Endoscopic resection for gastric submucosal tumors: A single-center experience in Japan.

Objectives: Endoscopic resection (ER) for gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) has gained prominence in recent years, with studies emerging from various countries. However, there is a paucity of reports from Japan. We aimed to elucidate the efficacy and safety of ER for gastric SMT in Japan. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we investigated the outcomes of consecutive patients who underwent ER for gastric SMT from January 2017 to May 2023. The outcome variables assessed included the complete resection rate, procedure time, closure-related outcomes, and the incidence of adverse events. Results: A total of 13 patients were included in the analysis. The median procedure time was 163 (55-283) min. Complete full-thickness resection was performed in seven cases, while in four cases, the serosa remained, and in two cases, the outer layer of the muscularis propria remained. In two cases where the SMT was located on the anterior side, conversion to laparoscopic surgery became necessary, resulting in a procedural success rate of 84.6% (11/13). Excluding these two cases, endoscopic closure of the defect was successfully accomplished in the remaining 11 cases. R0 resection was achieved in 12 out of 13 cases (92.3%). Although one patient had peritonitis, which was successfully treated conservatively, no other treatment-related adverse events were encountered. Conclusions: Although ER for SMT on the anterior side may be challenging, our experience revealed that ER is a safe and efficacious approach for gastric SMT.

Nominal and achieved stromal ablation depth after myopic transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy: implications for residual stromal thickness calculation.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this investigation was to compare the nominal central ablation depth with the achieved central corneal stromal ablation depth after StreamLight transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) for myopia with WaveLight® laser by Alcon Laboratories, TX, USA. METHODS: This ambispective study encompassed a retrospective analysis of 40 eyes who underwent treatment for myopia and astigmatism, followed by a prospective examination conducted 6-9 months postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative Avanti spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; Optovue Inc., CA, USA) provided stromal and epithelial thickness maps. The difference between pre- and postoperative central stromal thicknesses at the corneal vertex was used to calculate the achieved stromal thickness ablation depth. This value was then compared with the corresponding central nominal depth on the laser ablation planning map. RESULTS: A total of 40 eyes (OD/OS:18/22) of 40 patients (31.4 ± 9.2 years) were available for evaluation. The mean treated spherical equivalent was - 2.98 ± 1.46 D. The mean nominal and achieved central stromal ablation depths were 51.22 µm and 59.67 µm, respectively, showing a mean stromal excessive ablation of 16.50%. The mean pre- and postoperative central epithelial thicknesses were 53.74 µm and 59.31 µm, respectively, showing a mean postoperative thickness increase of 10.46%. This increase in the epithelial thickness rendered the mean postoperative pachymetry reduction to 54.11 µm, only 2.33% greater than the mean nominal ablation depth. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a central stromal ablation 16.50% greater than the nominal ablation depth. This excessive stromal removal was largely compensated for by the increase in epithelial thickness, resulting in a mean difference between the nominal ablation depth and the achieved central corneal pachymetry reduction of only 2.33%. This significant excessive central stromal ablation must be taken into consideration in the calculation of the residual stromal thickness.

Comparative analysis of cortical anatomy in male participants with internet gaming disorder or tobacco use disorder: Insights from normative modeling.

Background: Research on individual differences in brain structural features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and established addictions such as tobacco use disorder (TUD) is currently limited. This study utilized normative modeling to analyze the cortical thickness (CT) development patterns of male patients with IGD and TUD, aiming to provide further insights into whether IGD qualifies as an addiction. Methods: Surface-based brain morphometry (SBM) was used to calculate CT from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 804 male participants (665 healthy individuals, 68 IGD and 71 TUD). Gaussian process regression was employed to generate normative models of CT development. Deviation maps were produced to depict deviations of IGD and TUD participants from the typical developmental patterns. Results: Both addiction groups exhibited widespread cortical thinning, particularly in regions such as the bilateral temporal pole and medial orbitofrontal cortex. The TUD group demonstrated a higher degree of individualization and limited spatial overlap compared to the IGD group. Opposite trends in CT changes were observed between the two groups in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex and pars triangularis. Conclusions: These findings regarding the similarities and differences between IGD and TUD provide support for the idea that IGD shares common features with substance-related addictions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD.

Simultaneous laser ultrasonic measurement of sound velocities and thickness of plates using combined mode local acoustic spectroscopy.

Standard ultrasonic thickness measurements require the sound velocity of the sample to be known and vice versa. We present a method, which we have termed combined mode local acoustic spectroscopy (CoMLAS) for simultaneously determining a plate's thickness and sound velocities without requiring such a priori knowledge. It is based on a combination of three guided wave modes sustained by a plate at discrete frequencies, which we generate and detect using laser ultrasound. We use a pulsed laser that is shaped into a periodic line pattern on the sample's surface to generate elastic waves and measure the response at the pattern's center with a vibrometer. The surface acoustic wave mode produces an interference peak in the response spectrum at the frequency corresponding to the wavelength matching the pattern line spacing. By limiting the total size of the excitation pattern, we can simultaneously generate two zero-group-velocity plate resonances, providing two additional peaks in the spectrum. The plate's local thickness and longitudinal and transverse sound velocities are calculated from the peak frequencies. We demonstrate the feasibility of CoMLAS on steel and aluminum sheets with a thickness of around 2mm by resolving thickness steps and temperature-induced changes in the sound velocities. Using numerical simulations and control experiments, we provide insights into the method's accuracy and limitations. The choice of excitation pattern, the method's sensitivity, and the influence of sample inhomogeneity and anisotropy are discussed. CoMLAS does not require scanning mechanics and provides local plate properties. The results shown are achieved with low-energy lasers and signal averaging. Considerations on signal-to-noise ratio indicate that a realization with available lasers of higher energy will enable single-shot measurements. This qualifies the method for use on moving samples in an industrial environment.

Evaluation of lamina cribrosa parameters, nerve fiber thickness, and macular thickness in primary open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma using optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the lamina cribrosa, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macula in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) and healthy individuals using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: A total of 158 eyes were included in the study, comprising 58 eyes of 29 patients with POAG, 50 eyes of 25 patients with PEXG, and 50 eyes of 25 healthy individuals. The lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT) (at three locations), lamina cribrosa depth (LCD), RNFL thickness, and the macular thickness were measured using the EDI mode of the SD-OCT. The results were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: In both POAG and PEXG groups, the LCT was significantly thinner in the center, mid-superior, and mid-inferior areas in both eyes than in the control group (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the POAG and PEXG groups in terms of LCT at all three measurement locations in both eyes (p > 0.05). The LCD was significantly lower in the control group compared to the POAG and PEXG groups (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the POAG and PEXG groups (p > 0.05). The RNFL thickness was significantly lower in both the POAG and PEXG groups compared to the control group in both eyes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LCT and LCD of patients with POAG and PEXG were thinner than those of healthy individuals, but there was no significant difference between the patients with POAG and PEXG.

Comparative evaluation of remaining dentin thickness using single file, two file, and multiple rotary file system - An in vitro CBCT study.

Context: Endodontic success hinges on a multifactorial interplay, with meticulous canal shaping, proper disinfection, and three-dimensional obturation being paramount. Among these factors, the amount of dentin remaining after instrumentation directly influences the biomechanical resilience and longevity of the tooth. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the impact of various rotary instrumentation systems, including single-file, two-file, and multiple-file configurations, on the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) following canal preparation. Settings and Design: This was an in vitro study, original research article. Materials and Methods: Sixty mandibular premolar human extracted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction with a diamond disc. Samples were randomly assigned to three groups using a simple random sampling technique (n = 60). Group I - Single-file system (One Curve, MicroMega) (n = 20), Group II - Two-file systems (2Shape, MicroMega) (n = 20), and Group III - Multiple-file system (Hero Gold, MicroMega) (n = 20). Preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained after the sample was mounted on a modeling wax sheet. The biomechanical preparation of canals followed the manufacturer's protocols for every system. Postoperative CBCT scans were obtained. Pre- and postoperative scans were compared at standardized depths (4 mm, 7 mm, and 11 mm) within the canals (coronal, middle, and apical thirds), allowing for a comprehensive assessment of RDT throughout the canal. Statistical Analysis and Results: According to one-way ANOVA, the highest mean was seen in Group I, followed by Group II and Group III. Hence, a statistically significant difference was found between all the groups. Post hoc Tukey's test was done for intergroup comparison. Conclusions: A single-file system preserved more dentin with less aggressive cutting compared to two-file and multiple-file systems.

Macula Characteristics in Young Saudi Male Patients with Myopia: A Comparative Hospital-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Myopia is associated with changes in the posterior segment of the eye, including the macula, which may contribute to potential blindness. Therefore, the study aims to evaluate the macula integrity in young myopic patients through optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Qassim University optometry clinics from January to June 2024, involving 30 healthy young males with myopia and 30 with emmetropia. Clinical examination and OCT imaging were used to gather data on macular volume and thickness. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. RESULTS: The study included 60 myopic eyes and 60 emmetropic eyes. The participants' mean age was 22.10 ± 1.65 years (p = 0.135). A significant difference was found between myopic and emmetropic eyes in fovea, parafovea, perifovea, and total macula thickness and volume (P < 0.05). Additionally, the study showed a significant positive correlation between the magnitude of myopia and fovea thickness (r = 0.297, p = 0.011) and negative correlations with perifovea thickness (r = -0.418, p < 0.001), total macula thickness (r = -0.353, p = 0.003), and total macula volume (r = -0.352, p = 0.003). However, parafoveal thickness had no significant correlation with the severity of myopia (r= -0.107; p=0.207). Fovea thickness was higher in high myopia (255.40 ± 23.51 µm) compared to low (238.69 ± 15.98 µm) and moderate (248.15 ± 8.70 µm) myopia. Perifovea thickness, macula thickness, and macula volume were significantly lower in high myopia (p ˃ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Myopia influences macular parameters compared to emmetropia. It increases fovea thickness and decreases total macula thickness and volume as well as perifovea thickness. High myopia has more alterations in macula parameters.

Gray matter structural alterations of cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical loop in familial Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia.

Background: Previous studies have indicated that patients with Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia (PKD) exhibit reduced gray matter volume in certain brain regions within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) loop. However, a comprehensive investigation specifically targeting the CSTC loop in PKD has never been conducted. Objectives: To provide evidence for the involvement of the CSTC loop in the pathogenesis of PKD from the perspective of structural alterations, this study carried out a surface-based morphometry (SBM), voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and structural covariance networks (SCN) combined analysis in familial PKD patients. Methods: A total of 8 familial PKD patients and 10 healthy family members were included in the study and underwent Brain MRI examinations. Based on 3D T1 MPRAGE data, neuroimaging metrics of cortical thickness from SBM, subcortical nuclei volume from VBM, and covariance coefficient from SCN were used to systematically investigate the brain structural alterations along the CSTC loop of PKD patients. Results: A significant decrease in the average cortical thickness of the left S1 region in the PKD group was observed. The volumes of subcortical nuclei, including the thalamus, putamen, and globus pallidus were reduced, with a pronounced effect observed in the bilateral putamen. And the structural covariance connection between the left putamen and the left globus pallidus was significantly strengthened. Conclusions: The study confirms the involvement of the CSTC loop in the pathogenesis of PKD from the perspective of structural alterations, and the findings may provide potential targets for objective diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of PKD.

Meta-regression of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes diameter and anatomical closure rate: Implications to intraoperative technique.

Purpose: Primary surgery failure of macular holes causes poor visual acuity outcomes. Several studies indicate that small-medium idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (iFTMH) have consistent and high anatomical closure rates after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, regardless of iFTMH diameters. However, there is no systematic analysis examining the relationship between iFTMH diameters and anatomical closure rates. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-regression, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases on October 24th, 2022. We included studies regarding iFTMH, with ILM peeling/inverted flap technique, long-lasting gas tamponade, and face-down position after surgery. Univariable meta-regression with a restricted cubic spline model and component-plus-residual plot after covariables adjustment were used to explore non-linear association. Results: A total of 7257 participants from 19 randomized controlled trials and 49 observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. In ILM peeling group, every 100-µm increment in diameter was associated with a 3.8 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.8%-5.7 %, P < 0.001) relatively lower anatomical closure rate. Yet, among studies using the inverted flap technique, baseline iFTMH diameter was not associated with a lower anatomical closure rate (0.2 %, 95%CI, -4.2 %-4.5 %, P > 0.9). The restricted cubic spline model and component-plus-residual plot controlling for age, sex, and symptom duration prior to surgery showed no evident non-linearity in both surgical techniques. Conclusions: The iFTMH diameter is linear and inversely associated with the anatomical closure rate after the ILM peeling technique, but not with the inverted flap technique. The present study supports the use of advanced techniques, e.g., inverted flap technique, in small-medium iFTMH to improve anatomical closure rates.

Technical note: Does scan resolution or downsampling impact the analysis of trabecular bone architecture?

The "gold standard" for the assessment of trabecular bone structure is high-resolution micro-CT. In this technical note, we test the influence of initial scan resolution and post hoc downsampling on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of trabecular bone in a Gorilla tibia. We analyzed trabecular morphology in the right distal tibia of one Gorilla gorilla individual to investigate the impact of variation in voxel size on measured trabecular variables. For each version of the micro-CT volume, trabecular bone was segmented using the medical image analysis method. Holistic morphometric analysis was then used to analyze bone volume (BV/TV), anisotropy (DA), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), spacing (Tb.Sp), and number (Tb.N). Increasing voxel size during initial scanning was found to have a strong impact on DA and Tb.Th measures, while BV/TV, Tb.Sp, and Tb.N were found to be less sensitive to variations in initial scan resolution. All tested parameters were not substantially influenced by downsampling up to 90 µm resolution. Color maps of BV/TV and DA also retained their distribution up to 90 µm. This study is the first to examine the effect of variation in micro-CT voxel size on the analysis of trabecular bone structure using whole epiphysis approaches. Our results indicate that microstructural variables may be measured for most trabecular parameters up to a voxel size of 90 µm for both scan and downsampled resolutions. Moreover, if only BV/TV, Tb.Sp or Tb.N is measured, even larger voxel sizes might be used without substantially affecting the results.

Axial length reduction and choroidal thickening with short-term exposure to cyan light in human subjects.

PURPOSE: Given the potential role of light and its wavelength on ocular growth, this study investigated the effect of short-term exposure to red, cyan and blue light on ocular biometry in humans. METHODS: Forty-four young adults and 20 children, comprising emmetropes and myopes, underwent 2-h sessions of cyan (507 nm), red (638 nm) and broadband white light on three separate days via light-emitting glasses. Additionally, young adults were exposed to blue light (454 nm) on an additional day. Axial length (AL) and choroidal thickness (CT) were measured in the right eye before the light exposure (0 min), after 60 and 120 min of exposure and 30 min after light offset using an optical biometer and optical coherence tomographer, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to broadband light, exposure to red light resulted in a significant increase in AL (mean difference between white and red light at 120 min, +0.007 mm [0.002]), but no significant change in CT, while cyan light caused a significant AL reduction (-0.010 mm [0.003]) and choroidal thickening (+0.008 mm [0.002]) in young adults (p < 0.05). Blue light caused a significant decrease of -0.007 mm (0.002) in young adult eyes at 60 min (p < 0.05). In children, cyan light led to a significant reduction in AL (-0.016 mm [0.004]) and strong sustained choroidal thickening (+0.014 mm [0.004]) compared to broadband light at 120 min (p < 0.05). The effects of cyan light on AL and CT were found to be stronger in myopic young adults and emmetropic children. The opposing effects of red and cyan light on ocular biometry were similar between the two age groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to cyan light resulted in AL reduction and choroidal thickening in both young adults and children. Further research is needed to determine the application of these results in developing interventions for myopia control.

Anatomical measurements and field modeling to assess transcranial magnetic stimulation motor and non-motor effects.

OBJECTIVE: Explore how anatomical measurements and field modeling can be leveraged to improve investigations of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effects on both motor and non-motor TMS targets. METHODS: TMS motor effects (targeting the primary motor cortex [M1]) were evaluated using the resting motor threshold (rMT), while TMS non-motor effects (targeting the superior temporal gyrus [STG]) were assessed using a pain memory task. Anatomical measurements included scalp-cortex distance (SCD) and cortical thickness (CT), whereas field modeling encompassed the magnitude of the electric field (E) induced by TMS. RESULTS: Anatomical measurements and field modeling values differed significantly between M1 and STG. For TMS motor effects, rMT was correlated with SCD, CT, and E values at M1 (p < 0.05). No correlations were found between these metrics for the STG and TMS non-motor effects (pain memory; all p-values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although anatomical measurements and field modeling are closely related to TMS motor effects, their relationship to non-motor effects - such as pain memory - appear to be much more tenuous and complex, highlighting the need for further advancement in our use of TMS and virtual lesion paradigms.

International prevalence of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in high-risk patients with heart failure and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure (HF). METHODS: This epidemiology study assessed the international prevalence of ATTR-CM among patients aged ≥60 years with a history of HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%, an end-diastolic interventricular septum thickness (IVST) ≥12 mm, but without diagnosed amyloidosis, history of LVEF ≤40%, cardiomyopathy of known cause, severe valvular, or coronary heart disease. ATTR-CM was determined using cardiac scintigraphy alongside exclusionary testing for light chain amyloidosis. The study was terminated early due to slow recruitment, without safety concerns. RESULTS: Overall, 56/315 (18%; 95% CI: 13.7-22.5) patients with evaluable scintigraphy had ATTR-CM, with a numerically higher prevalence in: Europe (24%) vs. other regions (9% Asia; 5% North America); at specialist vs non-specialist centres (26% vs. 11%); in males vs. females (24% vs. 10%); and in older vs. younger patients (e.g. >40% among those ≥85 years). Other risk markers (p<.05) included a history of carpal tunnel syndrome, higher N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide concentration, and higher end-diastolic IVST. CONCLUSIONS: ATTR-CM was diagnosed in 18% (95% CI: 13.7-22.5) of evaluable patients with HF, LVEF >40%, and risk markers for ATTR-CM, but no previous diagnosis of amyloidosis. Recruitment bias may have contributed to regional variability. NCT04424914.

Starting the pill during adolescence: Age of onset and duration of use influence morphology of the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

From adolescence, women become more likely to experience fear dysregulation. Oral contraceptives (OCs) can modulate the brain regions involved in fear processes. OCs are generally used for years and often initiated during adolescence, a sensitive period where certain brain regions involved in the fear circuitry are still undergoing important reorganization. It remains unknown whether OC use during adolescence may induce long-lasting changes in the fear circuitry. This study aimed to examine whether age of onset moderated the relationship between duration of use and fear-related brain structures. We collected structural MRI data in 98 healthy adult women (61 current users, 37 past users) and extracted grey matter volumes (GMV) and cortical thickness (CT) of key regions of the fear circuitry. Non-linear multiple regressions revealed interaction effects between age of onset and quadratic duration of use on GMV of the right hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Among women who initiated OCs earlier in adolescence, a short duration of use was associated with smaller hippocampal GMV and thicker vmPFC compared to a longer duration of use. For both GMV and CT of the right vmPFC, women with an early OC onset had more grey matter at a short duration of use than those with a later onset. Our results suggest that OC use earlier in adolescence may induce lasting effects on structural correlates of fear learning and its regulation. These findings support further investigation into the timing of OC use to better comprehend how OCs could disrupt normal brain development processes.

Differential culprit plaque morphology in acute coronary syndrome: a comparison between very young patients (≤35 years) and older counterparts using optical coherence tomography.

Aims: Underlying mechanisms responsible for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young patients compared with older counterparts are yet to be explored with optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study aims to explore underlying mechanisms of ACS in ≤35- (very young) and >35-year-old (older counterparts) ACS patients using OCT. Methods and results: This was a prospective, single-centre, investigational study. Patients were divided into groups according to age (≤35 and >35 years) and further subdivided according to the underlying mechanism i.e. plaque rupture (PR) and plaque erosion (PE). A total of 93 patients were analysed. Thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) was significantly higher among older counterparts than very young patients for both PR (80.0% vs. 31.8%, P = 0.002) and PE (66.7% vs. 6.3%, P < 0.001) groups. Microchannels were also significantly more prevalent among older than very young patients for both PR (65.0% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.004) and PE groups (55.6% vs.12.5%, P = 0.013). Macrophages were significantly higher in older than very young patients for both PR (25.0% vs. 0%, P = 0.018) and PE (44.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.003) groups. In contrast, fibrous cap thickness was greater in very young than older patients for both PR (105.71 ± 48.02 vs. 58.00 ± 15.76 µm, P < 0.001) and PE (126.67 ± 48.22 vs. 54.38 ± 24.21 µm, P < 0.001) groups. Intimal thickness was greater in older than very young patients for both PR (728.00 ± 313.92 vs. 342.27 ± 142.02 µm, P < 0.001) and PE (672.78 ± 334.57 vs. 295.00 ± 99.60 µm, P < 0.001) groups. Conclusion: Frequency of TCFA, microchannels, macrophages, and intimal thickness was significantly higher in older ACS patients compared with very young patients. However, fibrous cap thickness was significantly greater in very young ACS patients compared with older patients.

Treatment of a Congenital Melocytic Giant Naevi at Age 39 Using Split-Thickness Skin Graft Over an Artificial Dermal Scaffold Through 2-Step Operation: A Novel Technique and Literature Review.

Congenital melanocytic nevus is a benign proliferation seen from birth. However, malignant transformation can be observed in later ages, so the removal of especially large and giant nevi is recommended during childhood. Nevertheless, there are no cases reported in the literature regarding excision of giant congenital melanocytic nevi in advanced age. This article presents the first case of a 39-year-old patient with a giant congenital melanocytic nevus covering 10% of the total body surface area, who underwent treatment with a 2-step operation. The nevus was located on the back, covering 10% of the total body surface area. The patient underwent en-bloc excision. A bilayer dermal matrix was applied over the fascia. Subsequently, a split-thickness skin graft was applied to the entire area. Full re-epithelialization was achieved within a total of 35 days. Thanks to the applied dermal scaffold, the area became pliable.

Use of birth weight as a predictor of genetic merit of subsequent growth traits in Duroc and Landrace pigs.

Analysis of correlation between the early testable phenotypes of piglets and the final performance of pigs can serve the early selection for breeding. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genetic parameters for birth weight (BtW), age (AGE) and backfat thickness (BF) up to 115 kg BW and to analyse the relationships among these three traits, and to estimate the accuracy of using BtW to predict estimated breeding values (EBVs) of AGE and BF in Landrace and Duroc pigs. Data on 26 614 Landrace and 19 984 Duroc pigs, born between 2001 and 2018, were collected from the core breeding group of a farm. All pigs were recorded for phenotypes including BtW, AGE and BF. The factors affecting these three traits were analysed using R v4.2.0 Software. The population genetic parameters and breeding values of three traits were estimated by using a multitrait animal model based on AI plate of DMU software. Heritabilities for BtW, AGE and BF were moderate to high for Landrace (0.437, 0.282and 0.137, respectively) and Duroc breeds (0.369, 0.279 and 0.148). BtW was genetically correlated with AGE and BF in Landrace (-0.213, 0.037) and Duroc (-0.214, 0.025). AGE was negatively genetically correlated with BF in both Landrace (-0.036) and Duroc (-0.057) pigs. The heritability of BtW, AGE and BF of Landrace pigs and Duroc pigs were 0.148, 0.182 and 0.075 and 0.168, 0.159 and 0.120, respectively, by taking into account of the litter effect. BtW was genetically correlated with AGE and BF in Landrace (-0.094, 0.002) and Duroc (-0.199, -0.052). AGE was negatively genetically correlated with BF in both Landrace (-0.034) and Duroc (-0.153) pigs. The variances between total individual BtW and AGE and BF were then used to predict the EBV of AGE and BF for individuals with AGE or BF phenotypes missing under 10-fold cross-validation. Prediction accuracy was calculated as the Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient between EBVs and EBVs via 10-fold cross-validation. Prediction accuracy for AGE and BF was 0.655 and 0.611 in Landrace, 0.665 and 0.617 in Duroc. After incorporation of the litter effect, the prediction accuracy for AGE and BF increased to 0.690 and 0.665 in Landrace and to 0.705 and 0.649 in Duroc. So, the EBV of AGE and BF phenotypes missing individuals could be predicted by using the available phenotypic data and the easily measured BtW, and litter effect could boost the accuracy of prediction.

Impact of excessive abdominal obesity on brain microstructural abnormality in schizophrenia.

Significant evidence links obesity and schizophrenia (SZ), but the brain associations are still largely unclear. 48 people with SZ were divided into two subgroups: patients with lower waist circumference (SZ-LWC: n = 24) and patients with higher waist circumference (SZ-HWC: n = 24). Healthy controls (HC) were included for comparison (HC: n = 27). Using tract-based spatial statistics, we compared fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole-brain white matter skeleton between these three groups (SZ-LWC, SZ-HWC, HC). Using Free Surfer, we compared whole-brain cortical thickness and the selected subcortical volumes between the three groups. FA of widespread white matter and the mean cortical thickness in the right temporal lobe and insular cortex were significantly lower in the SZ-HWC group than in the HC group. The FA of regional white matter was significantly lower in the SZ-LWC group than in the HC group. There were no significant differences in mean subcortical volumes between the groups. Additionally, the cognitive performances were worse in the SZ-HWC group, who had more severe triglycerides elevation. This study provides evidence for microstructural abnormalities of white matter, cortical thickness and neurocognitive deficits in SZ patients with excessive abdominal obesity.

Dimensional changes of the gingival tissues induced by clear aligners and fixed orthodontic appliances: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival tissue adaption induced by orthodontic tooth movement, in terms of clinical crown height (i.e., attachment loss), and thickness of the keratinized gingiva at the margin level. METHODS: Pre- and post-treatment intraoral models/scans of 100 orthodontically treated patients (50 treated with clear aligners and 50 treated with fixed appliance) were acquired. Models were digitally scanned. Each couple of pre- and post-treatment scans were superimposed using the Compare© software (Medit spa, Seoul, Republic of Korea) taking the same reference landmarks in all cases, that were the palatal rugae for the upper arch, and the labial median frenulum for the lower arch. Only teeth that had undergone vestibulo-palatal (or vice versa) movement, greater than 1 mm were included in the analyses. The change from pre-treatment to post-treatment, in the clinical crown height and thickness of the keratinized gingiva at the margin level were digitally measured and compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, and unpaired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant change in clinical crown height and gingival thickness in both groups. However, a clinically relevant attachment loss was found only within the fixed appliance group. Whereas, regarding the change in gingival thickness, there was no clinically relevant changes between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic tooth movement with fixed appliance is associated to a clinically relevant attachment loss. Clear aligners seem to be associated with a more discrete attachment loss than the one observed with fixed appliances. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orthodontists should pay attention and monitoring the clinical crown height (i.e., attachment loss) during orthodontic movement, mostly when using fixed appliances.

Crocin-1 laden thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogel with smart anti-inflammatory performance for severe full-thickness burn wound therapeutics.

Burns are the fourth most common type of civilian trauma worldwide, and the management of severe irregular scald wounds remains a significant challenge. Herein, crocin-1 laden hydroxybutyl chitosan (CRO-HBC) thermosensitive hydrogel with smart anti-inflammatory performance was developed for accelerating full-thickness burn healing. The injectable and shape adaptability of the CRO-HBC gel make it a promising candidate for effectively filling scald wounds with irregular shapes, while simultaneously providing protection against external pathogens. The CRO-HBC gel network formed by hydrophobic interactions exhibited an initial burst release of crocin-1, followed by a gradual and sustained release over time. The excessive release of ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines should be effectively regulated in the early stage of wound healing. The controlled release of crocin-1 from the CRO-HBC gel adequately addresses this requirement for wound healing. The CRO-HBC hydrogel also exhibited an excellent biocompatibility, an appropriate biodegradability, keratinocyte migration facilitation properties, and a reactive oxygen species scavenging capability. The composite CRO-HBC hydrogel intelligently mitigated inflammatory responses, promoted angiogenesis, and exhibited a commendable efficacy for tissue regeneration in a full-thickness scalding model. Overall, this innovative temperature-sensitive CRO-HBC injectable hydrogel dressing with smart anti-inflammatory performance has enormous potential for managing severe scald wounds.