the VOU and 50 in the comparison group. We will determine the acceptability of the ED VOU falls program based on patient and provider surveys using a Likert scale. We will also calculate rates of patient enrollment refusal and adherence to fall-risk prevention recommendations using information from three-month follow up telephone calls. Systematic differences will be accounted for and calculated using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Student’s t-test for continuous variables. This study has been approved by the MGB Institutional Review Board.
Discussion
This study will provide insights into the feasibility, acceptability and safety of a novel ED VOU Falls program with the aim of ultimately decreasing falls. In the future, such a program could be implemented as part of fall prevention interventions.
Regional differences in the biological variability of plantar pressure as a basis for refining diagnostic gait analysis
Authors: Latour Ewa , Arlet Jarosław
Published: July 2023

Variability plays a fundamental role in shaping individual patterns of gait. The description of this variability allowing an estimation of gait individuality gives the hope for judging about pathology. Existing tentative ideas for using these descriptors in diagnostic assessment appear inadequate for the quality benefits. We assessed the individuality of contribution of foot parts that directly mediate the transmission of forces between the foot and the ground in body weight shifting during walking based on 200 pedobarometric measurements corresponding to the analysed foot parts for each of 19 individuals in a homogeneous study group. Our results show a degree of individualisation of the contribution of particular foot parts in the weightshift high enough to justify the need to consider it in the diagnostic analysis. Furthermore they reveal noticeable, functionally driven differences between plantar areas most apparent between the lowest individuality for the first foot ray and the highest for second one and metatarsus. The diagnostic reference standard should describe the contribution in the shift of body weight during walking for each area of the foot separately and include information on the intra-individual variation and individualisation of descriptors of the contribution. Such a comprehensive standard has the potential to increase the diagnostic value of pedobarometry.
Exogenous application of melatonin activates secondary cell wall biosynthetic genes and increases stem thickness in Glycine max
Authors: Kao Chung-Ting , Huang Ya-Wen , Lin Jia-Cheng , Chou Tsai-Pin , Chen Chang-Hung , Kuo Shang-Che , Huang Cho-Chun , Li Gui-Jun , Yu Jhong-He , Chen Ying-Lan , Xia Kai , Lin Ying-Chung Jimmy
Published: July 2023

Plant lodging severely reduced crop yield and quality. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) have been applied to improve lodging resistance through the regulation of physiological changes, especially on the increase of stem thickness and strength. Melatonin is a pleiotropic PGR to regulate plant growth and development. In this study, we demonstrated that the exogenous treatment of melatonin to Glycine max significantly enhances plant lateral growth by increasing stem diameter. Beside stem thickness, secondary cell wall (SCW) deposition may contribute to stem rigidity to improve the lodging resistance. To understand whether melatonin regulates the genes relevant to SCW deposition, we performed transcriptomic analysis on the stems of Glycine max with or without melatonin treatment. Through the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, many SCW biosynthetic genes were found to be regulated by melatonin, including the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin biosynthetic enzymes. These SCW biosynthetic genes are governed by a hierarchical regulatory network and mainly regulated by two transcription factor (TF) families, NAC and MYB. The results showed that the gene expression of these NAC and MYB were induced by melatonin. Our study highlighted that the exogenous treatment of melatonin could improve the lodging resistance through the increase of plant stem thickness and the regulation of SCW biosynthetic genes and their upstream TFs in Glycine max.
Posterior Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) Improved the Prognosis of Pancreatic Body Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Guo Shi-wei , Gao Sui-zhi , Bai Si-jia , Li Bo , Shi Xiao-han , Li Gang , Jiang Hui , Jin Gang
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND Posterior radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) involves a more extensive resection than anterior RAMPS for adenocarcinoma of pancreatic body and tail, but the benefit is not confirmed. This study sought to compare the perioperative surgical and long-term survival outcomes between the two groups.
METHODS This retrospective study included 354 patients who underwent RAMPS for treatment of pancreatic body and tail cancer. Propensity score matching (PSM) and sub-group analysis was carried out to compare the perioperative and long-term survival outcomes between the groups.
RESULTS This study included 201 patients who underwent anterior and 153 patients posterior RAMPS. Posterior RAMPS resulted in significantly more intraoperative bleeding and dissected lymph nodes, but no significant difference in complication rates. The survival outcomes were not significantly different between the two operations in the whole dataset. In the pancreatic body subgroup, PSM analysis showed posterior RAMPS significantly prolonged overall survival time (Median OS: 25.5 months vs. 18.6 months, P = 0.047) and disease free survival time (Median DFS: 16.2 months vs. 11.9 months, P = 0.032) compared with anterior RAMPS, but the benefit was not obvious in the pancreatic tail subgroup. And posterior RAMPS was an independent factor of OS in the pancreatic body subgroup with no increased complications.
DISCUSSION Posterior RAMPS could safely be performed in high-volume centers without increase in complications. And posterior RAMPS should be considered for pancreatic body adenocarcinoma to improve the prognosis rather than pancreatic tail.
Helicobacter Pylori infection is the independent risk factor of the formation of kidney stones in China
Authors: Gong Rui , Ling Yan , Wang Shi , Wang Weijun , Meng Lingjun , Zeng Junchao , Lin Rong , Xu Sanping
Published: July 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Protective effects of quercetin against H 2 O 2 induced KGN cells injury
Authors: Zhang Ning , Shen Haofei , Wang Bin , Yang Panpan , Ma Xiaoling , Hong Jinni
Published: July 2023

Background Oxidative stress is one of the key contributors to cellular senescence and aging in mammals. Quercetin is a kind of bioactive flavonoid widely existing in medicinal plants and food. It has a variety of physiological activities such as antioxidant. Given that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as a strong oxidant, can easily diffuse through the cell membrane and cause oxidative damage to cells, the present study is designed to verify the protective effect of quercetin on ovarian granulosa cells under oxidative stress.
Methods Cell viability and toxicity were examined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was detected by flow cytometry. Glutathione (GSH) level was measured to analyze the oxidation resistance. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining, Acridine Orange (AO)/Ethidium Bromide (EB) staining and western blot. The mitochondrial structure was observed under a transmission electron microscope. Mitochondrial membrane integrity was detected by JC-1 staining and western blot.
Results The results of the present study indicated that H2O2 could induce cell damage, promote ROS accumulation, and lead to GSH depletion. Further studies demonstrated that H2O2 resulted in mitochondrial morphological damage and depolarization, which activate caspase3/9 subsequently. However, quercetin could mitigate the damages.
Conclusions Present study found that H2O2 induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis of human ovarian granulosa tumor cell line (KGN), which could be attenuated by quercetin.
Modal gain enhancement of perovskite nanosheets by a patterned waveguide via spectral-length gain analysis
Authors: Taylor Robert , Kim Inhong , Choi Ga Eul , Mei Ming , Kim Min Woo , Kim Minju , Kwon Young Woo , Jeong Tae-In , Kim Seungchul , Hong Suck Won , Kyhm Kwangseuk
Published: July 2023

We have studied optical modal gain in two-dimensional perovskite
nanostructures in terms of gain saturation and mode confinement,
where CsPbBr3 nanosheets of large lateral size (80 ∼ 300 nm) and thin thickness (5 ∼ 8 nm) were stacked in a patterned waveguide of polyurethane-acrylate. Concerned with the uncertainties and pitfalls in retrieving gain coefficient from the variable stripe length method, we have
obtained a gain contour g(ℏω, x), whereby gain saturation was analyzed in terms of both spectrum energy (ℏω) and stripe length (x). For increasing excitation and temperature, an average gain was also obtained from g(ℏω, x), where the two dimensional excitons and the localized states are involved. We found the waveguide enhances both modal gain and thermal stability due to the increased mode confinement and heat conduction.
Reprogramming human B cells with custom heavy-chain antibodies
Authors: Cannon Paula , Rogers Geoffrey , Huang Chun , Mathur Atishay , Huang Xiaoli , Chen Hsu-Yu , Stanten Kalya , Morales Heidy , Chang Chan-Hua , Kezirian Eric
Published: July 2023

We describe a genome editing strategy to reprogram the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus of human B cells to express custom molecules that respond to immunization. These heavy chain antibodies (HCAbs) comprise a custom antigen-recognition domain linked to an Fc domain derived from the IgH locus and can be differentially spliced to express either B cell receptor (BCR) or secreted antibody isoforms. The HCAb editing platform is highly flexible, supporting antigen-binding domains based on both antibody and non-antibody components, and also allowing alterations in the Fc domain. Using HIV Env protein as a model antigen, we show that B cells edited to express anti-Env HCAbs support the regulated expression of both BCRs and antibodies, and respond to Env antigen in a tonsil organoid model of immunization. In this way, human B cells can be reprogrammed to produce customized therapeutic molecules with the potential for in vivo amplification.
Effects of a Novel Ophthalmic Solution Containing Glicopro® Complex on Signs and Symptoms of Patients with Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe , Vaccaro Sabrina , Borselli Massimiliano , Scalzo Giovanna Carnovale , Scalia Giovanni , Spena Rossella , Mannelli Lorenzo Di Cesare , Ghelardini Carla , Zerillo Lucrezia , Polvere Immacolata , Vito Pasquale , Zotti Tiziana , Scorcia Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

Purpose To evaluate the changes in signs and symptoms of patients with dry eye disease (DED) treated with a novel tear substitute based on the GlicoPro® complex along with its effects on the tear content.Methods In this prospective study, patients with DED not successfully responding to conventional tear substitutes were treated with a novel eye drop based on the GlicoPro® complex (posology of 4 times daily). Patients were examined before starting study treatment (T0) and after 30 days (T1) and 60 days (T2) by means of Keratograph 5M (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) for the evaluation of: i) tear meniscus height (TMH); ii) non-invasive breakup time (NIBUT) a) first, b) average and c) class; iii) bulbar redness; iv) infrared meibography for the calculation of meibomian glands loss (MGL). Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) questionnaire was administered at each time point to assess ocular discomfort symptoms. In the subgroup of patients whose TMH at T0 was ≥ 0.25 mm, the analysis of tear content was conducted to measure Proenkephalin and Met/Leu-enkephalinproenkephalin (reported as processed active peptides).Results Overall, 60 patients (23 males, 37 females; mean age 67.00 ± 8.00 years) were enrolled. At T2, a significant improvement of NIKBUT first (from 4.01 [2.87–5.88] seconds [s] to 7.90 [5.28–11.76] s; p < 0.0001), NIKBUT average (from 9.63 ± 5.03 s to 13.85 ± 4.88 s; p < 0.0001), NIBUT class (from 1.00 [0.00–2.00] to 1.00 [0.00–1.00]; p < 0.05) and TMH (from 0.28 [0.21–0.39] millimetres [mm] to 0.32 [0.24–0.40] mm; p < 0.01); in parallel, SANDE score significantly decreased at T2 (from 60.60 [52.21–68.90] to 35.60 [27.53–44.33]; p < 0.0001). In the subgroup of patients (n = 9) undergone tear analysis, a statistically significant increase in the mean value of enkephalins and proenkefalin was observed at T2 and T1 respectively (from 1 ± 0.56 to 1.46 ± 1.24; p < 0.01 and 1 ± 0.63 to 1.43 ± 0.73; p < 0.01). No patients reported adverse events related to study treatment.Conclusions The novel tear substitute based on GlicoPro® resulted in significant improvement of ocular discomfort symptoms as well as tear volume and stability in patients with DED not responding to conventional tear substitutes. The increase in active peptides processed in tears may represent the pathophysiological substrate underlying this finding.
Identical exercise programs with and without specific breathing techniques uncover clinically important differences on multifactorial outcome measures on chronic non-specific low back pain: A randomized feasibility trial with two-month follow-up
Authors: Mikkonen Jani , Luomajoki Hannu , Airaksinen Olavi , Goubert Liesbet , Leinonen Ville
Published: July 2023

Background
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a leading worldwide cause of disability. Exercise is the most common conservative intervention to treat CNSLBP with modest effect sizes. Exercises with specific breathing techniques (SBTs) have potentially improved multifactorial outcomes. To our knowledge, no previous studies have been conducted to compare the outcome differences of identical exercises with or without SBTs in a uniform clinical study setting.
Aims and objectives
To quantify baseline demographics, self-adherence to home exercise, and monitor the usage of analgesics and other interventions, and possible adverse events. To assess the feasibility of the SBTs protocol, eligibility criteria, randomization, and dropout rates. To quantify the changes in PROMs to help determine whether progression to a full-scale trial is worthwhile and to inform the choice of the most relevant and responsive outcome measure.
Design
A parallel randomized analyst-blinded feasibility trial with a two-month follow-up.
Methods
Thirty subjects were randomized to a control group (1) with movement control exercise only (n=16) and an experimental group (2) with movement control exercises with SBTs add-on (n= 14) with a two-month follow-up. Trial registration number; NCT05268822.
Results
In the experimental group, which incorporated SBTs, the reduction in pain and improvement in disability from baseline to post-intervention exceeded both the minimal detectable change (MDC) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Moreover, compared to the control group, the experimental group demonstrated disability improvement that exceeded the MDC and MCID. Comparable improvements were also observed in pain catastrophizing, the impact of pain on sleep, the life quality , and overall well-being. The home exercises were identical in terms of content, adherence, and progression and no adverse events were reported. Furthermore, there were very little differences between the groups in the use of analgesics or other intervention usage. The previously defined feasibility outcomes met acceptable levels.
Discussion
Identical exercise programs in uniform clinical settings with and without SBTs uncovered preliminary clinically important differences in multifactorial outcome measures of pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, effect of pain on sleep, life quality, and well-being. Demographics, exercise adherence or content or contextual factors or analgesics or other intervention usage did not explain group differences. Progression to full-scale study feasibility criteria was met.
Metabolic improvement in patients with Niemann-Pick disease following intravenous trehalose administration: An untargeted pharmacometabolomic study
Authors: Khoshakhlagh Mahdieh , Hasanpour Maede , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Asili Javad , Tasbandi Aida , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Iranshahy Milad
Published: July 2023

Niemann-Pick (NP) types A (NPA) and B (NPB) are life-threatening and rare inherited lysosomal storage disorders, caused by a deficiency in the acid sphingomyelinase enzyme activity. The negative outcome of this deficiency is the sphingomyelin (SM) accumulation in different organs and tissues. Trehalose is a natural disaccharide with neuroprotective and autophagy-inducing abilities which has recently been shown to improve clinical and biochemical features of patients with NPA/B. Changes in the serum metabolome were assessed in five patients with NPA/B, who received 15 g/week of trehalose intravenously for three months, using an untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. MSDIAL was used for data processing, and PCA, and OPLS-DA were carried out using SIMCA. OPLS-DA model revealed significant changes in several serum metabolites including phosphate (P = .0019), sorbitol (P = .00009), myoinositol (P = .02), threonine (P = .01), lactic acid (P = .0001), 1-monopalmitin (P = .01), threitol (P = .002), ribitol (P = .008), and D-ribose (P = .007) following trehalose treatment. The findings revealed that the beneficial effects of trehalose in patients with NP are mediated by metabolic alterations. A clear shift in glucose metabolism in favor of less fatty acid production together with facilitating the breakdown of sphingomyelins is involved in the observed protective activity.
Floral developmental and anatomical evidence clarify the causes for the intrinsic floral morphological variation in Cyperoideae (Cyperaceae): some case studies
Authors: Monteiro Mariana , Oriani Aline , De Craene Louis Ronse , Demarco Diego
Published: July 2023

Cyperaceae is a widespread family composed of two subfamilies, Mapanioideae and Cyperoideae. As opposed to the dimerous Mapanioideae spicoid inflorescences, Cyperoideae flowers are known for their typical trimerous Bauplan, however, morphological variation is reported in each floral whorl. This wide range of variation is challenging, mainly regarding taxonomic descriptions and accessing morphological homologies to understand Cyperoideae evolutionary relationships. Therefore, it is compelling to investigate floral morphology variation in the subfamily, particularly in species belonging to the most diverse genera, Carex, Cyperus and Rhynchospora, as potential models to explore the main floral variations found among Cyperoideae. Thus, we aimed to investigate the floral anatomy and development of species belonging to these genera to clarify following questions: 1) the ontogenetic sequence of the Rhynchospora perianth, 2) floral sexuality within Cyperus spikelets, 3) the increase on the number of stamens in Carex male flowers and 4) the pistil morphological variation in Cyperoideae flowers. We reported a distinct ontogenetic sequence for the perianth formation in Rhynchospora, highlighting a different developmental pattern for the Cyperoideae perianth. The presence of bisexual and unisexual flowers within the same spikelet in Cyperus was confirmed and needs to be considered in further taxonomic descriptions. The increase on the number of stamens in Carex male flowers is caused by the fusion of primordia, corroborated by the presence of several vascular bundles supplying a single filament. Additionally, the presence of male flowers with a dome-shape primordium and a plexus of receptacular bundles were related to features commonly found in monocots inflorescences. This raises questions whether Carex male flowers could be interpreted as reduced inflorescences. In general, all species exhibited restrictions on the development of abaxial structures, mainly due to the mechanical constraints applied by the glume, which may be influencing the position of the dimerous dorsiventrally flattened pistil in Cyperoideae flowers.
Lung clearance index short-term variability in cystic fibrosis. A pre-post pulmonary exacerbation study.
Authors: De Marchis Matteo , Montemitro Enza , Boni Alessandra , Federici Alessandra , Giovanni Daniele Di , Cristiani Luca , Cutrera Renato , Fiocchi Alessandro G.
Published: July 2023

Background: Multiple Breath washout (MBW) represents an important tool to detect early a possible pulmonary exacerbation especially in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease. Lung clearance index (LCI) is the most commonly reported multiple breath washout (MBW) index and in the last years was used as management measure for evaluation. Our aim was to analyze clinical utility of LCI index variability in pulmonary exacerbation in CF after intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.
Methods: A single-center study was conducted at CF Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital among hospitalized > 3 years patients for pulmonary exacerbations and treated with antibiotic IV treatment for 14 days. MBW and spirometry were evaluated within 72 hours of admission to hospital and at the end of hospitalization. Descriptive analysis was conducted and correlations between quantitative variables were investigated.
Results: Fifty-seven patients (M22/F35) with an average age 18.56 (± 8.54) years were enrolled. LCI2.5 was significantly reduced at the end of antibiotic treatment in both pediatric and adult populations with an average reduction of -6,99%; 37/57 patients denoted an improvement, 20/57 are stable or worsened in LCI2.5 values and 4/57 (7.02%) had a significant deterioration (>15%) at end of treatment. On the contrary a significative elevation of FEV1% and FVC% were found, respectively of +7,30% and of +5,46%. A positive good correlection among LCI 2.5 and Scond (rho= +0,615, p=0.000) and LCI 2.5 and Sacin (rho=+0,649, p=0.000) and a negative strong correlation between FEV1% and LCI 2.5 were found in post treatment period. A similar modification of LCI 2.5 and FEV1 was noticed in both adult and pediatric population.
Conclusions: LCI may have a role in the routine clinical care of both adult and pediatric CF patients as a good tool to assess response to IV antibiotic end-therapy in the same way as FEV1.
Evaluation of the Nasolacrimal Canal by Computed Tomography in Patients with Septal Deviation
Authors: Koçak Furkan Melih , Muluk Nuray Bayar , İnal Mikail , Başer Selçuk , Şencan Ziya , Cömert Ela , Özel Gökçe
Published: July 2023

Objectives
In this study, the nasolacrimal canal was examined proximal and distally in patients with septum deviation to investigate the relationship between septum deviation and nasolacrimal canal (NLC) diameter and to reveal its relationship with maxillary sinus (MS) diameter.
Methods
Preoperative paranasal sinus computed tomography (PNSCT) images of 50 male and 50 female adult patients who underwent septoplasty were examined, and the deviated side (ipsilateral) and opposite side (contralateral) NLC diameters were measured at the proximal and distal parts. Moreover, bilateral MS height, anteroposterior and horizontal diameters were also measured.
Results
There were no significant differences between the NLC diameter of the ipsilateral and contralateral sides, either proximally or distally (p > 0.05). As a result of the measurements, it was observed that the NLC was wider in the proximal part than in the distal part without being affected by the deviation side (p < 0.05). Likewise, it was observed that the NLC was wider in males than females without being affected by the deviation side (p < 0.05). In our study, no statistically significant differences were observed between ipsilateral and contralateral MS dimensions (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
As a conclusion; the NLC is wider in men than in women; and wider proximally than distally. It may explain the fact that Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Canal Obstruction (PANCO) is more common in women and that obstruction is frequently seen in the distal part of the canal. Whether septum deviation is one of the etiological factors causing PANCO is still a controversial issue in the medical world.
Whether Lupus patients have worse outcome of core decompression of Hip osteonecrosis?
Authors: Hadighi Pouya , Faezi Seyedeh Tahereh , Mortazavi Seyed Mohammad Javad , Rokni Mohsen , Aghaghazvini Leila , Kasaeian Amir , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad , Haerian Hoda , Fateh Hamid Reza
Published: July 2023

Background: Osteonecrosis is a major cause of morbidity for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although core decompression is an approved and trusted technique to prevent further joint deterioration, this surgical method seems to be less beneficial for SLE patients. We aimed to determine the probable outcome measures of core decompression in SLE patients.
Methods: In this study, 23 patients (39 affected hip joints) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head with stage II of the disease, based on the Ficat-Arlet classification system, underwent core decompression. Also, patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical data, drug history, comorbidities, laboratory findings, hip plain radiographs, history of total hip arthroplasty after core decompression, and patients’ satisfaction with joint function according to the Oxford Hip score questionnaire were obtained.
Results: In our study, 53.8% of affected joints showed signs of radiographic deterioration in follow-up imaging. The sixty one and a half percent (61.5%) of patients had unsatisfactory joint performance. Third (33.3%) of affected hip joints underwent total hip arthroplasty up to 5 years from core decompression. SLE patients with a history of receiving bisphosphonate were 83.2% less dissatisfied with their joint function than patients without a history of bisphosphonate use (P <0.02). Among the 23 investigated cases, the mean cumulative dose of prednisolone before and after core decompression surgery was 46.41mg and 14.74mg respectively.
Conclusions: The group of patients that used bis-phosphonate, had a higher level of satisfaction with joint function after core decompression in our study.
Superlensing enables radio communication and imaging underwater
Authors: Smolyaninov Igor , Balzano Quirino , Barry Mark , Young Dendy
Published: July 2023

Wireless radio communications provide a backbone to our technological civilization. However, radio communications are widely believed to be impossible in many situations where radios are surrounded by conductive media, such as underwater or underground, thus making ocean exploration difficult and creating well-known mine safety problems. In addition, since most imaging techniques rely on electromagnetic waves, the difficulty of electromagnetic wave propagation through biological tissues, which are mostly made of water, also severely limits bioimaging. Here we show that contrary to common beliefs, radio signals may be efficiently propagated through water over useful distances. Both radio communication and radio imaging through water may be enabled by superlensing of surface electromagnetic waves propagating along the water surface. We have demonstrated underwater radio communication over distances of several hundred skin depth in the MHz frequency range, which would require sensitivity below 10^-100 W in a conventional radio communication channel. We also demonstrated subwavelength super-resolution radio imaging in the GHz range by using water surface as a superlens. Our results indicate new ways to perform bioimaging, as well as marine life safe techniques of wireless radio communication and imaging underwater, which are essential for ocean and seafloor exploration. We also anticipate that the developed techniques will provide invaluable means of studying the extraterrestrial water worlds, such as potentially inhabitable Jovian moons.
Pregnancy loss and risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Chinese women: the China Kadoorie Biobank study
Authors: Huang Sha , Zou Siyu , Hee Jiayi , Gongye Ruofan , Tang Kun
Published: July 2023

Background
While the association between pregnancy loss and individual cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) is well-established, its impact on the risk of coexisting CMDs remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between pregnancy loss with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in Chinese women.
Method
Data of 299,582 female participants aged 30–79 years old from the China Kadoorie biobank were utilized. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of two or more CMDs, including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) between the types of pregnancy loss with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, characterized by the number and type of CMD.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, pregnancy loss was found to be significantly associated with increased cardiometabolic multimorbidity risk (OR, 1.12 95% CI 1.07–1.17). Specifically, pregnancy loss due to spontaneous and/or induced abortion (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16 and OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.18, respectively). In contrast, no significant association was found between stillbirth and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.93–1.09). The risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity increases as the number of pregnancy loss increases (one pregnancy loss: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.15, two or more pregnancy loss: OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08–1.20). This increase was more apparent in older women. Similarly, the diagnosis of multiple CMDs increases with increasing number of pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss was related to higher risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity regardless of the CMD combinations, when compared with participants without any CMDs (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Pregnancy loss, in particular, spontaneous and induced abortion was significantly associated with greater risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. The associations were stronger among those with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Green tea-dependent benefit of intermittent fasting in metabolic disease
Authors: Peppelenbosch Maikel , Peppelenbosch Maikel , Ma Mingfu , Bai Wenlian , Wang Yueying , Ding Jiming , Li Fanglin , Su Yuxin , Ma Zhongren , Hansen Bettina
Published: July 2023

Although intermittent fasting is considered an efficacious strategy in type 2 diabetes, it is widely recognised that many patients do not benefit. The success determinants of intermittent fasting for improving diabetes remain obscure at best. Thus prompted, we analysed a cohort of type 2 diabetes patients (n = 36) submitting themselves to intermittent fasting for religious reasons (Ramadan). In approximately half of this cohort, metabolic parameters improved (livers enzymes, haemoglobin 1Ac and blood pressure; n = 19), but not in the other half (n = 17), allowing analysis of success determinants. Only green tea consumption is identified as an important factor in promoting the success of intermittent fasting with respect to improving metabolism (p = 0.0068), whereas no other factor reached significance including overall fluid consumption (p = 0.832). Intriguingly, green tea consumption in conjunction with intermittent fasting was also associated with remodelling of the faecal microbiome. The association of metabolic benefits of intermittent fasting with green tea consumption and microbiome was repeated in a different cohort (n = 33). We thus propose that success of intermittent fasting in type 2 diabetes is critically dependent on a green tea-mediated change in the gut microbiome.