ENHANCED RESTORATION OF VISUAL CODE AFTER TARGETING ON BIPOLAR CELLS COMPARED TO RETINAL GANGLION CELLS WITH OPTOGENETIC THERAPY.

Optogenetic therapy is a promising vision restoration method where light sensitive opsins are introduced to the surviving inner retina following photoreceptor degeneration. The cell type targeted for opsin expression will likely influence the quality of restored vision. However, a like-for-like pre-clinical comparison of visual responses evoked following equivalent opsin expression in the two major targets, ON bipolar (ON BCs) or retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is absent.

Outcome and complications in postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock treated with extracorporeal life support - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCCS) in cardiac surgery is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Beside other therapeutic measures (e.g.

Effect of Application Mode and Aging on Microtensile Bond Strength of Universal Adhesives to Enamel of Primary Teeth.

Background: Limited reports are available regarding bonding of universal adhesives to primary teeth' enamel.

Aim: To evaluate the effect of application mode and aging on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of universal adhesives to primary enamel.

Design: Ninety-six human primary molars were randomly assigned to three groups: SU: Scotchbond Universal (3M); CU: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake); iBU: iBond Universal (Heraeus Kulzer), then subdivided according to phosphoric acid etching time into three subgroups (SG): SG1: 0s; SG2: 15s; SG3: 30s.

A Global Relationship Between Genome Size and Encoded Carbon Metabolic Strategies of Soil Bacteria.

Microbial traits are critical for carbon sequestration and degradation in terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, our understanding of the relationship between carbon metabolic strategies and genomic traits like genome size remains limited. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a global-scale meta-analysis of 2650 genomes, integrated whole-genome sequencing data, and performed a continental-scale metagenomic field study.

T follicular helper cell expansion and hyperimmunoglobulinemia with spontaneous IgE production to dietary antigens in IgA-deficient mice.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA), the most abundantly produced antibody at mucosal surfaces, is thought to play key roles in immune responses to respiratory and enteric pathogens and in the regulation of commensal colonization. Low IgA levels have been associated with recurrent infections and immune dysregulation, including inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmunity. Levels of IgA in maternal breast milk and infant stool are both inversely associated with the emergence of immune responses to food antigens in infants and, in naturally resolving food sensitivity and immunotherapy protocols, the induction of IgA antibodies to dietary antigens has been associated with the acquisition of food tolerance.

Extracellular vesicles: from intracellular trafficking molecules to fully fortified delivery vehicles for cancer therapeutics.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as viable tools in cancer treatment due to their ability to carry a wide range of theranostic activities. This review summarizes different forms of EVs such as exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, and oncosomes. It also sheds the light onto isolation methodologies, characterization techniques and therapeutic applications of all discussed EVs.

Predictive modelling and identification of critical variables of mortality risk in COVID-19 patients.

South Africa was the most affected country in Africa by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where over 4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and over 102,000 deaths have been recorded since 2019. Aside from clinical methods, artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions such as machine learning (ML) models have been employed in treating COVID-19 cases. However, limited application of AI for COVID-19 in Africa has been reported in the literature.

Floating-embedded stems reduce tibial stress shielding in total knee revision arthroplasty.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures and the number of patients which undergo TKA will continue to rise in the coming years. Consecutively, the number of necessary revision surgeries will increase. One of the main reasons for revision surgery is aseptic loosening because of a so-called stress-shielding effect.

The Clinical Neuroscience of Lucid Dreaming.

During most dreams, the dreamer does not realize that they are in a dream. In contrast, lucid dreaming allows to become aware of the current state of mind, often accompanied by considerable control over the ongoing dream episode. Lucid dreams can happen spontaneously or be induced through diverse behavioural, cognitive or technological strategies.

Machine learning-based prediction of illness course in major depression: The relevance of risk factors.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) comes along with an increased risk of recurrence and poor course of illness. Machine learning has recently shown promise in the prediction of mental illness, yet models aiming to predict MDD course are still rare and do not quantify the predictive value of established MDD recurrence risk factors.

Methods: We analyzed N = 571 MDD patients from the Marburg-Münster Affective Disorder Cohort Study (MACS).

Cell type-specific upregulation of NKG2D ligand MICA in response to APTO253.

One of the most important targets for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated therapy is the induction of natural killer group 2D ligand (NKG2D-L) expression. APTO253 is a small molecule that selectively kills acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, and it has been reported that APTO253 can induce Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) expression and downregulate c-MYC expression. Recently, we discovered a novel role of APTO253 in modulating the NK cell response by inducing surface expression of NKG2D-Ls, especially MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), in AML cells.

Echocardiography of the right heart in pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from the ULTRA RIGHT VALUE study.

Aims: Outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is determined by right ventricular (RV) function adaptation to increased afterload. Echocardiography is easily available to assist bedside evaluation of the RV. However, no agreement exists about the feasibility and most relevant measurements.

Marburg variant of multiple sclerosis: A young women case report.

Marburg disease (malignant multiple sclerosis, MS) is a rare, acute MS variant, predominantly occurring among young adults. Because it is characterized by rarity, high morbidity and mortality rates, the disease needs to be further characterized, and the experience of the physicians play a role in treatment regimens. We report the case of a 15-years-old female presenting with progressive weakness over the limbs, hyperreflexia and loss of sensation by physical examination, lab tests and radiological investigations (MRI).

Safety and Efficacy of Infusional Perioperative Tacrolimus Therapy in Crohn's Disease Patients Undergoing Intestinal Resection.

Introduction: Perioperative optimization of Crohn's disease (CD) patients is mandatory in order to ensure favorable outcomes and limit perioperative morbidity such as anastomosis-related complications. The use of perioperative tacrolimus may offer beneficial inflammatory control and improve postoperative outcome. However, it also may exhibit unwanted effects of immunosuppression on infectious complications and wound healing.

A Network Control Theory of Dynamic Systems Approach to Personalize Therapy.

Contemporary latent disease models of psychopathology have shown limited clinical utility and the efficacy of conventional treatments have been disappointing. An alternative approach offers the network approach and a dynamic systems perspective to psychopathology and treatment change. To understand and modify dynamic systems, engineering and mathematics have been relying on principles of network control theory.

Clinical improvements after endoscopic lung volume reduction with valves in patients with advanced emphysema and a 6-min walk test ≤140 m at baseline.

Background: Data regarding the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic lung volume reduction with valves (ELVR) in emphysema patients with a very low 6-min walk test (6MWT) are limited. Patients with severe emphysema and very low exercise capacity, as indicated by a 6MWT ≤140 m, are often excluded from clinical studies on ELVR, assuming limited therapeutic benefits and increased complication risk.

Study Designs And Methods: This study utilised data from the Lungenemphysemregister e.

Proton and Carbon Ion Beam Spot Size Measurement Using 5 Different Detector Types.

Purpose: The spot size of scanned particle beams is of crucial importance for the correct dose delivery and, therefore, plays a significant role in the quality assurance (QA) of pencil beam scanning ion beam therapy.

Materials And Methods: This study compares 5 detector types-radiochromic film, ionization chamber (IC) array, flat panel detector, multiwire chamber, and IC-for measuring the spot size of proton and carbon ion beams.

Results: Variations of up to 30% were found between detectors, underscoring the impact of detector choice on QA outcomes.

Supported Mindfulness-Based Self-Help Intervention as an Adjunctive Treatment for Rapid Symptom Change in Emotional Disorders: A Practice-Oriented Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Rapid symptom relief is crucial for individuals with emotional disorders. The current study aimed to determine whether facilitator-supported mindfulness-based self-help (MBSH) intervention as an adjunctive treatment could provide rapid improvement for individuals with emotional disorders.

Methods: A practice-oriented randomized controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 302 patients with emotional disorders from four centers.

A truncated variant of the ribosome-associated trigger factor specifically contributes to plant chloroplast ribosome biogenesis.

Molecular chaperones are essential throughout a protein's life and act already during protein synthesis. Bacteria and chloroplasts of plant cells share the ribosome-associated chaperone trigger factor (Tig1 in plastids), facilitating maturation of emerging nascent polypeptides. While typical trigger factor chaperones employ three domains for their task, the here described truncated form, Tig2, contains just the ribosome binding domain.

Oral obeldesivir provides postexposure protection against Marburg virus in nonhuman primates.

The recent outbreak of Marburg virus (MARV) in Rwanda underscores the need for effective countermeasures against this highly fatal pathogen, with case fatality rates reaching 90%. Currently, no vaccines or approved treatments exist for MARV infection, distinguishing it from related viruses like Ebola. Our research demonstrates that the oral drug obeldesivir (ODV), a nucleoside analog prodrug, shows promising antiviral activity against filoviruses in vitro and offers significant protection in animal models.

Recurrent negative autobiographical memories and mental health.

Background: Recurrent symptom-relevant negative autobiographical memories are common in patients with emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, even among those without a trauma-related diagnosis. Recurrent negative autobiographical memories may also contribute to distress in non-clinical populations.

Methods: To examine the prevalence of recurrent negative autobiographical memories and associated psychological features, we recruited a student sample ( = 101) and a treatment-seeking sample of patients with emotional disorders ( = 123).

From Isolation to Application: Utilising Phage-Antibiotic Synergy in Murine Bacteremia Model to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis.

Enterococcus species, natural inhabitants of the human gut, have become major causes of life-threatening bloodstream infections (BSIs) and the third most frequent cause of hospital-acquired bacteremia. The rise of high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR) in enterococcal isolates complicates treatment and revives bacteriophage therapy. This study isolated and identified forty E.