Changes In Length Research Articles

The Association of Genetic Variants Within the Type XII Collagen and Tenascin C Genes with Knee Joint Laxity Measurements

Background/Objectives: Types I, V, and XI collagen gene variants have been reported to associate with measurements of knee joint laxity and/or absolute knee ligament length changes. Type XII collagen and tenascin C are also ligament structural proteins whose expression is regulated by mechanical loading. This study investigated whether COL12A1 and TNC variants are associated with knee laxity and/or ligament length changes. Methods: Genu recurvatum, anterior–posterior tibial translation, external–internal tibial rotation, and ligament length changes were measured in 128 healthy participants. They were genotyped for COL12A1 (rs970547) and TNC (rs1061494, rs2104772, rs1138545). Results: Both the COL12A1 AA and TNC rs1061494 TT genotypes were associated with decreased external (p = 0.007, p = 0.010) and internal (p = 0.025, p = 0.002) rotation, as well as slack (p = 0.033, p = 0.014), in the dominant leg. Both genotypes, together with sex, weight, and/or COL1A1 genotypes, explained 26% and 32% of the variance in external and internal rotation, respectively. The TNC genotype, sex, and BMI explained 23% of the variance in slack. The COL12A1 AA and the TNC rs1061494 TT genotypes were associated with smaller changes in the MCL (aMCL: COL12A1 p = 0.009, TNC p = 0.045; iMCL: COL12A1 p = 0.004, TNC p = 0.043; pMCL: COL12A1 p = 0.003, TNC p = 0.067; aDMCL: COL12A1 p = 0.007, TNC p = 0.020; pDMCL: COL12A1 p = 0.007, TNC p = 0.023) and/or LCL (COL12A1 p = 0.652, TNC p = 0.049) lengths within the dominant knee. The TNC rs1061494 CC genotype was associated with larger changes in the non-dominant anterior (p = 0.021) and posterior (p < 0.001) ACL bundle lengths. Conclusions: These findings suggest that COL12A1 and TNC variants are associated with internal–external tibial rotation and knee ligament length changes in healthy individuals.

Changes in Axial Length in Patients of Acute Retinal Necrosis Undergoing Vitrectomy

ABSTRACT Purpose To observe the changes in the axial length (AL) in patients of acute retinal necrosis (ARN) undergoing vitrectomy and investigate the correlated factors. Methods Retrospective case series. Patients diagnosed as ARN undergoing vitrectomy with silicone oil (SO) tamponade, and with attached retina more than one year after silicone oil removal (SOR) were included. Medical records and AL measured by Zeiss IOLMaster 700 were reviewed before vitrectomy, before SOR, and one year after SOR. Residual retinal index, a parameter reflecting the residual retinal area after vitrectomy was analyzed based on the ultra-wide-field fundus imaging. The AL change (ΔAL) was calculated and clinical factors related to ΔAL were investigated. Results In total, 45 eyes from 45 patients were included. The AL at pre-vitrectomy and pre-SOR was 23.84 ± 1.45 and 23.53 ± 1.53 mm among all 45 eyes, with a ΔAL of 0.31 ± 0.62 mm (p < 0.001). Among the 22 eyes with AL measured at one year after SOR, the AL at pre-SOR and one-year post-SOR was 23.82 ± 1.60 and 23.16 ± 0.79 mm, with a ΔAL of 0.67 ± 1.58 mm (p < 0.001). After excluding highly myopic eyes, the ΔAL was 0.31 ± 0.59 mm (n = 42, p < 0.001) between pre-vitrectomy and pre-SOR, and 0.22 ± 0.32 mm (n = 20, p = 0.001) between pre-SOR and one-year post-SOR. Multivariable regression analysis revealed the variable that remained independently associated with ΔAL between pre-SOR and one-year post-SOR was the residual retinal index (β = –0.568, p = 0.006). Conclusion For ARN patients undergoing vitrectomy, AL decreased significantly both post-vitrectomy and post-SOR. The refractive shift should be considered before intraocular lens implantation.

Real-world outcomes of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments lenses on retarding axial elongation in myopic children and adolescents

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the effect of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) lenses on myopia progression and axial elongation in a clinical population.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using clinical data from 489 and 156 patients aged 3 to 17 years old who were prescribed DIMS and single vision (SV) lenses, respectively at the Optometry Clinic of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University between July 2018 and August 2019. The study included patients with previous myopia control interventions. The changes in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) were measured and normalized to annual changes. The correlation between age at baseline and annual change in AL was also examined.ResultsThe total change in SER and AL after DIMS were −0.94 ± 0.79D and 0.55 ± 0.40 mm, respectively with an average wearing period of 31.98 ± 9.97 months. The normalized annual changes in SER and AL in DIMS wearers were significantly smaller than those in SV wearers (DIMS; SER change vs. AL changes; −0.38 ± 0.32D vs. 0.22 ± 0.16 mm. SV; −0.45 ± 0.41D vs. 0.29 ± 0.20 mm, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Patients with a history of myopia control had greater myopia progression after wearing DIMS lenses. There was a significant negative correlation between age at baseline and annual change in AL (correlation coefficient, r = −0.61, p &amp;lt; 0.001), suggesting that myopia progression was faster in children with a younger age of onset. A small proportion of patients (2.7%) experienced a clinically significant axial shortening (total change in AL:−0.13 ± 0.07 mm) after wearing DIMS lenses more than 2 years.ConclusionThe study demonstrated that DIMS lenses could retard axial elongation, with the effect sustained with increased duration of lens wear. However, patients with previous myopia control experienced greater myopia progression after wearing DIMS lenses. The study also highlighted the potential for axial length shortening in a small proportion of patients after the DIMS lens wear. These findings underscore the importance of adherence to intervention in achieving optimal treatment efficacy. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to optimize the use of optical interventions in myopia control.

Comparing the Palmar Radiocarpal Artery Vascularized Bone Graft with Alternatives for Unstable Scaphoid Nonunions: A Retrospective Analysis.

We compared the radiographic union and magnitude of humpback deformity correction when using different vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) and nonvascularized bone grafts (NVBGs) in the treatment of unstable scaphoid nonunions (USNUs). This was a retrospective radiographic review of 93 patients with an USNU treated between 2013 and 2022 at a single center by a single surgeon. Inclusion criteria included skeletally mature patients with radiographic evidence of an USNU resulting from failure of either nonsurgical or operative treatment. There were three treatment groups. Two groups were treated with either a palmar radiocarpal artery (PRCA) VBG or a 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular (1,2 IC-SRA) VBG. The third group comprised patients who were treated with a heterogeneous mix of NVBGs. Patients were followed radiographically at regular intervals until they were deemed healed or underwent a salvage procedure because of treatment failure. Measurements of carpal and scaphoid alignment were then repeated on the final imaging series and compared to preoperative measurements. Ninety patients were included in the final analysis. PRCA VBG had the highest radiographic union rate, followed by 1,2 IC-SRA VBG and finally NVBGs. PRCA VBG had a significantly higher rate of union than NVBGs. Scapholunate angle change and scaphoid length change were greatest with PRCA VBG. These differences were statistically significant for the former when compared with 1,2 IC-SRA VBG and NVBGs and for the latter when compared with the 1,2 IC-SRA VBG in both univariate and multivariable analyses. PRCA VBG had the highest radiographic union rate compared with alternative grafts as well as providing the greatest degree of humpback deformity correction in the treatment of USNUs. Therapeutic IV.

Controllable tip exposure of ultramicroelectrodes coated by diamond-like carbon via direct microplasma jet for enhanced stability and fidelity in single-cell recording

Precise and long-term electroanalysis at the single-cell level is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases. The reliable protection in areas outside the signal acquisition points at sharp ultramicroelectrode (UME) tips has a significant impact on the sensitivity, fidelity, and stability of intracellular neural signal recording. However, it is difficult for existing UMEs to achieve controllable exposure of the tip functional structure, which affects their ability to resist environmental interference and shield noise, resulting in unsatisfactory signal-to-noise ratio and signal fidelity of intracellular recordings. To address this issue, we chose a dense and electrochemically stable diamond-like carbon (DLC) film as the UME protection coating and developed a method to precisely control the exposed degree of the functional structure by directly fixed-point processing of the UME tip by the strong site-selectivity and good controllability of the atmospheric microplasma jet. By analyzing the interaction between the microplasma jet and the UME tip, as well as the changes in the removal length and microstructure of UME tips with processing time, the exposed tip length was precisely controlled down to the submicron scale. Biocompatibility experiments, electrochemical aging tests and real-time intracellular pH recording experiments have demonstrated that the DLC-UME with effective tip protection processed by microplasma jet has the potential to enable long-term detection of intracellular high-fidelity signals.

Cryogenic Suction-A Major Salt Scaling Mechanism in Highway Concrete

Combined salt and frost attack is a major durability problem in concrete highway pavements in the state of Michigan, USA, where road-salts are used extensively for ice melting purposes. Previous studies have shown that continuous measurement of length-change during a freeze-thaw cycle is an effective tool in indentifying frost mechanisms. In this study the focus was to evaluate the cryogenic suction effect on frost expansion. The net frost expansion (linear dilation) was determined by monitoring the change in length of air-entrained concrete specimens undergoing a freeze-thaw cycle between 20 °C and -20 °C. Two dilation processes were found during freezing, an initial dilation at the freezing point (independent of surface exposure liquid), and a subsequent dilation, which is only found when a salt solution is present on the surface. Specimen expansion continues during the entire freezing period, including a 3 hour ramp at constant temperature (-20 °C). This secondary dilation dominates when the surface is exposed to a deicer solution. At constant temperature below initial freezing point, cryogenic suction of surface liquid (i.e., 3% salt solution) was found to be a major factor in sub-zero liquid transport that causes frost expansion in concrete. During this process, air voids are being filled as well and air is being displaced. Some air near the surface can escape. This was observed at -20 °C where escaping air was trapped in the liquid surface layer.

Time-Dependent Growth of ZnO Nanowires: Unveiling Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Properties.

This study investigates the synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of well-aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) obtained by a two-step hydrothermal method. ZnO NWs were grown on silicon substrates precoated with a ZnO seed layer. The growth process was conducted at 90 °C for different durations (2, 3, and 4 h) to examine the time-dependent evolution of the nanowire properties. A comprehensive characterization of the ZnO NWs was performed using several analytical techniques. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the morphological progression, specifically tracking changes in length and diameter as a function of the growth time. Ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy was employed to determine the optical band gap, while photoluminescence (PL) analysis provided insight into the concentration of structural defects and its evolution as a function of nanowire growth. The photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO NWs was evaluated through the degradation of the organic dye methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation (365 nm). The kinetic of MB degradation was monitored for each growth time, with non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) analysis providing a detailed perspective on the photocatalytic activity over time. The antibacterial properties were tested against Pseudomonas putida, a Gram-negative bacterium, to determine the efficiency of the synthesized ZnO NWs as antimicrobial agents. The release of zinc ions (Zn2+), a key factor in the antibacterial mechanism, was quantified using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis for each sample. By exploration of the relationship between the growth time, nanostructure morphology, and functional properties, this study provides insights into optimizing the synthesis of ZnO NWs for enhanced photocatalytic and antibacterial applications. These findings contribute to the development of advanced materials for environmental and biomedical applications.

Improvement in the Sagnac-loop laser frequency stabilization

The laser frequency stability locked to the D2 transition of 85Rb at 780 nm using a Doppler-free Sagnac-loop stabilization scheme has been improved. In a previous work [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 40, 667 (2023)JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.482223], changes in birefringence at the absorption cell windows, influenced by the cell temperature, and in the rubidium vapor, affected by magnetic field fluctuations, significantly influenced the laser frequency stability. By aligning the polarization, the short-term stability (&lt;10s) of the locked laser frequency was improved; however, the long-term stability remained unaffected. We attribute this long-term stability to temperature-induced changes in the optical path length of the wave plates. By removing the wave plates from the setup, the long-term stability has been successfully improved.

Improving Gait Ability and Cognition Function through Action Observation Training in Elderly with Dementia

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of Action observation training (AOT) on gait ability and cognition in older individuals with dementia. Methods A total of 36 participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=18) or control (n=18) group. The 5-week intervention involved 45-min sessions. The participants engaged in general group exercises for 30 min. The experimental group watched a training video for 5 min, while the control group watched a scenic video. Subsequently, both groups underwent functional training for 10 min. All participants were assessed using a gait analyzer (G-walk), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), timed up and go (TUG) test, and the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-K) before and after the intervention. Results The two groups showed significant within-group changes in gait velocity, cadence, stride length, DGI, and MoCA-K scores (p&lt;0.05). However, the TUG test showed a significant differences only in the experimental group (p&lt;0.05). A significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups regarding the changes in gait velocity, cadence, DGI, TUG test, and MoCA-K score after the intervention (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions The study suggest that AOT is effective in improving the gait and cognitive abilities of older individuals with dementia.

Planning for success but facing uncertainty: lessons learned from a native oyster, Ostrea lurida, restoration project in the Salish Sea

Overexploitation and degradation of water quality nearly depleted Olympia oyster stocks in Puget Sound, Washington, USA by the early 1900s. With an intended goal of creating self-sustaining Olympia oyster populations in a target region in Puget Sound, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community began reestablishing Olympia oysters at two different sites, Kiket and Lone Tree, from 2015-2017. One of our primary objectives was to quantify the biological successes or failures of our reestablished populations. Our results provide a guide for the evolution of project-specific, evidence-based restoration plans that could allow for further use of adaptive management and conservation aquaculture. Following the creation of experimental plots and restoration beds across two sites using 735 m² of shell habitat, including 245 m² of seeded cultch, we measured temporal change in oyster length and density as proxies for growth, recruitment, and survival. Significant growth was observed each year in each lagoon. Despite the known presence of brooding oysters and competent larvae in the region, we found no evidence of recruitment at either site through six years of monitoring. Survival decreased significantly each year and at each site. Thus, while we quantify evidence of growth and reproduction, we are not meeting the success metrics of recruitment or survival therefore hindering the chances of long-term success. We hypothesize that our restoration efforts are hampered by the relatively small population size within our restored areas, insufficient amounts of appropriate surrounding habitat, and lower water residence time. Our study suggests managers need to consistently monitor restoration projects due to site-specific differences and to determine if local failure is a possibility. Low survival and recruitment do not necessitate termination of projects. However, these measurements do suggest that projects like ours need to consider expanding use of conservation aquaculture as a tool or employing adaptive management by developing and implementing novel strategies to increase naturally-occurring adult populations and available habitat.

Structural Changes in Metal Chalcogenide Nanoclusters Associated with Single Heteroatom Incorporation.

Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) are promising building blocks for designing materials and interfaces with unique properties. By incorporating heteroatoms into the core, the electronic and magnetic properties of NCs can be precisely tuned. To accurately predict these properties, density functional theory (DFT) is often employed, making the rigorous benchmarking of DFT results particularly important. In this study, we present a benchmarking approach based on metal chalcogenide NCs as a model system. We synthesized a series of bimetallic, iron-cobalt chalcogenide NCs [Co6-xFexS8(PEt3)6]+ (x = 0-6) (PEt = triethyl phosphine) and investigated the effect of heteroatoms in the octahedral metal chalcogenide core on their size and electronic properties. Using ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS), we observed a gradual increase in the collision cross section (CCS) with an increase in the number of Fe atoms in the core. DFT calculations combined with trajectory method CCS simulations successfully reproduced this trend, revealing that the increase in cluster size is primarily due to changes in metal-ligand bond lengths, while the electronic properties of the core remain largely unchanged. Moreover, this method allowed us to exclude certain multiplicity states of the NCs, as their CCS values were significantly different from those predicted for the lowest-energy structures. This study demonstrates that gas-phase IM-MS is a powerful technique for detecting subtle size differences in atomically precise NCs, which are often challenging to observe using conventional NC characterization methods. Accurate CCS measurements are established as a benchmark for comparison with theoretical calculations. The excellent correspondence between experimental data and theoretical predictions establishes a robust foundation for investigating structural changes of transition metal NCs of interest to a broad range of applications.

DOP021 Appendectomy regulates intestinal flora-bile acid axis inhibits macrophage lipid metabolism and improves Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract Background The specific role of the appendix as both an immune organ and a reservoir for gut microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains elusive. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that appendectomy can alleviate refractory ulcerative colitis and reduce the rate of colon surgical resection in patients. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study aims to comprehensively explore the precise regulatory mechanisms of appendectomy in the process of colonic inflammation. Methods Appendectomy was performed on C57BL/6 mice followed by induction of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Changes in colon length, body weight, and other parameters were evaluated.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were employed to assess production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the level of colonic mucosal barrier markers. Public databases were utilized for bioinformatics analysis. Transcriptomic, 16S rRNA, and metabolomic sequencing were conducted. Results Appendectomy increased colon length, body weight, and enhanced mucosal barrier integrity in mice with colitis, indicating alleviation of colitis. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated significant differences in microbial taxa such as Mucispirillum, Bacleroides, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Romboutsia genus, Turcicibacter. Metabolomics analysis suggested that secondary bile acids accumulation. Both tanscriptome sequencing and metabolomics analysis enriched in lipid metabolism. Conclusion This study highlights the critical role of' appendectomy in regulating gut microbiota and lipid metabolism, and its contribution to the remission of UC. Appendectomy may hold promise as a therapeutic approach for mitigating colonic inflammation and improving disease outcomes in patients with UC.

P1312 Clickable nanozyme enhances colonization of Saccharomyces boulardii by spatiotemporal guidance for ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract Background Compelling evidence indicates that dysregulated in the gut microbiota significantly contribute to the progression and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Probiotic therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating the microbiota offer potential alternative approaches for treating IBD, but currently available probiotics often suffer from low intestinal colonization and limited targeting capability. Methods Here, we developed azido (N3)-modified Prussian blue nanozyme (PB@N3) spatio-temporal guidance enhances the targeted colonization of probiotics to alleviate intestinal inflammation. First, IVIS and Photoacoustic imaging demonstrated clickable PB@N3 targets intestinal inflammation, simultaneously, it scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS). Subsequently, utilizing click chemistry “N3-DBCO” to spatio-temporally guide targeted colonization of dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-modified Saccharomyces boulardii (S.Br@DBCO). The therapeutic effects of PB@N3 + S.Br@DBCO were verified by using the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model. Weight loss, fecal conditions, colon length and histopathological changes were monitored. Results PB@N3 targets and anchors to inflamed region. The "click" reaction between PB@N3 and S.Br@DBCO has excellent specificity and efficacy both in vivo and in vitro. Despite the complex physiological environment of IBD, "click" reaction can prolong the retention time of probiotics in the intestine. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice model, demonstrates that the combination of PB@N3 and S.Br@DBCO effectively enhances the colonization of probiotics, restores intestinal barrier function, and alleviates intestinal inflammation. Conclusion This is the first time that “click” chemistry was employed to combine fungal probiotics and nanozyme. PB@N3 spatio-temporal guidance enhances targeted colonization of S.Br@DBCO provides a promising medical treatment strategy for IBD.

What Does the LMC Look Like? It Depends on [M/H] and Age

Abstract We offer a new way to look at the LMC through stellar mono-abundance and mono-age mono-abundance maps. These maps are based on ≳500,000 member stars with estimates of [M/H] (σ [M/H] ~ 0.17) and age ( σ log τ ~ 0.15 ), derived from Gaia Data Release 3 XP spectra and photometry, which are tied to and validated against APOGEE. This results in the first area-complete, metallicity- and age-differentiated stellar maps of any disk galaxy. Azimuthally averaged, these maps reveal a surprisingly simple picture of the Milky Way's largest satellite galaxy. For any [M/H] below −0.1 dex, the LMC's radial profile is well described by a simple exponential, but with a scale length that steadily shrinks toward higher metallicities, from nearly 2.3 kpc at [M/H] = −1.8 to only 0.75 kpc at [M/H] = −0.25, as fit by forward modeling the spatial distribution of mono-[M/H] populations. The prominence of the bar decreases dramatically with [M/H], making it barely discernible at [M/H] ≲ −1.5. Yet, even for metal-rich populations, the bar has little impact on the azimuthally averaged profile of the mono-abundance components. Including ages, we find that the scale length is a greater function of age than of metallicity, with younger populations far more centrally concentrated. Only at old ages does the scale length change, specifically decrease, with increasing metallicity. These findings provide quantitative support for a scenario in which the LMC built its stellar structure effectively outside-in.

Using slow light to enable laser frequency stabilization to a short, high-Q cavity.

State-of-the-art laser frequency stabilization is limited by miniscule length changes caused by thermal noise. In this work, a cavity-length-insensitive frequency stabilization scheme is implemented using strong dispersion in a 21 mm long cavity with a europium-ion-doped spacer of yttrium orthosilicate. A number of limiting factors for slow light laser stabilization are evaluated, including the inhomogeneous and homogeneous linewidth of the ions, the deterioration of spectral windows, and the linewidth of the cavity modes. Using strong dispersion, the cavity modes were narrowed by a factor 1.6 × 105, leading to a cavity linewidth of 3.0 kHz and a Q factor of 1.7 × 1011. Frequency stabilization was demonstrated using a cavity mode in a spectral transparency region near the center of the inhomogeneous profile, showing an overlapping Allan deviation below 6 × 10-14 and a linear drift rate of 3.66 Hz s-1. Considering improvements that could be implemented, this makes the europium-based slow light laser frequency reference a promising candidate for ultra-precise tabletop frequency stabilization.

Traffic pollution, reproductive health, and depressive symptoms in a healthy multiethnic sample of reproductive age women in the Ovarian Aging Study.

This study aimed to determine whether exposure to traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with depressive symptoms while also characterizing the contribution of key explanatory factors related to sociodemographics and health. In addition, it aimed to also explore the role of reproductive health as a pathway through which exposure to TRAP may relate to depressive symptoms. Participants were 688 healthy reproductive-age women in the Ovarian Aging Study. TRAP was derived from distance-weighted traffic counts using residential addresses. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Explanatory factors were assessed by interview and clinic measures, including demographics (age, race/ethnicity), socioeconomic status (SES) (individual SES, neighborhood SES), general health (smoking, body mass index), and reproductive health (menarcheal age, contraceptive use, parity, menstrual cycle characteristics). In cross-sectional, step-wise multivariate regression analyses, greater exposure to TRAP was related to more depressive symptoms (b = 0.779, P = 0.015). Lower individual SES, longer menstrual cycle length, and experiencing change (vs no change) in menstrual cycle length were also related to more depressive symptoms (P's < 0.05). Examination of each model step showed that variance in depressive symptoms was attributable to TRAP (1.2%, P = 0.004), demographics (1.0%, P = 0.217), SES (1.4%, P = 0.007), general health (0.3%, P = 0.356), and reproductive health (2.0%, P = 0.015). Finally, menstrual cycle length, a marker of reproductive health status, partially mediated effects of TRAP on depressive symptoms (indirect effect: b = 0.064, P = 0.020). Findings showed that exposure to TRAP is associated with depression, along with SES and reproductive health factors, and that reproductive health may be a pathway through which TRAP relates to depression.

Non-Canonical TERT Activity Initiates Osteogenesis in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease.

Calcific aortic valve disease is the pathological remodeling of valve leaflets. The initial steps in valve leaflet osteogenic reprogramming are not fully understood. As TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) overexpression primes mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, we investigated whether TERT contributes to the osteogenic reprogramming of valve interstitial cells. Human control and calcific aortic valve disease aortic valve leaflets and patient-specific human aortic valve interstitial cells were used in in vivo and in vitro calcification assays. Loss of function experiments in human aortic valve interstitial cells and cells isolated from Tert-/- and Terc-/- mice were used for mechanistic studies. Calcification was assessed in Tert+/+ and Tert-/- mice ex vivo and in vivo. In silico modeling, proximity ligation, and coimmunoprecipitation assays defined novel TERT interacting partners. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and cleavage under targets and tagmentation sequencing defined protein-DNA interactions. TERT protein was highly expressed in calcified valve leaflets without changes in telomere length, DNA damage, or senescence markers, and these features were retained in isolated primary human aortic valve interstitial cells. TERT expression increased with osteogenic or inflammatory stimuli, and knockdown or genetic deletion of TERT prevented calcification in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, TERT was upregulated via NF-κB and required to initiate osteogenic reprogramming, independent of its canonical reverse transcriptase activity and the long noncoding RNA TERC. TERT exerts noncanonical osteogenic functions via binding with STAT5 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 5). Depletion or inhibition of STAT5 prevented calcification. STAT5 was found to bind the promoter region of RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2), the master regulator of osteogenic reprogramming. Finally, we demonstrate that TERT and STAT5 are upregulated and colocalized in calcific aortic valve disease tissue compared with control tissue. TERT's noncanonical activity is required to initiate calcification. TERT is upregulated via inflammatory signaling pathways and partners with STAT5 to bind the RUNX2 gene promoter. These data identify a novel mechanism and potential therapeutic target to decrease vascular calcification.

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) findings over time: ultrasound and ultra-widefield fundus photography

BackgroundOzurdex® (Allergan®, AbbVie Company, North Chicago, Illinois, EUA), is composed of 0.7 mg of dexamethasone, fused in a solid biodegradable PLGA polymer, whose degradation occurs naturally in the vitreous cavity, usually in six months after its application.MethodsIn this study, we included patients aged ≥ 18 years with one or two eyes who had an indication for Ozurdex® implants. Eyes submitted to Ozurdex® application were evaluated in the first hour after the injection via transpalpebral contact B-scan ocular ultrasonography (Aviso® or Compact Touch®, Quantel®) and non-mydriatic ultra-widefield fundus photography (California®, Optos®) performed sequentially. The exams were executed using similar parameters and techniques, by the same ophthalmologist, after every 45 days, until the end of 180 days. The programed visits were the initial (tagged D0) and sequential (D45, D90, D135, and D180) visits, with a possible variance of seven days, before or after. The ultrasonographic Ozurdex® findings evaluated were: non-quantitative: structure, height, reflectivity, artifact production, location, and movement; and quantitative: length and thickness. Ultra-widefield fundus photography parameters were: Ozurdex® visualization, location, and structure.ResultsThe B-scan showed the implant initially, at the D0 visit, as a well-delimited and homogeneously highly reflective linear and continuous structure. On D45, Ozurdex® implants presented with low internal reflectivity and irregularity in the limits. On D90, D135, and D180, reductions in the length and thickness progressively lessened, leading to the final appearance of a small highly reflective clust. Over time, all the implants presented reductions in length and thickness. The mean length at D0 was 7.42 ± 0.39 mm and at the final visit (D180) it was 1.50 ± 0.47 mm. The mean thickness at D0 was 0.77 ± 0.13 mm and at the final visit (D180) it was 0.44 ± 0.18 mm.ConclusionsConsidering implant dimensions, the change in length over time was more evident than the change in thickness. In all the cases where visualization was possible, positive correlations with B-scan findings were found despite changes in patient position. These alterations evidenced in the Ozurdex® implant over time may be related to the degradation of the glucose polymer structure.

A pilot study on the effects of in-feed probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) on vaccinated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): microbiomes and Aeromonas salmonicida challenge resilience.

The use of probiotics is an alternative approach to mitigate the proliferation of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture. In our study, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103, LGG) delivered in-feed on the weight, length, skin mucus, and faecal microbiomes of Atlantic salmon. We also challenged the salmon with Aeromonas salmonicida 2004-05MF26 (Asal2004) and assessed the mortality. Our results showed no significant change (P>0.05) in weight or length of Atlantic salmon or their resilience to Asal2004 infection after LGG feeding. Infection changed significantly the skin mucus and faecal microbiomes: Clostridium sensu stricto increased from 3.14% to 9.20% in skin mucus and 1.39% to 3.74% in faeces (P<0.05). Aeromonas increased from 0.02% to 0.60% in faeces (P<0.05). Photobacterium increased from not detected (0%) to 52.16% (P<0.01) and Aliivibrio decreased from 67.21% to 0.71% in faeces (P<0.01). After infection, Lactococcus (9.93%) and Lactobacillus (2.11%) in skin mucus of the LGG group were significantly higher (P<0.05) than in the skin mucus from the rest of the groups (4.14% and 1.08%, respectively). In conclusion, LGG feeding did not further increase the resilience of vaccinated Atlantic salmon. Asal2004 infection had much greater impact on skin mucus and faecal microbiomes than LGG feeding.

Comparison of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets versus orthokeratology for the management of axial length elongation

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance When selecting an intervention for myopia management, parental inquiries centre around the comparative efficacy of orthokeratology versus myopic defocus spectacle lenses. This prompts an intriguing investigation into the nuanced differences between these two treatment methods. Background This study aimed to compare the efficacy of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) versus orthokeratology (Ortho-k) in controlling axial length elongation. Methods Electronic medical records of children aged 8 to 14 years who were prescribed either spectacle lenses with HAL or one of the four Ortho-k brands were reviewed. The standardised axial length changes within one year were compared between HAL lenses and Ortho-k lenses with analysis of variance and multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, and baseline spherical equivalent. Results A total of 308 subjects were included in the analyses. The mean (standard error) of the standardised one-year changes in axial length was 0.12 ± 0.02 mm for HAL, 0.17 ± 0.02 mm for Dreamlite, 0.22 ± 0.02 mm for Alpha, 0.21 ± 0.02 mm for Lucid, and 0.18 ± 0.02 mm for Euclid user cohorts. After adjusting for covariates, the mean differences in axial length growth between HAL and both Alpha and Lucid cohorts were estimated at 0.11 mm (95% CI, 0.03 to 0.19 mm and 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.20 mm). The differences between HAL and Dreamlite or Euclid lenses were not statistically significant. Baseline spherical equivalent demonstrated a significant positive association with axial length growth in Lucid and Euclid lens users. Conclusions Spectacle lenses with HAL design exhibited comparable or superior efficacy in mitigating axial length growth compared to conventional Ortho-k lenses. Furthermore, orthokeratology showed greater efficacy in controlling axial length elongation among individuals with greater baseline myopia.