RP Group Research Articles

EEG microstate as a biomarker of post-stroke depression with acupuncture treatment.

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric complication among stroke survivors. The PSD researches focus on pathogenesis, new treatment methods and efficacy prediction. This study explored the electroencephalography (EEG) microstates in PSD and assessed their changes after acupuncture treatment, aiming to find the biological characteristics and the predictors of treatment efficacy of PSD. A 64-channel resting EEG data was collected from 70 PSD patients (PSD group) and 40 healthy controls (HC group) to explore the neuro-electrophysiological mechanism of PSD. The PSD patients received 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment. EEG data was collected from 60 PSD patients after acupuncture treatment (MA group) to verify whether acupuncture had a modulating effect on abnormal EEG microstates. Finally, the MA group was divided into two groups: the remission prediction group (RP group) and the non-remission prediction group (NRP group) according to the 24-Item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) reduction rate. A prediction model for acupuncture treatment was established by baseline EEG microstates. The duration of microstate D along with the occurrence and contribution of microstate C were reduced in PSD patients. Acupuncture treatment partially normalized abnormal EEG microstates in PSD patients. Baseline EEG microstates predicted the efficacy of acupuncture treatment with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.964. This study provides a novel viewpoint on the neurophysiological mechanisms of PSD and emphasizes the potential of EEG microstates as a functional biomarker. Additionally, we anticipated the therapeutic outcomes of acupuncture by analyzing the baseline microstates, which holds significant practical implication for the PSD treatment.

Does prepectoral placement delay adjuvant therapies compared to retropectoral immediate implant-based breast reconstruction? A retrospective analysis

BackgroundPrepectoral (PP) immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is becoming increasingly popular compared to retropectoral reconstruction (RP). This study compares the timing of different adjuvant therapies (ATs) administration after PP or RP IBBR. Patients and MethodsA monocentric retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing mastectomy and IBBR from January 2018 to December 2023. Preoperative characteristics, mastectomy procedure type, PP or RR implant placement, postoperative outcomes, AT type, time between surgery and AT administration were collected and analyzed. Results167 patients (206 breasts) were included. 123 underwent PP IBBR and 44 RP IBBR. The mean time between surgery and first AT administration was similar in PP group (45.7 days, SD 39.3) compared to the RP group (37.4 days, SD 33.1) (p-value 0.2100). No significant differences were found in the timing of endocrine therapy (ET), chemotherapy (CT), or radiotherapy (RT) initiation between the PP and RP groups. Patients with seroma had a delayed initiation of CT (83.67 days, SD 123.7) versus those without seroma (42.1 days, SD 29.7) (p-value 0.0298). ConclusionsAverage time between surgery and administration of first AT following PP IBBR was similar compared to RP IBBR. Postoperative seromas were associated with delayed CT in overall population.

Long-term results of patients undergoing the Ross procedure after a previous aortic valve surgery

ObjectivesTo assess the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing a Ross procedure in the context of a redo aortic valve (AV) surgery. MethodsProspectively collected data in all consecutive adults who underwent a Ross procedure were analyzed to compare the Ross procedure performed as a first surgery (RF) or as a redo surgery (RP). ResultsBetween 1990 and 2021, 395 Ross procedures were performed at our center (RF, n = 345; RP, n = 50). A 2:1 propensity score matching was performed (RF, n = 100; RP, n = 50). The overall median follow-up was 11.6 years (interquartile range, 5.0-21.8 years) and 100% complete. Mean survival at 20 years was 87 ± 12% in the RF group and 87 ± 8% in the RP group (P = .30). The cumulative incidence of autograft reintervention at 10 years and 20 years was 6 ± 3% and 21 ± 6%, respectively, in the RF group and 9 ± 5% and 25 ± 8%, respectively, in the RP group (P = .74). The AV gradient remained stable up to 20 years in both groups (P = .42). The size of the sinuses of Valsalva tended to increase over time in the RF group but remained stable in the RP group (P = .03). ConclusionsThe ross procedure after a previous sternotomy for AV surgery is safe and offers good long-term results. Patients undergoing redo AV intervention have similar results as patients undergoing a primary Ross procedure, perhaps with a lower risk of autograft dilatation.

Abordagem multivariada na avaliação de desempenho e características de carcaça de cordeiros cruzados Suffolk

Evaluate associations between economically important traits is crucial as it considers the intensity of the relationship between variables and aids in excluding redundant traits, thereby facilitating the early selection of animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between performance and carcass traits of crossbred lambs and to identify a trait that demonstrates higher discriminatory power, to assisting in the selection of animals. Was used 61 male lambs were used to assess trait associations via Pearson correlation, Euclidean distance, and principal components (PC). With cluster analysis, we observed the formation of two distinct groups (Euclidean distance), indicating significant dissimilarity between the groups. This dissimilarity was attributed to the group of variables RP, TD, TW, and RW, while the other group was characterized by LP, SW, HCW, and ECC. It was observed that performance with carcass traits presented linear correlations between 0.28 to 0.63. Through multivariate analysis, it was possible to 4 PCs selected that together explained 78.35% of the total variance of the data, with eigenvalues greater than 0.70. Through the first principal component, which retains the highest percentage of total variance (38.94%), redundant or non-discriminant descriptors were discarded. Within this component, four traits (SW, ECC, RW, and HCW) were considered the most important in describing the variability of the dataset studied. However, slaughter weight would be the selectable variable to represent the other carcass traits, due to greater discriminatory power. This trait can be considered easier to measure and more economical for breeders.

Efficacy comparison of fruquintinib, regorafenib monotherapy or plus programmed death-1 inhibitors for microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer.

Regorafenib (R) and fruquintinib (F) are the standard third-line regimens for colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, but both have limited efficacy. Several phase 2 trials have indicated that R or F combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors can reverse immunosuppression and achieve promising efficacy for microsatellite stable or proficient mismatch repair (MSS/pMMR) CRC. Due to the lack of studies comparing the efficacy between F, R, F plus programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, and R plus PD-1 inhibitors (RP), it is still unclear whether the combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy. To provide critical evidence for selecting the appropriate drugs for MSS/pMMR metastatic CRC (mCRC) patients in clinical practice. A total of 2639 CRC patients were enrolled from January 2018 to September 2022 in our hospital, and 313 MSS/pMMR mCRC patients were finally included. A total of 313 eligible patients were divided into F (n = 70), R (n = 67), F plus PD-1 inhibitor (FP) (n = 95) and RP (n = 81) groups. The key clinical characteristics were well balanced among the groups. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of the F, R, FP, and RP groups was 3.5 months, 3.6 months, 4.9 months, and 3.0 months, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 14.6 months, 15.7 months, 16.7 months, and 14.1 months. The FP regimen had an improved disease control rate (DCR) (P = 0.044) and 6-month PFS (P = 0.014) and exhibited a better trend in PFS (P = 0.057) compared with F, and it was also significantly better in PFS than RP (P = 0.030). RP did not confer a significant survival benefit; instead, the R group had a trend toward greater benefit with OS (P = 0.080) compared with RP. No significant differences were observed between the R and F groups in PFS or OS (P > 0.05). FP is superior to F in achieving 6-month PFS and DCR, while RP is not better than R. FP has an improved PFS and 6-month PFS compared with RP, but F and R had similar clinical efficacy. Therefore, FP may be a highly promising strategy in the treatment of MSS/pMMR mCRC.

Investigation into the application of remimazolamin conjunction with low-dose propofolfor pediatricfiberoptic bronchoscopy.

This study delves into the effectiveness of combining remimazolam with low-dose propofol in pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Ninety children scheduled for fiberoptic bronchoscopy in our hospital were enrolled as research participants. Based on the intraoperative anesthetic drug regimen, the children were divided into three groups: group R (remimazolam 0.2-0.4mg/kg), group P (propofol 1-3mg/kg), and group RP (remimazolam0.2mg/kg, propofol 0.5mg/kg). Immediately post-anesthesia, group P exhibited lower blood pressure and heart rate (HR) compared to both group R and group RP (P < 0.05). As bronchoscope approached the glottis and epiglottis, group P continued to display lower blood pressure and HR compared to group R and group RP (P < 0.05). During lavage, group P maintained lower blood pressure and HR compared to both the R and RP groups (P < 0.05). Immediately post-anesthesia, group P demonstrated lower SpO2 compared to the R and RP groups (P < 0.05).During lavage, group P maintained lower SpO2 than group R and group RP (P < 0.05). In comparison with group R and group PR, group P showed shortened induction and recovery times (P < 0.05). The one-time entry success rate into the microscope was higher in group R than in group P, with the RP group showing an intermediate decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the cough score in R group was higher than in the P and RP groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the satisfaction rates of the RP group exceeded those of the R and P groups (P < 0.05). Remimazolam combined with low-dose propofol effectively balances the strengths and weaknesses of remimazolam and propofol, ensuring more stable hemodynamics, a lower incidence of adverse reactions, and optimal surgical conditions in pediatric fiberoptic bronchoscopy.

Vessel and Airway Characteristics in One-Year Computed Tomography-defined Rapid Emphysema Progression: SPIROMICS.

Rationale: Rates of emphysema progression vary in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the relationships with vascular and airway pathophysiology remain unclear. Objectives: We sought to determine if indices of peripheral (segmental and beyond) pulmonary arterial dilation measured on computed tomography (CT) are associated with a 1-year index of emphysema (EI; percentage of voxels <-950 Hounsfield units) progression. Methods: Five hundred ninety-nine former and never-smokers (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 0-3) were evaluated from the SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study) cohort: rapid emphysema progressors (RPs; n = 188, 1-year ΔEI > 1%), nonprogressors (n = 301, 1-year ΔEI ± 0.5%), and never-smokers (n = 110). Segmental pulmonary arterial cross-sectional areas were standardized to associated airway luminal areas (segmental pulmonary artery-to-airway ratio [PAARseg]). Full-inspiratory CT scan-derived total (arteries and veins) pulmonary vascular volume (TPVV) was compared with small vessel volume (radius smaller than 0.75 mm). Ratios of airway to lung volume (an index of dysanapsis and COPD risk) were compared with ratios of TPVV to lung volume. Results: Compared with nonprogressors, RPs exhibited significantly larger PAARseg (0.73 ± 0.29 vs. 0.67 ± 0.23; P = 0.001), lower ratios of TPVV to lung volume (3.21 ± 0.42% vs. 3.48 ± 0.38%; P = 5.0 × 10-12), lower ratios of airway to lung volume (0.031 ± 0.003 vs. 0.034 ± 0.004; P = 6.1 × 10-13), and larger ratios of small vessel volume to TPVV (37.91 ± 4.26% vs. 35.53 ± 4.89%; P = 1.9 × 10-7). In adjusted analyses, an increment of 1 standard deviation in PAARseg was associated with a 98.4% higher rate of severe exacerbations (95% confidence interval, 29-206%; P = 0.002) and 79.3% higher odds of being in the RP group (95% confidence interval, 24-157%; P = 0.001). At 2-year follow-up, the CT-defined RP group demonstrated a significant decline in postbronchodilator percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Conclusions: Rapid one-year progression of emphysema was associated with indices indicative of higher peripheral pulmonary vascular resistance and a possible role played by pulmonary vascular-airway dysanapsis.

Fetal protective effect of Indonesian propolis from Apis mellifera against rifampicin-pyrazinamide induced impaired pregnancy in BALB/c mice.

Anti-tuberculosis drugs rifampicin and pyrazinamide combination in pregnancy can cause morphological, visceral and skeletal damage. Several studies showed that propolis improves pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to determine the fetal protective effect of propolis in BALB/c mice given the anti-tuberculosis drug combination rifampicin and pyrazinamide. A total of 21 pregnant mice were randomly divided into three groups: the normal group (N)was given distilled water as a vehicle, the positive control group (RP) were given rifampicin 15 mg/kg BW, pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg BW and the treatment group (IP) were given rifampicin 15 mg/kg BB, pyrazinamide 35 mg/kg BW and propolis 400 mg/kg BW. The treatment was given during the period of organogenesis, from day 6 to day 15. Laparotomy was performed on the 18th day of pregnancy. Maternal and fetal body weight, fetal length, number of fetuses, and skeletal defects of fetuses were used as parameters to identify the teratogenic effect. All data were analyzed using the ANOVA. All groups significantly differed between maternal and fetal body weights (p<0.05). The administration of rifampicin-pyrazinamide and propolis during pregnancy did not significantly affect the number of fetuses (p>0.05). The administration of propolis protects the fetus from skeletal abnormalities. While in the RP and IP groups, we can find resorption sites and haemorrhagic. This study may suggest the protective effects of propolis against rifampicin pyrazinamide-induced impaired pregnancy.

Frequency and Distribution of Ophthalmic Surgical Procedures among Patients with Inherited Retinal Diseases

Objective or PurposeIn this study, we aimed to characterize the frequency and distribution of ocular surgeries in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and evaluate associated patient and disease factors. DesignRetrospective cohort. ParticipantsSubjects 18 years and older who were followed at the Johns Hopkins Genetic Eye Disease (GEDi) Center. MethodsWe studied a retrospective cohort of patients with an IRD diagnosis to analyze the occurrence of laser and incisional surgeries. Subjects were categorized into two groups: central dysfunction (macular/cone/cone-rod dystrophy, "MCCRD group") and panretinal or peripheral dysfunction (retinitis pigmentosa-like, "RP group"). Genetic testing status was recorded. The association of patient and disease factors on the frequency, distribution, and timing of surgeries was analyzed. Main outcome MeasurePrevalence, prevalence odds ratio (POR), hazard ratio (HR) of ophthalmic procedures by phenotype. ResultsA total of 1472 eyes of 736 subjects were evaluated. Among them, 31.3% (n = 230) had undergone ocular surgery, and 78.3% of those (n=180/230) had a history of more than one surgery. A total of 602 surgical procedures were analyzed. Cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation (CEIOL) was the most common (51.2%), followed by YAG capsulotomy, refractive surgery, retinal surgery, and others. CEIOL occurred more frequently in RP than in MCCRD subjects (POR 2.59, p = 0.002). RP subjects underwent CEIOL at a younger age than MCCRD patients (HR = 2.11, p < 0.001). ConclusionApproximately one-third of IRD patients had a history of laser or incisional surgery. CEIOL was the most common surgery; its frequency and timing may be associated with IRD phenotype. This data may inform the design of prospective research. Such efforts may illuminate routine clinical decision-making and contribute to surgical strategy development for cell and gene therapy delivery.

Service evaluation of reflective parenting groups: What are parents’ perspectives on the usefulness of RP groups in improving parental mentalisation and reflective functioning?

Service evaluation of reflective parenting groups: What are parents’ perspectives on the usefulness of RP groups in improving parental mentalisation and reflective functioning?

Effects of the alpine meadow in different phenological periods on rumen fermentation and gastrointestinal tract bacteria community in grazing yak on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

In this study, we investigated the effects of alpine meadow in different phenological periods on ruminal fermentation, serum biochemical indices, and gastrointestinal tract microbes in grazing yak on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of eighteen female freely grazing yaks with an average age of 3 years old and a body weight of 130 ± 19kg were selected. According to the plant phenological periods, yaks were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) regreen periods group (RP, n = 6); (2) grassy periods group (GP, n = 6); and (3) hay periods group (HP, n = 6). At the end of the experiment, the blood, rumen fluids, and rectal contents were collected to perform further analysis. The concentrations of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), acetate, glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were higher in the GP group than in the HP group (P < 0.05). However, compared with the RP and GP groups, the HP group had higher concentrations of isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate, and creatinine (CREA) (P < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotella in the rumen, and the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 in the gut were higher in the GP group compared with the HP group (P < 0.05). The HP had higher abundance of Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group in the rumen as well as the abundances of Romboutsia and Arthrobacter in the gut compared with the RP and GP groups (P < 0.05). Based on the results of rumen fermentation, serum biochemical, differential biomarkers, and function prediction, the carbohydrate digestion of grazing yak would be higher with the alpine meadow regreen and grassy due to the gastrointestinal tract microbes. However, the risk of microbe disorders and host inflammation in grazing yak were higher with the alpine meadow wither.

Outcome of Olecranon Fracture Treated with Tension Band Wiring Versus Anatomical Locking Plate Fixation

Aim: Up to 10% of all upper limb fractures involve the olecranon, and this type of fracture is the most common osseous injury of the elbow joint. These show a bimodal distribution occurring in younger patients due to high-energy trauma and in elderly cohorts with low bone quality after low-energy falls. Objective: To compare functional outcome of tension band wiring versus anatomical locking plate fixation for reduction of olecranon fracture Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic, Lady Reading Hospital, Medical Teaching Institute Peshawar from December 2022 to June 2023. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used in this study. Sample size was calculated using WHO calculator keeping 95% confidence interval 80 % power of study, 10% absolute precision, mean Mayo elbow score was 84.0±9.3 in the TBW group and 88.3±9.1 in the locking plate fixation group (4). Expected sample size is 32 patients in each group, total 72 patients. Patients of both genders have age range from 20 to 70 year with Mayo type 2A olecranon fractures, more than 2 mm of joint displacement determined on X-ray elbow, and elbow extension loss determined on physical examination presented within 7 days of the injury were included in the study while Patients with open fracture and revision surgery were excluded from the study. Results: In this study age distribution among 72 patients was analyzed as n= 20-30 Years 17(27.4%) 31-40 Years 14(22.6%) 41-50.Years 11(17.7%) 51-70 Years 20(32.3%). Mean age was 47.1 Years with SD ± 2.87. Gender wise Distribution among 72 Patients was analyzed as Male were 31(50.0%) and female were 31(50.0%). Distribution of duration of disease among 72 patients were analysed as n= 1-2 weeks were 47(75.8%) and 3-4 weeks were 15(24.2%) Practical Implication: There are no established guidelines for the treatment of olecranon fracture in our institution. Most olecranon fractures are treated according to surgeon preferences and surgical experience of the surgeon. Previous studies showed variables results with no consensus. We will provide rationale basis for universal use of standard treatment of olecranon fracture. Conclusion: Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, the ALP group had a higher proportion of any complication than the RP group. Keywords: Anatomical locking plate; complications; eyelet wire; olecranon fracture; tension band wiring.

Venous reconstruction using a round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft in right‑lobe living‑donor liver transplantation: a technical report.

To evaluate the short term-outcomes of venous reconstruction using a round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft and assess its effectiveness in the prevention of prosthetic vascular graft migration in right‑lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Thirty patients underwent reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries during right lobe LDLT between January, 2021 and October, 2022. These patients were divided into the autologous vascular graft group (A group, n = 24) and the round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft group (RP group, n = 6). The computed tomography (CT) density ratio of the drainage area in the posterior segment of patent grafts was significantly higher in the RP group than in the A group (0.91 vs. 1.06, p = 0.0025). However, the patency rates of reconstructed MHV tributaries in the A and RP groups were 61% and 67%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.72). Prosthetic vascular graft migration did not occur in the RP group. Venous reconstruction using round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular grafts is a feasible and simple method to prevent prosthetic vascular graft migration in right-lobe LDLT.

Serial longitudinal changes of coronary calcified plaques with clear outer borders under intensive lipid management: insights from optical coherence tomography.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for calcified lesions is one of the most challenging procedures related to worse clinical outcomes. To stabilize vulnerable plaques, intensive lipid management is recommended; however, the serial changes of calcified plaques under intensive lipid management are unknown. A total of 31 patients (mean age, 63 ± 10years; men, 29 patients) who underwent PCI with intensive lipid management were retrospectively studied. We evaluated the serial longitudinal changes of calcified plaques with clear outer borders using optical coherence tomography (OCT) at two time points: at the time of PCI (baseline) and the chronic phase. The median interval from PCI to chronic phase was 287 (233-429) days. Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) had increased calcium volume at the chronic phase compared with those at baseline (2.6 [1.3-5.1] vs. 1.8 [0.7-4.3] mm2, p < 0.05), and the median increase rate of calcium volume was 27.4% at the chronic phase. According to the median increase rate of calcium volume (27.4%), patients were divided into the following two groups: rapid progression (≥ 27.4%, RP group) and non-rapid progression (< 27.4%, non-RP group). The RP group had more patients with diabetes, and diabetes was independently associated with rapid progression by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, patients with diabetes had significantly higher changes in calcium index and volume from the baseline to the chronic phase than those without diabetes. Coronary calcification progression during relatively short intervals was observed using OCT even under intensive lipid management. Diabetes was an independent predictor for rapid coronary calcification progression.

Circulating metabolic signatures of rapid and slow progression to type 1 diabetes in islet autoantibody-positive children.

Appearance of multiple islet cell autoantibodies in early life is indicative of future progression to overt type 1 diabetes, however, at varying rates. Here, we aimed to study whether distinct metabolic patterns could be identified in rapid progressors (RP, disease manifestation within 18 months after the initial seroconversion to autoantibody positivity) vs. slow progressors (SP, disease manifestation at 60 months or later from the appearance of the first autoantibody). Longitudinal samples were collected from RP (n=25) and SP (n=41) groups at the ages of 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, or ≥ 36 months. We performed a comprehensive metabolomics study, analyzing both polar metabolites and lipids. The sample series included a total of 239 samples for lipidomics and 213 for polar metabolites. We observed that metabolites mediated by gut microbiome, such as those involved in tryptophan metabolism, were the main discriminators between RP and SP. The study identified specific circulating molecules and pathways, including amino acid (threonine), sugar derivatives (hexose), and quinic acid that may define rapid vs. slow progression to type 1 diabetes. However, the circulating lipidome did not appear to play a major role in differentiating between RP and SP. Our study suggests that a distinct metabolic profile is linked with the type 1 diabetes progression. The identification of specific metabolites and pathways that differentiate RP from SP may have implications for early intervention strategies to delay the development of type 1 diabetes.

Clinical and genetic features of Koreans with retinitis pigmentosa associated with mutations in rhodopsin.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features, natural course, and genetic characteristics of Koreans with rhodopsin-associated retinitis pigmentosa (RHO-associated RP). Design: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, observational cohort study. Participants: We reviewed the medical records of 42 patients with RHO-associated RP of 36 families who visited 4 hospitals in Korea. Methods: Patients with molecular confirmation of pathogenic variants of the RHO gene were included. The patients were divided into two subgroups: the generalized and sector RP groups. A central visual field of the better-seeing eye of <10° or a best-corrected visual acuity of the better-seeing eye <20/40 indicated the progression to late-stage RP. Results: The mean age at which symptoms first appeared was 26.3 ± 17.9years (range: 8-78years), and the mean follow-up period was 80.9 ± 68.7months (range: 6-268months). At the last follow-up visit, the generalized RP group showed a significantly higher rate of visual field impairment progression to late-stage RP than that of the sector RP group (22 of 35 [62.9%] vs. 0 of 7 [0.0%], p = 0.003). No cases in the sector RP group progressed to generalized RP. Best-corrected visual acuity deterioration to late-stage RP was observed only in the generalized RP group (13 of 35 patients; 37.1%), whereas no deterioration was observed in the sector RP group. We identified 16 known and three novel RHO mutations, including two missense mutations (p.T108P and p.G121R) and one deletion mutation (p.P347_A348del). The pathogenic variants were most frequently detected in exon 1 (14 of 36 [38.9%]). The most common pathogenic variants were p.P347L and T17M (5 of 36 [13.9%] families). Among 42 patients of 36 families, 35 patients of 29 families (80.6%) presented with the generalized RP phenotype, and seven patients of seven families (19.4%) presented with the sector RP phenotype. Three variants (p.T17M, p.G101E, and p.E181K) presented with both the generalized and sector RP phenotypes. Conclusion: This multicenter cohort study provided information on the clinical and genetic features of RHO-associated RP in Koreans. It is clinically important to expand the genetic spectrum and understand genotype-phenotype correlations to ultimately facilitate the development of gene therapy.

A subunit vaccine encoding glycoprotein holds potential to protect snakehead (Channa argus) from snakehead vesiculovirus infection

Snakehead vesiculovirus (SHVV) is one of the most harmful viral diseases to the snakehead farming industry. Subunit vaccines with highly protective effects strongly depend on the type of vaccine antigen. In order to screen the potential antigen proteins with efficient immunogenicity and reactogenicity, the glycoprotein (G), matrix protein (M), nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P) of SHVV were molecular cloned, sequences analyzed and prokaryotic expressed in this study, then four recombinant proteins were served as subunit vaccines to immunize snakehead by intraperitoneal injection to evaluate the immune effects based on the indexes including the serum antibody level, nonspecific enzyme activity, immune-related gene expression and relative percent survivals (RPS). The results showed that compared with control group, the serum antibody levels and T-AOC activities were significantly higher in all four subunit vaccine groups, the serum ACP and AKP activities in four subunit vaccine groups were higher with different degree, and the detected immune-related genes expression levels were remarkably higher in four subunit vaccine groups except IL-8 gene in spleen of rP group. Among four subunit vaccines, rG protein displayed better immune effect than other three proteins. Besides, the RPS of rG group was highest with 83.3%, followed by rM (66.7%), rN (50.0%) and rP (8.3%), respectively. The above results indicated that glycoprotein was a better candidate protective antigen of SHVV and held potential to protect Snakehead from SHVV infection in the type of subunit vaccine.

Analisis Komunikasi Virtual Dalam Dunia Roleplayer Grup RP Palembang Platform Telegram

With the title "Analysis of Virtual Communication on the Palembang World RP Group Roleplayer Telegram Platform". This study describes how virtual communication in roleplayer games among teenagers, especially teenagers in the city of Palembang. This study aims to find out how the process of roleplayer users form virtual communication and analyze virtual communication in the telegram platform roleplayer world towards members of the RP Palembang group. The theory used in this research is social science theory and new media theory. The research method used in this study is a qualitative research method. The approach used by researchers in this study is through observation obtained by conducting observations and structured interviews to become a reference for researchers to understand in depth about virtual communication in telegram platform roleplayer games. From the research results that have been obtained from the observation and documentation of researchers, the author can explain the process of forming virtual communication between roleplayer players, the types of virtual communication that occur in roleplayer games, supporting factors and inhibiting factors for virtual communication for roleplayer players and the advantages of the telegram platform in forming virtual communication in the roleplayer world of RP Group Palembang members.

Risk factors for prostate-specific antigen persistence in pT3aN0 prostate cancer after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence in pathological stage T3aN0 prostate cancer (PCa) after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). A retrospective study was performed on 326 patients with pT3aN0 PCa who underwent RALP between March 2020 and February 2022. PSA persistence was defined as nadir PSA of >0.1 ng/mL after RALP, and the risk factors for PSA persistence were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Among 326 patients, 61 (18.71%) had PSA persistence and 265 (81.29%) had PSA of <0.1 ng/mL after RALP (successful radical prostatectomy [RP] group). In the PSA persistence group, 51 patients (83.61%) received adjuvant treatment. Biochemical recurrence occurred in 27 patients (10.19%) in the successful RP group during the mean follow-up period of 15.22 months. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for PSA persistence were large prostate volume (hazard ratio [HR], 1.017; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.036; p=0.046), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (HR, 2.605; 95% CI, 1.022-6.643; p=0.045), and surgical margin involvement (HR, 2.220; 95% CI, 1.110-4.438; p=0.024). Adjuvant treatment may be needed for improved prognosis in patients with pT3aN0 PCa after RALP with a large prostate size, LVI, or surgical margin involvement.

Corneal characteristics in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

BackgroundTo evaluate corneal topography and specular microscopic findings in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. MethodsOne hundred and two eyes of 51 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and 60 eyes of 30 healty subjects were included in our study. A detailed ophthalmological examination involving best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was performed. A rotating Scheimpflug imaging system, was used to evaluate all eyes for topographic and aberrometrics parameters. Specular microscopy measurements were also noted. ResultsThe retinitis pigmentosa group consisted of 51 patients (29 male and 22 female, mean age of 35.61±13.55 (18–65) years and the control group also consisted of 30 healty subjects (29 male and 22 female, mean age of 33.67±9.92 (20–58) years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.624) and gender (p = 0.375). Spherical equivalents were higher in the RP group (p<0.001). Central keratoconus index (CKI) (p<0.001), Belin Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display total deviation value (BAD-D) (p = 0.003), index of surface variance (ISV) (p<0.001), index of vertical asymmetry (IVA) (p<0.001), Ambrosio related thickness (ART max) (p = 0.018), index of height asymmetry (IHA) (p = 0.009), index of height decentration (IHD) (p<0.001), maximum anterior elevation (p<0.001), front elevation in thin location (p = 0.05), progression index average (p = 0.015), root mean square (RMS) total (p = 0.010) and RMS-higher order aberration (RMS-HOA) (p<0.001) values were higher in RP group. There was a weak negative correlation between BCVA and ART max measurements (r=-0.256, p = 0.009) in RP group. We detected keratoconus-suspect in 6 eyes and clinically manifest keratoconus in one eye in the RP group. ConclusionsPatients with retinitis pigmentosa may have corneal morphological disorders that may affect vision. In our study, corneal topographic pathologies including keratoconus and possible keratoconus were detected in RP patients.