bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dependence of galactic bars on the tidal density field in the SDSS
Authors: Deng Qi’an , Zu Ying , Alam Shadab , Yoon Yongmin 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
As a key driver of the secular evolution of disc galaxies, bar formation is potentially linked to the surrounding tidal field. We systematically investigate the dependence of bars on both the small (${\lt }2\, \mathrm{Mpc}\,h^{-1}$) and large (${\gt }5\, \mathrm{Mpc}\,h^{-1}$) scale tidal fields using galaxies observed in the range 0.01 &lt; z &lt; 0.11 by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We characterize bar strength using the ellipticity of the isophote that corresponds to each bar, ebar, derived from its galaxy image after subtracting the 2D disc component. We demonstrate the efficacy of our bar detection method by performing an extensive comparison with the visual identifications from SDSS and the DESI Legacy Surveys. Using the Yang et al. SDSS group catalogue, we confirm the results from a recent study that the average ebar of galaxies within interacting clusters is higher than that within isolated ones at 0.01 &lt; z &lt; 0.06, but this small-scale tidal enhancement of bars disappears after we increase the cluster sample by a factor of 5 to z = 0.11. On large scales, we explore the dependence of ebar on α5, the tidal anisotropy of the density field defined over $5\, \mathrm{Mpc}\,h^{-1}$. We do not detect any such dependence for 98 per cent of the galaxies with α5 &lt; 10. Intriguingly, among the 2 per cent with α5 ≥ 10, we detect some hint of a boost in bar strength in the underdense regions and a suppression in the overdense regions. Combining our results on both scales, we conclude that there is little evidence for the tidal dependence of bar formation in the local Universe, except for the extremely anisotropic environments.
Calcium Oxalate Crystals, the Plant ‘Gemstones’: Insights into Their Synthesis and Physiological Implications in Plants
Authors: Khan Mohd Ishfaq , Pandith Shahzad A , Shah Manzoor A , Reshi Zafar A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
From simple algal forms to the most advanced angiosperms, calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals (CRs) occur in the majority of taxonomic groups of photosynthetic organisms. Various studies have demonstrated that this biomineralization is not a simple or random event but a genetically regulated coordination between calcium uptake, oxalate (OX) synthesis and, sometimes, environmental stresses. Certainly, the occurrence of CaOx CRs is old; however, questions related to their genesis, biosynthesis, significance and genetics exhibit robust evolution. Moreover, their speculated roles in bulk calcium regulation, heavy metal/OX detoxification, light reflectance and photosynthesis, and protection against grazing and herbivory, besides other characteristics, are gaining much interest. Thus, it is imperative to understand their synthesis and regulation in relation to the ascribed key functions to reconstruct future perspectives in harnessing their potential to achieve nutritious and pest-resistant crops amid anticipated global climatic perturbations. This review critically addresses the basic and evolving concepts of the origin (and recycling), synthesis, significance, regulation and fate vis-à-vis various functional aspects of CaOx CRs in plants (and soil). Overall, insights and conceptual future directions present them as potential biominerals to address future climate-driven issues.
The adaptation of root cell wall pectin to copper toxicity in two citrus species differing in copper tolerance: remodeling and responding
Authors: Lin Mei-lan , Lu Fei , Zhou Xin , Xiong Xing , Lai Ning-wei , Li-song Chen , Zeng-rong Huang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Citrus species are prone to suffer from copper (Cu) toxicity because of improper application of Cu-based agrochemicals. Copper immobilization mediated by pectin methylesterase (PME) in the root cell wall (CW) is effective for Cu detoxification. However, the underlying mechanisms of the structural modification and stress responses of citrus root CW pectin to Cu toxicity have been less discussed. In the present study, seedlings of ‘Shatian pummelo’ (Citrus grandis L. Osbeck) and ‘Xuegan’ (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), which differ in Cu tolerance, were irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0.5 (as control), 100, 300 or 500 μM Cu for 18 weeks in sandy culture or 24 h in hydroponics. At the end of treatments in the 18-week sandy culture, Cu toxicity on CW pectin content, Cu distribution, degree of pectin methylesterification (DPM) and the PME enzyme activity were discussed. At the genome-wide level, PME gene family was identified from the two citrus species, and qRT-PCR array of citrus PMEs under control and 300 μM Cu stress for 18 weeks were performed to screen the Cu-responsive PME genes. Moreover, the candidate genes that responded to Cu toxicity were further examined within 24 h. The results showed that Cu toxicity increased the root CW pectin content. The root CW pectin under Cu toxicity was remodeled by upregulation of the expression of the Cu-responsive PME genes followed by increasing PME activity, which mainly promoted low methylesterased pectin level and the Cu content on root CW pectin. Compared with C. sinensis, C. grandis root CW had a lower DPM and higher Cu content on the Cu-stressed root CW pectin, contributing to its higher Cu tolerance. Our present study provided theoretical evidence for root CW pectin remodeling in response to Cu toxicity of citrus species.
The earliest-diverging avemetatarsalian: a new osteoderm-bearing taxon from the Triassic (?Earliest Late Triassic) of Madagascar and the composition of avemetatarsalian assemblages prior to the radiation of dinosaurs
Authors: Nesbitt Sterling J , Patellos Emily , Kammerer Christian F , Ranivoharimanana Lovasoa , Wyss Andre´ R , Flynn John J 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the evolution of the earliest avemetatarsalian (bird-line) archosaurs and inferring the morphology of the last common ancestor of Archosauria are hampered by a poor fossil record in critical temporal intervals. Here we describe an early-diverging avemetatarsalian from the ?Earliest Late Triassic (~235 Ma) ‘basal Isalo II’/Makay Formation of Madagascar, which helps bridge these gaps. This taxon, Mambachiton fiandohana gen. et sp. nov., is represented by well-preserved postcranial material and possibly a postfrontal bone. Features of the neck region include anteroposteriorly elongated vertebrae with laterally expanded dorsal ends of the neural spines with three pairs of osteoderms per cervical vertebra, lying dorsal to those vertebrae. Inclusion of Mambachiton in a phylogenetic analysis of archosauromorphs recovers it at the base of Avemetatarsalia, outside of the aphanosaur + ornithodiran clade. This new specimen indicates that osteoderms were present in the earliest avemetatarsalians, but were lost in more crownward lineages. The plesiomorphic morphology of the taxon also underscores the difficulty of identifying early avemetatarsalians from incomplete skeletons. This early-diverging avemetatarsalian occurring together with a lagerpetid and silesaurid in the ‘basal Isalo II’/Makay Formation of Madagascar documents the co-occurrence of multiple non-dinosaurian avemetatarsalian clades in Gondwana near the Middle–Late Triassic transition. Translated abstract (Malagasy and French) is provided in the Supplementary information.
Nitrous Oxide Improves Tissue Perfusion in Vascular Occlusion Management
Authors: Desyatnikova Stella , Mangieri Leandra 
Published: July 2023

Summary:
Filler-related vascular occlusion (VO) treatment remains challenging despite established protocols, including high-dose pulsed hyaluronidase injections and ultrasound-guided targeted injections. Managing patients’ pain and anxiety during treatment presents additional difficulties. Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been found to be effective for analgesia and anxiolysis in minor procedures, with a 55% reduction in photodynamic therapy pain, and a visual analog scale reduction from 6.6 to 2.9 for aesthetic laser treatment pain. Use of N2O for analgesia, anxiolysis, or improvement of perfusion in VO has not been previously reported. We present two cases of filler-related VO management with high-dose hourly hyaluronidase injections and adjunctive use of self-administered 50% N2O. Pain and anxiety of the treatment were self-reported by the patients. Capillary refill and livedo reticularis were monitored for establishing VO diagnosis and treatment outcome. In both cases, self-administration of N2O led to contemporaneous improvement in skin perfusion. Patients reported decreased anxiety and pain during treatment. Hyaluronidase treatment led to permanent resolution of occlusion symptoms. N2O presents a promising adjunctive treatment option for relief of pain and anxiety, and potentially additional perfusion improvement. Further investigation is necessary to better define N2O’s role in treating VO.
Predictors of 3-month and 1-year visual outcomes after vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator injection for submacular hemorrhage
Authors: Miki Makoto , Miyata Manabu , Ooto Sotaro , Tamura Hiroshi , Ueda-Arakawa Naoko , Muraoka Yuki , Miyake Masahiro , Hata Masayuki , Takahashi Ayako , Kido Ai , Kogo Takahiro , Uji Akihito , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
To investigate factors associated with 3-month or 1-year best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after vitrectomy with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) injection for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and to identify the predictors of early displacement.

Methods:
This prospective cohort study included consecutive eyes with SMH complicating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or retinal macroaneurysm (RMA) that underwent vitrectomy with subretinal tPA injection and were followed up for at least 3 months. We identified parameters correlated with 3-month BCVA, 1-year BCVA, and 2-week displacement grade (0–3).

Results:
Twenty-nine eyes of 29 patients (73.1 ± 8.4 years; nAMD, 25 eyes) were included. Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA improved 3 months after the surgery (baseline, 0.76 [20/115] ± 0.35; 3-month, 0.51 [20/65] ± 0.32; P = 0.006). In multivariable analyses, 1-year logMAR BCVA correlated with age (P = 0.007, β = 0.39) and SMH recurrence within 1 year after surgery (P <0.001, β = 0.65). Two-week displacement grade correlated with the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of SMH (P = 0.001, β = −0.54). Macular hole occurred in three eyes (10%) with small SMH size and was closed in all eyes via additional vitrectomy with an inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique.

Conclusions:
The recurrence of SMH negatively affected the 1-year visual outcome after vitrectomy with subretinal tPA injection for SMH. The CNR was a useful predictor of early SMH displacement but not of 1-year BCVA. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment to prevent SMH recurrence.
CAVITARY CHOROIDAL NEVUS SHOWING THICKNESS FLUCTUATIONS IN RESPONSE TO ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Bijon Jacques , Ramtohul Prithvi , Naysan Jonathan , Freund K. Bailey 
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to report the multimodal imaging features of a cavitary choroidal nevus showing thickness fluctuations that mirrored the response of diabetic macular edema (DME) to intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.

Methods:
This is a retrospective case report. Multimodal imaging findings including fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, OCT-angiography (OCTA), and B-scan ultrasonography were analyzed.

Results:
A woman in her 80s with a cavitary choroidal nevus and DME was treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy using a pro re nata regimen over 5 years. The choroidal nevus showed thickness fluctuations paralleling the response of DME to anti-VEGF therapy. Worsening of the DME was associated with marked increased choroidal lesion thickness on OCT. Conversely, resolution of DME after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was followed by choroidal lesion flattening on OCT. Variations of the choroidal lesion thickness were mainly dependent on changes of intralesional hyporeflective caverns on OCT.

Conclusion:
Our report shows thickness variations of a cavitary choroidal nevus that paralleled the clinical course of DME treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on volume variations of a cavitary choroidal nevus after anti-VEGF therapy.
THE RETINAL DEEP CAPILLARY PLEXUS AS A VENOUS OUTFLOW SYSTEM: INSIGHTS FROM STURGE–WEBER SYNDROME
Authors: Thanos Aristomenis , Young Jonathan , Fortune Brad , Tang Stephen J. 
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
To report on the venous abnormalities of a patient with Sturge–Weber syndrome.

Method:
Case report.

Patient:
A 29-year-old woman with a history of Sturge–Weber syndrome since infancy was referred for evaluation of possible diffuse choroidal hemangioma. Multimodal imaging, including ultra-widefield fluorescein, indocyanine green, and optical coherence tomography angiography, was performed.

Results:
Dilated fundus examination was remarkable for increased cupping of the optic disk in the right eye, venous tortuosity, and marked dilation of the choroidal vessels. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography confirmed marked venous tortuosity and dilation, as well as anastomoses of the retinal veins ipsilateral to the port wine stain. Indocyanine green angiography revealed marked engorgement of the vortex veins and choroidal vasculature. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed dilated vascular channels in the deep capillary plexus that were directly anastomosing to the superficial capillary plexus, but not the intermediate capillary plexus. Engorgement of the ampullae of the deep capillary plexus vortex system was also observed. The normal contralateral eye was used as comparison for all imaging studies.

Conclusion:
These findings support the notion of generalized venous hypertension state in adult eyes with Sturge–Weber syndrome and corroborate previous evidence that the deep capillary plexus acts as a venous outflow system.
POSTERIOR VITREOUS MEMBRANE FINDINGS ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY RELATED TO COLLAGEN TYPE IV ABNORMALITIES
Authors: de Hoog Joeri , Govers Birgit Marlies , Burggraaff Marloes Christien , Keijser Sander 
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
The pathological mechanisms of abnormal collagen type IV predisposing to macular hole formation in Alport syndrome are hypothesized to be related to defective Bruch membrane leading to ruptured intraretinal cysts. However, abnormal collagen type IV may also predispose to macular hole formation due to vitreous cortex abnormalities.

Methods:
An observational case series of optical coherence tomography findings in three patients.

Results:
In two patients diagnosed with Alport syndrome and in one patient with a possibly pathogenic genetic variant in COL4A3, we observed a remarkable posterior vitreous cortex with a vitreoschisis-like appearance on optical coherence tomography. Two of these patients developed a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, of which one was caused by a giant retinal tear, and one patient developed a macular hole. During surgery, a firmly adherent vitreous cortex was observed centrally in the left eye and in the midperiphery in the right eye in one patient with a macular hole and giant retinal tear, respectively.

Conclusion:
These new vitreous cortex findings in patients with Alport syndrome are possibly related to pathogenic genetic variants affecting type IV collagen. Abnormal type IV collagen may cause pathological vitreoretinal traction, potentially leading to an increased risk of macular holes and rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.
The Utility of Corneal Cultures in Bacterial Keratitis
Authors: Hsu Jerry , Gupta Anita 
Published: July 2023

Objectives:
To determine the utility and use of corneal cultures in bacterial keratitis.

Methods:
Retrospective single-center chart review of patients with bacterial keratitis who showed a positive corneal culture result from January 2017 to December 2021.

Results:
Seventy-four cases of bacterial keratitis in 73 patients with positive cultures were identified. The most common organisms were Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus species. In total, 87.8% of cases were started on fortified antibiotics initially. All organisms isolated were susceptible to empiric antibiotics used (n=54). In 47.3% of cases, an antibiotic was discontinued once culture results became available, most often fortified vancomycin. Within the 27 Pseudomonas cases, consisting of predominantly contact lens wearers, at least one fortified antibiotic was discontinued in 66.7% of cases after a positive culture result.

Conclusions:
Multidrug resistance was infrequent in the study population. Empiric antibiotic therapy is still effective in bacterial corneal ulcers. Corneal cultures may have utility in antibiotic de-escalation.
Comparison of a Novel, Flavor-optimized, Polyethylene Glycol and Sulfate Bowel Preparation With Oral Sulfate Solution in Adults Undergoing Colonoscopy
Authors: Bhandari Raj , Goldstein Michael , Mishkin Daniel S. , McGowan John , Cleveland Mark vB. , Di Palma Jack A. 
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
A new bowel preparation for colonoscopy has been developed containing poorly absorbed sulfate salts and polyethylene glycol 3350, which retain water within the intestinal lumen resulting in copious diarrhea, thereby cleansing the bowel. The product was formulated to be safe and effective with a sports drink-like flavor. This study evaluated the new flavored polyethylene glycol and sulfate solution (FPSS) compared with a Food and Drug Administration-approved bowel preparation containing sulfate salts only [oral sulfate solution (OSS)].

Methods:
Five hundred adults were enrolled in this multicenter, noninferiority study. Subjects were assigned FPSS or OSS administered in split-dose regimens (PM/AM). FPSS subjects took 2 L of the flavored osmotic solution (1 L at night and 1 L in the morning). OSS was taken according to its approved labeling. Colonoscopies were graded globally and segmentally by blinded local investigators using a 4-point scale (excellent, good, fair, and poor), with “good” and “excellent” considered successful. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs) and laboratory testing.

Results:
A high rate of cleansing success was seen with FPSS (94%), which was noninferior to OSS (94%). This conclusion was confirmed by blinded central readers. Segmental success rates were >90% for both preparations, including the right colon. Questionnaire ratings indicated the FPSS experience was preferred over OSS with 87% of FPSS subjects noting their preparation was “tolerable” to “very easy” to consume versus 74% for OSS. The majority of FPSS subjects agreed their preparation tasted like a sports drink. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common AEs. There was no difference between preparations for any AE and no clinically significant differences in laboratory parameters.

Conclusions:
The new sports drink-like flavored preparation achieved a high level of cleansing in the study, demonstrating noninferiority to OSS. FPSS was well-tolerated with low rates of expected gastrointestinal symptoms. The optimized flavor of FPSS resulted in significantly better acceptance ratings.
Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome: Real-World Evidence on Incidence and Hospital Resource Use From a Finnish Data Lake
Authors: Puttonen Minna , Tuominen Samuli , Ukkola-Vuoti Liisa , Lassenius Mariann I. , Virtanen Heidi , Merras-Salmio Laura , Pakarinen Mikko P. 
Published: July 2023

Objectives:
Little is known about the epidemiology and healthcare burden of pediatric intestinal failure (IF). We aimed to assess the incidence, prevalence, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), and related costs of pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) using follow-up data from the largest hospital district in Finland.

Methods:
This retrospective registry study utilized electronic healthcare data covering all pediatric patients with SBS-IF born between 2010 and 2019 at the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa in Finland. Patients were followed from birth until the end of 2020 and compared to control patients, all from the same hospital system.

Results:
In total, 38 patients with SBS-IF and 1:5 matched controls were included, with median follow-up time of almost 6 years from birth. Over half of the patients were born early preterm (gestational age ≤30 weeks). The incidence of pediatric SBS-IF was 24 per 100,000 live births. The HCRU was higher compared to controls and most of the inpatient days incurred during the first year of the SBS-IF patients’ life. The average hospital-based HCRU costs were €221,000 for the first year and €57,000 for whole follow-up annually. The costs were higher for the early preterm patients and accumulated mainly from inpatient days.

Conclusions:
SBS-IF is a rare disease with a relatively low number of patients treated at each hospital district. The burden on the hospital system, as well as the patient’s family, is especially high at the onset as the newborns with SBS-IF spend a significant part of their first year of life in the hospital.
Predicting Complications in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Braun Sterling E. , Sinik Lauren M. , Meyer Anne M. , Larson Kelsey E. , Butterworth James A. 
Published: July 2023

Importance
Necrosis of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) is the Achilles heel of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), and it can be difficult to assess which patients are at risk of this complication (Ann Surg Oncol 2014;21(1):100–106).

Objective
To develop and validate a model that accurately predicts NAC necrosis in a prospective cohort.

Design
Data were collected from a retrospectively reviewed cohort of patients who underwent NSM and immediate breast reconstruction between January 2015 and July 2019 at our institution, a high -volume, tertiary academic center. Preoperative clinical characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative complications were collected and linked to NAC outcomes. These results were utilized to train a random-forest classification model to predict necrosis. Our model was then validated in a prospective cohort of patients undergoing NSM with immediate breast reconstruction between June 2020 and June 2021.

Results
Model predictions of NAC necrosis in the prospective cohort achieved an accuracy of 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89–0.99; P = 0.009). This was consistent with the accuracy of predictions in the retrospective cohort (0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99). A high degree of specificity (0.98; 95% CI, 0.90–1.0) and negative predictive value (0.98; 95% CI, 0.90–1.0) were also achieved prospectively. Implant weight was the most predictive of increased risk, with weights greater than 400 g most strongly associated with NAC ischemia.

Conclusions and Relevance
Our machine learning model prospectively predicted cases of NAC necrosis with a high degree of accuracy. An important predictor was implant weight, a modifiable risk factor that could be adjusted to mitigate the risk of NAC necrosis and associated postoperative complications.