bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoreceptor layer elevation due to subretinal fluid: Impact on visual acuity measurements and simulation from biometrics
Authors: Parimi Vamsi , Elsner Ann E. , Papay Joel A. , Clark Christopher A. , Miura Masahiro , Gast Thomas J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeVisual acuity (VA) is a primary outcome measure that defines the success of clinical interventions for retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular oedema (DME). These conditions can lead to the presence of subretinal fluid, causing substantial photoreceptor layer elevation. Hyperopic defocus then occurs, affecting the VA measurements. In this study, we simulated the induced hyperopic shift for real‐world values of photoreceptor layer elevation and measured the effect on VA measurements.MethodsTo simulate the hyperopic shift, we used a four‐surface eye model. To measure the effect of defocus on VA, normally sighted adults (N = 44, mean [SD] age = 32 [13.0] year, range: 21–71 year) performed four test conditions, that is, defocus of 0.00, +0.75, +1.50 and +2.25 D. For each subject, mean VA and SD obtained from a cumulative normal fit to the VA data provided the coefficient of variation (CV) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsRefractive error induced by photoreceptor layer elevation was maximum for hyperopic error conditions, followed by emmetropic and myopic refractive error conditions. The 76% threshold VA worsened with increasing defocus conditions. The 95% CI was significantly larger for +0.75, +1.50 and +2.25 D defocus compared to no defocus (p = 0.04, 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). The CI for the +2.25 D defocus condition was larger (3–10 letters) compared with no defocus (3–6 letters).ConclusionsPhotoreceptor layer elevation causes a hyperopic shift sufficient for clinically meaningful changes: worse VA and more variable measurements.
Therapeutic Approach to Odontogenic Cervicofacial Necrotising Fasciitis: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Bahia Marcelo Santos , Kadooka Marcella Yumi , de Lima Medeiros Yuri , de Araújo Oliveira Dandara Menezes , Trivellato Priscila Faleiros Bertelli , Sverzut Cassio Edvard , Trivellato Alexandre Elias 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe necrotising fasciitis is a severe and progressive infection of the superficial fascia and the adjacent subcutaneous tissues. The involvement of the head and neck regions is rare and associated with high rates of mortality. The aim of this study was to report the treatment used for cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis originating from an odontogenic abscess.MethodsA 54‐year‐old male, diabetic, complained of asymmetry and pain in the left face area. During the clinic exam, we noticed an odontogenic abscess in the left cervical, submandibular, sublingual and buccal spaces, besides the submental space. We performed extraction of the left lower first, second and third molars alongside extraoral drainage of the odontogenic abscess in the left submandibular and submental regions. Two days after the procedure, the area became blackened, evolving to local necrosis, fascial detachment and erythematous margins.ResultsWe performed surgical debridement of the wound and biopsy with a positive culture for Streptococcus pyogenes . We established the diagnosis of cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis, followed by intravenous Gentamicin 240 mg and Clindamycin 600 mg administration, 18 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vacuum curative maintenance. We reached total remission of the lesion and satisfactory cicatrisation within 18 days.ConclusionSurgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vacuum‐assisted closure displayed satisfactory results in odontogenic cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis treatment.
Better safe than sorry: the unexpected drought tolerance of a wetland plant (Cyperus alternifolius L.)
Authors: Biruk Lucia Nadia , Tomasella Martina , Petruzzellis Francesco , Nardini Andrea 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA common assumption of plant hydraulic physiology is that high hydraulic efficiency must come at the cost of hydraulic safety, generating a trade‐off that raises doubts about the possibility of selecting both productive and drought‐tolerant herbaceous crops. Wetland plants typically display high productivity, which requires high hydraulic efficiency to sustain transpiration rates coupled to CO2 uptake. Previous studies have suggested high vulnerability to xylem embolism of different wetland plants, in line with expected trade‐offs. However, some hygrophytes like Cyperus alternifolius L. can also experience prolonged periods of low water levels leading to substantial drought stress. We conducted an in‐depth investigation of this species' hydraulic safety and efficiency by combining gas exchange measurements, hydraulic measurements of leaf hydraulic efficiency and safety, optical measurements of xylem vulnerability to embolism, and determination of cell turgor changes under drought. Our data confirm the high hydraulic efficiency of this wetland species, but at the same time, reveal its surprising drought tolerance in terms of turgor loss point and critical water potential values inducing xylem embolism and hydraulic failure, which were well below values inducing turgor loss and full stomatal closure. C. alternifolius emerges as a highly productive plant that is also well‐equipped to tolerate drought via a combination of early stomatal closure and delayed onset of hydraulic damage. The species might represent a model plant to develop crops combining two of the most desirable traits in cultivated plants, i.e., high yield and significant drought tolerance.
Experiential Faculty Development to Increase the Number of Entrustable Professional Activity Assessments
Authors: Buyck Michael , Desaulniers Pierre , Chénier Christophe , Moussa Ahmed 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEmergency medicine (EM) residents must complete both adult and paediatric entrustable professional activities (EPAs). During their paediatric emergency medicine rotation at a university paediatric hospital, EM residents struggled to receive EPA assessments because preceptors had not yet been trained due to the stepwise implementation of EPAs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a workshop on behaviour change by measuring the number of EPA assessments.MethodsA comparative pretraining and posttraining study involving 27 invited faculty members was conducted to assess the impact of a faculty development programme. The training was delivered via videoconference with experiential learning techniques to practise every aspect of the supervision of an EPA, including selecting the appropriate EPA according to mirroring real‐world situations, giving feedback, evaluating autonomy and recording the EPA in the resident's logbook.Results/FindingsIn total, 20 out of 27 eligible faculty members (74%) agreed to participate in the study. Their main challenges reported were a lack of trainee initiative, preceptor training and competence in supervising EPAs. Over the 12‐month analysis period, the enrolled faculty assessed 125 EPAs for 38 EM residents, including 52 pre‐intervention EPAs and 73 post‐intervention EPAs. Calculation of data points above the median showed a 1‐point difference in the EPAs assessments to resident ratio between the pre‐ and post‐intervention periods (3/7 vs. 4/7).ConclusionOur findings suggest that faculty training using multiple educational strategies may enable EM residents to receive more EPA assessments during their paediatric emergency medicine rotation.
Assessment of bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in external ocular infections among patients attending eye clinic at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals
Authors: Essawy Sally Hassan , ELShafie Mohamed Ahmed , Ghazy Yasmeen Mohamed Mohamed , Saadoun Mo'men Mahmoud , Nosair Nahla A. , Ahmed Hebatalla Abdelmaksoud , El Nahal Ayat Shaban Mousa 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundOcular infections can harm the eye's anatomic structure on numerous levels. They are a global health issue. Endophthalmitis, a serious complication following cataract surgery, can result in substantial ocular morbidity and vision loss despite the administration of antibiotics. Bacterial ocular flora are the primary causative agents. This study aimed to assess the types of bacterial isolates on the external ocular surface and evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in pre‐operative cataract patients at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study enrolled 691 patients scheduled for routine cataract surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals, Egypt. Each patient underwent a comprehensive assessment of medical history, including the use of traditional medicine, past eye trauma, and any prior eye surgeries, as well as ophthalmic clinical data such as visual acuity and ocular surface disorders. Conjunctival swabs were collected and processed using standard microbiological procedures to identify bacterial isolates and their respective antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.ResultsAmong the 691 patients enrolled (median age 60 years, IQR 54–66), 59.8% were female. Conjunctival cultures yielded positive results in 38 cases (5.6%). The most frequently isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for 52.6% of isolates, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis at 15.8%. Notably, S. aureus demonstrated the highest resistance to erythromycin and vancomycin, with all 20 isolates showing resistance. In contrast, linezolid exhibited high efficacy, with 19 isolates showing sensitivity and only one displaying resistance.ConclusionThis study indicated that ocular conditions such as dry eye syndrome, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and scaly blepharitis are strongly associated with the prevalence of culture‐confirmed ocular infections. Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, most Staphylococcus species demonstrated the greatest sensitivity to linezolid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Clinical manifestations of Florida spot keratopathy in dogs and cats: One hundred cases (2021–2024)
Authors: Pe'er O. , W. Handel K. , Arad D. , Sebbag L. , Ofri R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeThis study describes the ocular findings in dogs and cats diagnosed with Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) at a single institution.MethodsAffected animals underwent a single comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with no follow‐ups conducted. Data on patient demographics and clinical findings were collected and analyzed.ResultsBased on the presence of round, white, fluorescein negative anterior stromal lesions, FSK was diagnosed in 84 dogs and 16 cats, with mean ± SD ages of 6.5 ± 3.7 and 5.9 ± 4.6 years, respectively. FSK was the presenting complaint in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Most patients had unilateral lesions, with 57% of dog eyes and 55% of cat eyes having more than three lesions per eye. Lesions varied in size (0.5–7.6 mm in dogs, pinpoint to 5 mm in cats) and were predominantly located in the central cornea of dogs, while scattered throughout the cornea of cats. Progression was reported in just 4% of dogs and 6% of cats, while transient irritation was reported in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Owners reported the presence of little fire ants (LFA) in the vicinity of 21% of dogs and 38% of cats.ConclusionsFSK should be considered a differential diagnosis for transient ocular irritation in dogs and cats, with most lesions being non‐progressive. While an association with LFA has been suggested in both animals and humans, this link remains speculative and has not been confirmed by rigorous academic research.
Frequency Domain Adjoint-Based Iterative Learning Control for MIMO Systems
Authors: Lee Yu-Hsiu , Chou Wei-Yi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The adjoint of the system is a linear operator that can be interpreted as the transposition of the unit pulse response matrix with a Toeplitz structure. In the context of iterative learning control, the system adjoint can be used as the learning filter by performing dedicated experiments on the system, resulting in monotonically convergent algorithms. However, the required number of experiments equals the product of input and output channels, and the convergence speed is limited by the system peak gain. This work aims to reduce the number of dedicated experiments for multivariate systems and improve the convergence speed of the adjoint-based iterative learning control. The proposed algorithm constructs the system adjoint in frequency domain and therefore the required number of experiments equals the number of input channels. Exploiting the independence of frequency response of linear-time-invariant systems, the learning gain can be frequency-dependent, which further accelerates the convergence speed. Algorithm convergence under frequency domain uncertainties are ensured with learning scalar or diagonal gain design. It is shown that for a single-input-single-output system, the proposed approach becomes the inversion-based algorithms. Convergence condition is also developed for multivariable systems through complex analysis. The developed approach is validated through experiments on a multi-axis galvanometer.
Detailed Analysis of Friction in Water-Lubricated Bearings Under Boundary Lubrication: Model Development and Experimental Validation
Authors: Yang Chaozhen , Liu Xueshen , Huang Zhangkai , Wang Ting , Chen Meixia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A novel friction model for water-lubricated bearings under boundary lubrication conditions is proposed. The effects of speed, load, surface roughness, and material properties on the friction coefficient are examined. The model is validated through experimental tests using nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) materials, demonstrating reliability and applicability. The impact of varying speed and load on lubrication regimes is analyzed, with a focus on the behavior of micro-convex contact friction under boundary lubrication conditions. Based on the verified friction model, the influence of surface roughness and texture direction on bearing performance is also explored, offering actionable insights for optimizing bearing design. This model provides critical insights for enhancing friction management and noise reduction in water-lubricated bearings, offering valuable guidance for their design and manufacturing.
The
Chlamydia pneumoniae
inclusion membrane protein Cpn0308 interacts with host protein ACBD3
Authors: Ma Liang , Jia Xiao-hui , Gao Zhe , Zhou Yan , Cheng Yong-ting , Li Ping , Jia Tian-jun 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Chlamydia pneumoniae
is an obligate intracellular bacterium of eukaryotic cells characterized by a unique biphasic life cycle; its biosynthesis and replication must occur within a cytoplasmic vacuole or inclusion. Certain inclusion membrane proteins have been demonstrated to mediate the interactions between intra-inclusion chlamydial organisms and the host cell. It has been demonstrated previously that the
C. pneumoniae
-encoded Cpn0308 localizes to the inclusion membrane; however, its function remains unknown. In the current study, a yeast two-hybrid assay was conducted to screen Cpn0308 as a bait against a HeLa cell cDNA library, revealing its binding to the host protein acyl-coenzyme A binding domain-containing 3 (ACBD3). The interaction between Cpn0308 and ACBD3 was confirmed through co-immunoprecipitation and GST (Glutathione S-transferase) pull-down assays. The two proteins were also co-localized in HeLa cells co-expressing Cpn0308 and ACBD3, as well as in
C. pneumoniae
-infected cells, as observed under confocal fluorescence microscopy. Given that ACBD3 plays a crucial role in maintaining host cell lipid homeostasis and its Golgi dynamic domain is responsible for interacting with Cpn0308, we hypothesize that the Cpn0308-ACBD3 interaction may facilitate
C. pneumoniae
’s acquisition of host lipids, thereby benefiting chlamydial survival. This study lays a foundation for further elucidating the mechanisms of Cpn0308-mediated
C. pneumoniae
pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

The biosynthesis and replication of
Chlamydia pneumoniae
(
Cpn
) must occur within the cytoplasmic vacuoles or inclusions of host cells. Inclusion bodies play a crucial role in mediating the interactions between
Cpn
and host cells. Cpn0308 is localized to the inclusion membrane; however, its function is unknown. In this study, Cpn0308 was found to bind to host protein acyl-coenzyme A binding domain-containing 3 (ACBD3) through some standard approaches. Co-localization of the two proteins was observed in both original HeLa cells and Cpn-infected HeLa cells. ACBD3 plays a significant role in maintaining lipid homeostasis in host cells; we speculate that the Cpn0308-ACBD3 interaction may facilitate the acquisition of host lipids by
C. pneumoniae
, thereby enhancing chlamydial survival.
Questioning the rules of engagement: a critical analysis of the use of limb symmetry index for safe return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Simonsson Rebecca , Sundberg Axel , Piussi Ramana , Högberg Johan , Senorski Carl , Thomeé Roland , Samuelsson Kristian , Della Villa Francesco , Hamrin Senorski Eric 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between limb symmetry index (LSI) in quadriceps and hamstrings strength together with hop tests, as a proxy of recovery, and the deviation from being symmetrical (LSI 100%), with a safe return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R).MethodsAthletes between 15 and 30 years old with a preinjury Tegner activity level ≥6 were eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific registry, Project ACL (Gothenburg, Sweden) at the time of or after RTS for each athlete. The outcome of interest in this study was a safe RTS—not suffering a second ACL injury within 2 years from RTS—addressed by using the LSI in five different ways with results from the test battery which include five tests of muscle function at or after the time of RTS. Logistic regression analyses were performed with safe RTS as a dependent variable and presented with ORs and 95% CIs.ResultsIn total, 233 athletes (51.1% women) were included. The best-differentiating cut-offs for strength and hop tests showed non-significantly poor discriminatory ability between athletes who had a safe RTS and those who did not (Youden J 0.09–0.24 and area under the curve 0.50–0.59). Athletes who had ≥80% or ≥85% LSI had significantly lower odds of safe RTS compared with athletes who did not meet the cut-offs of safe RTS (OR=0.32 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.87) and OR=0.39 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.84), respectively). There was no effect of a 1% increase in LSI or deviation from 100% symmetry on safe RTS.ConclusionThe use of LSI from tests of muscle function to determine safe RTS after ACL-R, that is, RTS without sustaining a second ACL injury within 2 years, cannot differentiate between athletes who had a safe RTS and those who did not, regardless of whether LSI was used as cut-offs, incremental or as deviation from symmetry. Thus, it is of clinical importance that clinicians do not solely rely on the LSI to clear athletes for RTS.
Six months of hybrid closed-loop therapy improves diabetes-specific positive well-being, and reduces diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Halliday Jennifer A , Russell-Green Sienna , Lam Benjamin , Trawley Steven , McAuley Sybil A , Bach Leon A , Burt Morton G , Cohen Neale D , Colman Peter G , Davis Elizabeth A , Holmes-Walker Deborah Jane , Jenkins Alicia J , Kaye Joey , Keech Anthony C , Lee Melissa H , McCallum Roland W , Paldus Barbora , Stranks Stephen N , Sundararajan Vijaya , Ward Glenn , Jones Timothy W , O’Neal David , Speight Jane , Hendrieckx Christel 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis analysis aimed to investigate diabetes-specific psychological outcomes among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using hybrid closed-loop (HCL) versus standard therapy.Research design and methodsIn this multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, adults with T1D were allocated to 26 weeks of HCL (MiniMed™ 670G) or standard therapy (insulin pump or multiple daily injections without real-time continuous glucose monitoring). Psychological outcomes (awareness and fear of hypoglycemia; and diabetes-specific positive well-being, diabetes distress, diabetes treatment satisfaction, and diabetes-specific quality of life (QoL)) were measured at enrollment, mid-trial and end-trial. Linear mixed models were conducted, using restricted maximum likelihood estimation, unadjusted and adjusted (for covariates: age, sex, diabetes duration, glycated hemoglobin, recent severe hypoglycemia, pre-trial insulin delivery modality, enrollment and mid-study scores).Results120 participants (mean age 44±12 years) were randomized to intervention (n=61) or standard therapy (n=59). At 13 weeks, the HCL group had better diabetes-specific positive well-being than the standard therapy group (unadjusted: Δ=1.0, p=0.025; adjusted: Δ=1.1, p=0.01), which was maintained at 26 weeks (unadjusted: Δ=0.9, p=0.042; adjusted: Δ=1.0, p=0.023). At 26 weeks, the HCL group also had less diabetes distress (adjusted: Δ=−6.4, p=0.039), fear of hypoglycemia (“maintain high”: adjusted: Δ=−0.8, p=0.034; and “worry”: adjusted: Δ=−1.8, p=0.048), and perceived “unacceptably high glucose levels” (unadjusted: Δ=−1.1, p<0.001; adjusted: Δ=−1.1, p<0.001). HCL did not improve diabetes treatment satisfaction, diabetes-specific QoL, hypoglycemia awareness, or perceived frequency of unacceptably low glucose levels.ConclusionsThese findings imply that HCL offers important psychological benefits. In particular, improvement in diabetes-specific positive well-being was observed 13 weeks after HCL initiation and maintained at 26 weeks. Reduction in the perceived frequency of hyperglycemia was also apparent by 26 weeks. Adjusted analyses showed significant reductions in diabetes distress and fear of hypoglycemia at 26 weeks, suggesting these benefits were apparent for people with particular characteristics.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000520336.