Efficacy of anti-suppression therapy in improving binocular vision in children with small-angle Esotropia

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-suppression exercises in children with small-angle esotropia in achieving binocular vision. Methods: A retrospective review of patients aged 3–8 years who underwent anti-suppression exercises for either monocular or alternate suppression between January 2016 and December 2021 was conducted. Patients with esotropia less than 15 prism diopters (PD) and visual acuity ≥ 6/12 were included. Patients with previous intra-ocular surgery or less than three-month follow-up were excluded. Success was defined as the development of binocular single vision (BSV) for distance, near, or both (measured clinically with either the 4 prism base out test or Worth four dot test) and maintained at two consecutive visits. Qualified success was defined as the presence of diplopia response for both distance and near. Additionally, improvement in near stereo acuity was measured using the Stereo Fly test. Results: Eighteen patients with a mean age of 5.4 ± 1.38 years (range 3–8 years) at the time of initiation of exercises were included in the study. The male female ratio was 10:8. The mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.18 LogMAR unit(s) and the mean spherical equivalent was +3.8 ± 0.14 diopters (D). The etiology of the esotropia was fully accommodative refractive esotropia (8), microtropia (1), post–operative infantile esotropia (4), partially accommodative esotropia (1), and post-operative partially accommodative esotropia (4). Patients received either office-based, home-based, or both modes of treatment for an average duration of 4.8 months (range 3–8). After therapy, BSV was achieved for either distance or near in 66.6 % of patients (95 % CI = 40.03–93.31 %). Binocular single vision for both distance and near was seen in 50 % of children. Qualified success was observed in 38.46% of patients. Persistence of suppression was observed in one patient (5.5 %)... (AU)

Simple Method for Re-tightening IMF Wires without Breakage.

AIM: This clinical technique aims to retighten intermaxillary fixation (IMF) wires when loosened intra/postoperatively. BACKGROUND: Intermaxillary fixation is one of the most important steps to obtain stable and functional occlusion in maxillofacial trauma. However, IMF wires tend to loosen over time. This loosened wire is generally removed and a new wire is used for IMF. Removal and refixation is time-consuming for surgeon and unconformable for the patient. TECHNIQUE: We recommend a simple technique for re-tightening IMF wires without breakage, with the use of shepherd's crook explorer by making a small circular loop. CONCLUSION: This technique of re-tightening by looping further stretches and tightens the wire to regain stabilized occlusion with maximal intercuspation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This technique eliminates the need for removal and refixation of IMF wires, thereby improving patient comfort, yet obtaining stable occlusion over a long period of time. How to cite this article: Madhu SK, Dominic S, Baptist J, et al. Simple Method for Re-tightening IMF Wires without Breakage. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(3):289-291.

Nitrogen Fixation by Manganese Complexes - Waiting for the Rush?

Manganese is currently experiencing a great deal of attention in homogeneous catalysis as a sustainable alternative to platinum group metals due to its abundance, affordable price and low toxicity. While homogeneous nitrogen fixation employing well-defined transition metal complexes has been an important area of research in coordination chemistry, manganese derivatives have been only sporadically used in this research area. In this contribution, the authors systematically cover manganese organometallic chemistry related to N2 activation spanning almost 60 years, identify apparent pitfalls and outline encouraging perspectives for its future development.

Latarjet Procedure: Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Screw Coracoid Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Coracoid nonunion is a relevant complication following the Latarjet procedure and is influenced by multiple factors, including the method of graft fixation. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and characterize the biomechanical properties of various two-screw fixation constructs used for coracoid graft fixation in the Latarjet procedure. METHODS: Forty model scapulae (Sawbones Inc., Vashon, WA, USA) were used for this study. A 15 percent anterior inferior glenoid bone defect was created. The coracoid was osteotomized at the juncture of the vertical and horizontal aspects, transferred to the anterior-inferior edge of the glenoid, and fixed with either two 3.5 mm fully threaded cannulated cortical screws (FTCS), two 3.5 mm fully threaded solid cortical screws (FTSS), two 3.5 mm partially threaded cannulated screws (PTCS), or two 4.5 mm partially threaded malleolar screws (MS). Biomechanical testing was performed with an Instron materials testing machine (Instron Corp., Norwood, MA) by applying loads to the lateral aspect of the transferred coracoid graft. The constructs were preconditioned with non-destructive cyclical loading (0-20N) to determine construct stiffness. After 100 cycles of dynamic loading, the construct was loaded to failure to determine ultimate failure load, yield displacement, and mode of failure. RESULTS: All failures were associated with plastic deformation of the screws and coracoid graft fracture. There was a significantly lower initial stiffness for PTCS compared to MS (186±49.3 N/mm vs 280±65.5 N/mm, p=0.01) but no significant differences among the other constructs. There was no difference in ultimate failure load (p=0.18) or yield displacement (p=0.05) among constructs. CONCLUSION: Two screw coracoid fixation of the coracoid in a simulated classic Latarjet procedure with 3.5 mm fully threaded cortical and cannulated screws is comparable to 4.5 mm malleolar screws in strength, stiffness, and displacement at failure. On the other hand, partially threaded 3.5 mm cannulated screws provide inferior fixation stiffness and could potentially affect clinical outcomes.

The association of permanent versus absorbable fixation on developing chronic post-herniorrhaphy groin pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

INTRODUCTION: Fixation of mesh during minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair is thought to contribute to chronic post-herniorrhaphy groin pain (CGP). In contrast to permanent tacks, absorbable tacks are hypothesized to minimize the likelihood of CGP. This study aimed to compare the rates of CGP after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between absorbable versus permanent fixation at maximum follow-up. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (NCT03835351). All patients were contacted at maximum follow-up after surgery to administer EuraHS quality of life (QoL) surveys. The pain and restriction of activity subdomains of the survey were utilized. The primary outcome was rate of CGP, as defined by a EuraHS QoL pain domain score ≥ 4 measured at ≥ 1 year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were pain and restriction of activity domain scores and hernia recurrence at maximum follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 338 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 28 ± 11 months. 181 patients received permanent tacks and 157 patients received absorbable tacks during their repair. At maximum follow-up, the rates of CGP (27 [15%] vs 28 [18%], P = 0.47), average pain scores (1.78 ± 4.38 vs 2.32 ± 5.40, P = 0.22), restriction of activity scores (1.39 ± 4.32 vs 2.48 ± 7.45, P = 0.18), and the number of patients who reported an inguinal bulge (18 [9.9%] vs 15 [9.5%], P = 0.9) were similar between patients with permanent versus absorbable tacks. On multivariable analysis, there was no significant difference in the odds of CGP between the two groups (OR 1.23, 95% CI [0.60, 2.50]). CONCLUSION: Mesh fixation with permanent tacks does not appear to increase the risk of CGP after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair when compared to fixation with absorbable tacks. Prospective trials are needed to further evaluate this relationship.

The fix is not yet in: recommendation for fixation of lungs within physiologic/pathophysiologic volume range in preclinical pulmonary structure-function studies.

Quantitative characterization of lung structures by morphometric or stereologic analysis of histologic sections is a powerful means of elucidating pulmonary structure-function relations. The overwhelming majority of studies, however, fix lungs for histology at pressures outside the physiologic/pathophysiologic respiratory volume range. Thus valuable information is being lost. In this perspective article, we argue that investigators performing pulmonary histologic studies should consider whether the aims of their studies would benefit from fixation at functional transpulmonary pressures, particular those of end-inspiration and end-expiration. We survey the pressures at which lungs are typically fixed in preclinical structure-function studies; provide examples of conditions that would benefit from histologic evaluation at functional lung volumes; summarize available fixation methods; discuss alternative imaging modalities; and discuss challenges to implementing the suggested approach and means of addressing those challenges. We aim to persuade investigators that modifying or complementing the traditional histologic approach by fixing lungs at minimal and maximal functional volumes could enable new understanding of pulmonary structure-function relations.

Effects of methane to oxygen ratio on cell growth and polyhydroxybutyrate synthesis in high cell density cultivation of Methylocystis sp. MJC1.

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production through CH4 conversion by methanotrophs offers a solution for greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste concerns. In this study, we aimed to achieve high cell density cultivation of Methylocystis sp. MJC1 for efficient PHB production. Cultivating MJC1 using CH4 and air (3:7, v/v) yielded a final cell density of 52.9 g/L with a 53.7% (28.4 g/L) PHB content after 210 h, showcasing PHB mass production potential. However, long-term cultivation led to a low volumetric productivity of 0.200 g/L/h. To address this, we conducted cultivation at various O2/CH4 ratios using O2 instead of air, which significantly improved the PHB productivity. Under high O2 conditions (O2/CH4 ratio of 1.5), biomass productivity increased 1.51-fold compared to that under low O2 conditions in the same time frame; however, PHB accumulation was delayed. Using an equal ratio of CH4 and O2 induced active cell growth and selective PHB production, achieving the highest PHB productivity (0.365 g/L/h) with a final cell density of 55.9 g/L and PHB content of 61.7% (34.5 g/L) in 162 h. This study highlighted the significance of the O2/CH4 ratio in CH4 conversion and PHB production by M. sp. MJC1.

Severe traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation and type III odontoid fracture treated with occipitocervical fixation: a case report.

The combination of atlantoaxial joint dislocation accompanied by an odontoid process fracture is exceptionally rare, with only a few cases reported. The estimated frequency of these cases is < 2% of all upper cervical spine injuries. In this report, the authors describe an unusual case of traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation with a type III odontoid fracture in a 44-year-old male patient. Before the diagnosis, the patient had a history of seeking a masseur for a neck massage. Subsequently, the patient underwent occipitocervical stabilization to address the underlying condition. This procedure aims to treat the instability between the skull and cervical spine and should be considered in the treatment planning if the patient's anatomy suits it.

Comparing internal and external stabilization for traumatic elbow instability: a systematic review.

Background: Despite surgical reestablishment of the supporting structures, instability may often persist in traumatic elbow injury. In these cases, a temporary internal or external fixator may be indicated to unload the repaired structures and maintain joint concentricity. Aggregate data are needed to characterize the risk of complication between external fixation (ExFix) and the internal joint stabilizer (IJS) when used for traumatic elbow instability. Our objective was to review the literature to compare the complication profile between external fixation and the IJS. Methods: A database query was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome characteristics for eligibility were the following: for patients over 18 years clinical outcomes were compared between an ExFix or the IJS for acute or chronic elbow instability. The Cochran risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions and grades of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation framework were compiled for risk of bias and quality assessment. Results: The rate of recurrent instability was 4.1% in the IJS group (N = 171) and 7.0% in the ExFix group (N = 435), with an odds ratio of 1.93 (95% confidence interval 0.88-4.23). The rate of device failure was 4.4% in the IJS group and 4.1% in the ExFix group. Pin-related complications occurred in 14.6% of ExFix cases. Complications in the IJS group were the following: 1 case of inflammatory reaction, 4 cases of post removal surgical site infection, and 5 symptomatic removals. Discussion: The literature demonstrates a distinct difference in complication profile between external fixation and the IJS when used as treatment for traumatic elbow instability. Although not statistically significant, the higher rate of recurrent instability following external fixation may be clinically important. The high rate of pin-related complications with external fixation is notable.

Postoperative pain in transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernia repair with staple fixation versus self-fixation mesh.

Background: The mesh fixation method is one of the multiple factors associated with chronic postoperative pain in inguinal hernia surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate postoperative pain associated with the two available fixation strategies (staple fixation versus self-fixating mesh) used in our field. Methods: We designed an observational study with retrospective cohorts to analyze postoperative pain in patients who underwent a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with a self-fixating mesh or staple fixation, which are the two available techniques in our field. A total of 296 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included between January 2014 and October 2021. Results: The evaluated patients' median age was 66.0 (interquartile range (IQR): 20.75) years and were predominantly male (70.13 %). The proportion of participants with chronic pain was 3.20 % in the staple fixation group and 0 % in the self-fixating mesh group, with no statistically significant differences. On the other hand, recurrency in the staple fixation group was 2.28 % versus 3.90 % in the self-fixating mesh group, without statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Self-fixating meshes have a trend towards smaller proportion of chronic pain and similar proportions of recurrence; therefore, they seem to be the best fixation method between the two mechanisms that are available in our field to prevent postoperative chronic pain.

A biomechanical study to optimize superior capsular reconstruction operative technique.

Background: The goals of this study were to optimize superior capsular reconstruction by assessing the relative fixation strength of 4 suture anchors; evaluating 3 glenoid neck locations for fixation strength and bone mineral density (BMD); determining if there is a correlation between BMD and fixation strength; and determining which portal sites have optimal access to the posterosuperior and anterosuperior glenoid neck for anchor placement. Methods: Twenty cadaveric specimens were randomized into 4 groups: all-suture anchor (FiberTak), conventional 3.0-mm knotless suture anchor (SutureTak), 3.9-mm knotless PEEK (polyetheretherketone) Corkscrew anchor, and 4.5-mm Bio-Corkscrew anchor. Each specimen was prepared with 3 anchors into the glenoid: an anterosuperior anchor, superior anchor, and posterosuperior anchor. All anchors were inserted into the superior glenoid neck 5 mm from the glenoid rim. A materials testing system performed cyclic testing (250 cycles) followed by load-to-failure testing at 12.5 mm/s. Cyclic elongation, first cycle excursion, maximum load, and stiffness were recorded. Using custom software, BMD was calculated at each anchor location. This software was also used to assess access to the posterosuperior and anterosuperior glenoid neck from standard arthroscopic portal positions. Results: There was no significant difference in cyclic elongation (P = .546), first cycle excursion (P = .476), maximum load (P = .817), or stiffness (P = .309) among glenoid anchor positions. Cyclic elongation was significantly longer in the PEEK Corkscrew group relative to the other implants (P ≤ .002). First cycle excursion was significantly greater in the FiberTak group relative to all other implants (P ≤ .008). For load-to-failure testing, the Bio-Corkscrew group achieved the highest maximum load (P ≤ .001). No other differences in cyclic or failure testing were observed between the groups. No differences in stiffness testing were observed (P = .133). The superior glenoid rim had the greatest BMD (P = .003), but there was no correlation between BMD and cyclic/load outcomes. The posterior portal (80% of specimens) and the anterior portal (60% of specimens) demonstrated the best access to the posterosuperior and anterosuperior glenoid neck, respectively. Conclusion: The 4.5-mm Bio-Corkscrew anchor provided the most robust fixation to the glenoid during superior capsular reconstruction as it demonstrated the strongest maximum load, had minimal elongation, had minimal first cycle excursion, and did not fail during cyclic testing. The superior glenoid neck had the highest BMD; however, there was no correlation between BMD or glenoid anchor location and biomechanical outcomes. The posterior portal and anterior portal provided optimal access to the posterosuperior glenoid neck and anterosuperior glenoid neck, respectively.

Treating pathological metastatic fractures of the humerus by compound osteosynthesis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The number of malignant tumors is increasing as are bone metastases, such as those in the humerus. Arm function is important for an independent everyday life. In this study, compound osteosynthesis of metastatic fractures of the humerus is examined for its suitability in light of the competing risk of death. Methods: This retrospective monocentric study includes a cohort of tumor patients who underwent primary compound osteosynthesis for pathological humeral fractures. The main endpoint was the continued existence of compound osteosynthesis using competing risk analysis to contrast failure and death. Failure was defined as mechanical failure of the osteosynthesis construct like refracture or plate-and-screw dislocation or loosening, which provides an indication for reintervention. Other complications are also described. Results: We included 36 consecutive patients (64% male, mean age: 71.6 yr) from September 2007 to October 2020. In 58% of the cases, the left humerus was fractured. Lung carcinoma was the most common cause of bone metastases (27.8%). Compound osteosynthesis was performed with a median delay of 5 days after diagnosis of the pathologic fracture. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 of the 36 patients (19.4%): radial nerve palsy (n = 3), postoperative hematoma (n = 2), refracture (n = 2), and screw loosening (n = 1). Few mechanical failures (8.3%) occurred within the first year; only 1 patient needed revision of the osteosynthesis (2.8%). Median patient survival after compound osteosynthesis was 26.6 weeks. Competing risk analysis showed that for up to 2 years, the risk of death is clearly dominant over the risk of osteosynthesis failure from surgery. Conclusion: Our study shows that compound osteosynthesis of the humerus is a suitable option for patients with pathologic humerus fractures. Compound osteosynthesis of the humerus usually survives the duration of malignant tumor disease.

Functional outcomes and complications of plate fixation for midshaft clavicle fractures by type and location: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Various plate types are used in the surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. These plates can be positioned in different locations on the clavicle, although no studies to date have elucidated optimal plate type and location of fixation. This systematic review compares the functional outcomes and complications in the management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures using plate fixation by stratifying by both plate type and location. Methods: A systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted to identify all papers reporting functional outcomes, union rates, and/or complications using plates for the management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Multiple databases and trial registries were searched from inception until March 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted for functional outcomes and type of complication, stratified by plate type (locking, compression, or reconstruction) and location (superior or anteroinferior). Pooled estimates of functional outcome scores and incidence of complications were calculated using a random effects model. Risk of bias and quality were assessed using the risk of bias version 2 and ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) tools. The confidence in estimates were rated and described according to the recommendations of the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) working group. Results: Forty-five studies were included in the systematic review and 43 were included in the meta-analysis. Depending on plate type and location, pooled Constant-Murley Scores ranged from 89.23 to 93.48 at 12 months. Nonunion rates were 3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-6) for superior locking plates (GRADE Low). Rates of any complication (nonunion, hardware failure, hardware irritation, wound dehiscence, keloid, superficial infection, deep infection, delayed union, malunion, and/or persistent pain) by plate type and location ranged from 3% to 17% (GRADE Very Low to Moderate). Superior compression plates had the highest incidence of any complications (17% [95% CI 5-44], GRADE Very Low), while anterior inferior compression plates had the lowest incidence of any complication (3% [95% CI 0-15], GRADE Very Low). Hardware irritation was the most reported individual complication for superior locking plates and superior compression plates, 11% (95% CI 7-17, GRADE Low) and 11% (95% CI 3-33, GRADE Very Low), respectively. Conclusion: Although most studies were of low quality, studies reporting functional outcomes generally showed good functional results and similar incidence of any complication regardless of plate type and location. There is no evidence of a plate and location combination to optimize patient functional outcomes or complications. We were unable to reliably evaluate union rates or individual complications for most plate types stratified by location.

Twisting technique for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction of the elbow: new possibilities toward enhancing the strength of autografts.

Background: Although the ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction procedure has been increasing in popularity annually owing to its stable postoperative outcomes, the number of revision surgeries following ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction has increased. The success of the initial reconstruction surgery and further improvement in the return-to-play rates of the initial surgery are crucial. In this study, we report on ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using the twisting technique, which aims to enhance the strength of the graft (palmaris longus tendon) to improve return-to-play rates. Methods: We investigated the return-to-play rate and period in 60 cases (2016-2021) that underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction using the twisting technique and 211 cases (2007-2019) that did not use the twisting technique. The twisting technique involved inserting the graft through the bone tunnel and then twisting the doubled tendon. Results: According to the Conway-Jobe scale, the twisting technique group had 98.3% excellent, 1.7% good, 0% fair, and 0% poor results, with a mean return-to-play period of 9.8 months. The non-twisting technique group had 86.7% excellent, 9.0% good, 1.9% fair, and 2.4% poor results, with a mean return-to-play period of 11.4 months. The two groups showed significant differences in return-to-play rate (P = .020) and period (P = .022). Conclusion: The clinical results of the twisting technique showed that the return-to-play rate of the twisting technique group was higher after than before the procedure, and the return-to-play period was shortened by more than 1 month. The twisting technique may improve the results of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery.

The endosymbiont of Epithemia clementina is specialized for nitrogen fixation within a photosynthetic eukaryote.

Epithemia spp. diatoms contain obligate, nitrogen-fixing endosymbionts, or diazoplasts, derived from cyanobacteria. These algae are a rare example of photosynthetic eukaryotes that have successfully coupled oxygenic photosynthesis with oxygen-sensitive nitrogenase activity. Here, we report a newly-isolated species, E. clementina, as a model to investigate endosymbiotic acquisition of nitrogen fixation. We demonstrate that the diazoplast, which has lost photosynthesis, provides fixed nitrogen to the diatom host in exchange for fixed carbon. To identify the metabolic changes associated with this endosymbiotic specialization, we compared the Epithemia diazoplast with its close, free-living cyanobacterial relative, Crocosphaera subtropica. Unlike C. subtropica, in which nitrogenase activity is temporally separated from photosynthesis, we show that nitrogenase activity in the diazoplast is continuous through the day (concurrent with host photosynthesis) and night. Host and diazoplast metabolism are tightly coupled to support nitrogenase activity: Inhibition of photosynthesis abolishes daytime nitrogenase activity, while nighttime nitrogenase activity no longer requires cyanobacterial glycogen storage pathways. Instead, import of host-derived carbohydrates supports nitrogenase activity throughout the day-night cycle. Carbohydrate metabolism is streamlined in the diazoplast compared to C. subtropica with retention of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation. Similar to heterocysts, these pathways may be optimized to support nitrogenase activity, providing reducing equivalents and ATP and consuming oxygen. Our results demonstrate that the diazoplast is specialized for endosymbiotic nitrogen fixation. Altogether, we establish a new model for studying endosymbiosis, perform a functional characterization of this diazotroph endosymbiosis, and identify metabolic adaptations for endosymbiotic acquisition of a critical biological function.

Open fractures: evidence-based best practices.

Open fracture management is a common challenge to orthopaedic trauma surgeons and a burdensome condition to the patient, health care, and entire society. Fracture-related infection (FRI) is the leading morbid complication to avoid during open fracture management because it leads to sepsis, nonunion, limb loss, and overall very poor region-specific and general functional outcomes. This review, based on a symposium presented at the 2022 OTA International Trauma Care Forum, provides a practical and evidence-based summary on key strategies to prevent FRI in open fractures, which can be grouped as optimizing host factors, antimicrobial prophylaxis, surgical site management (skin preparation, debridement, and wound irrigation), provision of skeletal stability, and soft-tissue coverage. When it is applicable, strategies are differentiated between optimal resource and resource-limited settings.

The gap gene of Rhizobium etli is required for both free life and symbiosis with common beans.

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH or Gap) is a ubiquitous enzyme essential for carbon and energy metabolism in most organisms. Despite its primary role in sugar metabolism, GAPDH is recognized for its involvement in diverse cellular processes, being considered a paradigm among multifunctional/moonlighting proteins. Besides its canonical cytoplasmic location, GAPDH has been detected on cell surfaces or as a secreted protein in prokaryotes, yet little is known about its possible roles in plant symbiotic bacteria. Here we report that Rhizobium etli, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of common beans, carries a single gap gene responsible for both GAPDH glycolytic and gluconeogenic activities. An active Gap protein is required throughout all stages of the symbiosis between R. etli and its host plant Phaseolus vulgaris. Both glycolytic and gluconeogenic Gap metabolic activities likely contribute to bacterial fitness during early and intermediate stages of the interaction, whereas GAPDH gluconeogenic activity seems critical for nodule invasion and nitrogen fixation. Although the R. etli Gap protein is secreted in a c-di-GMP related manner, no involvement of the R. etli gap gene in c-di-GMP related phenotypes, such as flocculation, biofilm formation or EPS production, was observed. Notably, the R. etli gap gene fully complemented a double gap1/gap2 mutant of Pseudomonas syringae for free life growth, albeit only partially in planta, suggesting potential specific roles for each type of Gap protein. Nevertheless, further research is required to unravel additional functions of the R. etli Gap protein beyond its essential metabolic roles.

Efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation via oxygen vacancies in Zr-MOFs at ambient conditions.

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation is seen to be a potential technology for nitrogen reduction due to its eco-friendliness, low energy consumption, and environmental protection. In this study, photocatalysts with abundant oxygen vacancies (Zr-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (Zr-NDC) and Zr-phthalic acid (Zr-BDC)) were designed using 1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (H2NDC) and 1,4-phthalic acid (H2BDC) as ligands. Since the structure of H2NDC includes one extra benzene ring than H2BDC, the charge density differential of the organic ligand is probably altered. The hypothesis is proved by density function theory (DFT) calculation. The abundant oxygen vacancies of the catalyst offer numerous active sites for nitrogen fixation. Concurrently, the process of ligand-metal charge transfer facilitates photo-electron transfer, creating an active center for nitrogen reduction. Additionally, the functionalization of ligand amplifies another pathway for charge transfer, broadening the light absorption range of Metal-organic framework (MOF) and increasing its capacity for nitrogen reduction. In contrast to H2BDC, the benzene ring added in H2NDC structure acts as an electron energy storage tank with a stronger electron density difference favorable for photogenerated electron-hole separation resulting in higher photocatalytic activity in Zr-NDC. The experimental results show that the nitrogen fixation efficiency of Zr-NDC is 163.7 µmol g-1h-1, which is significantly better than that of Zr-BDC (29.3 µmol g-1h-1). This work utilizes cost-effective and non-toxic ingredients to design highly efficient photocatalysts, thereby significantly contributing to the practical implementation of green chemistry principles.

Oil blotting paper for formalin fixation increases endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition-collected sample volumes on glass slides.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is used for pathological diagnosis and obtaining samples for molecular testing, facilitating the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, samples obtained via EUS-TA are often insufficient, requiring more efforts to improve sampling adequacy for molecular testing. Therefore, this study investigated the use of oil blotting paper for formalin fixation of samples obtained via EUS-TA. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 42 patients who underwent EUS-TA for pancreatic cancer between September 2020 and February 2022 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute. After a portion of each sample obtained via EUS-TA was separated for routine histological evaluation, the residual samples were divided into filter paper and oil blotting paper groups for analysis. Accordingly, filter paper and oil blotting paper were used for the formalin fixation process. The total tissue, nuclear, and cytoplasm areas of each sample were quantitatively evaluated using virtual slides, and the specimen volume and histological diagnosis of each sample were evaluated by an expert pathologist. RESULTS: All cases were cytologically diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The area ratios of the total tissue, nuclear, and cytoplasmic portions were significantly larger in the oil blotting paper group than in the filter paper group. The frequency of cases with large amount of tumor cells was significantly higher in the oil blotting paper group (33.3%) than in the filter paper group (11.9%) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Oil blotting paper can increase the sample volume obtained via EUS-TA on glass slides and improve sampling adequacy for molecular testing.