Preserving medial iliofemoral ligament avoids excessive leg lengthening in total hip arthroplasty using anterolateral-supine approach.

Background: In this study, we compared postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty using the anterolateral-supine approach (ALSA THA) with or without medial iliofemoral ligament (mILFL) preservation and examined the effect of the remaining mILFL on postoperative LLD. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective case control study. Unilateral primary THA with a preoperative LLD <15 mm, in which the contralateral side was intact, was included. After ALSA THA, we compared the absolute values of postoperative LLDs and examined the ratio of postoperative LLD >5 mm with and without mILFL preservation. Demographic data, clinical scores, and operative data were collected. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: We included 341 hips (preservation group: 283 hips; resection group: 58 hips). The mean (range) absolute values of the postoperative LLDs were 2.3 (0-15.9) mm and 3.4 (0-14.8) mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.36). The proportion of postoperative LLD >5 mm differed significantly between the groups (4.4 % and 20.0 %, respectively; p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that resection of the mILFL was the only significant factor that caused excessive leg lengthening (odds ratio, 5.28; 95 % confidence interval, 2.12-13.10, p < 0.01). Significant differences were reported in surgical time (81 (38-132) and 96 (54-157), respectively; p < 0.01) and intraoperative blood loss (297 (50-1170) and 388 (100-1150), respectively; p < 0.01). However, no significant differences in clinical scores, dislocation (including instability), or reoperation rates were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: In patients with a preoperative LLD <15 mm, preserving the mILFL in ALSA THA avoids excessive leg lengthening and may lead to shorter LLD without any difficulties.

Telomere Length Measurement in Human Tissue Sections by Quantitative Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (Q-FISH).

Telomeres in most somatic cells shorten with each cell division, and critically short telomeres lead to cellular dysfunction, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Thus, telomere shortening is an important hallmark of human cellular senescence. Quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (Q-FISH) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections allows the estimation of telomere lengths in individual cells in histological sections. In our Q-FISH method, fluorescently labelled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes are hybridized to telomeric and centromeric sequences in FFPE human tissue sections, and relative telomere lengths (telomere signal intensities relative to centromere signal intensities) are measured. This chapter describes our Q-FISH protocols for assessing relative telomere lengths in FFPE human tissue sections.

The negative association between sodium-driven nutrient pattern and telomere length: the chain mediating role of diastolic pressure and waist circumference.

BACKGROUND: Numerous single nutrients have been suggested to be linked with leukocyte telomere length (LTL). However, data on nutrient patterns (NPs), particularly in Chinese population, are scarce. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutrient-based dietary patterns and LTL, and the potential role of metabolic factors. METHODS: Dietary data was obtained via 24-hour food recalls, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify NPs. LTL was assessed using a real-time PCR assay. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the association between NPs and LTL. The potential role of metabolism among them was analyzed using mediation models. RESULTS: A total of 779 individuals from northern China were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Five main nutrient patterns were identified. Adjusted linear regression showed that the "high sodium" pattern was inversely associated with LTL (B=-0.481(-0.549, -0.413), P < 0.05). The "high vitamin E-fat" pattern exhibited a positive correlation (B = 0.099(0.029, 0.170), P < 0.05), whereas the "high vitamin A-vitamin B2" pattern was negatively correlated with LTL (B=-0.120(-0.183, -0.057), P < 0.05), respectively. No significant associations were observed for the remaining nutrient patterns. The mediation model demonstrated that diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference could individually and collectively mediate the negative impact of the "high sodium" pattern on LTL (BDBP=-0.0173(-0.0333, -0.0041), BWC=-0.0075(-0.0186, -0.0004), Bjoint=-0.0033 (-0.0072, -0.0006), all P < 0.05). Moreover, glycosylated hemoglobin and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol mediate the relationship between the "high vitamin E-fat" pattern and LTL (BHbA1c=0.0170(0.0010,0.0347), Bnon-HDL-C= 0.0335 (0.0067, 0.0626), all P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The "high sodium" and "high vitamin E-fat" nutrient patterns demonstrated negative and positive associations with LTL and metabolic indicators may play complex mediating roles in these relationships.

Survival and functional outcomes after hemiarthroplasty in children with proximal tibial osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for correcting limb-length discrepancy after limb-salvage reconstruction for proximal tibial osteosarcoma in children have several limitations. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility, complications, prognosis, and clinical outcomes of reconstruction using hemiarthroplasty after tumor resection in pediatric patients with proximal tibial osteosarcoma. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of the data of pediatric patients with osteosarcoma of the proximal tibia who underwent surgery between December 2008 and November 2018 at our center. We enrolled 49 consecutive patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty. The cruciate ligaments of all patients were reconstructed using special spacers, and the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee and joint capsule were reconstructed using a mesh. Postoperatively, if the unequal length of both lower limbs exceeded 4 cm or knee instability occurred, a second-stage surgery was performed for limb lengthening and replacing the distal femoral prosthesis. We analyzed the oncological prognosis, complications of hemiarthroplasty, postoperative stability, and postoperative function. RESULTS: The follow-up period ranged between 11 and 159 months, with a median of 84 (62, 129) months. The overall 5-year survival rate was 83.2%. Thirty-nine patients survived at the end of the follow-up period with 34 prostheses (87.2%). The overall prosthesis survival rate was 87.4% after 5 years, indicating the long-term benefits of the procedure. Limb length was measured in 28 adult patients. The average limb-length discrepancy was 33 ± 15 mm with a median of 33 mm (21, 47); the femur and tibia caused a discrepancy of 8.5 ± 9.9 mm and 24.8 ± 15.5 mm, respectively. The patients had 30-135° of knee motion, with a mean of 82 ± 24°. The femoral tibial angle was greater on the affected side than on the healthy side, with a mean difference of 4.5°±3.6°. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 25 ± 3. Five patients underwent second-stage distal femoral prosthesis replacement, with mean MSTS scores of 24 ± 2 and 28 ± 1 before and after second-stage surgery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hemiarthroplasty in children reduces limb-length discrepancy in adulthood by rebuilding cruciate ligaments, lateral collateral ligaments, and the joint capsule, thereby improving knee stability.

New generalized metric based on branch length distance to compare B cell lineage trees.

The B cell lineage tree encapsulates the successive phases of B cell differentiation and maturation, transitioning from hematopoietic stem cells to mature, antibody-secreting cells within the immune system. Mathematically, this lineage can be conceptualized as an evolutionary tree, where each node represents a distinct stage in B cell development, and the edges reflect the differentiation pathways. To compare these lineage trees, a rigorous mathematical metric is essential. Analyzing B cell lineage trees mathematically and quantifying changes in lineage attributes over time necessitates a comparison methodology capable of accurately assessing and measuring these changes. Addressing the intricacies of multiple B cell lineage tree comparisons, this study introduces a novel metric that enhances the precision of comparative analysis. This metric is formulated on principles of metric theory and evolutionary biology, quantifying the dissimilarities between lineage trees by measuring branch length distance and weight. By providing a framework for systematically classifying lineage trees, this metric facilitates the development of predictive models that are crucial for the creation of targeted immunotherapy and vaccines. To validate the effectiveness of this new metric, synthetic datasets that mimic the complexity and variability of real B cell lineage structures are employed. We demonstrated the ability of the new metric method to accurately capture the evolutionary nuances of B cell lineages.

A framework for the acoustic simulation of passing vehicles using variable length delay lines.

The sound produced by vehicles driving on roadways constitutes one of the dominant noise sources in urban areas. The impact of traffic noise on human activities and the related investigation on modeling, assessment, and abatement strategies fueled the research on the simulation of the sound produced by individual passing vehicles. Simulators enable in fact to promote a perceptual assessment of the nature of traffic noise and of the impact of single road agents on the overall soundscape. In this work, we present TrafficSoundSim, an open-source framework for the acoustic simulation of vehicles transiting on a road. We first discuss the generation of the sound signal produced by a vehicle, represented as a combination of road/tire interaction noise and engine noise. We then introduce a propagation model based on the use of variable length delay lines, allowing to simulate acoustic propagation and Doppler effect. The proposed simulator incorporates the effect of air absorption and ground reflection, modeled via complex-valued reflection coefficients dependent on the road surface impedance, as well as a model of the directivity of sound sources representing the passing vehicles. The source signal generation and the propagation stages are decoupled, and all effects are implemented using finite impulse response filters. Moreover, no recorded data is required to run the simulation, making the framework flexible and independent on data availability. Finally, to validate the framework capability to accurately simulate passing vehicles, a comparison between synthetic and recorded pass-by events is presented. The validation shows that sounds generated with the proposed method achieve a good match with recorded events in terms of power spectral density and psychoacoustics metrics as well as a perceptually plausible result.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy in working length determination: Radiography versus Electronic apex locators using in vivo and ex vivo methods with stereomicroscope validation.

Background: Accurate determination of the working length (WL) is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. Various methods, including radiography and electronic apex locators (EALs), are employed for WL measurement, each with its advantages and limitations. Aim: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of WL determination using conventional radiography and the Root ZX Mini EAL against an ex vivo gold standard method. Materials and Methods: Fifty single-rooted teeth scheduled for extraction were included. WLs were determined using radiography (Grossman's method) and the Root ZX Mini EAL. An ex vivo method served as the gold standard with WL carried out on extracted teeth under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis included Paired samples t-test, Chi-square test, and Bland-Altman plots. Results: The mean WL values were comparable among methods, with slight variations in precision. The Root ZX Mini EAL demonstrated significantly lower mean absolute error compared to radiography (P < 0.001). Accuracy within ± 0.5 mm and ± 1 mm tolerance ranges favored the EAL over radiography (P = 0.04 and P = 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: The Root ZX Mini EAL exhibited superior accuracy and lower error rates in WL determination compared to radiography. Integrating EALs alongside radiographic techniques is recommended to optimize WL precision in clinical practice.

Exercise to combat cancer: focusing on the ends.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide and although prognosis and survivorship after therapy has improved significantly, current cancer treatments have long-term health consequences. For decades telomerase-mediated telomere maintenance has been an attractive anti-cancer therapeutic target due to its abundance and role in telomere maintenance, pathogenesis and growth in neoplasms. Telomere maintenance-specific cancer therapies, however, are marred by off target side-effects that must be addressed before they reach clinical practice. Regular exercise training is associated with telomerase-mediated telomere maintenance in healthy cells, which is associated with healthy ageing. A single bout of endurance exercise training dynamically, but temporarily, increases TERT mRNA and telomerase activity, as well as several molecules that control genomic stability and telomere length (i.e., shelterin and TERRA). Considering the epidemiological findings and accumulating research highlighting that exercise significantly reduces the risk of many types of cancers and the anti-carcinogenic effects of exercise on tumour growth in vitro, investigating the governing molecular mechanisms of telomerase control in context with exercise and cancer may provide important new insights to explain these findings. Specifically, the molecular mechanisms controlling telomerase in both healthy cells and tumours after exercise could reveal novel therapeutic targets for tumour-specific telomere maintenance and offer important evidence that could refine current physical activity and exercise guidelines for all stages of cancer care.

Predictive role of cardiopulmonary bypass exposure indexed to body surface area on postoperative organ dysfunction: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Long cardiopulmonary bypass times are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes and increased healthcare resources use. It is likely that this effect is pronounced in smaller patients. Previous studies have been criticized for not taking into consideration that prolonged bypass times are often due to higher complexity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bypass index (bypass time/body surface area) and adverse postoperative events. METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective cohort study including 2413 patients undergoing cardiac surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass from June 2018 to April 2020. Length of hospital stay, as surrogate marker of post-operative morbidity, was selected as primary outcome. The strength of association between BI and the primary outcome was assessed with linear regression analysis. Secondary outcomes included new onset renal, pulmonary or cardiac rhythm dysfunction. The predictive value of bypass index was assessed with linear regression analysis; univariate and multiple regression were used to assess the strength of association between Bi and the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Bypass index was predictive for length of stay at univariate (RR 1.004, p < 0.001) and at multivariable (RR 1.003, p < 0.001) analysis. The association between bypass index and new renal (mean difference 14.1 min/m2, p < 0.001) and cardiac rhythm dysfunction (mean difference 12.6 min/m2) was significant. This was not true of postoperative lung dysfunction (mean difference -1.5 min/m2, p = 0.293). CONCLUSIONS: Bypass index, calculated as total bypass time/patient body surface area, is predictive of postoperative morbidity and resource utilization after cardiac surgery on pump.

The effect of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative fluid management is an important aspect of anesthesia management in gastrointestinal surgery. Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a method for optimizing a patient's physiological state by monitoring and regulating fluid input in real-time. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative GDFT in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: This study utilized a retrospective comparative study design and included 60 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at a hospital. The experimental group (GDFT group) and the control group, each comprising 30 patients, received intraoperative GDFT and traditional fluid management strategies, respectively. The effect of GDFT was evaluated by comparing postoperative recovery, complication rates, hospitalization time, and other indicators between the two patient groups. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss in the experimental and control groups was 296.64 ± 46.71 mL and 470.05 ± 73.26 mL (P < 0.001), and urine volume was 415.13 ± 96.72 mL and 239.15 ± 94.69 mL (P < 0.001), respectively. The postoperative recovery time was 5.44 ± 1.1 days for the experimental group compared to 7.59 ± 1.45 days (P < 0.001) for the control group. Hospitalization time for the experimental group was 10.87 ± 2.36 days vs 13.65 ± 3 days for the control group (P < 0.001). The visual analogue scale scores of the experimental and control groups at 24 h and 48 h post-surgery were 3.38 ± 0.79 and 4.51 ± 0.86, and 2.05 ± 0.57 and 3.51 ± 0.97 (P < 0.001), respectively. The cardiac output of the experimental and control groups was 5.99 ± 1.04 L/min and 4.88 ± 1.17 L/min, respectively, while the pulse pressure variability for these two groups was 10.87 ± 2.36% and 17.5 ± 3.21%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The application of GDFT in gastrointestinal surgery can significantly improve postoperative recovery, reduce the incidence of complications, and shorten hospital stays.

Cytokinin-related genes regulate cucumber fruit pedicel length.

Pedicel length is a crucial agronomic trait of cucumbers. Fruit deformation can occur When the pedicel is too long or too short. Moreover, an appropriate pedicel length is advantageous for mechanized harvesting. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying cucumber pedicel length. In the current study, we obtained a short pedicel mutant through EMS mutagenesis and discovered that the reduced cell number was the primary cause of the shortened pedicel. Upon analyzing the hormone content, we found that the level of trans zeatin in the long-pedicel material was significantly higher than that in the short-pedicel material. Further transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in cytokinin synthesis-related pathways. Based on these results, the present study concluded that cucumber pedicel length is regulated by genes related to the cytokinin synthesis pathway and that differences in length result from differences in zeatin content and cell number.

Does Adulthood Socioeconomic Status Predict Subsequent Telomere Length in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Women?

Background: Telomere length is a critical biomarker of cellular aging and overall health. While childhood socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as education and poverty can have long-lasting effects on biological aging, research has shown contradictory results regarding the impact of adulthood SES on future telomere length, particularly in racially and ethnically diverse individuals. This study investigates the effects of baseline adulthood SES indicators such as education and poverty on telomere length nine years later in women, using data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). Methods: We analyzed data from the FFCWS, a longitudinal cohort study. The sample included baseline adulthood SES and follow-up telomere length measure of women (n = 2,421) with varying socioeconomic conditions. Telomere length was measured from saliva samples nine years after the baseline measure of adulthood SES. Education, poverty, and marital status at baseline were assessed. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between adulthood SES indicators at baseline and future telomere length, controlling for potential confounders. Results: From the total 2,421 women, 675 were Latino White, 1,158 were non-Latino Black, and 588 were non-Latino White. Our findings indicate that for non-Latino White women poverty at certain level, and childbirth weight, and for non-Latino Black maternal age were predictors of telomere lengths nine years later. Conclusion: Poverty at a specific level, maternal age and childbirth weight serve as predictors of telomere lengths nine years later in some women. These findings underscore the importance of socioeconomic factors and early-life influences in understanding telomere dynamics and aging processes among women from varied racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Efficacy in myopia control-The impact of rebound.

PURPOSE: When myopia control treatment is discontinued, progression will increase, but does it revert to expected values based on the age and race of the child or does it accelerate further? The latter scenario is considered a rebound. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted with the words 'rebound' and 'myopia control', identifying further papers from reviews. Inclusion was limited to prospective studies with ≥6 months of treatment, ≥3 months of data following cessation and with axial length data, which allowed calculation of rebound. Nineteen studies were identified, comprising 24 treatment groups. In 10 studies, untreated control children were followed both throughout the treatment and cessation periods, allowing for a concurrent comparison group. In three studies, a control group was followed for 1 or 2 years and thereafter received the treatment under evaluation. Later, treatment ceased in the originally treated children. Finally, six studies were cross-over designs. For these latter two study designs, initial axial elongation and myopia progression in the control group were extrapolated to the cessation period, accounting for annual slowing. Values from durations of <1 year were annualised. RESULTS: The mean annualised rebound was +0.05 ± 0.10 mm and -0.09 ± 0.24 D for axial length and myopia progression, respectively, and these were correlated (r2 = 0.59, p < 0.001). Rebound was associated with 1-year treatment efficacy (r2 = 0.43, p < 0.001). The mean annualised rebound with optical corrections was -0.01 ± 0.03 mm. Five of the six highest rebound values (≥0.14 mm) were from red light therapy and atropine studies. Rebound ranged from +0.03 to +0.14 mm for overnight orthokeratology. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with previous statements, no evidence for rebound was found for myopia control spectacles and soft contact lenses. Future research should explore the influence of age and magnitude of treatment efficacy on rebound.

Influence of age at slaughter and sex on carcass characteristics, meat quality, fatty acids, and ribonucleotides in white-tailed yellow native chickens.

This study investigated the effects of age and sex on carcass and meat characteristics of one of Thailand's major indigenous chicken breeds, the white-tailed yellow native chicken (NC). A total of 120 one-day-old NC (60 males and 60 females) were raised, and harvested at either 16, 20 or 24 weeks. The results showed that body, carcass, breast and fillet weights did not differ (P > 0.05) between 16- and 20-week-old NC, but were lower (P < 0.05) than those of 24-week-old NC. Male NC had higher (P < 0.05) body, carcass, wing, back and thigh weights than female NC. Neither sex nor age affected muscle pH, sarcomere length, redness and yellowness, guanosine monophosphate, and hypoxanthine. The interaction between age and sex was significant (P < 0.05) for %dressing, %leg, L*, C14:1, C18:1n9 and C20:4n6. Shear force was lower in 16-week-old NC (P < 0.05). The 24-week-old NC had lower (P < 0.05) C13:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:2n6t, C20:4n6, C22:6n-3, intramuscular fat and inosine 5'-monophosphate levels and higher (P < 0.05) C18:2n6c, C18:3n-3 and C20:3n-6 levels than the 16- and 20-week-old NC. Male NC had higher (P < 0.05) C13:0-, C14:0-, C18:2n6t-, C20:3n-6- and lower inosine levels than female NC. In conclusion, these data highlight age- and sex-specific differences in carcass and meat quality of NC and provide relevant information to support consumer-oriented decisions on the production, processing and nutritional value of NC.

Long-term Outcome of the Dutch Common Channel Trial (DUCATI): Preservation of Superior Weight Loss Results Without Significant Malnutrition Side Effects.

PURPOSE: The optimal bowel limb lengths for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) to maximize weight loss while minimizing nutritional deficiencies in severe obesity treatment remain a topic of debate. The multi-center Dutch Common Channel Trial (DUCATI) aims to compare the outcomes of a very long Roux Limb Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (VLRL-LRYGB) with a standard Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (S-LRYGB). METHODS: A total of 444 patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1, double-blind manner to undergo either VLRL-RYGB or S-LRYGB. Five-year follow-up data were assessed, concentrating on weight loss, obesity-related medical conditions, complications, re-operations, and malnutrition. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable total alimentary lengths (RL + CC). The VLRL-LRYGB group demonstrated significantly greater %TWL (32.2% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.002) and %EWL (81.2% vs. 70.3%, p = 0.002) at 5 years. Eight (3.6%) patients in the VLRL-LRYGB group versus 2 (0.9%) in the S-LRYGB group (p = 0.055) needed modification surgery for malabsorption. Suboptimal clinical response rate was significantly higher (22.0% vs. 8.3%) in S-LRYGB group. No significant differences for nutrient deficiencies in favor of the S-LRYGB group were found. CONCLUSION: A 100-cm common channel with a relatively long Roux limb provides superior, sustainable weight loss over 5 years, without significantly increased rate of malabsorption-related re-operations. These results suggest that a longer Roux limb can still ensure adequate micronutrient uptake in the total alimentary tract. These findings should be considered in discussions regarding the optimal Roux-en-Y limb length for severe obesity treatment.

Axial length association with corneoscleral sagittal height and scleral asymmetry.

PURPOSE: To determine how corneoscleral geometry changes with axial length and to assess the usefulness of including the sagittal configuration of the anterior segment when predicting the axial length. METHODS: An observational study was performed including 96 healthy subjects (96 eyes). Axial length was calculated from optical biometry (IOL Master 500). Corneal curvature and scleral sagittal height parameters at 13, 14 and 15 mm were obtained automatically using corneoscleral topography (eye surface profiler; ESP). In addition, corneal and scleral sagittal heights at numerous locations (21 radii: 0-10 mm from the corneal apex at 12 angles: 0-330°) were calculated using the raw height data extracted from the ESP. The relationships between axial length and the study parameters were analysed using Pearson correlation analysis. The equations for the prediction of axial length were obtained by fitting multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: The temporal-nasal scleral asymmetry at 13-, 14- and 15-mm chord lengths was significantly correlated with axial length (r2 ≤ 0.26; p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between the temporal scleral sagittal height and axial length (r2 ≤ 0.28; p ≤ 0.02). The nasal scleral sagittal height was not associated with axial length. Three significant multiple linear regression models were fitted based on spherical equivalent, corneal radius and scleral asymmetry at 13 (r2 = 0.79; p < 0.001), 14 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) and 15 (r2 = 0.80; p < 0.001) mm chord lengths. CONCLUSIONS: Larger ocular globes show reduced temporal-nasal scleral asymmetry, mainly due to the lower sagittal height of the temporal sclera. Thus, the geometry of the temporal scleral may be a factor of interest during myopia progression.

The genome of the Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii), an agamid model for urban adaptation.

Squamate reptiles are a highly diverse and intriguing group of tetrapods, offering valuable insights into the evolution of amniotes. The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a member of the Agamidae, and sister to the core mesic Australian endemic radiation (Amphibolurinae). The species is renowned for its urban adaptability and complex social systems. We report a 1.8 Gb chromosome-length genome assembly together with the annotation of 23,675 protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis with other squamate genomes highlights gene family expansions associated with immune function, energetic homeostasis, and wound healing. This reference genome will serve as a valuable resource for studies of evolution and environmental resilience in lizards.

Rapid advancement of enteral nutrition and in-hospital mortality in critically ill adults: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Early enteral nutrition (EN) initiation is recommended for intensive care unit (ICU) patients; however, the optimal rate of EN advancement remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between EN advancement and in-hospital mortality, as well as length of hospital stay. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 341 critically ill adults receiving EN between January 2021 and December 2023. The exposure of interest was rapid EN advancement, defined as an EN change exceeding the median value calculated between the first and seventh days after EN initiation. The comparator group included patients without rapid EN advancement. Factors related to in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. Subgroup analyses were performed for EN initiation within 48 h of ICU admission. RESULTS: Rapid EN advancement reduced in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95% CI 0.38-1.07, P = 0.092), although this was not statistically significant. However, rapid EN advancement significantly shortened hospital stay by 25 days (95% CI -25 to -9.2, P = 0.002). In the early EN initiation subgroup, rapid EN advancement significantly reduced in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR = 0.42, P = 0.039) and shortened hospital stay by 48 days (95% CI -77 to -19, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Rapid EN advancement reduced in-hospital mortality and length of hospital stay in critically ill patients, especially with early EN initiation. These findings could inform clinical practices that enhance timely and adequate nutrition therapy in ICUs. Further randomized controlled trials can help establish clinical guidelines.

Myopic shift in female mice after ovariectomy.

Myopia is a global public health concern, with a higher prevalence in women than that in male. As the relationship between sex hormone and myopia remains unclear, we aimed to reveal the relationship between sex hormone and myopia by removing the ovaries of mice and measuring changes in ocular parameters related to myopia. Lens-induced myopia (LIM) surgeries were performed on 3-week-old male mice and age-matched female mice to evaluate the effects of sex on myopia development, which indicated a high degree of myopia and rapid progression of axial elongation in male mice. Bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) performed on 4-week-old female mice induced myopic refraction status in ovariectomized mice. Although axial length elongation was larger in ovariectomized mice than that in sham control mice, the result was insignificant. To further reveal the relationship between female sex hormones and myopia, LIM combined with OVX was performed, which revealed a magnified myopic refraction status in ovariectomized mice. Nevertheless, elongation of the anterior chamber depth in the - 30 D lens-treated eyes significantly increased in LIM + OVX mice compared with the frame-treated eyes in LIM + OVX mice and - 30 D lens-treated eyes in LIM + Sham surgery mice. Sex hormones play a role in regulating myopia development in female mice.

Strategies for unplanned gait termination at comfortable and fast walking speeds in children with cerebral palsy.

Collision avoidance while walking is necessary for safe living, and faster walking speeds tend to increase collision risk. However, gait termination strategies for patients with cerebral palsy (CP), from comfortable to faster speed, remain unexplored. This study aimed to analyze these strategies in children with CP compared to typically developing (TD) children at two different speeds. Study participants included 10 children with CP (mean age, 12.5; five females; mean height, 147.8 cm; mean weight, 41.7 kg) and 10 TD children (mean age, 11.4; nine females; mean height, 142.0 cm; mean weight, 38.1 kg). Effects of walking speed on spatial, force, and temporal parameters were assessed at 100 % (WS1) and 125 % (WS2) speeds of comfortable walking. The TD group exerted a more pronounced braking force at the first step after the stop line appeared on the floor until the contralateral step at both WS1 (P = 0.006) and WS2 (P = 0.019); however, the CP group exerted a more potent force after the second step (WS1: P = 0.026, WS2: P = 0.023) in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction. Additionally, an increase in the center of mass (COM)-center of pressure (COP) divergence in the AP direction (P = 0.032), which decreased in the mediolateral (ML) direction (P = 0.036) at faster walking speeds, influenced the kinetic characteristics of the CP group from WS1 to WS2. The complex adaptations, such as unique braking forces and changes in the COM-COP divergence, suggest that gait interventions should consider the distinctive forces and adopt dynamic balancing strategies to avoid collisions during walking.