Group C1 Research Articles

High-pressure phase transition in clinochlore: IIa polytype stabilization

Abstract Structural variations of natural clinochlore with pressure have been studied by in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) in a diamond-anvil cell in the pressure range 0–20 GPa at room temperature. High-resolution XRD data allowed for the identification of a polytypic phase transition at about 9 GPa. Around 4.32(5) GPa, the unit-cell parameters exhibited a significant deviation from linear behavior, particularly the c and β values, abruptly interrupted when the phase transition occurs. XRD patterns showed a drastic reduction of diffuse scattering due to the stabilization of the high-pressure structure, suggesting that the atomic reorganization of the layers led to a disorder reduction. The phase transition showed complete reversibility during the experiment. Ab initio structural refinements identified the transition as polytypic, from the initial IIb-4 triclinic polytype (space group C1) to the IIa-1 monoclinic structure (space group C2/m), with unit-cell parameters a = 5.2058(6) Å, b = 9.0208(4) Å, c = 13.560(7) Å, β = 97.34(3)°. The latter was theoretically derived in the 1960s as the least stable chlorite polytype but has never been observed in natural chlorites. The phase transition also has a significative effect on the bulk modulus, with a reduction from K0 = 81.2(13)t to K0 = 56.0(6) GPa for the high-pressure structure. An isothermal run at 600 K from ambient pressure to 14 GPa showed the same phase transition at 7.8(5) GPa. Its occurrence at lower pressures suggests a negative P/T slope for the transition. Therefore, at high-temperature and high-pressure conditions compatible with impact phenomena, the polytypic phase transition could prevent chlorite from early destabilization and dehydration.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Electrostimulation Therapies as an Adjuvant for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders.

We carried out a comparison of the neuromuscular and clinical effects produced by electrostimulation therapies, as an adjuvant to the use of occlusal splints (removable muscle relaxation apparatus) in patients with temporomandibular disorders In this simple randomized clinical trial, 91 patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group A (GA) received transcutaneous electrostimulation therapy and an occlusal splint, Group B (GB) received percutaneous electrostimulation therapy and an occlusal splint, and Group C (GC) received an occlusal splint. The neuromuscular activity, as well as the signs and symptoms of each patient, were evaluated every week throughout the treatment (T0 = baseline; T1 = 7 days; T2 = 14 days; T3 = 21 days; T4 = 28 days; and T5 = 35 days). Pain was measured with a visual analog scale, and neuromuscular electrical activity was determined by the root mean square of the masseter muscles through the use of a UNAM-CINVESTAV 1.2 electromyograph. Comparisons were made using ANOVA for repeated measures (p-value = 0.05). The comparison between the groups determined that muscle fatigue (p-value = 0.001), joint pain (p-value = 0.009), and muscle pain (p-value = 0.003) decreased to a greater extent, and in the short term for the group treated with transcutaneous electrostimulation therapy as an adjuvant to the use of the occlusal splint. The comparison between the groups determined that muscle fatigue (p-value = 0.001), joint pain (p-value = 0.009), and muscle pain (p-value = 0.003) decreased to a greater extent and in a shorter term in the GA (calculation therapy, transcutaneous electrostimulation) and GB (occlusal splint). Transcutaneous electrostimulation is a feasible and faster alternative that was accepted by most of the patients for treating temporomandibular disorders.

Characterization of nanoceria-modified silicone soft liners: Surface morphology, hardness, wettability, cytotoxicity, and antifungal properties in artificial saliva – An in vitro study

Statement of problemSoft liners are essential for denture wearers, which aids in the healing of soft tissue injuries caused by rough denture base surfaces. Silicone soft liners, while effective, can accumulate biofilm over time, necessitating enhancement. PurposeThis in vitro study aimed to assess the efficacy of silicone soft liners incorporating varying concentrations of cerium oxide nanoparticles. Materials and methodsA stainless-steel die as per ISO standard 10139-2-2018 (35 × 6 mm), Using G*Power 3.0.10 software, 400 samples were prepared with 95 % confidence interval and 80 % power. Samples were divided into five groups: surface morphology (Group A), surface hardness (Group B), wettability (Group C), cytotoxicity (Group D), and antifungal property (Group E). Each group was subdivided based on cerium oxide nanoparticle concentrations. Samples were stored in artificial saliva until evaluation. Surface morphology was examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface hardness using Shore A Durometer, wettability by drop shape analysis, cytotoxicity via MTT assay, and antifungal properties using crystal violet staining.Data were assessed for normal distribution using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. ResultsSEM analysis showed optimal nanoparticle dispersion in Group A2(0.25 %) and A3 (0.5 %). Group B2 (0.25 %) exhibited the lowest mean surface hardness, decreasing from day 1 to day 30. Group C3 demonstrated the most hydrophobic surface across days. Group D2 exhibited the least cytotoxicity at all time intervals. Group E4 displayed the highest antifungal activity. ConclusionWithin study limitations, silicone soft liners modified with 0.25 % and 0.5 % cerium oxide nanoparticles exhibited superior properties in surface hardness and cytotoxicity. Optimal surface morphology and wettability were observed with 0.5 % concentration, while antifungal efficacy peaked at 1 %. These findings suggest clinical potential for treating damaged oral tissues. Clinical implicationsSoft liners modified with 0.25 % and 0.5 % cerium oxide nanoparticles may benefit patients with oral tissue abuse, offering enhanced therapeutic properties.

Serum Cystatin C levels increase with increasing visceral fat area in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The present study aimed to explore the association between serum cystatin C (Cys-C) levels and visceral fat area (VFA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 208 previously diagnosed T2DM patients who visited our hospital from September 2019 to December 2021 were included and divided into three groups based on tertiles of Cys-C levels, namely, Groups C1, C2, and C3. The clinical data of the subjects were collected, biochemical parameters such as Cys-C levels were determined, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was applied to determine the VFA and subcutaneous fat area (SFA). The VFA in Group C1 was lower than that in Groups C2 and C3 (all P < 0.05), with no significant difference in VFA between Groups C2 and C3 (P > 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the serum Cys-C level was positively correlated with age, VFA, SFA, insulin resistance index, waist circumference, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine level, and blood uric acid level (r = 0.543, 0.353, 0.168, 0.148, 0.365, 0.264, 0.25, 0.497, and 0.155, respectively; P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with glycated haemoglobin levels (r = -0.175, P < 0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis revealed that VFA was positively correlated with the Cys-C level (β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001–0.003, P < 0.05), with an increase of 0.002 mg/L in the Cys-C level for each 1 cm2 increase in VFA. Further multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with the serum Cys-C level as the dependent variable and age, VFA, SFA, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), WC, BMI, SBP, Cr, UA, and HbA1c as the independent variables. The results suggested that VFA was positively correlated with serum Cys-C level (β = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.000–0.002, P < 0.05), with serum Cys-C levels increasing by 0.001 mg/L for every 1 cm2 increase in VFA. Using a VFA ≥ 100 cm2 as the criterion for visceral obesity, ROC analysis revealed that the Cys-C level was a better predictor of visceral obesity, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.701 (95% CI = 0.631–0.771, P < 0.05), an optimal cut-off of 0.905 mg/L, and a sensitivity and specificity of 58.3% and 75.2%, respectively. The results suggested that the serum Cys-C level was correlated with the VFA in patients with T2DM and that Cys-C may play a vital role in T2DM patients with visceral obesity.

Chlorella vulgaris as a Nutraceutical Source for Broilers: Improving Meat Quality and Storage Oxidative Status.

This study aimed to assess the impact of Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in broilers' diet, alone or in combination with vitamin E, on meat quality parameters, nutritional value, and oxidative stability during storage time. An experiment was conducted on 180 COBB 500 broiler chickens (14 days old), assigned into six treatments, following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A corn-soybean meal diet was supplemented with three levels of C. vulgaris (0% in group C1, 1% in E1, 2% in E2), two levels of vitamin E (0% in C1, 250 ppm in C2), and a combination of them (1% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E3), 2% C. vulgaris + 250 ppm vitamin (E4)). Dietary incorporation of C. vulgaris, including those supplemented with vitamin E, resulted in a significant increase in meat protein content. DPA and DHA levels increased by 2.01-fold and 1.60-fold in the 2% C. vulgaris + vitamin E group. The PUFA/SFA ratio was increased across all dietary treatments (p < 0.0001). HPI and h/H registered the highest values as a result of 2% C. vulgaris supplementation, being linked with a positive effect in lowering cholesterol levels. Supplementation with 2% C. vulgaris and vitamin E exhibited a 1.45-fold increase in vitamin E concentration in thigh meat compared to the control group, being the highest level registered in thigh meat in this experiment. Metmyoglobin concentrations registered lower values in the thigh meat of the experimental groups, while deoxymyoglobin increased in the same groups when compared to the control group. The inclusion of C. vulgaris (1% and 2%) in combination with vitamin E (250 mg/kg) in broiler diets exhibited the best prevention of lipid oxidation after 7 days of refrigerated storage, defined by the highest efficiency factors assessed in terms of secondary oxidation products.

Multistage melt/fluid modification of lithospheric mantle beneath the circum-cratonic orogenic belt: Evidence from the Tuoyun peridotite xenoliths

The juvenile and moderate refractory mantle beneath the circum-cratonic orogenic belt is traditionally believed to be hotter and thinner than the ancient refractory cratonic mantle; it is thus more unstable and subject to modification by melts/fluids. Understanding these modification processes would help to elucidate the evolution of Earth’s continents. Peridotite xenoliths carried by the Tuoyun Cenozoic lamprophyre from the southwestern Tianshan belt show evidence of widespread multistage melt/fluid modification of the unstable circum-cratonic orogenic belt mantle. Tuoyun peridotites mainly consist of moderately refractory to fertile lherzolites (Mg# in Ol: 85.5−90.7; Cr# in Sp: 12.7−26.5) and show strong mechanical modification. They can be divided into four groups (A, B, C1, and C2) based on petrography and mineral chemistry. Group A lherzolites show relatively high basaltic components (Al2O3, CaO, TiO2, and FeO) and are enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and rare earth elements (REEs), which indicates melt-peridotite reaction processes at high melt/rock ratios. The high modal pyroxene content in Group A suggests that the addition of high-Si melts caused the transition from olivine to pyroxene. Group B lherzolites show high modal pyroxene but relatively depleted incompatible elements, which should be superimposed by later melt extraction. Comparatively, Group C lherzolites exhibit higher modal olivine but lower basaltic components. The clinopyroxene cores of Group C1 are characterized by high (La/Yb)N and low Ti/Eu content, negative high field strength element (HFSE) anomalies, and relatively high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (cores: 0.70331−0.70457), which suggest metasomatism by carbonatite melts originating from recycled sedimentary carbonate. The Group C1 clinopyroxene (spongy rims) and Group C2 clinopyroxene (cores and spongy rims) have positive Sr anomalies, depleted HFSEs, and spoon-shaped REE patterns, which suggest modification by evolved small-volume and volatile-rich silicate melts. In addition, the melt pockets around spinels and the reactive zones of pyroxenes near the lamprophyre reveal the recent incongruent dissolution induced by the host rock. Based on our research and previously reported geological data, we propose that the high-Si melts and carbonatite melts are the products of dehydration and partial melting of the Paleo-Asian oceanic crust, and lithospheric delamination and fracturing (e.g., the Talas-Fergana strike-slip fault) provided the opportunity for small-volume and volatile-rich silicate melts and basaltic melts to modify the peridotites. Multistage melts/fluids and the deformation process are the protagonists in the evolutionary process of the circum-cratonic lithospheric mantle, with important implications for mantle destabilization and multilayered interaction.

Impact of HLA Class I Antigen, Killer Inhibitory Receptor, and FCGR3A Genotypes on Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Tumor Stage.

The identification in breast cancer (BC) of novel genetic biomarkers regulating natural killer (NK) cell function, including the HLA, KIR, and CD16A (FCGR3A), may be still a challenge. We aimed to evaluate whether the combined effect of these polymorphisms has an impact on BC susceptibility and progression. 47 BC Italian patients and healthy individuals (39 females and 66 males/ females) were genotyped by Sanger sequencing (HLA-C exon 2-4 and FCGR3A- 158V/F, 48L/R/H) and PCR-SSP typing (KIR genes). HLA-C gene allele analysis showed the group C1, with HLA-C*07:02:01 allele, to be significantly associated with tumor progression (16.7% vs. 4.0%, p=0.04, OR=4.867), and instead, group C2, with HLA-C*05:01:01, was protective against disease susceptibility (0.0% vs. 7.2%, p=0.019, OR=0.087). In addition, we highlighted a significant reduction of the KIR2DS4ins in BC patients (pcorr.=0.022) and an increased combined presence of KIR2DL1 and KIR2DS1 genes in advanced BC patients compared to earlier stages (66.7% vs. 19.2%, p=0.002). The concurrent lack of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS4 genes in the presence of HLA-C2 alleles was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to BC (p=0.012, OR=5.020) or with lymph node involvement (p=0.008, OR=6.375). Lastly, we identified different combinations of the FCGR3A-48/158 variants and KIR genes in BC patients compared to controls. Our findings suggest that in the development of BC probably exists a disorder of the NK innate immunity influenced by KIR/HLA-C gene content and FCGR3A-158 polymorphisms and that the combined analysis of these biomarkers might help predict genetic risk scores for tailored screening of BC patients in therapy.

Threads of Vulnerability: A Cross-sectional Study on Factors Associated with Suicide and Self-harm in Pakistan

Background: Globally, over a million people commit suicide every year. Although suicide rates are more in high-income countries, many countries do not report suicide cases regularly to the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with suicide and self-harm in Pakistan. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Peoples Medical College Hospital (PMCH) in Shaheed Benazirabad, Sindh, Pakistan, from July to December 2019. A total of 131 cases of suicide/self-harm were included using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected on a predesigned questionnaire consisting of 14 close-ended questions. A chi-square test was used to determine the association between different categorical variables. Results: The majority of the subjects were males (53.4%), young adults aged between 16 and 30 years (69.5%), single (51.9%), and uneducated (57.3%). More than half (51.9%) of the subjects who attempted suicide or self-harm were unemployed. There was a significant association between education level (c2 =13.149, P = 0.001) and age groups (c2 = 15.554, P = 0.001) with health outcomes (suicide or self-harm) only. Moreover, gender (c2 = 20.776, P = 0.004), marital status (c2 = 69.047, P &lt; 0.001), level of education (c2 = 63.144, P &lt; 0.001), age groups (c2 = 69.848, P &lt; 0.001), and employment status (c2 = 28.677, P = 0.012) were also associated with the reasons of suicide and self-harm. Conclusion: Our study concluded that mostly single, unemployed males with low literacy and with marital and family issues are determined as factors associated with a high risk of self-harm and suicide.

Performance of nursery Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae in a BFT system enriched with Rhizoma coptidis broth

The shrimp farming industry has historically been limited by outbreaks of bacterial diseases. The current study aimed to investigate the performance of adding Rhizoma coptidis (R. coptidis), an herbal medicine, to the biofloc system of Litopenaeus vannamei culture. A broth of boiled R. coptidis was added to four experimental groups (C0 (control), C2, C4, and C6, with respective dry weights of 0, 2, 4, and 6 g/L R. coptidis). The results showed that the nitrase and dehydrogenase activities of the biofloc enriched with R. coptidis were enhanced compared to the control group. Shrimp reared in the systems enriched with R. coptidis showed significantly better growth performance, digestion, and immune enzyme activity and a lower food conversion ratio compared to the control group. The mortality rate for Groups C4 and C6 in a Vibrio infection test was less than 50 %, while Group C0 experienced 100 % mortality. There were no significant differences in ammonia or nitrite concentration among the treatment groups. These results suggested better performance of nursery Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae in BFT systems by enrichment with 4 g/L R. coptidisL broth.

HGG-45. HIGH GRADE GLIOMA PRESENTING AS A SYNCHRONOUS CANCER IN A PATIENT WITH DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA: A UNIQUE TREATMENT DILEMMA

Abstract BACKGROUND Patients with synchronous tumors pose significant treatment dilemmas. We present a pediatric patient found to have concomitant Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and a High Grade Glioma (HGG). His unique presentation and family history uncovered a familial diagnosis of Lynch Syndrome. CASE A 7-year-old male presented with acute appendiceal rupture. Surgical resection identified an appendiceal mass consistent with localized DLBCL. While undergoing staging evaluations, the patient complained of new onset blurry vision with normal neurologic and ophthalmologic exams. Subsequent imaging was concerning for a high-grade lesion. Biopsy confirmed HGG and he underwent gross total resection. Family history included a brother with relapsed leukemia status post bone marrow transplant and multiple first cousins with lymphoma and gastrointestinal cancers. RESULTS While awaiting genetics and mutational analysis, we initiated treatment. The HGG was treated with focal radiation to the tumor bed starting 2 weeks after resection. Lymphoma therapy was initiated concurrently per the REBOOT regimen with the goal of decreasing doxorubicin dosing during radiation. Lumbar punctures and intrathecal chemotherapy were deferred until completion of radiation. Biopsy of residual abdominal masses following consolidation 1 showed &amp;lt;5% viable cells and therapy was intensified to ANHL1331, Group C1. Evaluation of both lesions identified hypermutation (mutational burden &amp;gt; 150mutations/Mb). Two unique germline mutations of PMS2 were also identified, consistent with Lynch syndrome. After completion of above therapy, the patient received maintenance therapy with nivolumab checkpoint inhibition. The patient developed severe neutropenia leading to cessation of nivolumab and quick progression of his HGG. CONCLUSION Synchronous tumors pose significant treatment dilemmas given the need to treat multiple lesions while balancing side effects. While checkpoint inhibitors may provide a way to address multiple lesions, our patient had unacceptable side effects limiting the utility of this therapy.

Preliminary observation on the development and dynamic changes of chronic toxoplasmosis in mice

To investigate the development and dynamic changes of cysts in the brain of mice following infection with different forms of Toxoplasma gondii, so as to provide insights into for toxoplasmosis prevention and control. ICR mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks, each weighing 20 to 25 g, were intraperitoneally injected with tachyzoites of the T. gondii PRU strain at a dose of 1 × 105 tachyzoites per mouse, orally administered with cysts at a dose of 20 oocysts per mouse or oocysts at a dose of 200 oocysts per mouse for modeling chronic T. gondii infection in mice, and the clinical symptoms and survival of mice were observed post-infection. Mice were orally infected with T. gondii cysts at doses of 10 (low-dose group), 20 (medium-dose group), 40 cysts per mouse (high-dose group), and the effect of different doses of T. gondii infections on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. Mice were orally administered with T. gondii cysts at a dose of 20 cysts per mouse, and grouped according to gender (female and male) and time points of infections (20, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 days post-infection), and the effects of gender and time points of infections on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. In addition, mice were divided into the tachyzoite group (Group T), the first-generation cyst group (Group C1), the second-generation cyst group (Group C2), the third-generation cyst (Group C3) and the fourth-generation cyst group (Group C4). Mice in the Group T were intraperitoneally injected with T. gondii tachyzoites at a dose of 1 × 105 tachyzoites per mouse, and the cysts were collected from the mouse brain tissues 30 days post-infection, while mice in the Group C1 were orally infected with the collected cysts at a dose of 30 cysts per mouse. Continuous passage was performed by oral administration with cysts produced by the previous generation in mice, and the effect of continuous passage on the number of cysts was examined in the mouse brain. Following infection with T. gondii tachyzoites, cysts and oocysts in mice, obvious clinical symptoms were observed on days 6 to 13 and mice frequently died on days 7 to 12. The survival rates of mice were 67.0%, 87.0% and 53.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (516.0 ± 257.2), (1 203.0 ± 502.0) and (581.0 ± 183.1) in the mouse brain (F = 11.94, P < 0.01) on day 30 post-infection with T. gondii tachyzoites, cysts and oocysts, respectively, and the numbers of cysts in the brain tissues were significantly lower in mice infected with T. gondii tachyzoites and oocysts than in those infected with cysts (all P values < 0.01). The survival rates of mice were 87.0%, 87.0% and 60.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (953.0 ± 355.5), (1 084.0 ± 474.3) and (1 113.0 ± 546.0) in the mouse brain in the low-, medium- and high-dose groups on day 30 post-infection, respectively (F = 0.42, P > 0.05). The survival rates of male and female mice were 73.0% and 80.0%, and the mean numbers of cysts were (946.4 ± 411.4) and (932.1 ± 322.4) in the brain tissues of male and female mice, respectively (F = 1.63, P > 0.05). Following continuous passage, the mean numbers of cysts were (516.0 ± 257.2), (1 203.0 ± 502.0), (896.8 ± 332.3), (782.5 ± 423.9) and (829.2 ± 306.0) in the brain tissues of mice in the T, C1, C2, C3 and C4 groups, respectively (F = 4.82, P < 0.01), and the number of cysts was higher in the mouse brain in Group 1 than in Group T (P < 0.01). Following oral administration of 20 T. gondii cysts in mice, cysts were found in the moues brain for the first time on day 20 post-infection, and the number of cysts gradually increased over time, peaked on days 30 and 90 post-infection and then gradually decreased; however, the cysts were still found in the mouse brain on day 180 post-infection. There is a higher possibility of developing chronic T. gondii infection in mice following infection with cysts than with oocysts or tachyzoites and the most severe chronic infection is seen following infection with cysts. The number of cysts does not correlate with the severity of chronic T. gondii infection, and the number of cysts peaks in the mouse brain on days 30 and 90 post-infection.

The effect of different implant-abutmenttypes and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space.

The stability of the abutment screw is pivotal for successful implant-supported restorations, yet screw loosening remains a common complication, leading to compromised function and potential implant failure. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different implant-abutment types and heights on screw loosening in cases with increased crown height space (CHS). In this in vitro study, a total of 64 abutments in eight distinct groups based on their type and height were evaluated. These groups included stock, cast, and milled abutments with heights of 4 mm (groups S4, C4, and M4), 7 mm (groups S7, C7, and M7), and 10 mm (groups C10 and M10). Removal torque loss (RTL) was assessed both before and after subjecting the abutments to dynamic cyclic loading. Additionally, the differences between initial RTL and RTL following cyclic loading were analyzed for each group (p < .05). The C10 group demonstrated the highest RTL, whereas the S4 group exhibited the lowest initial RTL percentage (p < .05). Furthermore, the study established significant variations in RTL percentages and the discrepancies between initial and postcyclic loading RTL across different abutment groups (p < .05). Additionally, both abutment types and heights were found to significantly influence the RTL percentage (p < .05). The type and height of the implant abutment affected screw loosening, and in an increased CHS of 12 mm, using a stock abutment with a postheight of 4 mm can be effective in minimizing screw loosening.

Joint trajectories of self-esteem and neuroticism among newlywed couples: Associations with marital quality

The present longitudinal study investigates the development of both positive and negative personal traits (i.e., self-esteem and neuroticism, respectively) among newlywed couples. The aim is to identify distinct joint trajectories of self-esteem and neuroticism and then compare marital quality across different trajectory classes. A sample of 268 Chinese newlyweds completed self-esteem, neuroticism, and marital quality questionnaires at three time points. Dyadic Latent Class Growth Analyses were used to examine the joint trajectory of self-esteem and neuroticism. The study identified three trajectory groups: the adaptive couples group (c1), the stable couples and husbands more adaptive than wives group (c2), and the stable husbands and wives more adaptive than husbands group (c3). The adaptive couples group had the highest level of initial marital quality. The two other groups, characterized by initial differences between partners in self-esteem and neuroticism, had relatively lower baseline marital quality. In comparison, wives in the c3 group initially displayed higher levels of marital quality than those in the c2 group. This research improves our understanding of personal development in couples and sheds light on the complex associations between personal and relational development in the context of marriage.

Correlation between the cardiometabolic index and arteriosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a new metric derived from the triglyceride-glucose index and body mass index and is considered a potential marker for cardiovascular risk assessment. This study aimed to examine the correlation between the CMI and the presence and severity of arteriosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis study involved 2243 patients with T2DM. The CMI was derived by dividing the triglyceride level (mmol/L) by the high-density lipoprotein level (mmol/L) and then multiplying the quotient by the waist-to-height ratio. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlations between the CMI and BMI blood biomarkers, blood pressure, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).ResultsPatients were categorized into three groups based on their CMI: Group C1 (CMI < 0.775; n = 750), Group C2 (CMI: 0.775–1.355; n = 743), and Group C3 (CMI > 1.355; n = 750). Increased BMI, fasting glucose, insulin (at 120 min), total cholesterol (TC), and baPWV values were observed in Groups C2 and C3, with statistically significant trends (all trends P < 0.05). The CMI was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that an increased CMI contributed to a greater risk for arteriosclerosis (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.66–2.10, P < 0.001). Compared to the C1 group, the C2 group and C3 group had a greater risk of developing arteriosclerosis, with ORs of 4.55 (95%CI: 3.57–5.81, P<0.001) and 5.56 (95%CI: 4.32–7.17, P<0.001), respectively. The association was notably stronger in patients with a BMI below 21.62 kg/m² than in those with a BMI of 21.62 kg/m² or higher (OR = 4.53 vs. OR = 1.59).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the CMI is a relevant and independent marker of arteriosclerosis in patients with T2DM and may be useful in the risk stratification and management of these patients.

Chandelier-assisted scleral buckle surgery - contact versus non-contact wide-angle viewing system (CAB-CNV): A retrospective, multicenter, clinical study.

To investigate and compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of chandelier-assisted scleral buckling (CASB) surgery using contact versus non-contact lens-based wide-angle viewing systems (WAVSs) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients. This was a retrospective, multicenter study evaluating the anatomic (reattachment rate) and visual acuity (VA) outcomes at 6 months post-CASB for primary RRD. Forty-seven RRD patients underwent CASB with a non-contact WAVS (Group C1) and 90 with a contact lens WAVS (Group C2). Preoperative parameters including myopia, macula-off RRD, posterior vitreous detachment, number of retinal breaks, and retinal dialysis as the etiology of RRD did not differ significantly between the two groups. The outcomes of retinal attachment (85.11% of C1 patients and 76.67% of C2 patients, P = 0.34) and final visual outcome (VA ≥6/12: C1 = 61.7%; C2 = 46.67%, P = 0.13) were also comparable. Furthermore, no significant difference in postoperative complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, infection, buckle exposure, and buckle failure was observed. Finally, both groups were comparable in terms of re-detachment rates (10.64% in C1 and 23.33% in C2, P = 0.11). The two WAVS approaches used in CASB surgery have comparable surgical and functional outcomes and postoperative complications. The operating surgeon can freely choose between these viewing platforms during the contemporary scleral bucking (SB) surgery without impacting the outcome.

Variations in choroidal thickness between emmetropic and myopic eyes after caffeine intake.

To investigate the variations in choroidal thinning between emmetropic and myopic subjects after caffeine intake. Forty-five healthy participants (age mean ± standard deviation [SD]: 20.75 ± 1.6 years) recruited in a prospective cross-sectional study. They were divided into three groups, based on refractive error status, emmetropes (spherical equivalent [SE] -0.25 to +0.25D), myopes (SE ≥-0.50D to ˂-6.00D), and high myopes (SE ≥-6.00D). The participants underwent choroidal thickness [ChT] measurements using optical coherence tomography [OCT] (Topcon 3D OCT-1 Maestro System) at baseline, 20, 40, and 60 minutes after consuming 200 mg of caffeine. The measurements of ChT were taken from five different areas horizontally. Compared to baseline measurement, the ChT significantly decreased after 200 mg caffeine intake in all conditions ( P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in ChT at baseline between the refractive groups ( χ2 (2)=6.548, P = 0.038) as the high myope group showed lesser horizontal ChT within Nasal at (1 mm) area compared to the myope group ( P = 0.032), however, no other significant differences in mean scores of horizontal ChT at baseline were found. The thinning in ChT in the high myope group was lesser compared to both emmetrope and myope groups; however, it was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the reduction in ChT due to caffeine consumption is not significantly affected by the refractive status of the eye. Thus, it is safe to hypothesize that the vascular part of the choroid behaves identically to vasoconstrictive in both emmetropic and myopic eyes. The choroidal thinning found in myopic and high myopic eyes and/or the reduced choroidal vascularity index were not apparent in this study. Therefore, further longitudinal studies recruiting greater numbers of participants, including myopes and high myopes, and measuring both vascular and stromal layers to investigate such variations are warranted.

A Study of Blood Viscosity and Inflammatory Biomarkers’ Levels in Bilateral Primary Varicose Veins/Reticular Veins as Predictive Markers

Objectives Cross-sectional data was collected for a period of 1 year to assess the biomarkers of inflammation, and blood viscosity as predictive markers in patients with primary bilateral varicose veins or reticular veins that might progress to varicose veins. Material and Methods A sample of 40 participants, 20 controls and 20 patients aged 18–65 years falling under the reticular veins and symptomatic varicose veins (C1, 2s), primary etiology (Ep), superficial veins (As), reflux pathology (Pr) categories of Clinical, etiologic, anatomic, Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification with the exception of telangiectatic veins, were included in the study. Blood viscosity was measured using a Capillary Viscometer. Evaluated inflammatory markers were tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and fibrinogen. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and Chi-square, Fisher’s, Bonferroni, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were applied. Results There was a statistically insignificant relationship between occupation and different study groups. Standing hours and serum fibrinogen levels had a significant difference in different study groups. Serum tPA, Serum PAI-1, and blood viscosity had an insignificant difference between different study groups. It was revealed that the pairwise group comparisons of study group C2 vs. control group C0, study group C1 vs. control group C0 and study group C2 vs. study group C1, and study group C2 vs. control group C0 each were significantly different pairwise. Conclusion Blood viscosity, tPA and PAI-1 cannot be used as predictive markers in patients with bilateral (B/L) primary varicose veins/reticular veins. Serum fibrinogen levels can be used as predictive markers for the development of B/L primary varicose veins and in our particular study with a predictive range of 189.4–327.9 mg/dL but not for B/L reticular veins. Prolonged standing, irrespective of the occupation of the patient, is associated with the development of B/L reticular veins and B/L varicose veins.

Proteomic Biomarkers for the Prediction of Transition to Psychosis in Individuals at Clinical High Risk: A Multi-cohort Model Development Study.

Psychosis risk prediction is one of the leading challenges in psychiatry. Previous investigations have suggested that plasma proteomic data may be useful in accurately predicting transition to psychosis in individuals at clinical high risk (CHR). We hypothesized that an a priori-specified proteomic prediction model would have strong predictive accuracy for psychosis risk and aimed to replicate longitudinal associations between plasma proteins and transition to psychosis. This study used plasma samples from participants in 3 CHR cohorts: the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Studies 2 and 3, and the NEURAPRO randomized control trial (total n = 754). Plasma proteomic data were quantified using mass spectrometry. The primary outcome was transition to psychosis over the study follow-up period. Logistic regression models were internally validated, and optimism-corrected performance metrics derived with a bootstrap procedure. In the overall sample of CHR participants (age: 18.5, SD: 3.9; 51.9% male), 20.4% (n = 154) developed psychosis within 4.4 years. The a priori-specified model showed poor risk-prediction accuracy for the development of psychosis (C-statistic: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.50, 0.59], calibration slope: 0.45). At a group level, Complement C8B, C4B, C5, and leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) were associated with transition to psychosis but did not surpass correction for multiple comparisons. This study did not confirm the findings from a previous proteomic prediction model of transition from CHR to psychosis. Certain complement proteins may be weakly associated with transition at a group level. Previous findings, derived from small samples, should be interpreted with caution.

Diagnostic performance of ACR-TIRADS combined with superb microvascular imaging for differential diagnosis of mummified thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid carcinomas.

The aim was to investigate the ability of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) to improve the differential diagnosis of mummified thyroid nodules (MTNs) and papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) using the 2017 American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS). We enrolled 110 cases of MTNs and 110 cases of PTCs confirmed by fine needle aspiration (FNA) or surgery. Conventional ultrasound (US) and the quantity of microvessels detected by SMI were analyzed for all nodules. Thyroid nodules were initially categorized by ACR-TIRADS based on US imaging features and then reclassified based on ACR-TIRADS combined with SMI blood-flow grade (SMI-TIRADS). We compared the diagnostic performances of ACR-TIRADS and SMI-TIRADS by receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). US-detected margin, shape, and echogenic foci differed between MTNs and PTCs (P < 0.05). The SMI blood-flow grade was significantly greater in PTCs compared with MTNs (Χ2 = 158.78, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ACR-TIRADS indicators between MTNs and PTCs (Χ2 = 1.585, P = 0.453); however, reclassification by SMI-TIRADS showed significant differences between the groups (Χ2 = 129.521, P < 0.001). The area under the curve was significantly lower for ACR-TIRADS compared with SMI-TIRADS (0.517 vs 0.887, P < 0.05). SMI-TIRADS had significantly higher diagnostic value for distinguishing MTNs and PTCs than ACR-TIRADS (sensitivity: 91.82% vs 74.55%, P < 0.05; specificity: 84.55% vs 21.82%, P < 0.05; accuracy: 88.18% vs 48.18%, P < 0.05; PPV: 85.59% vs 48.81%, P < 0.05; and NPV: 91.18% vs 46.15%, P < 0.05). The detection of microvascular flow and large vessels in thyroid nodules by SMI resulted in high diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. ACR-TIRADS combined with SMI could effectively distinguish between MTNs and PTCs, to avoid unnecessary FNA or surgical excision.

Comprehensive Effects of Potassium Lactate, Calcium Ascorbate and Magnesium Chloride as Alternative Salts on Physicochemical Properties, Sensory Characteristics and Volatile Compounds in Low-Sodium Marinated Beef.

The search for alternative salt formulations similar to sodium chloride and their effect on marinated meat products is of great significance to the low-sodium meat processing industry. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of partially replacing sodium chloride with potassium lactate, calcium ascorbate, and magnesium chloride on the sodium content, water activity and distribution, protein solubility, microstructure, sensory characteristics and volatile flavor compounds in low-sodium marinated beef. The sodium content in the test group decreased up to 28% compared to 100% in the sodium chloride group C1. The formulation including 60% sodium chloride and a total of 40% compound alternative salts in groups F1 and F2 increased their myofibril fragmentation index and promoted the disruption of the myogenic fiber structure. Group F1 (the ratio of potassium lactate, calcium ascorbate and magnesium chloride was 2:1:1) performed higher solubility of myofibrillar proteins and lower transverse relaxation value than group F2 detected by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, which indicated that F1 formulation was beneficial to promote the solubility of myofibrillar proteins and attenuate the water mobility of marinated beef. Moreover, group F1 had a more similar microstructure and more similar overall sensory attributes to group C1 according to the scanning electron microscopy. The sensory evaluation showed higher peak intensity and response values of volatile flavor compounds than group C1 and C2 (only 60% sodium chloride) when detected using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry technology, which indicated that the compound alternative salts of group F1 can improve the lower quality of low-sodium marinated beef and perform similar attributes to the C1 sample regarding moisture distribution and microstructure and even performs better than it with regards to flavor. Therefore, the F1 formula possessed greater potential for application in low-sodium marinated meat products.