bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery trajectories after major abdominal surgery: A retrospective pooled cohort study
Authors: Ou‐Young Jared , Royse Colin , Clarke‐Errey Sandy , El‐Ansary Doa , Riedel Bernhard , Griffiths James , Bowyer Andrea 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundRecovery from major surgery can be difficult to predict given the many factors involved in treating disease and restoring preoperative function. Postoperative recovery metrics such as length of stay, complications, and mortality are typically described. However, large data quantities for patient‐reported recovery are scarce. In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the multidimensional recovery trajectory of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery 4–8 weeks after surgery and explore factors related to incomplete overall recovery.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed pooled cohort data of adults undergoing elective major abdominal surgery between 2018 and 2024 across three tertiary‐level hospitals. Recovery was measured at postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 14, weeks 4–8, and 3 months using the Postoperative Quality of Recovery Scale (PostopQRS). Physiological, nociceptive, emotive, activities of daily living (ADL), and cognitive domains were assessed, with recovery defined as a return to, or improvement of, preoperative baseline levels. Overall recovery was defined as recovery in all domains. Length of stay was assessed for patients who recovered overall, or did not recover, at postoperative weeks 4–8.ResultsSix hundred and fifty‐three patients were included, with mean (SD) age of 57.8 (14.4) years. Of these, 36% were aged ≥65 years and 58% were male. The incidence of overall recovery at postoperative week 4–8 was 42%. Domain‐level recovery at postoperative weeks 4–8 was 63% for nociception, 81% for emotion, 82% for ADLs, and 83% for cognition. Patients failing to achieve overall recovery at weeks 4–8 had longer mean (SD) lengths of stay compared to those who recovered (11.3 (10.3) vs. 7.3 (7.1) days, p < .001).ConclusionsThe incidence of overall recovery at postoperative week 4–8 was 42%. Patients with incomplete overall recovery had longer lengths of stay. Multidimensional strategies to improve the recovery trajectory warrant further investigation.Editorial CommentMajor surgical procedures are often followed by a lengthy and difficult recovery period. Traditional measures such as mortality and complications are usually analysed, but this 653‐patient study investigated patient‐reported recovery scores after major abdominal surgery. Novel findings include that only 42% of patients have recovered fully in all recovery domains at weeks 4–8, and these patients also had longer hospital stays. Preoperative risk factors were analysed for associations with recovery trajectories.
Carbon Storage Variation of Plantation Forest and Their Management Practices in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Yishak Adgo , Teshome Yirdaw Meride 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and its potential to alter the climate are currently major global concerns. Forest plants and soil may absorb and retain carbon from the atmosphere, forming significant terrestrial carbon storage. The aims of this study were to estimate the carbon storage variance of Eucalyptus globulus and Cupressus lusitanica species in community and small‐scale plantation forests under different management practices in the study area. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect field data. The transect line and the sample plot were positioned at 100 and 50 m, respectively, between them. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and total tree height were measured using a total of 60 plots (10 m × 10 m) from community plantation forests and 30 plots from small‐scale plantation forests. The total mean carbon storage of C. lusitanica was 312.2 ± 97.9 t C/ha, and that of E. globulus was 356.1 ± 117.6 t C/ha. This was equivalent to 1146.4 ± 359.2 t C/ha CO2 (g) of C. lusitanica and 1306.9 ± 431.8 t C/ha CO2 (g) of E. globulus. The total mean carbon storage of E. globulus was higher than that of C. lusitanica in all carbon pools, except for litterfall biomass. From the management practices in small‐scale plantations, the total mean carbon storage of C. lusitanica and E. globulus was 120.5 ± 37.5 t C/ha and 130.5 ± 40.8 t C/ha, respectively. This was equivalent to 442.2 ± 137.5 and 478.9 ± 149.7 t C/ha of CO2 (g), C. lusitanica and E. globulus, respectively. The results of this study will identify research gaps for future investigations and assist in addressing knowledge gaps for forest managers and organisations committed to providing enough attention to forest conservation.
Barriers to the Cross‐Border Diffusion of Climate Change Policies
Authors: Vu Trung V. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper establishes a statistically and economically significant relationship between national responses to climate change and genetic distance, which is a proxy for countries' dissimilarities in cultures, ancestry, and historical legacies associated with long‐term exposure to divergent historical trajectories. It finds that countries that are genetically distant to the world‐leading nation‐state of climate change mitigation tend to experience barriers to the cross‐border diffusion of climate change policies and hence exhibit worse responses to climate change. A potential explanation is that climate change polices are more likely to spread between closely related countries with more similar preferences for the provision of the public goods of environmental and climate protection. The findings imply that strengthening climate change mitigation requires overcoming obstacles to international policy diffusion.
Electrical synapses in the optic nerve head – A novel model of gap junctions' involvement in optic nerve function
Authors: Smedowski Adrian 
Published: January 2025

Retinal neurons are part of the central nervous system, making them unable to regenerate spontaneously when damaged. Glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy, is believed to be the primary cause of severe vision impairment or permanent vision loss. Connexins, essential channel proteins that create gap junctions between neighboring cells, including neurons, play a significant role in maintaining cell stability. However, in neurons, they can also contribute to the spread of apoptotic insults, which can lead to secondary neurodegeneration.The discovery of previously unknown electrical synapses known as gap junctions between ON axons, which directly connect axons within bundles in the ON head, potentially speeds up signal transmission along the ON and allows for modulation of signal passage from the retina to the brain. By enabling crosswise conduction within ON bundles, these synapses could potentially help bypass localized damage within axons. It is hypothesized that the density and conductivity of these synapses may play a crucial role in determining the susceptibility of the ON to developing various impairments that lead to symptomatic pathologies.Research has shown that temporarily blocking ON electrical synapses chemically can slow down the conduction of visual signals. In cases of structural or functional impairments in axons, signals could potentially be transmitted crosswise through gap junctions to neighboring axons, thereby maintaining the continuity of the syncytial ON structure and preventing the blockage of visual information propagation. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the development of different optic neuropathies and highlights a potential new target for therapeutic interventions.
An uncommon neuronal class conveys visual signals from rods and cones to retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Tian Ning , Du Rui , Prodzinski Quinn , Wang Ping 
Published: January 2025

We recently described a previously not fully characterized interneuron in the mammalian retina, the Campana cells. These cells share some morphological, physiological, and molecular features with both retinal bipolar cells and amacrine cells. We further studied Campana cells by revealing their distribution in mammalian species, their synaptic connections, and their roles in visual recognition.We show that all tested mammals, including rodents, non‐rodent mammals, primates, and humans except rabbits, express Campana cells in their retina. The density of Campana cells in the central retina is much higher than that of the peripheral retina. Also, the nasal and ventral retinas have more Campana cells than those of the temporal and dorsal retina. Further, the density of Campana cells increases significantly with age in adult mice.We characterized presynaptic connections of Campana cells with photoreceptors using two‐photon calcium imaging of light‐evoked responses of Campana cells. We showed that Campana cells responded to both rod‐ and cone‐mediated synaptic signals, which is different from bipolar cells that selectively connect to either rods or cones. The synaptic connections between Campana cells and RGCs are determined by recording calcium transients of RGCs to optogenetic stimulation of single channel rhodopsin (ChR2)‐expressing Campana cell. We showed that Campana cells relay both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic signals to multiple functional RGC types, including rod‐, cone‐mediated, or mixed ON, OFF, and ON‐OFF RGCs, and around 50% RGCs of WT mice receive synaptic inputs from Campana cells.To determine whether Campana cells could relay visual signals to RGCs without retinal bipolar cells, we recorded the light‐evoked calcium responses of Campana cells and RGCs of VSX2‐SEΔ/Δ mice, in which the bipolar cells are completely absent. In these mice, Campana cells are present and respond to both rod‐ and cone‐mediated synaptic signals. Around 25% of RGCs of VSX2‐SEΔ/Δ mice exhibited light‐evoked responses.To further determine whether Campana cells could evoke visual perception without bipolar cells, we accessed the visual responses of VSX2‐SEΔ/Δ mice using a fear conditioning test, in which mice learn to associate conditional stimuli (CS, such as light or visual patterns) with aversive unconditional stimuli (US; a mild electrical foot shocks) first and subsequently tested the conditional response (CR/freezing of movement) to CS without US. Accordingly, we use uniform light and checkboard as conditional stimuli (CS) to determine the light perception and visual pattern perception of VSX2‐SEΔ/Δ mice. We showed that, in WT mice, the freezing time is increased by 12.5 folds to light stimuli and 2.2 folds to checkboard. In the VSX2‐SEΔ/Δ mice, the freezing time is increased by 8.2 folds to light and 2.4 folds to checkboard. Therefore, the Campana cells could relay visual signals to CNS through RGCs for visual perception without bipolar cells.
Technical innovations in liquid biopsies
Authors: Nell Rogier J. 
Published: January 2025

Uveal melanoma is a rare and aggressive intraocular malignancy. The majority of diagnoses are made on the basis of clinical examination solely, without taking a tumour biopsy. As more patients are treated by local, eye‐preserving radiotherapy instead of an enucleation, tumour tissue becomes even less available for further analysis. Nevertheless, the molecular characterisation of a patient's primary uveal melanoma may yield clinically‐important information.Over the past decades, prognostically‐relevant molecular tumour subtypes have been identified based on the genetic alterations present in a uveal melanoma. These subtypes present independently from established clinicopathological markers such as tumour diameter and prominence. Patients with an increased risk of metastatic dissemination may be offered a more intense follow‐up screening program, and could possibly benefit from earlier detection of metastasis. Additionally, knowledge about the molecular profile of the primary tumour has been positively associated with various aspects of psychosocial well‐being and might be of (future) clinical relevance with regard to novel (neo‐)adjuvant therapies.Digital PCR is one of the most sensitive molecular technologies available to analyse solid and liquid biopsies from cancer patients. It is widely used in a variety of malignancies, and in different stages of disease. We developed novel assays and experimental setups to make this technology applicable in the context of uveal melanoma. These were validated and applied in primary and metastatic tumour specimens, and in vitreous fluid samples obtained from eyes with a uveal melanoma. Others used this technology for the analysis of blood from patients with primary or metastatic uveal melanoma.In this talk, the challenges and opportunities of digital PCR in the context of uveal melanoma will be discussed, and compared to those of other technologies available in the field.
Integration of ipsc‐derived human photoreceptors into rodent models of retinal degeneration
Authors: Ader Marius 
Published: January 2025

A main cause for vision impairment and blindness is the loss of light‐sensing photoreceptors in the retina. However, photoreceptors do not regenerate in mammals including humans, thus cell transplantation has emerged as a potential treatment approach for blinding diseases. Therefore, a pipeline for assessing the transplantation of human stem cell‐derived photoreceptors into mouse models of retinal generation was developed. Human photoreceptor‐specific reporter iPSC‐derived retinal organoids were used for isolation of donor cells via flow‐cytometry. After transplantation we observed extensive incorporation of human photoreceptors in mice with cone dysfunction/loss. This incorporative phenotype was validated in both cone‐only as well as pan‐photoreceptor transplantations. Rather than forming a glial barrier, Müller cells extend throughout the graft, and additionally form a series of adherens junctions between mouse and human cells, reminiscent of an outer limiting membrane. Donor‐host interaction appears to promote transplant polarization as well as development of morphological features critical for light detection, namely formation of inner‐ and outer‐segments mainly oriented towards the host retinal pigment epithelium. Putative synapse formation and graft function was observed both at the structural level and by electrophysiological analysis using micro‐electrode recordings. Transcriptomic analysis reveals increased expression of cone photoreceptor maturation genes with time after transplantation, in comparison to cones of age‐matched retinal organoids in vitro. While highly integrative donor cell clusters were observed in partially degenerated recipients, transplantation into hosts with late‐stage degeneration, i.e. with complete photoreceptor loss, lead to more wide‐spread distribution of donor cells within the sub‐retinal space and reduced signs for integration and maturation. Thus, interaction with the host retina appears to be important for graft integration, maturation, polarization and function. Overall, these results show that human photoreceptors interact readily with a partially degenerated mouse retina.Funding:BMBF – ReSight (01EK1613A)DFG – AD375/7‐1 (SPP2127), SEQ2146FFB – TA‐RM‐0522‐0824‐TUD‐TRAP
Inherited optic neuropathies – what you need to know
Authors: La Morgia Chiara 
Published: January 2025

Inherited optic neuropathies (ION) are in the large majority of cases due to mitochondrial defects and characterized by a preferential damage of the papillo‐macular bundle of the optic nerve, which is the most vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction.The two most common inherited optic disorders are Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) and Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA) due to mutations in the OPA1 gene.LHON is due in 90‐95% of cases to the 3 most common LHON mtDNA mutations (11778/ND4, 3460/ND1 and 14484/ND6) affecting complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but can be also due to rarer mtDNA mutations and also to recessive mutations in the DNAJC30 gene (especially in patients from East European countries). Clinically, LHON is characterized by subacute painless visual loss bilateral at onset or sequentially bilateral leading to usually severe visual impairment and diffuse optic atrophy. Males are more frequently affected than females. The only therapy approved for LHON is idebenone. Gene therapy options are currently under investigation.DOA due to OPA1 mutations is characterized by bilateral progressive visual loss starting usually in childhood with a variable degree of severity even in the same family. There are no approved therapies currently available for this disease. DOA, as LHON is characterized by complex I defect and idebenone has been used with some promising results also in this disorder. Gene therapy options are also under evaluation.In the last years, the number of genes associated with ION is continuously growing and in a recent Italian reappraisal of the 5 most common nuclear genes responsible genes for ION, besides OPA1 which is the most common there are also WFS1, ACO2, SPG7 and AFG3L2 (Fiorini et al., Brain 2023). Interestingly, all of these genes may be causative for ION also in dominant fashion. Interestingly, SSBP1, implicated in mtDNA replication has been recently associated with autosomal dominant isolated optic atrophy but also to more complex phenotypes.Pathogenic mechanisms associated with these new genes are discussed with particular focus on mitochondrial dynamics and mtDNA maintenance/replication.
Abnormal findings
Authors: Hommer Anton 
Published: January 2025

The aim of this part is to show the difference between normal and abnormal findings in the angle. In addition grading systems and their therapeutic consequences will be discussed.Congenital disorders and acquired diseases affecting the eye and angle will be shown. The clinical findings will be discussed as well its context of recent advances in glaucoma surgery with microsurgical techniques requiring intraoperative gonioscopy for implants.
How can we ensure quality simulation based education?
Authors: Labuschagne Mathys 
Published: January 2025

There are certain recommendations to guide institutions planning to incorporate simulation‐based education (SBE) into their training programs or institutions that have an established program but want to benchmark it against best practices. Following these recommendations ensures quality SBE.Create an effective simulation learning environment that is safe, trustful, supportive, and ethical. Well trained educators and facilitators complying with educational requirements such as pre‐briefing, small group learning techniques, skills transference aligned with the clinical environment and effective debriefing will ensure quality training.Ethical principles and values must be applied to SBE not only to address patient safety, students’ psychological safety, protection of simulated patients and staff and educators, but also the simulators and skills task trainers. The ethical values for all stakeholders should adhere to resect for autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and human dignity.Embedding SBE in curricula can address the challenges on the clinical training platform, shewed burden of disease, patient safety and an environment that is safe and supportive for learning. Some jurisdictions, such as the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, have adopted this concept and implemented mandatory, demonstrable simulation‐based learning requirements as part of professional credentialing. Continued advancement of the quality of education and the establishment of clear universal essential comparable quality standard milestones are therefore advised.Accreditation of simulation centres play a crucial role in the quality of SBE. Accreditation must promote patient safety, develop organisational structures, and maintain program management. Educational components must provide an adequate number and variety of well‐structured, high‐quality simulation learning opportunities. Review is an integral part of any training program to keep a simulation training program relevant and appropriately contextualized. Research development to inform the educational programs, clinical applications, and product development.The creation of collaborations and partnerships under mutual agreements upon the goals and objectives of a program. Long term sustainability can be ensured by mentoring of local faculty and conceding to local curriculum plans.Well‐structured and well‐planned contextualized training programs, where simulation could be employed as an educational methodology, are required to address global eye care needs. Trainee ophthalmologists who use simulation are more confident and perform safe eye surgeries. The training should be based on sound simulation educational principles. One must also keep in mind that simulation‐based ophthalmic surgery training goes far beyond the simulators or task trainers alone, as outlined in these recommendations.
Defocus incorporated multiple segments lenses and 0.025% atropine for myopia control in European children: 12‐month results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Villahoz Noemi Guemes , Talavero‐Gonzalez Paula , Bella‐Gala Rafael , Porras‐Angel Paloma , Hernandez‐Garcia Elena , Martin‐Garcia Beatriz , Ruiz‐Pomeda Alicia , Gomez‐de‐Liano C. Nunila , Shah Rakhee , Feijoo Julian Garcia , Gomez‐de‐Liano Rosario 
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses and atropine have proven standalone efficacy in controlling myopia progression in children. However, there is a scarcity of evidence of their efficacy when used in combination. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment using 0.025% atropine and DIMS spectacle lenses compared to 0.025% atropine and single vision (SV) lenses in slowing myopia progression in European myopic children.Methods: RCT conducted on children aged 4‐16 years with myopia between ‐1.00 and ‐6.00D and astigmatism ≤2.00D. Children were randomly assigned to the 0.025% atropine and SV lenses treatment group (group A) or 0.025% atropine and DIMS lenses treatment group (group B). Cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Statistical analyses (Mann‐Whitney U‐test or Chi‐squared test) were performed to test for significance between the two groups.Results: 79 patients completed the 12 month‐follow‐up: n = 38 (48.1%) in group A (47.4% female), mean age 9.00 ± 2.74 years; n = 41 (51. 9%) in group B (46.3% female), mean age 9.68 ± 2.65 years. There was no significant association between group and sex (p = 0.93) or age difference between the groups (p = 0.26). At 12 months, mean AL ± SD change was 0.16 ± 0.13mm in group A and 0.09 ± 0.16mm in group B, mean difference 0.07 ± 0.02 mm (95%CI 0.03‐0.12, p < 0.001). Mean SER ± SD progression was ‐0.16 ± 0.31D and ‐0.16 ± 0.36D in group A and B, respectively (p = 0.61). 39.5% of the children in Group B had no axial elongation over 12 months, compared to 14.5% of the children in group A (p < 0.001).Conclusions: Combination treatment with 0.025% atropine and DIMS spectacle lenses is more effective in controlling axial elongation than 0.025% atropine with SV lenses in European children. The differences in SER between the groups were not significant. The AL increase in group B was less than that previously reported with DIMS lenses alone in Asian and European children over 12 months, suggesting that other factors, such as pupil size, may enhance the DIMS lens efficacy in controlling axial elongation.