Cold granular targets slow the bulk freezing of an impacting droplet.

When making contact with an undercooled target, a drop freezes. The colder the target is, the more rapid the freezing is supposed to be. In this research, we explore the impact of droplets on cold granular material. As the undercooling degree increases, the bulk freezing of the droplet is delayed by at least an order of magnitude. The postponement of the overall solidification is accompanied by substantial changes in dynamics, including the spreading-retraction process, satellite drop generation, and cratering in the target. The solidification of the wetted pores in the granular target primarily causes these effects. The freezing process over the pore dimension occurs rapidly enough to match the characteristic timescales of impact dynamics at moderate undercooling degrees. As a result, the hydrophilic impact appears "hydrophobic," and the dimension of the solidified droplet shrinks. A monolayer of cold grains on a surface can reproduce these consequences. Our research presents a potential approach to regulate solidified morphology for subfreezing drop impacts. It additionally sheds light on the impact scenario of strong coupling between the dynamics and solidification.

Themis: advancing precision oncology through comprehensive molecular subtyping and optimization.

Recent advances in tumor molecular subtyping have revolutionized precision oncology, offering novel avenues for patient-specific treatment strategies. However, a comprehensive and independent comparison of these subtyping methodologies remains unexplored. This study introduces 'Themis' (Tumor HEterogeneity analysis on Molecular subtypIng System), an evaluation platform that encapsulates a few representative tumor molecular subtyping methods, including Stemness, Anoikis, Metabolism, and pathway-based classifications, utilizing 38 test datasets curated from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and significant studies. Our self-designed quantitative analysis uncovers the relative strengths, limitations, and applicability of each method in different clinical contexts. Crucially, Themis serves as a vital tool in identifying the most appropriate subtyping methods for specific clinical scenarios. It also guides fine-tuning existing subtyping methods to achieve more accurate phenotype-associated results. To demonstrate the practical utility, we apply Themis to a breast cancer dataset, showcasing its efficacy in selecting the most suitable subtyping methods for personalized medicine in various clinical scenarios. This study bridges a crucial gap in cancer research and lays a foundation for future advancements in individualized cancer therapy and patient management.

Exploration of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor resistance in the treatment of BRCA1/2-mutated cancer.

Breast cancer susceptibility 1/2 (BRCA1/2) genes play a crucial role in DNA damage repair, yet mutations in these genes increase the susceptibility to tumorigenesis. Exploiting the synthetic lethality mechanism between BRCA1/2 mutations and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition has led to the development and clinical approval of PARP inhibitor (PARPi), representing a milestone in targeted therapy for BRCA1/2 mutant tumors. This approach has paved the way for leveraging synthetic lethality in tumor treatment strategies. Despite the initial success of PARPis, resistance to these agents diminishes their efficacy in BRCA1/2-mutant tumors. Investigations into PARPi resistance have identified replication fork stability and homologous recombination repair as key factors sensitive to PARPis. Additionally, studies suggest that replication gaps may also confer sensitivity to PARPis. Moreover, emerging evidence indicates a correlation between PARPi resistance and cisplatin resistance, suggesting a potential overlap in the mechanisms underlying resistance to both agents. Given these findings, it is imperative to explore the interplay between replication gaps and PARPi resistance, particularly in the context of platinum resistance. Understanding the impact of replication gaps on PARPi resistance may offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms and enhance the efficacy of targeted therapies in BRCA1/2-mutant tumors.

Electrolyte Chemistry toward Ultrawide-Temperature (-25 to 75 °C) Sodium-Ion Batteries Achieved by Phosphorus/Silicon-Synergistic Interphase Manipulation.

All-weather operation is considered an ultimate pursuit of the practical development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), however, blocked by a lack of suitable electrolytes at present. Herein, by introducing synergistic manipulation mechanisms driven by phosphorus/silicon involvement, the compact electrode/electrolyte interphases are endowed with improved interfacial Na-ion transport kinetics and desirable structural/thermal stability. Therefore, the modified carbonate-based electrolyte successfully enables all-weather adaptability for long-term operation over a wide temperature range. As a verification, the half-cells using the designed electrolyte operate stably over a temperature range of -25 to 75 °C, accompanied by a capacity retention rate exceeding 70% even after 1700 cycles at 60 °C. More importantly, the full cells assembled with Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode and hard carbon anode also have excellent cycling stability, exceeding 500 and 1000 cycles at -25 to 50 °C and superb temperature adaptability during all-weather dynamic testing with continuous temperature change. In short, this work proposes an advanced interfacial regulation strategy targeted at the all-climate SIB operation, which is of good practicability and reference significance.

Hybrid Binder Chemistry with Hydrogen-Bond Helix for High-Voltage Cathode of Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Since sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have become increasingly commercialized in recent years, Na3V2(PO4)2O2F (NVPOF) offers promising economic potential as a cathode for SIBs because of its high operating voltage and energy density. According to reports, NVPOF performs poorly in normal commercial poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) binder systems and performs best in combination with aqueous binder. Although in line with the concept of green and sustainable development for future electrode preparation, aqueous binders are challenging to achieve high active material loadings at the electrode level, and their relatively high surface tension tends to cause the active material on the electrode sheet to crack or even peel off from the collector. Herein, a cross-linkable and easily commercial hybrid binder constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bonding (named HPP) has been developed and utilized in an NVPOF system, which enables the generation of a stable cathode electrolyte interphase on the surface of active materials. According to theoretical simulations, the HPP binder enhances electronic/ionic conductivity, which greatly lowers the energy barrier for Na+ migration. Additionally, the strong hydrogen-bond interactions between the HPP binder and NVPOF effectively prevent electrolyte corrosion and transition-metal dissolution, lessen the lattice volume effect, and ensure structural stability during cycling. The HPP-based NVPOF offers considerably improved rate capability and cycling performance, benefiting from these benefits. This comprehensive binder can be extended to the development of next-generation energy storage technologies with superior performance.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exendin 4 ameliorates diabetes-associated vascular calcification by regulating mitophagy through the AMPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Vascular calcification (VC) is a complication in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Osteogenic phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a critical role in diabetes-related VC. Mitophagy can inhibit phenotype switching in VSMCs. This study aimed to investigate the role of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist exendin 4 (EX4) in mitophagy-induced phenotype switching. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The status of VC in T2DM mice was monitored using Von Kossa and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining in mouse aortic tissue. Human aortic smooth muscle cells were cultured in high glucose (HG) and ß-glycerophosphate (ß-GP) conditioned medium. Accumulation of LC3B and p62 was detected in the mitochondrial fraction. The effect of EX4 in vitro and in vivo was investigated by knocking down AMPKα1. RESULTS: In diabetic VC mice, EX4 decreased the percentage of von Kossa/ARS positive area. EX4 inhibited osteogenic differentiation of HG/ß-GP-induced VSMCs. In HG/ß-GP-induced VSMCs, the number of mitophagosomes was increased, whereas the addition of EX4 restored mitochondrial function, increased the number of mitophagosome-lysosome fusions, and reduced p62 in mitochondrial frictions. EX4 increased the phosphorylation of AMPKα (Thr172) and ULK1 (Ser555) in HG/ß-GP-induced VSMCs. After knockdown of AMPKα1, ULK1 could not be activated by EX4. The accumulation of LC3B and p62 could not be reduced after AMPKα1 knockdown. Knockdown of AMPKα1 negated the therapeutic effects of EX4 on VC of diabetic mice. CONCLUSION: EX4 could promote mitophagy by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, attenuate insufficient mitophagy, and thus inhibit the osteogenic phenotype switching of VSMCs.

ZmPHR1 contributes to drought resistance by modulating phosphate homeostasis in maize.

As an essential macronutrient, phosphorus (P) is often a limiting nutrient because of its low availability and mobility in soils. Drought is a major environmental stress that reduces crop yield. How plants balance and combine P-starvation responses (PSRs) and drought resistance is unclear. In this study, we identified the transcription factor ZmPHR1 as a major regulator of PSRs that modulates phosphate (Pi) signaling and homeostasis. We found that maize zmphr1 mutants had reduced P concentration and were sensitive to Pi starvation, whereas ZmPHR1-OE lines displayed elevated Pi concentration and yields. In addition, 57% of PSR genes and nearly 70% of ZmPHR1-regulated PSR genes in leaves were transcriptionally responsive to drought. Under moderate and early drought conditions, the Pi concentration of maize decreased, and PSR genes were up-regulated before drought-responsive genes. The ZmPHR1-OE lines exhibited drought-resistant phenotypes and reduced stomatal apertures, whereas the opposite was true of the zmphr1 mutants. ZmPT7-OE lines and zmspx3 mutants, which had elevated Pi concentration, also exhibited drought resistance, but zmpt7 mutants were sensitive to drought. Our results suggest that ZmPHR1 plays a central role in integrating Pi and drought signals and that Pi homeostasis improves the ability of maize to combat drought.

Is Kidney Function Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration?: Findings from the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium.

PURPOSE: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may elevate susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) because of shared risk factors, pathogenic mechanisms, and genetic polymorphisms. Given the inconclusive findings in prior studies, we investigated this association using extensive datasets in the Asian Eye Epidemiology Consortium. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one thousand two hundred fifty-three participants from 10 distinct population-based Asian studies. METHODS: Age-related macular degeneration was defined using the Wisconsin Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System, the International Age-Related Maculopathy Epidemiological Study Group Classification, or the Beckman Clinical Classification. Chronic kidney disease was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. A pooled analysis using individual-level participant data was performed to examine the associations between CKD and eGFR with AMD (early and late), adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, body mass index, smoking status, total cholesterol, and study groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds ratio (OR) of early and late AMD. RESULTS: Among 51 253 participants (mean age, 54.1 ± 14.5 years), 5079 had CKD (9.9%). The prevalence of early AMD was 9.0%, and that of late AMD was 0.71%. After adjusting for confounders, individuals with CKD were associated with higher odds of late AMD (OR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.93; P = 0.008). Similarly, poorer kidney function (per 10-unit eGFR decrease) was associated with late AMD (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19; P = 0.001). Nevertheless, CKD and eGFR were not associated significantly with early AMD (all P ≥ 0.149). CONCLUSIONS: Pooled analysis from 10 distinct Asian population-based studies revealed that CKD and compromised kidney function are associated significantly with late AMD. This finding further underscores the importance of ocular examinations in patients with CKD. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Regulation of human hydrolases and its implications in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Hydrolases represent an essential class of enzymes indispensable for the metabolism of various clinically essential medications. Individuals exhibit marked differences in the expression and activation of hydrolases, resulting in significant variability in the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. The regulation of hydrolase expression and activity involves both genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic factors. This review examines the current understanding of genetic and nongenetic regulators of six clinically significant hydrolases, including Carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), Carboxylesterase 2 (CES2), Arylacetamide Deacetylase (AADAC), Paraoxonase 1 (PON1), Paraoxonase 3 (PON3), and Cathepsin A (CTSA). We explore genetic variants linked to the expression and activity of the hydrolases and their effects on the PK and PD of their substrate drugs. Regarding nongenetic regulators, we focus on the inhibitors and inducers of these enzymes. Additionally, we examine the developmental expression patterns and gender differences in the hydrolases when pertinent information was available. Many genetic and nongenetic regulators were found to be associated with the expression and activity of the hydrolases and PK and PD. However, hydrolases remain generally understudied compared to other drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s. The clinical significance of genetic and nongenetic regulators has not yet been firmly established for the majority of hydrolases. Comprehending the mechanisms that underpin the regulation of these enzymes holds the potential to refine therapeutic regimens, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the hydrolases. Significance Statement Hydrolases play a crucial role in the metabolism of numerous clinically important medications. Genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic regulators can affect hydrolases' expression and activity, consequently influencing the exposure and clinical outcomes of hydrolase substrate drugs. A comprehensive understanding of hydrolase regulation can refine therapeutic regimens, ultimately enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the enzymes.

Clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate diabetic retinopathy in db/db mice.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR), as evidenced by increasing preclinical and clinical studies. However, the absence of standardized and industrialized clinical-grade donor cells hampers the continued development and large-scale clinical application of MSCs-based therapies for DR. Previously, we have identified a unique population of MSCs generated from a clinical-grade human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line under Good Manufacturing Practice conditions that could be a potential source to address the issues. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the clinical-grade hESC line-derived MSCs (hESC-MSCs) on db/db mice with DR. METHODS: hESC-MSCs were initially characterized by morphological assessment, flow cytometry analysis and trilineage differentiation assays. These cells (5 × 106 cells) were then transplanted intravenously into 12-week-old db/db mice via tail vein, with phosphate-buffered saline transplantation and untreated groups used as controls. The retinal alterations in neural functions and microvascular perfusions, and inflammatory responses in peripheral blood and retina were evaluated at 4 and 6 weeks after transplantation using electroretinography, optical coherence tomography angiography and flow cytometry, respectively. Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were also measured to investigate their systemic implications. RESULTS: Compared with controls, intravenous transplantation of hESC-MSCs could significantly: (i) enhance impaired retinal electroretinography functions (including amplitudes of a-, b-wave and oscillatory potentials) at 4 weeks after transplantation; (ii) alleviate microvascular dysfunctions, especially in the inner retina with significance (including reducing non-perfusion area and increasing vascular area density) at 4 weeks after transplantation; (iii) decrease FBG levels at 4 weeks after transplantation and induce weight loss up to 6 weeks after transplantation and (iv) increase both peripheral blood and retinal interleukin-10 levels at 4 weeks after transplantation and modulate peripheral blood inflammatory cytokines and chemokines levels, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1, up to 6 weeks after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study indicated that intravenous transplantation of hESC-MSCs ameliorated retinal neural and microvascular dysfunctions, regulated body weight and FBG and modulated peripheral blood and retinal inflammation responses in a mouse model of DR. These results suggest that hESC-MSCs could be a potentially effective clinical-grade cell source for the treatment of DR.

Hexadecapole Deformation of

The hexadecapole deformation (ß_{4}) of the ^{238}U nucleus has not been determined because its effect is overwhelmed by those from the nucleus' large quadrupole deformation (ß_{2}) in nuclear electric transition measurements. In this Letter, we identify the nonlinear response of the hexadecapole anisotropy to ellipticity in relativistic U+U collisions that is solely sensitive to ß_{4} and insensitive to ß_{2}. We demonstrate this by state-of-the-art hydrodynamic calculations and discuss the prospects of discovering the ß_{4} of ^{238}U in heavy-ion data at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider.

Xiashengella succiniciproducens gen. nov., sp. nov., a succinate-producing bacterium isolated from an anaerobic digestion tank in the family Marinilabiliaceae of the order Bacteroidales.

A strictly anaerobic, motile bacterium, designated as strain Ai-910T, was isolated from the sludge of an anaerobic digestion tank in China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative rods. Optimal growth was observed at 38 °C (growth range 25-42 °C), pH 8.5 (growth range 5.5-10.5), and under a NaCl concentration of 0.06% (w/v) (range 0-2.0%). Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The respiratory quinone was MK-7. Using xylose as the growth substrate, succinate was produced as the fermentation product. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16 S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain Ai-910T formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage that reflects a new genus in the family Marinilabiliaceae, sharing high similarities to Alkaliflexus imshenetskii Z-7010T (92.78%), Alkalitalea saponilacus SC/BZ-SP2T (92.51%), and Geofilum rubicundum JAM-BA0501T (92.36%). Genomic similarity (average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization) values between strain Ai-910T and its phylogenetic neighbors were below 65.27 and 16.90%, respectively, indicating that strain Ai-910T represented a novel species. The average amino acid identity between strain Ai-910T and other related members of the family Marinilabiliaceae were below 69.41%, supporting that strain Ai-910T was a member of a new genus within the family Marinilabiliaceae. Phylogenetic, genomic, and phenotypic analysis revealed that strain Ai-910T was distinguished from other phylogenetic relatives within the family Marinilabiliaceae. The genome size was 3.10 Mbp, and the DNA G + C content of the isolate was 42.8 mol%. Collectively, differences of the phenotypic and phylogenetic features of strain Ai-910T from its close relatives suggest that strain Ai-910T represented a novel species in a new genus of the family Marinilabiliaceae, for which the name Xiashengella succiniciproducens gen. nov., sp. nov. was proposed. The type strain of Xiashengella succiniciproducens is Ai-910T (= CGMCC 1.17893T = KCTC 25,304T).

Unveiling the Properties of Sulfhydryl Groups in a Single-Molecule Junction.

The metal-thiol interface is ubiquitous in nanotechnology and surface chemistry. It is not only used to construct nanocomposites but also plays a decisive role in the properties of these materials. When organothiol molecules bind to the gold surface, there is still controversy over whether sulfhydryl groups can form disulfide bonds and whether these disulfide bonds can remain stable on the gold surface. Here, we investigate the intrinsic properties of sulfhydryl groups on the gold surface at the single-molecule level using a scanning tunneling microscope break junction technique. Our findings indicate that sulfhydryl groups can react with each other to form disulfide bonds on the gold surface, and the electric field can promote the sulfhydryl coupling reaction. In addition to these findings, ultraviolet irradiation is used to effectively regulate the coupling between sulfhydryl groups, leading to the formation and cleavage of disulfide bonds. These results unveil the intrinsic properties of sulfhydryl groups on the gold surface, therefore facilitating the accurate construction of broad nanocomposites with the desired functionalities.

Exploring the impact of gut microbiota on liver health in mice and patients with Wilson disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Distinctive gut microbial profiles have been observed between patients with Wilson disease (WD) and healthy individuals. Despite this, the exact relationship and influence of gut microbiota on the advancement of WD-related liver damage remain ambiguous. This research seeks to clarify the gut microbiota characteristics in both human patients and mouse models of WD, as well as their impact on liver injury. METHODS: Gut microbial features in healthy individuals, patients with WD, healthy mice and mice with early- and late-stage WD were analysed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, WD-afflicted mice underwent treatment with either an antibiotic cocktail (with normal saline as a control) or healthy microbiota (using disease microbiota as a control). The study assessed gut microbiota composition, hepatic transcriptome profiles, liver copper concentrations and hepatic pathological injuries. RESULTS: Patients with hepatic WD and mice with WD-related liver injury displayed altered gut microbiota composition, notably with a significant reduction in Lactobacillus abundance. Additionally, the abundances of several gut genera, including Lactobacillus, Veillonella and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, showed significant correlations with the severity of liver injury in patients with WD. In WD mice, antibiotic treatment or transplantation of healthy microbiota altered the gut microbial structure, increased Lactobacillus abundance and modified the hepatic transcriptional profile. These interventions resulted in reduced hepatic copper concentration and alleviation of WD-related liver injury. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals and mice with pronounced WD-related liver injury exhibited shifts in gut microbial composition. Regulating gut microbiota through healthy microbiota transplantation emerges as a promising therapeutic approach for treating WD-related liver injury.

Discovery of novel coumarin-based KRAS-G12C inhibitors from virtual screening and Rational structural optimization.

KRAS-G12C inhibitors has been made significant progress in the treatment of KRAS-G12C mutant cancers, but their clinical application is limited due to the adaptive resistance, motivating development of novel structural inhibitors. Herein, series of coumarin derivatives as KRAS-G12C inhibitors were found through virtual screening and rational structural optimization. Especially, K45 exhibited strong antiproliferative potency on NCI-H23 and NCI-H358 cancer cells harboring KRAS-G12C with the IC50 values of 0.77 µM and 1.50 µM, which was 15 and 11 times as potent as positive drug ARS1620, respectively. Furthermore, K45 reduced the phosphorylation of KRAS downstream effectors ERK and AKT by reducing the active form of KRAS (KRAS GTP) in NCI-H23 cells. In addition, K45 induced cell apoptosis by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BAD and BAX in NCI-H23 cells. Docking studies displayed that the 3-naphthylmethoxy moiety of K45 extended into the cryptic pocket formed by the residues Gln99 and Val9, which enhanced the interaction with the KRAS-G12C protein. These results indicated that K45 was a potent KRAS-G12C inhibitor worthy of further study.

Synergistic cerium oxide nanozymes: targeting DNA damage and alleviating tumor hypoxia for improved NSCLC radiotherapy efficiency.

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the important treatment modalities for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the maximum radiation dose that NSCLC patient can receive varies little. Therefore, the exploitation of novel RT sensitization approaches is a critical need for the clinical treatment. RT resistance in NSCLC is linked to tumor microenvironment (TME) hypoxia, cell cycle arrest and associated genetic alterations. Here, we designed a novel method for targeted delivery of quercetin (QT) and CeO2 to enhance RT sensitivity. We loaded QT into CeO2@ZIF-8-HA nanoparticles to prevent its degradation in the circulatory system and successfully delivered QT and CeO2 targeted to NSCLC tumors. Under the protection and targeted delivery of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8), the nanocomplexes exhibited excellent catalytic mimetic activity in decomposing H2O2 into O2, thus significantly reversing the hypoxia of TME, while the radiosensitizer QT caused DNA damage directly after RT. In a subcutaneous tumor model, CeO2@ZIF-8-HA overcame radiation resistance and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This multiple sensitization strategy combining delivery of QT and CeO2@ZIF-8-HA nanozymes opens a promising approach for RT of NSCLC.

Effects of spinal mobilization on physical function in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of spinal mobilization on physical function in patients with stroke. Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched from inception to March 15, 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of spinal mobilization to conventional therapy were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of spinal mobilization. Nine randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 294 patients with stroke. All included studies were evaluated as good or above for quality assessment. No adverse events related to spinal mobilization were reported. Compared to conventional therapy, spinal mobilization demonstrated significantly improved forward head posture (SMD: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.46, p < 0.001); there were no between-group differences on forced vital capacity (SMD: 0.44, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.88, p = 0.06), forced expiratory volume (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.77, p = 0.15), balance (SMD: 0.36, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.77, p = 0.08), gait speed (SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: -0.44 to 1.40, p = 0.31), and trunk function (SMD: 0.79, 95% CI: -0.17 to 1.75, p = 0.11). Cervical mobilization significantly improved forward head posture; however, no significant differences were found in other outcomes. Clinicians may consider spinal mobilization as an adjunctive intervention in stroke rehabilitation to address posture-related impairments to expand treatment strategy and optimize quality of care.

Effects of cycloplegia on crystalline lens morphology and location in acute acquired concomitant esotropia.

PURPOSE: The study aims to compare morphology and location of crystalline lens between acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) patients and control subjects, both before and after cycloplegia. METHODS: This is a prospective and observational clinical study. Morphological and locational parameters of the crystalline lens in 53 AACE patients and 32 control subjects were assessed before and after cycloplegia using CASIA2 system, which represents the latest swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Cycloplegic refraction was recorded by administering 1% atropine in patients younger than 12 years and 1% cyclopentolate in those > 12 years old. Morphological parameters included anterior radius of curvature (ARC), posterior radius of curvature (PRC), lens thickness (LTH), and equivalent diameter of lens (LED). Locational parameters comprised lens decentration (LD) and lens tilt (LT). Comparison of these parameters before and after cycloplegia were conducted between AACE and controls. Additionally, the study analyzed and compared the changes in these parameter post-cycloplegia. RESULTS: Our findings suggest no significant difference in morphological parameters including ARC, PRC, LTH and LED between AACE patients and controls before or after cycloplegia. However, 2D-modeling data in the 0° meridian revealed that variation post-cycloplegia of LD (lens shift) in right eyes was different in AACE patients, measuring - 0.03(0.08) [median(interquartile range)] which was significantly distinct from the control group, exhibiting a measurement of 0.01(0.06) (z = - 2.373, p = 0.018). In left eyes, a similar trend was observed with lens shift in the 0° meridian being 0.02(0.06) in AACE, significantly differing from control group's measurement of - 0.02(0.08) (z = - 2.809, p = 0.005). Further, correlation analysis revealed that larger temporal shift of lens was associated with greater changes in ARC (r = 0.294, p = 0.006) and LTH (r = - 0.230, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The morphological features of the crystalline lens were similar in AACE patients and controls; however, the change of lens location by cycloplegia was observed only in AACE patients, suggesting an association with excessive accommodation.

Eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoptosis is a common symptom in ophthalmology clinic, but eyelid retraction when smiling in a ptosis eye is a rare manifestation. Here we report a novel manifestation that eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old girl with isolated and mild unilateral congenital ptosis showed eyelid retraction in ptotsis eye when smiling together with a lid lag on downgaze. She didn't have any systematic and ocular diseases other than myopia and astigmatism.Eyelid retraction during smiling is 5 mm, resulting in a significant difference in the height of bilateral palpebral fissures.As for ptosis, is mild.The margin to reflex distance 1 is 1.0 mm on the right eye(ptosis eye) and 3.0 mm on the left eye. A lid lag of 1.0 mm on downward gaze was noted on the right, she could close her eyes fully while sleeping.The ice pack test, laboratory test for thyroid function, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the orbital and ocular motor nerves showed normal results.Her symptoms alleviated after 6 months, with the retraction of the right upper eyelid when smiling was approximately 3 mm, thus the difference in the palpebral fissure height when smiling was smaller than that at the initial presentation. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis may accompanied with abnormal innervation like eyelid retraction, this phenomenon can be alleviated with age.The results of the levator muscle function test should be carefully examined to determine whether it is ptosis in an impaired innervation eyelid.

Association of accommodation and convergence with axial length elongation in children with basic intermittent exotropia: a 12-month observational study.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the association of parameters related to accommodation and convergence and axial elongation in basic intermittent exotropia (IXT) patients and the potential clinical predictors of axial length (AL) growth. METHODS: A total of 140 basic IXT patients were recruited in this study. The medians of AL growth in different age brackets were chosen to divide the subjects into Group A (slower axial elongation group, n=69) and Group B (faster axial elongation group, n=71). Parameters of dominant and nondominant eyes were compared and analyzed during the 12-month follow-up period. The parameters, including baseline refraction, angle of deviation, Newcastle score (NCS), accommodative amplitude (AMP), accommodative facility (AMF), accommodative response, positive or negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), and near point of convergence (NPC), were analyzed via univariate and multivariate regression. RESULTS: Subjects in faster axial elongation group tended to have more myopic spherical equivalents (t=3.956, P<.001), greater accommodative amplitudes of dominant eyes (t=-2.238, P=.027) and less near points of convergence (t=2.347, P=.020) than in slower axial elongation group. For dominant eyes, logistic and linear regression analysis revealed that more negative spherical equivalents (OR=0.603, P<.001; ß=-0.045, P<.001), greater accommodative amplitudes (OR=1.201, P=.027; ß=0.023, P=.010) and less near points of convergence (OR=0.883, P=.021; ß=-0.012, P=.019) were correlated with the faster axial elongation. For nondominant eyes, more myopic spherical equivalent (OR=0.682; P=.001; ß=-0.029, P=.005) was the only parameter correlated with faster axial elongation through regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In children with basic intermittent exotropia, faster axial elongation in the dominant eyes were associated with more myopic spherical equivalents, greater accommodative amplitudes, and lower near points of convergence. These accommodative parameters can serve as potential clinical indicators for monitoring myopia progression in addition to axial length.