bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First in-human clinical performance of a new non-cavitating handheld lensectomy system in 665 consecutive cataract surgeries
Authors: Ianchulev Tsontcho , Yeu Elizabeth , Hu Edward H. , Singh Paul , Kamthan Gautam , Li Gavin , Pantanelli Seth , Tyson Farrell 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To investigate the intraoperative performance and lens fragmentation efficacy of a non-cavitating handheld lensectomy system in mild, moderate, and severe cataract.

Setting:
Ambulatory surgical centers.

Design:
Retrospective consecutive case series.

Methods:
665 consecutive eyes underwent cataract surgery by 12 surgeons using a new handheld non-cavitating lensectomy system for nuclear fragmentations and extraction. Intraoperative measurements included surgical time, miLOOP pretreatment, and irrigation fluid use.

Results:
Of the 665 eyes, 38 (6%), 468 (70%), 126 (19%), and 33 (5%) were of grade 1, 2, 3, and 4 nuclear densities, respectively, as graded by the surgeon intraoperatively. Successful nuclear fragmentation, lens extraction, and cortical removal were achieved in all eyes. Total nucleus fragmentation and extraction times were 70.1 seconds, 100.3 seconds, 132.6 seconds, and 287.9 seconds for grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < .001). In addition, irrigation and aspiration cortical removal times were 64.1 seconds, 51.1 seconds, 48.5 seconds, and 59.0 seconds, respectively (P = .14). There was a low rate of capsular tear (3 cases in 665 surgeries, 0.45%) and no other emergent adverse events.

Conclusions:
The miCOR handheld non-cavitating lensectomy system demonstrated nuclear fragmentation and extraction in the absence of intraocular cavitation across all grades of nuclear densities.
Ten-year outcomes of congenital cataract surgery performed within the first six months of life
Authors: Oshika Tetsuro , Nishina Sachiko , Unoki Noriyuki , Miyagi Mai , Nomura Koji , Mori Takafumi , Matsuki Naoko , Endo Takao , Kurosaka Daijiro , Negishi Kazuno , Yoshida Shigeo , Nagamoto Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To investigate the long-term outcomes of congenital cataract surgery performed within the first 6 months of life.

Setting:
11 ophthalmic surgical sites in Japan.

Design:
Retrospective chart review.

Methods:
Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for 216 eyes of 121 patients. The age at surgery was 2.9 ± 1.7 months, with follow-up duration 13.0 ± 2.3 years. The cohort consisted of 83 cases with bilateral aphakia, 12 with bilateral pseudophakia, 20 with unilateral aphakia, and 6 with unilateral pseudophakia.

Results:
Surgical intervention within the critical period of visual system development (10 weeks for bilateral and 6 weeks for unilateral cases) led to significantly better final visual acuity than surgery conducted after this time frame. The incidence of secondary glaucoma was similar between groups while the occurrence of visual axis opacification was more frequent with earlier surgery. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the final visual acuity was significantly associated with laterality of cataract (better outcomes in bilateral cases), phakic status (with pseudophakia outperforming aphakia), presence of systemic and ocular comorbidities, and development of secondary glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma was significantly more prevalent in aphakic eyes than pseudophakic eyes.

Conclusions:
In patients with genuine congenital cataract, surgery within the critical period of visual development results in better final visual acuity, albeit with an increased risk of visual axis opacification. The use of IOL with sophisticated surgical techniques shows promise even in congenital cataract surgery.
Intravenous tranexamic acid significantly improved visualization and shortened the operation time in microscopic middle ear surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Han Lin , Ding Weisi , Gao Lan , Feng Yi , An Haiyan 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The microscopic middle ear surgery involves a limited operating space and numerous important anatomical structures in which good visualization is crucial, as even a small amount of bleeding can greatly affect the clarity of surgical field. This study aims to investigate whether intravenous 1 g of tranexamic acid can improve surgical visualization and further shorten the operation time in microscopic middle ear surgery.

Methods:
This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial conducted from December 2021 to December 2022, enrolling patients who were scheduled for microscopic modified radical mastoidectomy due to chronic otitis media. In addition to standard techniques to optimize the surgical field, participants were randomized into the TXA (tranexamic acid) group (1 g diluted to 20 ml normal saline) and the control group (20 ml normal saline). The primary outcome was assessed based on the clarity of the surgical field using the Modena Bleeding Score. Secondary outcomes included operation time, the surgeon satisfaction with the visual clarity, postoperative 24 h coagulation parameters, and the incidence of adverse events. Student’s t-test, χ
2 test, and ANOVA of repeated measures were used for statistical analyses.

Results:
A total of 28 patients were enrolled in each group using a 1:1 randomized allocation with similar demographic characteristics, including 24 male and 32 female individuals, and the mean age is 45.6±11.9 years. The surgical visualization in the TXA group was significantly better than that of the control group (2.29±0.46 vs. 2.89±0.31, P<0.001) as assessed by the Modena Bleeding Score. Furthermore, the TXA group demonstrated a shorter operation time compared to the control group (88.61±10.9 vs. 105.2±15.9, P<0.001) and higher surgeon satisfaction with surgical field (7.82±0.55 vs. 6.50±0.64, P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative coagulation parameters in the two groups. No TXA-related adverse events or complications occurred during the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion:
Intravenous 1 g of TXA can further significantly improve the visual clarity in the microscopic middle ear surgery and shorten the operation time based on other standard measures implemented.
Argon Plasma Coagulation as Treatment for Anal Condylomas: A Narrative Review
Authors: Albuquerque Andreia 
Published: March 2024

Objectives
Anal condylomas are a manifestation of anal human papillomavirus infection and can be associated with precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinomas. Several methods have been described for treatment, including argon plasma coagulation. A narrative review of the evidence published on this topic was conducted.

Methods
A search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.

Results
Five studies reported on anal/perianal condyloma treatment with argon plasma coagulation. In 3 of these studies, there was a comparison with other treatment methods (addition of imiquimod, electrofulguration, and electrocautery, respectively). Argon plasma coagulation settings varied between studies. This type of treatment was effective for ablation. Recurrence rates and follow-up times varied largely between studies. No major complications, such as pain, scarring, sexual dysfunction, or severe bleeding were described.

Conclusion
Studies indicate that argon plasma coagulation is an effective and safe therapy for anal and perianal condylomas.
Antinociceptive effects of gamma-linolenic acid in the formalin test in the rats
Authors: Rahimi Kaveh , Nourishirazi Arman , Delaviz Hamidreza , Ghotbeddin Zohreh 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is found in animals and plants that play a role in brain function and metabolism.

Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of GLA on peripheral formalin injection.

Methods:
Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, formalin, formalin/GLA 100 mg/kg, and formalin/GLA 150 mg/kg. The Formalin test was utilized to create a pain model. A tissue sample was prepared from the spinal cords of rats to measure oxidative stress parameters and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the authors analyzed the expression of c-Fos protein in the spinal cords.

Results:
Our findings demonstrate that GLA has a reliable pain-relieving effect in the formalin test. GLA 100 increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0.05), glutathione (GSH) (P<0.001), and catalase (CAT) (P<0.05), and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) (P<0.001), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (P<0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.001) in the spinal cord. Also GLA 150 increased SOD (P<0.05), GSH (P<0.001), and CAT (P<0.05) and decreased the levels of c-Fos (P<0.001), IL-1β (P<0.001), TNF-α (P<0.001), and MDA (P<0.001) in the spinal cord.

Conclusion:
The findings have validated the antinociceptive impact of GLA and hinted towards its immunomodulatory influence in the formalin test.
Fusarium species central nervous system infection
Authors: Strong Nora , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis 
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Fusarium species are an increasingly important cause of meningitis and invasive disease in immunocompromised patients as well as in otherwise healthy patients as observed in two recent healthcare-associated outbreaks. This review summarizes recently published information on treatment and diagnosis of this infection.

Recent findings
Incidence of Fusarium species meningitis and invasive fusariosis are increasing. Molecular techniques are improving the speed of diagnosis. New antifungal agents in development show good in vitro activity against some Fusarium species. New technologies, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filtration, may play a role in treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disease. Due to the continued prime importance of the host immune system in recovery, immunomodulatory treatments may play a role in treatment.

Summary
The overall incidence of CNS fusariosis is increasing with a continued poor prognosis, but new diagnostic and treatment modalities are in development which may offer improvements.
The neuro-endothelial axis in traumatic brain injury: mechanisms of multi-organ dysfunction, novel therapies, and future directions
Authors: Ho Jessie W. , Dawood Zaiba Shafik , Taylor Meredith E. , Liggett Marjorie R , Jin Guang , Jaishankar Dinesh , Nadig Satish N. , Bharat Ankit , Alam Hasan B. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSevere traumatic brain injury (TBI) often initiates a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), which can potentially culminate into multi-organ dysfunction (MOD). A central player in this cascade is endotheliopathy, caused by perturbations in homeostatic mechanisms governed by endothelial cells due to injury-induced coagulopathy, heightened sympathoadrenal response, complement activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.Unique to TBI is the potential disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may expose neuronal antigens to the peripheral immune system and permit neuroinflammatory mediators to enter systemic circulation, propagating endotheliopathy systemically.This review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the “neuro-endothelial axis” underlying endothelial dysfunction following TBI, identify potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and explore therapeutic strategies targeting these interactions, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes following severe TBI.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Among Persons With Marfan and Loeys-Dietz Syndrome
Authors: Akesson Cydni , Richards Elliott G. , Yao Meng , Ross James , Grima Josephine , May Lauren , Roversi Gustavo , Ferrando Cecile A. 
Published: March 2024

ImportanceConnective tissue disorders are proposed in the literature to be predisposing risk factors for pelvic floor disorders. Prior data characterizing the prevalence of and symptom burden related to pelvic floor disorders are limited for individuals with Marfan syndrome and are nonexistent for those with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders among individuals with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20).Study DesignIn this cross-sectional study, a survey including the PFDI-20 was administered to biologically female individuals older than 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz Syndrome. Respondents were solicited through the websites, email lists, and social media forums of The Marfan Foundation and The Loeys-Dietz syndrome Foundation.ResultsA total of 286 respondents were included in the final analysis, 213 with Marfan syndrome and 73 with Loeys-Dietz syndrome. The median PFDI-20 score of the cohort was 43.8. Individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome had higher PFDI-20 scores and were more likely to have established risk factors for pelvic floor disorders that correlated with their PFDI-20 scores compared with those with Marfan syndrome.ConclusionsRespondents with Marfan syndrome and Loeys-Dietz syndrome experience a high burden of symptoms related to pelvic floor disorders. Despite the similar pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of these disorders, there were differences in PFDI-20 responses that may suggest that these diseases differ in the ways they affect the pelvic floor.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ascending dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of Posiphen in subjects with Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Galasko Douglas , Farlow Martin R. , Lucey Brendan P. , Honig Lawrence S. , Elbert Donald , Bateman Randall , Momper Jeremiah , Thomas Ronald , Rissman Robert A. , Pa Judy , Aslanyan Vahan , Balasubramanian Archana , West Tim , Maccecchini Maria , Feldman Howard H. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAmyloid beta protein (Aβ) is a treatment target in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Lowering production of its parent protein, APP, has benefits in preclinical models. Posiphen binds to an iron-responsive element in APP mRNA and decreases translation of APP and Aβ. To augment human data for Posiphen, we evaluated safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects on Aβ metabolism using Stable Isotope Labeling Kinetic (SILK) analysis.MethodsDouble-blind phase 1b randomized ascending dose clinical trial, at five sites, under an IRB-approved protocol. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or mild AD (Early AD) with positive CSF biomarkers were randomized (within each dose arm) to Posiphen or placebo. Pretreatment assessment included lumbar puncture for CSF. Participants took Posiphen or placebo for 21-23 days, then underwent CSF catheter placement, intravenous infusion of13C6-leucine, and CSF sampling for 36 hours. Safety and tolerability were assessed through participant reports, EKG and laboratory tests. CSF SILK analysis measured Aβ40, 38 and 42 with immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Baseline and day 21 CSF APP, Aβ and other biomarkers were measured with immunoassays. The Mini-Mental State Exam and ADAS-cog12 were given at baseline and day 21.ResultsFrom June 2017 to December 2021, 19 participants were enrolled, in dose cohorts (6 active: 2 placebo) of 60 mg once/day and 60 mg twice/day; 1 participant was enrolled and completed 60 mg three times/day. 10 active drug and 5 placebo participants completed all study procedures. Posiphen was safe and well-tolerated. 8 participants had headaches related to CSF catheterization; 5 needed blood patches. Prespecified SILK analyses of Fractional Synthesis Rate (FSR) for CSF Aβ40 showed no significant overall or dose-dependent effects of Posiphen vs. placebo. Comprehensive multiparameter modeling of APP kinetics supported dose-dependent lowering of APP production by Posiphen. Cognitive measures and CSF biomarkers did not change significantly from baseline to 21 days in Posiphen vs placebo groups.ConclusionsPosiphen was safe and well-tolerated in Early AD. A multicenter SILK study was feasible. Findings are limited by small sample size but provide additional supportive safety and PK data. Comprehensive modeling of biomarker dynamics using SILK data may reveal subtle drug effects.Trial registrationNCT02925650 on clinicaltrials.gov
GABA-ergic inhibition in human hMT+ predicts visuo-spatial intelligence mediated through the frontal cortex
Authors: Gao Yuan , Cai Yong-Chun , Liu Dong-Yu , Yu Juan , Wang Jue , li Ming , Xu Bin , Wang Teng-Fei , Chen Gang , Northoff Georg , Bai Ruiliang , Song Xue Mei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe prevailing opinion emphasizes fronto-parietal network (FPN) is key in mediating general fluid intelligence (gF). Meanwhile, recent studies show that human MT complex (hMT+), located at the occipito-temporal border and involved in 3D perception processing, also plays a key role in gF. However, the underlying mechanism is not clear, yet. To investigate this issue, our study targets visuo-spatial intelligence, which is considered to have high loading on gF. We use ultra-high field magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure GABA/glutamate concentrations in hMT+ combining resting-state fMRI functional connectivity (FC), behavioral examinations including hMT+ perception suppression test and gF subtest in visuo-spatial component. Our findings show that both GABA in hMT+ and frontal-hMT+ functional connectivity significantly correlate with the performance of visuo-spatial intelligence. Further, serial mediation model demonstrates that the effect of hMT+ GABA on visuo-spatialgF is fully mediated by the hMT+ frontal FC. Together our findings highlight the importance in integrating sensory and frontal cortices in mediating the visuospatial component of general fluid intelligence.
Exact Quench Dynamics of the Floquet Quantum East Model at the Deterministic Point
Authors: Bertini Bruno , De Fazio Cecilia , Garrahan Juan P. , Klobas Katja 
Published: March 2024

We study the nonequilibrium dynamics of the Floquet quantum East model (a Trotterized version of the kinetically constrained quantum East spin chain) at its “deterministic point,” where evolution is defined in terms of CNOT permutation gates. We solve exactly the thermalization dynamics for a broad class of initial product states by means of “space evolution.” We prove: (i) the entanglement of a block of spins grows at most at one-half the maximal speed allowed by locality (i.e., half the speed of dual-unitary circuits); (ii) if the block of spins is initially prepared in a classical configuration, speed of entanglement is a quarter of the maximum; (iii) thermalization to the infinite temperature state is reached exactly in a time that scales with the size of the block.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research of antiaging behavior of a new sealing coating for color painting cultural relics
Authors: Li Chao , Gao Jin , Xu Qingqing , Li Chao , Yang Xuemei , Xiao Kui , Han Xiangna 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The color painting of ancient buildings has high historical and artistic value but is prone to aging due to long-term outdoor exposure. The purpose of this study is to develop a new type of sealing coating to mitigate the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light on color painting.

Design/methodology/approach
The new coating was subjected to a 500-h UV-aging test. Compared with the existing acrylic resin Primal AC33, the UV aging behavior of the new coating, such as color difference and gloss, was studied with aging time. The Fourier infrared spectra of the coatings were analyzed after the UV-aging test.

Findings
Compared with AC33, the antiaging performance of SF8 was substantially improved. SF8 has a lower color difference value and better light retention and hydrophobicity. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the C-F bond and Si-O bonds in the resin of the optimized sealing coating protected the main chain C-C structure from degradation during the aging process; thus, the resin maintained good stability. The hindered amine light stabilizer TN292 added to the coating inhibited the antiaging process by trapping active free radicals.

Originality/value
To address the problem of UV aging of oil-decorated colored paintings, a new type of sealing coating with excellent antiaging properties was developed, laying the foundation for its demonstration application on the surface of ancient buildings.
Dynamic connectedness among the BRICS markets and the recent pandemic: an application of TVP-VAR approach
Authors: Dsouza Suzan , Singh Narinder Pal , Oliyide Johnson Ayobami 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThis study analyses the impact of the Covid-19 on stock market performance of BRICS nations together. BRICS countries comprise almost 30% of the global GDP and around 50% of the world’s economic growth. As BRICS nations have gained the attraction as financial investment destinations, their financial markets have apparently been as potential opportunities for foreign portfolio investors. While there is extensive research on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on individual economies and global financial markets, this paper is among the first to systematically investigate the dynamic connectedness of these emerging economies during the pandemic using the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressions (TVP-VAR) approach.Design/methodology/approachWe categorise our data into two distinct periods: the pre-Covid period spanning from January 1, 2018, to March 10, 2020, and the Covid crisis period extending from March 11, 2020, to June 4, 2021. To achieve our research objectives, we employ the Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregressions (TVP-VAR) approach to assess dynamic connectedness.FindingsOur findings reveal that among the BRICS nations, Brazil and South Africa serve as net transmitters of shocks, while China and India act as net receivers of shocks during the Covid crisis. However, the total connectedness index (TCI) has exhibited a notable increase throughout this crisis period. This paper makes several notable contributions to the academic literature by offering a unique focus on BRICS economies during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing practical insights for stakeholders, emphasising the importance of risk management and investment strategy, exploring diversification implications and introducing advanced methodology for analysing interconnected financial markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe results have important implications for the investors, the hedge funds, portfolio managers and the policymakers in BRICS stock markets. The investors, investment houses, portfolio managers and policymakers can develop investment strategies and policies in the light of the findings of this study to cope up the future pandemic crisis.Originality/valueThis study is one of its kind that examines the dynamic connectedness of BRICS with recently developed TVP-VAR approach across pandemic crisis.