bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollutant Index Method in Determining the Water Quality Status of the Cimahi River in West Bandung Regency
Authors: Wardhani Eka , Primalaksono Yunus
Published: March 2022

Cimahi River is one of the sub-watersheds of the Citarum River. The upstream of the Cimahi River is located in the West Bandung Regency area through 7 villages namely Karyawangi, Cihanjuang, Cihanjuang Rahayu, Sukajaya, Padaasih, Jambudipa, and Kertawangi. The research was carried out at 3 points, namely monitoring point 1 at coordinates E 107°34‘41.01” S 06°47‘51.29”, point 2 at coordinates E 107°34‘24.36” S 06°48‘54.09”, and point 3 at coordinates E 107°33‘58.28” S06°50’ 05.33”. The purpose of this study is to determine the status of the water quality of the Cimahi River so that the level of water pollution that occurs can be known. The method used to calculate the status of water quality is the Pollutant Index which refers to the Decree of the State Minister of the Environment Number 115 of 2003 concerning Guidelines for the Status of Water Quality. Based on the research results, there are 6 main parameters that cause water pollution, namely TSS, BOD5, COD, Nitrite, Free Chlorine, and Total Detergent. The Pollutant Index results obtained in the Upper Cimahi River are categorized as heavily polluted with a significant increase from point 1 to 3, respectively 13.38 at point 1, 14.99 at point 2, and 15.36 at point 3. Source potential pollutants in this river are the domestic sector, agriculture, and livestock.
Bioink with cartilage-derived extracellular matrix microfibers enables spatial control of vascular capillary formation in bioprinted constructs
Authors: Terpstra Margo L , Li Jinyu , Mensinga Anneloes , de Ruijter Mylène , van Rijen Mattie H P , Androulidakis Charalampos , Galiotis Costas , Papantoniou Ioannis , Matsusaki Michiya , Malda Jos , Levato Riccardo
Published: March 2022

Microvasculature is essential for the exchange of gas and nutrient for most tissues in our body. Some tissue structures such as the meniscus presents spatially confined blood vessels adjacent to non-vascularized regions. In biofabrication, mimicking the spatial distribution of such vascular components is paramount, as capillary ingrowth into non-vascularized tissues can lead to tissue matrix alterations and subsequent pathology. Multi-material three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting strategies have the potential to resolve anisotropic tissue features, although building complex constructs comprising stable vascularized and non-vascularized regions remains a major challenge to date. In this study, we developed endothelial cell-laden pro- and anti-angiogenic bioinks, supplemented with bioactive matrix-derived microfibers (MFs) that were created from type I collagen sponges (col-1) and cartilage decellularized extracellular matrix (CdECM), respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC)-driven capillary networks started to form 2 d after bioprinting. Supplementing cartilage-derived MFs to endothelial-cell laden bioinks reduced the total length of neo-microvessels by 29%, and the number of microvessel junctions by 37% after 14 d, compared to bioinks with pro-angiogenic col-1 MFs. As a proof of concept, the bioinks were bioprinted into an anatomical meniscus shape with a biomimetic vascularized outer and non-vascularized inner region, using a gellan gum microgel suspension bath. These 3D meniscus-like constructs were cultured up to 14 d, with in the outer zone the HUVEC-, mural cell-, and col-1 MF-laden pro-angiogenic bioink, and in the inner zone a meniscus progenitor cell (MPC)- and CdECM MF-laden anti-angiogenic bioink, revealing successful spatial confinement of the nascent vascular network only in the outer zone. Further, to co-facilitate both microvessel formation and MPC-derived matrix formation, we formulated cell culture medium conditions with a temporal switch. Overall, this study provides a new strategy that could be applied to develop zonal biomimetic meniscal constructs. Moreover, the use of ECM-derived MFs to promote or inhibit capillary networks opens new possibilities for the biofabrication of tissues with anisotropic microvascular distribution. These have potential for many applications including in vitro models of vascular-to-avascular tissue interfaces, cancer progression, and for testing anti-angiogenic therapies.
Simulation-based inference with approximately correct parameters via maximum entropy
Authors: Barrett Rainier , Ansari Mehrad , Ghoshal Gourab , White Andrew D
Published: March 2022

Inferring the input parameters of simulators from observations is a crucial challenge with applications from epidemiology to molecular dynamics. Here we show a simple approach in the regime of sparse data and approximately correct models, which is common when trying to use an existing model to infer latent variables with observed data. This approach is based on the principle of maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and provably makes the smallest change in the latent joint distribution to fit new data. This method requires no likelihood or model derivatives and its fit is insensitive to prior strength, removing the need to balance observed data fit with prior belief. The method requires the ansatz that data is fit in expectation, which is true in some settings and may be reasonable in all settings with few data points. The method is based on sample reweighting, so its asymptotic run time is independent of prior distribution dimension. We demonstrate this MaxEnt approach and compare with other likelihood-free inference methods across three systems: a point particle moving in a gravitational field, a compartmental model of epidemic spread and molecular dynamics simulation of a protein.
School Finance Reforms and Juvenile Crime
Authors: Noghanibehambari Hamid
Published: March 2022

Several states initiated school finance reforms during the post-1990s, commonly named the “adequacy” era, with the primary purpose of providing adequate funding for low-income school districts. This article uses the space–time variation in court-ordered reforms in this period as shocks to school spending and investigates its effects on juvenile arrest rates and risky behaviors. Using a 2SLS-DDD approach and a wide range of data sets, I find that exposure to reform reduces the juvenile arrest rates, increases the likelihood of high school graduation, increases the time spent on educational activities, and reduces risky behaviors at schools. A 10$\%$ rise in real per-pupil spending is associated with 7.4 fewer arrests per 1,000 in the population aged 15–19. This rise is equivalent to a reduction of roughly 90,806 arrests annually. It also implies a minimum of 20$\%$ return in school spending due to the avoided costs of deterred crimes.
CCE in heterogenous fixed-T panels
Authors: Westerlund Joakim , Kaddoura Yousef
Published: March 2022

The present paper shows that the CCE approach of Pesaran (2006) is more useful than commonly appreciated, in that it enables consistent and asymptotically normal estimation of interactive effects models with heterogeneous slope coefficients when the number of time periods, T, is fixed and only the number of cross-sectional units, N, is large.
Changes in Dietary Total and Nonheme Iron Intake Is Associated With Incident Frailty in Older Men: The Concord Health and Aging in Men Project
Authors: Luong Rebecca , Ribeiro Rosilene V , Rangan Anna , Naganathan Vasi , Blyth Fiona , Waite Louise M , Handelsman David J , Cumming Robert G , Le Couteur David G , Hirani Vasant
Published: March 2022

Background

Nutritional intake could influence the development of frailty. The aim was to evaluate the associations between dietary iron intakes and changes in dietary iron intakes with frailty.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses involved 785 men with Fried frailty phenotype (FP) and 758 men with Rockwood frailty index (FI) data aged 75 years and older at nutrition assessment from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project prospective cohort study. Of these, 563 men who were FP robust or prefrail, and 432 men who were FI nonfrail were included in the longitudinal analyses for more than 3 years. Dietary intake was assessed at both timepoints using a validated diet history questionnaire. The dietary calculation was used to derive heme iron and nonheme iron intakes from total iron intakes. The associations were evaluated through binary logistic regression.

Results

Incidence of FP frailty was 15.3% (n = 86). In longitudinal analyses, maintaining total iron intakes (medium tertile −2.61–0.81 mg/d), increases in total iron and nonheme iron intakes (high tertiles ≥0.82 mg/d and ≥0.80 mg/d), and changes in nonheme iron intake (1 mg increment) were associated with reduced risks of incident FP frailty (OR: 0.47 [95% confindence interval (CI): 0.24, 0.93, p = .031], OR 0.48 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.99, p = .048], OR 0.41 [95% CI: 0.20, 0.88, p = .022], and OR 0.89 [95% CI: 0.82, 0.98, p = .017]).

Conclusion

Maintaining or increases in total dietary iron and increases or changes in dietary nonheme iron intakes more than 3 years were associated with reduced incidence of FP frailty in older men.
Constitutional amendment and public will formation: Deliberative mini-publics as a tool for consensus democracy
Authors: Doyle Oran , Walsh Rachael
Published: March 2022

Constitutionalism is in the midst of both a participatory and a deliberative turn. In this article, we explore one aspect of this turn—the use of deliberative innovations to enhance constitutional amendment processes. Ireland has been cited as almost a paradigm case for such experimentation. We assess deliberative mini-publics’ potential as a tool for consensus democracy based on the experience and impact of the Irish Citizens’ Assembly that made recommendations for wholesale reform of Ireland’s abortion laws in 2018. We identify a “legislative-majority-plus” model for constitutional amendment deployed in most jurisdictions with master-text constitutions and on that basis, characterize constitutional amendment as an aspect of consensual, rather than competitive, democracy. Based on this understanding of the function of constitutional amendment processes, we argue that the Citizens’ Assembly played a significant role in the process of public will formation. In particular, it helped to generate political and public support for a particular form of liberalization—abortion on request within the first twelve weeks—and made it easier for legislators to avoid the incentives of electoral politics and formulate an amendment proposal that attracted wide support despite intense opposition. However, we raise concerns about the normative legitimacy of that impact, based on deficiencies in the representativeness of the Assembly, arguing that in order to be a tool for will formation, rather than manipulation, in respect of constitutional amendment, deliberative mini-publics should be designed so as to enhance their representativeness.
Evaluation of publication type tagging as a strategy to screen randomized controlled trial articles in preparing systematic reviews
Authors: Schneider Jodi , Hoang Linh , Kansara Yogeshwar , Cohen Aaron M , Smalheiser Neil R
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To produce a systematic review (SR), reviewers typically screen thousands of titles and abstracts of articles manually to find a small number which are read in full text to find relevant articles included in the final SR. Here, we evaluate a proposed automated probabilistic publication type screening strategy applied to the randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles (i.e., those which present clinical outcome results of RCT studies) included in a corpus of previously published Cochrane reviews.

Materials and Methods

We selected a random subset of 558 published Cochrane reviews that specified RCT study only inclusion criteria, containing 7113 included articles which could be matched to PubMed identifiers. These were processed by our automated RCT Tagger tool to estimate the probability that each article reports clinical outcomes of a RCT.

Results

Removing articles with low predictive scores P < 0.01 eliminated 288 included articles, of which only 22 were actually typical RCT articles, and only 18 were actually typical RCT articles that MEDLINE indexed as such. Based on our sample set, this screening strategy led to fewer than 0.05 relevant RCT articles being missed on average per Cochrane SR.

Discussion

This scenario, based on real SRs, demonstrates that automated tagging can identify RCT articles accurately while maintaining very high recall. However, we also found that even SRs whose inclusion criteria are restricted to RCT studies include not only clinical outcome articles per se, but a variety of ancillary article types as well.

Conclusions

This encourages further studies learning how best to incorporate automated tagging of additional publication types into SR triage workflows.
Addressing choice of law challenges in multi-state precision medicine research: experts’ assessment of key factors
Authors: Wolf Leslie E , Brown Erin Fuse , Greeson Roxanne , Hammack-Aviran Catherine , Hazel James W , Rencher William , Beskow Laura M
Published: March 2022

Precision medicine research implicates numerous state laws that may affect participants’ rights and protections and are not preempted by federal law. The choice of which state’s laws apply, and under what circumstances, can have significant impact on research design and oversight. But neither of the traditional approaches to choice of law issues—contractual agreement or determination by a court after a dispute arises—fit the research context well. We hosted a series of workshops with choice of law experts and research law and ethics experts to identify factors that are most crucial to account for in a future choice of law precision medicine research framework. Our workshops focused on precision medicine ‘places’ and choice of law factors; there was consensus that ‘place where the harm occurred’ was relevant and best represented by where the participant resides and/or where the research/institution is located. Our experts identified factors that need to be accounted for in a future choice of law framework. They also identified potential approaches, including a federal law or model state law as ways of achieving more uniformity of protections and a comprehensive database of laws, which merit further consideration to provide IRBs and researchers the guidance they require.
Tidal star–planet interaction and its observed impact on stellar activity in planet-hosting wide binary systems
Authors: Ilic N , Poppenhaeger K , Hosseini S Marzieh
Published: March 2022

Tidal interaction between an exoplanet and its host star is a possible pathway to transfer angular momentum between the planetary orbit and the stellar spin. In cases where the planetary orbital period is shorter than the stellar rotation period, this may lead to angular momentum being transferred into the star’s rotation, possibly counteracting the intrinsic stellar spin-down induced by magnetic braking. Observationally, detecting altered rotational states of single, cool field stars is challenging, as precise ages for such stars are rarely available. Here we present an empirical investigation of the rotation and magnetic activity of a sample of planet-hosting stars that are accompanied by wide stellar companions. Without needing knowledge about the absolute ages of the stars, we test for relative differences in activity and rotation of the planet hosts and their co-eval companions, using X-ray observations to measure the stellar activity levels. Employing three different tidal interaction models, we find that host stars with planets that are expected to tidally interact display elevated activity levels compared to their companion stars. We also find that those activity levels agree with the observed rotational periods for the host stars along the usual rotation–activity relationships, implying that the effect is indeed caused by a tidal interaction and not a purely magnetic interaction that would be expected to affect the stellar activity, but not necessarily the rotation. We conclude that massive, close-in planets have an impact on the stellar rotational evolution, while the smaller, more distant planets do not have a significant influence.
Species Persistence with Hybridization in Toad-Headed Lizards Driven by Divergent Selection and Low Recombination
Authors: Gao Wei , Yu Chuan-Xin , Zhou Wei-Wei , Zhang Bao-Lin , Chambers E. Anne , Dahn Hollis A. , Jin Jie-Qiong , Murphy Robert W. , Zhang Ya-Ping , Che Jing
Published: March 2022

Speciation plays a central role in evolutionary studies, and particularly how reproductive isolation (RI) evolves. The origins and persistence of RI are distinct processes that require separate evaluations. Treating them separately clarifies the drivers of speciation and then it is possible to link the processes to understand large-scale patterns of diversity. Recent genomic studies have focused predominantly on how species or RI originate. However, we know little about how species persist in face of gene flow. Here, we evaluate a contact zone of two closely related toad-headed lizards (Phrynocephalus) using a chromosome-level genome assembly and population genomics. To some extent, recent asymmetric introgression from Phrynocephalus putjatai to P. vlangalii reduces their genomic differences. However, their highly divergent regions (HDRs) have heterogeneous distributions across the genomes. Functional gene annotation indicates that many genes within HDRs are involved in reproduction and RI. Compared with allopatric populations, contact areas exhibit recent divergent selection on the HDRs and a lower population recombination rate. Taken together, this implies that divergent selection and low genetic recombination help maintain RI. This study provides insights into the genomic mechanisms that drive RI and two species persistence in the face of gene flow during the late stage of speciation.
Importance, limits and caveats of the use of “disorders of consciousness” to theorize consciousness
Authors: Hermann Bertrand , Sangaré Aude , Munoz-Musat Esteban , Salah Amina Ben , Perez Pauline , Valente Mélanie , Faugeras Frédéric , Axelrod Vadim , Demeret Sophie , Marois Clémence , Pyatigorskaya Nadya , Habert Marie-Odile , Kas Aurélie , Sitt Jacobo D , Rohaut Benjamin , Naccache Lionel
Published: March 2022

The clinical and fundamental exploration of patients suffering from disorders of consciousness (DoC) is commonly used by researchers both to test some of their key theoretical predictions and to serve as a unique source of empirical knowledge about possible dissociations between consciousness and cognitive and/or neural processes. For instance, the existence of states of vigilance free of any self-reportable subjective experience [e.g. “vegetative state (VS)” and “complex partial epileptic seizure”] originated from DoC and acted as a cornerstone for all theories by dissociating two concepts that were commonly equated and confused: vigilance and conscious state. In the present article, we first expose briefly the major achievements in the exploration and understanding of DoC. We then propose a synthetic taxonomy of DoC, and we finally highlight some current limits, caveats and questions that have to be addressed when using DoC to theorize consciousness. In particular, we show (i) that a purely behavioral approach of DoC is insufficient to characterize the conscious state of patients; (ii) that the comparison between patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) and patients in a VS [also coined as unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS)] does not correspond to a pure and minimal contrast between unconscious and conscious states and (iii) we emphasize, in the light of original resting-state positron emission tomography data, that behavioral MCS captures an important but misnamed clinical condition that rather corresponds to a cortically mediated state and that MCS does not necessarily imply the preservation of a conscious state.
Trends and outcomes of early and late palliative care consultation for adult patients with glioblastoma: A SEER-Medicare retrospective study
Authors: Wu Adela , Ugiliweneza Beatrice , Wang Dengzhi , Hsin Gary , Boakye Maxwell , Skirboll Stephen
Published: March 2022

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) carries a poor prognosis despite standard of care. Early palliative care (PC) has been shown to enhance survival and quality of life while reducing healthcare costs for other cancers. This study investigates differences in PC timing on outcomes for patients with GBM.

Methods

This study used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data from 1997 to 2016. Based on ICD codes, three groups were defined: (1) early PC within 10 weeks of diagnosis, (2) late PC, and (3) no PC. Outcomes were compared between the three groups.

Results

Out of 10 812 patients with GBM, 1648 (15.24%) patients had PC consultation with an overall positive trend over time. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics. The late PC group had significantly higher number of hospice claims (1.06 ± 0.69) compared to those without PC, in the last month of life. There were significant differences in survival among the three groups (P < .0001), with late PC patients with the longest mean time to death from diagnosis (11.72 ± 13.20 months).

Conclusion

We present the first investigation of PC consultation prevalence and outcomes, stratified by early versus late timing, for adult GBM patients. Despite an overall increase in PC consultations, only a minority of GBM patients receive PC. Patients with late PC had the longest survival times and had greater hospice use in the last month of life compared to other subgroups. Prospective studies can provide additional valuable information about this unique population of patients with GBM.
Effect of cutting height, microbial inoculation, and storage length on fermentation profile and nutrient composition of whole-plant corn silage
Authors: Diepersloot E Cole , Heinzen Celso , Saylor Benjamin A , Ferraretto Luiz F
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cutting height, heterofermentative microbial inoculants, and storage length on the fermentation profile and nutrient composition of whole-plant corn silage. The experiment was a completely randomized design with a 2 (cutting height) × 3 (microbial inoculation) × 5 (storage length) factorial arrangement of treatments. Corn forage was harvested at two cutting heights: either 25 cm (REG) or 65 cm (HI). Then, forage was inoculated with one of three microbial inoculants: (1) 300,000 CFU/g of fresh forage of Pediococcus acidilactici DSM 16243, Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856, and L. diolivorans DSM 32074 (LBLD; Bonsilage Speed inoculant, Provita Supplements Inc., Mendota Heights, MN), (2) 500,000 CFU/g of fresh forage of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 12837 and L. buchneri DSM 16774 (LPLB; Bonsilage Corn + WS inoculant, Provita Supplements Inc., Mendota Heights, MN), or (3) distilled water (CON). Last, forage was randomly assigned to ferment for 5, 7, 14, 28, or 56 d of storage in vacuum-sealed bags. Silage pH was affected by a three-way interaction (P = 0.01), where CON treatments decreased continually over time while LPLB and LBLD began to increase at later storage lengths. Acetic acid concentration was greater (P = 0.001) in LPLB and LBLD than CON silage after 56 d of storage. Silage treated with LBLD did not have detectable levels of propionic acid (P > 0.05), although 1-propanol concentration was greater (P = 0.001) in LBLD treatments after 56 d of storage. The concentrations of total acids and acetic acid were greater (P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively) for REG silage compared to HI. Additionally, HI silage had greater (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) concentrations of dry matter (DM) and starch, while neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and lignin concentrations were lower (P = 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) in HI silage compared to REG silage. Last, HI silage had a greater (P = 0.001) NDF digestibility than REG silage. The results of this study demonstrate that increasing cutting height can improve nutrient composition of whole-plant corn silage. Additionally, results demonstrate that heterofermentative microbial inoculants can be used to shift silage fermentation to the production of lactic and acetic acids.
Cas12a-Based Diagnostics for Potato Purple Top Disease Complex Associated with Infection by ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’-Related Strains
Authors: Wheatley Matthew S. , Wang Qin , Wei Wei , Bottner-Parker Kristi D. , Zhao Yan , Yang Yinong
Published: March 2022

‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ is a cell wall-less phytopathogenic bacterium that infects many agriculturally important plant species such as alfalfa, clover, eggplant, pepper, potato, and tomato. The phytoplasma is responsible for repeated outbreaks of potato purple top (PPT) and potato witches’ broom (PWB) that occurred along the Pacific Coast of the United States since 2002, inflicting significant economic losses. To effectively manage these phytoplasmal diseases, it is important to develop diagnostic tools for specific, sensitive, and rapid detection of the pathogens. Here we report the development of a DNA endonuclease targeted CRISPR trans reporter (DETECTR) assay that couples isothermal amplification and Cas12a transcleavage of fluorescent oligonucleotide reporter for highly sensitive and specific detection of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’-related strains responsible for PPT and PWB. The DETECTR assay was capable of specifically detecting the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA intergenic transcribed spacer sequences from PPT- and PWB-diseased samples at the attomolar sensitivity level. Furthermore, the DETECTR strategy allows flexibility to capture assay outputs with fluorescent microplate readers or lateral flow assays for potentially high-throughput and/or field-deployable disease diagnostics.
Agreement of the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) With NICU Nurses' Assessments
Authors: Benbrook Keri , Manworren Renee C. B. , Zuravel Rebecca , Entler Ashley , Riendeau Kimberly , Myler Catherine , Ricca Paige
Published: March 2022

Background:

Objective assessment tools should standardize and reflect nurses' expert assessments. The Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) are valid measures of pain. The N-PASS also provides a sedation subscale.

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to determine N-PASS clinical validity and utility by evaluating agreement of N-PASS scores with bedside nurses' assessments of pain/agitation and sedation in a 64-bed tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods:

Fifteen bedside nurses trained to use the N-PASS and the NIPS prospectively completed 202 pain/agitation and sedation assessments from a convenience sample of 88 infants, including chronically ventilated, medically fragile infants. N-PASS and NIPS scores were obtained simultaneously but independently of nurse investigators. Bedside nurses also made recommendations about infants' pain and sedation management.

Results:

There was moderate agreement between N-PASS pain scores and nurses' recommendations (κ= 0.52), very strong agreement between N-PASS sedation scores and nurses' recommendations (κ= 0.99), and very strong associations between N-PASS pain and NIPS scores (P < .001). Bedside nurse and independent investigator interrater reliability was good for N-PASS pain and NIPS scores (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.83, ICC = 0.85) and excellent for N-PASS sedation (ICC = 0.94). During 93% of assessments, bedside nurses reported that the N-PASS reflected the level of infant sedation well or very well.

Implications for Practice and Research:

The N-PASS provides an easy-to-use, valid, and reliable objective measure of pain and sedation that reflects nurses' assessments. Additional studies using the N-PASS are needed to verify results and the influence of the N-PASS on pain and sedation management for medically fragile infants with chronic medical conditions.
Association of Epiretinal Membrane With Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and Long-term Factors Affecting Visual Function
Authors: Lee Jin Yeong , Sung Kyung Rim , Kim Yoon Jeon
Published: March 2022

Précis:

Epiretinal membrane (ERM) tended to deteriorate more in pseudoexfoliation eyes with than without glaucoma. Incremental change in central macular thickness (CMT) induced by ERM deterioration affected longitudinal visual function in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) eyes.

Purpose:

The aim was to investigate longitudinal changes in the ERM and their association with glaucoma in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and to identify factors associated with the changes in ERM and visual field (VF).

Participants:

One hundred two eyes with PXG and 32 eyes with nonglaucomatous pseudoexfoliation (ngPX) (mean 8.1±2.6 years of follow-up).

Methods:

Two observers independently assessed the presence and staging of ERM (stages 1, 2, and ≥3) on serial macular images of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Clinical characteristics were compared in eyes with ERM (+) and (−) in both groups. The relationship between putative factors and changes in ERM was determined using logistic regression analysis. Prognostic factors of VF worsening were assessed by Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results:

Of the 102 eyes with PXG, 22 (21.6%) had an ERM at baseline; of the latter, 6 eyes deteriorated (all from stage 1 to 2) and 3 eyes with PXG developed new ERM during follow-up. Of the 32 ngPX eyes, 8 (25%) had an ERM at baseline, with none changing over time. The presence of glaucoma was marginally associated with ERM deterioration (odds ratio: 1.061, P=0.064). Incremental change in CMT was the only factor associated with VF progression (hazard ratio: 1.040, P=0.029) in PXG eyes.

Conclusions:

ERM tended to deteriorate more in PXS eyes with than without glaucoma. Incremental change in CMT induced by ERM deterioration affected longitudinal visual function in PXG eyes.
Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy for Glaucoma: 1-Year Outcomes and Success Predictors
Authors: Faria Bruno M. , Costa Vital P. , Melillo Gustavo H.L. , Daga Fabio B. , Scoralick Ana L.B. , Paranhos Augusto , Kanadani Fábio N. , Prata Tiago S.
Published: March 2022

Précis:

Our results suggest gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) as an effective and safe option for the surgical management of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Older age was the only risk factor for failure in our analysis.

Purpose:

To report 12-month clinical outcomes, safety profile and success predictors of GATT in patients with OAG.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective study of patients (18 y old and above) with medically uncontrolled OAG who underwent GATT as a solo procedure or combined with phacoemulsification (PHACO-GATT) between January 2018 and January 2020. Success at 12 months (primary outcome) was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <15 mm Hg, with an IOP reduction of at least 20%, OR a reduction of at least 2 glaucoma medications, compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes were success predictors and safety parameters.

Results:

A total of 73 eyes (GATT=38; PHACO-GATT=35) from 58 patients with a mean age of 54.8±11.6 years were included. Overall, after 12 months of follow-up, the mean IOP was reduced from 24.9±8.5 to 12.1±2.1 mm Hg (P<0.001). The mean number of glaucoma medications was reduced from 3.5±0.7 to 1.2±1.2 (P<0.001). The success rate was 87% at 12 months, with no significant differences between GATT (85%) and PHACO-GATT (91%) eyes (P=0.330). Age was the only factor significantly associated with surgical success (hazard ratio=1.35; P=0.012; after adjusting for preoperative IOP and number of glaucoma medications). Patients older than 60 years had a significant greater chance of failure (hazard ratio=10.96; P=0.026) compared with those younger than 60 years. The most common postoperative complication was transient hyphema (39%; median duration, 5 d). No sight-threatening adverse event was documented.

Conclusions:

GATT was effective and safe at lowering IOP with or without cataract extraction in OAG. Patients 60 years or older had a higher risk of failure compared with those younger in age.
Discrimination Between Healthy Eyes and Those With Mild Glaucoma Damage Using Hemoglobin Measurements of the Optic Nerve Head
Authors: Meneses Livia Studart de , Ciarlini Lorena Ribeiro , Ayub Gabriel , Vasconcellos José Paulo C. , Costa Vital Paulino
Published: March 2022

Précis:

The Laguna ONhE, a software that measures the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of the optic nerve head (ONH) from fundus photographs, demonstrated good accuracy in discriminating healthy eyes from eyes with mild glaucoma.

Purpose:

The aim was to evaluate Hb concentration of the optic nerve to distinguish between healthy eyes and eyes with mild glaucoma.

Methods:

Eyes from patients with mild primary open angle glaucoma (MD > −6 dB) (n=58) and from healthy subjects (n=64) were selected. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements of all eyes were acquired with optical coherence tomography. Optic disc photographs were also obtained, and the images were analyzed using the Laguna ONhE software, which measures the amount of Hb in 24 sectors of the ONH. The software also calculates the Glaucoma Discriminant Function (GDF), an index that expresses the chance of the ONH being compatible with glaucoma. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivities at fixed specificities of 90% and 95% of each Laguna ONhE parameter were calculated.

Results:

The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and vertical cup/disc ratio of the control and glaucoma groups were 90.0±10.6 μm versus 66.28±9.85 μm (P<0.001) and 0.5±0.09 versus 0.65±0.09 (P<0.001), respectively. Total Hb (67.9±4.45 vs. 62.89±4.89, P<0.001) and GDF (11.57±15.34 vs. −27.67±20.94, P<0.001) were significantly higher in the control group. The Hb concentration was also significantly higher in 21 of the 24 sectors in the control group compared with the glaucoma group (P<0.05). The GDF had the largest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.93), with 79.3% sensitivity at a fixed specificity of 95%.

Conclusion:

Measurements of optic nerve Hb concentration using a colorimetry photographic device demonstrated good accuracy in discriminating healthy eyes from eyes with mild glaucoma. Further studies are need to understand vascular factors implicated in the development of glaucoma.
Intraocular Pressure and Medication Burden With Cataract Surgery Alone, or Cataract Surgery Combined With Trabecular Bypass or Goniotomy
Authors: McNiel Christopher L. , Sanchez Facundo G. , Rees Jack P. , Gardiner Stuart K. , Young Jonathan W. , Kinast Robert M. , Young Amber , Jones Emily P. , Mansberger Steven L.
Published: March 2022

Précis:

When compared with cataract surgery in glaucoma patients, trabecular micro-bypass and goniotomy resulted in a large decrease in the incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes, a modest effect on IOP, and a minimal effect on medication burden.

Purpose:

To compare changes in IOP and ocular hypotensive medications in 3 surgical cohorts: cataract surgery, cataract surgery with trabecular micro-bypass (cataract/trabecular), and cataract surgery with goniotomy (cataract/goniotomy).

Materials and Methods:

We included 138 eyes diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma: (1) 84 eyes with cataract surgery alone, (2) 25 eyes with cataract/trabecular surgery, and (3) 29 eyes with cataract/goniotomy surgery. We compared the groups for postoperative IOP and the number of ocular hypotensive medications. We adjusted for preoperative IOP, and preoperative and postoperative number of ocular hypotensive medications. We defined an IOP spike as IOP ≥21 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg higher than preoperative on postoperative day 1.

Results:

All 3 surgeries showed a decrease in IOP (P≤0.004) and medication burden (P≤0.001) at 3 and 6 months postoperatively when compared with their own preoperative baselines. When compared with cataract surgery alone, cataract/trabecular and cataract/goniotomy had similar IOP lowering at 1 month postoperatively, and variable results at 3 and 6 months. The change in ocular hypotensive medications was not statistically different between the surgical groups at any postoperative visit. Cataract/trabecular and cataract/goniotomy decreased IOP on postoperative day 1, and had relative risk reduction of ~70% for IOP spikes (P≤0.001 for both).

Conclusion:

Trabecular micro-bypass and goniotomy when added to cataract surgery resulted in a large decrease in IOP spikes, a modest effect on IOP, and a minimal effect on medication burden when compared with cataract surgery alone in glaucoma patients.
Factors leading to realignment or exchange after implantable collamer lens implantation in 10 258 eyes
Authors: Wei Ruoyan , Li Meiyan , Aruma Aruma , Knorz Michael C. , Yang Dong , Yu Yongfu , Wang Xiaoying , Choi Joanne , Yao Peijun , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the incidence, causes, and outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) realignment or exchange after implantation of the EVO-ICL.

Setting:

Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, China.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

The study included 10 258 consecutive eyes after ICL implantation. Preoperative refractive and biometric measurements were compared between eyes with and without realignment or exchange. For eyes with ICL realignment or exchange, visual and biometric outcomes were also compared before and after ICL realignment or exchange.

Results:

The overall incidence of ICL realignment or exchange was 0.21% 22 eyes. 12 eyes (0.12%) underwent ICL realignment by axis rotation (10 eyes) or ICL exchange (2 eyes) due to toric ICL (TICL) misalignment. After realignment, uncorrected distance visual acuity improved, and residual cylinder decreased from −1.75 ± 0.48 diopters (D) to −0.87 ± 0.59 D (P = .01). 10 eyes (0.10%) underwent vertical rotation of ICL (3 eyes) or ICL exchange (7 eyes) due to excessive vault. After either vertical rotation or ICL exchange, vault decreased significantly (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The incidence of ICL realignment or exchange after ICL implantation is low. TICL misalignment and excessive vault are 2 main causes. Implant exchange may be performed for excessive vault or misalignment with an insufficient vault. In addition, vertical rotation of an ICL may be a less invasive method to treat excessive vault in certain cases.
Hypoxia-induced carbonic anhydrase mediated dorsal horn neuron activation and induction of neuropathic pain
Authors: Da Vitoria Lobo Marlene E. , Weir Nick , Hardowar Lydia , Al Ojaimi Yara , Madden Ryan , Gibson Alex , Bestall Samuel M. , Hirashima Masanori , Schaffer Chris B. , Donaldson Lucy F. , Bates David O. , Hulse Richard Philip
Published: March 2022

Neuropathic pain, such as that seen in diabetes mellitus, results in part from central sensitisation in the dorsal horn. However, the mechanisms responsible for such sensitisation remain unclear. There is evidence that disturbances in the integrity of the spinal vascular network can be causative factors in the development of neuropathic pain. Here we show that reduced blood flow and vascularity of the dorsal horn leads to the onset of neuropathic pain. Using rodent models (type 1 diabetes and an inducible endothelial-specific vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 knockout mouse) that result in degeneration of the endothelium in the dorsal horn, we show that spinal cord vasculopathy results in nociceptive behavioural hypersensitivity. This also results in increased hypoxia in dorsal horn neurons, depicted by increased expression of hypoxia markers such as hypoxia inducible factor 1α, glucose transporter 3, and carbonic anhydrase 7. Furthermore, inducing hypoxia through intrathecal delivery of dimethyloxalylglycine leads to the activation of dorsal horn neurons as well as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. This shows that hypoxic signalling induced by reduced vascularity results in increased hypersensitivity and pain. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase activity, through intraperitoneal injection of acetazolamide, inhibited hypoxia-induced pain behaviours. This investigation demonstrates that induction of a hypoxic microenvironment in the dorsal horn, as occurs in diabetes, is an integral process by which neurons are activated to initiate neuropathic pain states. This leads to the conjecture that reversing hypoxia by improving spinal cord microvascular blood flow could reverse or prevent neuropathic pain.
NMDA and AMPA receptor physiology and role in visceral hypersensitivity: a review
Authors: Cheng Fangli , Du Lijun , Kim John J. , Zhu Feng , He Huiqin , Dai Ning
Published: March 2022

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) are excitatory neurotransmission receptors of the central nervous system and play vital roles in synaptic plasticity. Although not fully elucidated, visceral hypersensitivity is one of the most well-characterized pathophysiologic abnormalities of functional gastrointestinal diseases and appears to be associated with increased synaptic plasticity. In this study, we review the updated findings on the physiology of NMDARs and AMPARs and their relation to visceral hypersensitivity, which propose directions for future research in this field with evolving importance.
Analysis of correlation factors influencing the outcome of initial 131I remnant ablative therapy in intermediate- to high-risk patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Wu Ruixin , Liu Wei , Li Ning , Wang Xuan , Sun Danyang , Ji Yanhui , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Zheng Wei
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the factors influencing the outcome of initial 131I remnant ablative therapy in intermediate- to high-risk patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Methods

We divided 99 patients with PTMC who underwent total thyroidectomy into two groups according to their response to initial 131I remnant ablative therapy: excellent response (ER) and non-ER groups. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected and retrospectively analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves and diagnostic cutoff values were analyzed to evaluate the predictive value of significant quantitative influencing factors for 131I treatment outcomes. A prognostic nomogram model based on the above independent risk factors was established.

Results

Of the 99 eligible patients who accepted the initial 131I treatment following total thyroidectomy, 76 (76.7%) were classified into the ER group and 23 (23.3%) into the non-ER group. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that extrathyroidal extension [ETE; odds ratio (OR) = 4.769; P = 0.041], preablative thyrotropin (TSH; OR = 0.972; P = 0.017), and stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg; OR = 1.614; P = 0.040) were independent predictors for the therapeutic effect of 131I treatment. Patients with higher sTg (>1.37 ng/ml) and lower TSH (<67.97 mU/l) and ETE tended to have a poor response to initial 131I treatment. The quantification of the therapeutic effect of initial 131I therapy in patients with PTMC using our newly constructed nomogram showed that ETE, preablative sTg, and TSH were contributors to non-ER.

Conclusion

Intermediate- to high-risk patients with PTMC after total thyroidectomy who had low pretreatment sTg and high preablative TSH levels and negative ETE were more likely to achieve satisfactory response to initial 131I remnant ablative therapy. Our prognostic nomogram is a valuable tool to enable patients and clinical professionals to be better informed about patients’ therapeutic response to initial 131I remnant ablative therapy.
Association Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cognitive Dysfunction in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Von Ah Diane , Crouch Adele , Arthur Elizabeth , Yang Yesol , Nolan Timiya
Published: March 2022

Background

Breast cancer survivors (BCSs) may have a greater risk for cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure and hypertension), which in turn, can affect cognitive dysfunction, a frequent, bothersome, and potentially debilitating symptom.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of cardiovascular disease on cognitive function in BCSs.

Methods

Baseline data from a double-blind randomized controlled trial for cognitive training of BCSs were examined. Early-stage BCS (stages I-IIIA) who were 21 years or older, completed adjuvant therapy (≥6 months), and reported cognitive concerns completed questionnaires and a brief neuropsychological assessment, including tests of memory, attention and working memory, speed of processing, and verbal fluency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and separate linear regression models for each cognitive domain were conducted.

Results

Forty-seven BCSs, who were on average 57.3 (SD, 8.1) years old, were 58% White, and had some college education (75%), completed the study. Furthermore, 44.7% of the BCS had cardiovascular disease (congestive heart failure or hypertension). In linear regression models, cardiovascular disease was significantly related to immediate and delayed memory and attention and working memory (P < .01-.05).

Conclusion

Breast cancer survivors who have cardiovascular disease may also be at a greater risk for cognitive dysfunction post treatment. Results from this study inform both clinical practice and future research, specifically by examining the intersection between cancer, cardiovascular disease (cardiotoxicity), and cognition.

Implications for Practice

Nurses should be aware that BCSs with co-occurring cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk for cognitive dysfunction and work within the multidisciplinary team to optimize BCS health and function.
Elevated Expression of SATB1 Predicts Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Yujiang , Liu Cuixia , Fu Yiwei , Zhai Hengyong , Chen Zhuyong , Yang Bin , Zhang Dongli
Published: March 2022

Backgrounds:

Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 (SATB1) belongs to the chromatin-remodeling protein which regulates different genes expression. High expression of SATB1 was found to be associated with the development of certain carcinomas. However, the functions of SATB1 in colon adenocarcinoma (CAC) remains unclear yet. Our study aims to investigate the potential role of SATB1 in CAC and whether it is associated with the unfavorable symptoms of CAC patients.

Methods:

The expression pattern of SATB1 was measured in CAC samples and adjacent noncancerous samples through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry staining. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the clinical role of SATB1 in enrolled patients. The Kaplan-Meier analyses and log-rank tests were carried out to assess the clinicopathologic characteristics. The effect of SATB1 in human colon cancer cells was examined through cellular experiments.

Results:

The expression level of SATB1 in CAC tissues was significantly elevated compared with adjacent control tissues. High expression of SATB1 in tumor tissue was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage. Higher SATB1 level in CAC patients indicated a worse 5-year survival time. Moreover, high SATB1 was defined as an independent poor prognostic factor. Cellular experiments showed that inhibition of the SATB1 protein level in human colon cells could suppress the migration and invasion capabilities.

Conclusions:

Our findings revealed that high expression of SATB1 was significantly correlated with the poor clinical features and prognosis of CAC patients. It indicated that SATB1 might serve as a potential prognostic predictor and novel drug target for CAC treatment.