Search Results (323)

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness around the world and is characterized as a group of irreversible optic neuropathies with multiple risk factors such as age, race/ethnicity, sex, and intraocular pressure (IOP), amongst many others that play a role in disease etiology. However, IOP is the only modifiable risk factor, with higher IOP often causing increased damage to the optic nerve, resulting in the vast majority of medical and surgical treatments aiming to reduce IOP. There are a number of interventions available to treat glaucoma including micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), whose usage has drastically increased due to its safety and efficacy. Studies also highlight the IOP-reducing effect of cataract surgery, which is the most common procedure performed globally. However, other, more targeted therapies and surgeries have been shown to have a more significant effect on IOP reduction. The objective of this study is to compare the IOP and medication reduction between cataract surgery (CS), MIGS, and MIGS and cataract surgery (MACS) clinical trials. Methods: This analysis consisted of publicly available data on CS, MIGS, and MACS clinical trials from 2005 to 2017 using ClinicalTrials.gov. Data reporting and synthesis adhered to PRISMA guidelines. MIGS interventions studied in this analysis include iStent^®, CyPass^® Micro-Stent, Ex-PRESS^®, Hydrus^®, PRESERFLO^™ MicroShunt, and XEN^® Gel Stent. The main variables of interest are the mean IOP and mean number of glaucoma medications used. The primary outcomes were the baseline, post-procedure, and reduction in IOP and glaucoma medication use. Cohorts were further subdivided by the follow-up period (6, 12, and 24 months), as well as their medicated or unmedicated status for pre-op IOP measurement. PROSPERO CRD42025102892. Results: A total of 21 trials were included in this review, comprising 3330 clinical trial participants: 7 CS trials (N = 570), 13 MIGS trials (N = 1577), and 9 MACS trials (N = 1183). All interventions studied resulted in a decrease in both the IOP and medication usage with varying degrees. At 12 months, the wash-out baseline IOP reduction (mmHg) was 6.9 (27.5%) for CS, 8.8 (34.0%) for MIGS, and 8.2 (32.6%) for MACS. The medication reduction was 0.8 (56.1%) following CS, 1.0 (39.5%) for MIGS, and 1.3 (86.4%) for MACS. At 24 months, the wash-out baseline IOP reduction was 6.3 (25.1%) for CS, 8.4 (33.1%) for MIGS, and 7.6 (30.1%) for MACS. At 24 months, the medication reduction was 0.9 (58.3%) for CS, 1.5 (79.8%) for MIGS, and 1.3 (86.1%) for MACS. Conclusions: The results indicate that CS, MIGS, and MACS all result in a decrease in the IOP and glaucoma medications; however, MIGS and MACS outperform CS in IOP and medication reduction. Adopting MIGS and MACS for patients with ocular hypertension or mild-to-moderate glaucoma will help improve patient outcomes through reducing the IOP and medication burden. Given that glaucoma affects certain populations to a greater degree, future research analyzing racial representation is critical in ensuring the appropriate applicability of clinical trial results toward diverse populations. Full article

Background: This study aims to present the clinical outcomes, safety profile, and mid-term results of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in eyes with failed trabeculectomy. Methods: The studied group consisted of 62 patients after failed trabeculectomy. All patients underwent GATT, as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract surgery (Phaco-GATT), between 2021 and 2023 and had at least 12 months of follow-up. The patients were examined at 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery, with evaluation of visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma drops, and possible surgical complications. Results: The mean IOP before surgery was 37.22 ± 9.07 mmHg, and after the GATT procedure, it significantly decreased to 15.91 ± 5.28 mmHg at the 12-month follow-up. A comparison of patients with one or more previous antiglaucoma procedures showed no differences. A comparison of the degrees of successful canulating and deroofing of Schlemm’s canal revealed no statistical significance concerning IOP values or the number of medications. When comparing the IOP between the patients after standalone GATT and Phaco-GATT, a tendency for higher IOP values in the latter group was observed. In 21 (33.3%) patients, hyphema affecting visual acuity was observed early after surgery, which resolved spontaneously. Six patients (9.7%) needed additional surgery to obtain the target pressure. Conclusions: GATT is an effective and safe IOP-lowering surgical option in open-angle glaucoma patients with failed trabeculectomy. Full article

In many areas such as the automotive, aircraft, and building industries, the high-strength aluminum alloy Al 7075 is frequently used due to its appropriate properties as a lightweight structural material. However, due to modest weldability, it is challenging to obtain high-quality welds with suitable mechanical properties, as cracks are generated while welding. Moreover, in order to avoid post-welding heat treatments and the use of complex welding equipment, in this paper the Al 7075 alloy is welded with MIG under longitudinal vibrations by using the Al 4043 alloy as filler material. As a consequence of strengthening the HAZ through precipitation, the mechanical and structural properties of the welded joints can be improved. These are investigated both under longitudinal forced vibrations at 50 Hz and without such vibrations. The results reveal improvements in terms of reducing the risk of hot cracking, obtaining a band structure free of porosity of the welds, improving the hardness of the welds under vibrations by 8.7% to 12.5%, and improving the tensile strength of the plates welded under vibrations by 12 to 15.5% in comparison to no vibrations. In relation to other welding procedures, the proposed procedure is more cost-effective and the weld quality is improved during the welding process. Full article

Background and Objectives: SARS-CoV-2 infection initiates at mucosal surfaces, and mucosal immunity may influence the nature and severity of infection. Little is known about the induction of mucosal immunity by vaccination in COVID-19 convalescents. Methods: Sera from 205 healthcare workers were collected one month after the first Covishield vaccination and 1/3/6 months after the second vaccination, while paired sera and stimulated whole-mouth fluid (SWMF) was collected 1/3/6 months after the third vaccination (N = 10) and at 0/30/90 days after a COVID-19 episode (N = 8). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody detection by ECLIA/ELISA and cytokine detection by ELISA/CBA were performed. Results: One month post-second vaccination, serum antibodies had increased significantly (6-fold) in the COVID-19-naïve group (CNG) but declined (1.5-fold) in the previously COVID-19-exposed group (CEG), who already had high antibody titres. The serum regulatory cytokine IL-10 levels were higher after three antigen exposures (p = 0.0002). New infections (breakthrough infections—BTIs) or reinfections (RIs) with asymptomatic/mild disease occurred in 44% of the CNG and 27% of the CEG (p < 0.01). The mucosal cytokine IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the CEG. Salivary IgG/IgA and secretory IgA antibodies were detectable both after vaccination and COVID-19. Innate cytokines (MIG, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-1β) were higher and sustained in SWMF in contrast to serum. Conclusions: Two vaccinations in the CNG resulted in an antibody boost, but the second vaccination in the CEG induced antibody anergy. Serum/mucosal antibodies declined by six months after vaccination, but the rapid increase at subsequent exposures were indicative of a good T cell/B cell memory response to SARS-CoV-2. A higher percentage of BTI among the CNG than RI among the CEG may indicate better protection due to higher antibody responses in the latter group. Full article

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of plasma cells. Despite the development of increasingly advanced treatments, multiple myeloma remains challenging to cure completely. Consequently, the underlying mechanisms of this neoplasm are being investigated to identify new therapeutic targets and understand chemoresistance. A particular focus has been placed on the MM bone marrow microenvironment, with chemokines being one of its key components. This review examines the role of chemokines that activate the CXCR2 and CXCR3 receptors in both monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and MM, highlighting all CXC chemokines and their receptors, including CXCL1, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and platelet factor 4. We focus on the direct effects of selected CXC chemokines on MM cells, specifically their roles in proliferation, migration, interaction with bone marrow cells, the formation of extramedullary disease, and chemoresistance. Additionally, we explore the impact of these chemokines on the MM bone marrow microenvironment, particularly in relation to mesenchymal stromal cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, osteoclasts, M2 macrophages, and natural killer cells, as well as processes such as bone destruction and angiogenesis. Finally, we discuss the potential use of drugs targeting the two chemokine axes described, with a focus on inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy. Full article

Establishing precise welding parameters is essential to achieving the desired bead geometry and ensuring consistent quality in manufacturing processes. However, determining the optimal configuration of parameters remains a challenge, particularly when relying on limited experimental data. This study proposes the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs), with their architecture optimized via differential evolution (DE), to predict key MAG welding parameters based on target bead geometry. To address data limitations, cross-validation and data augmentation techniques were employed to enhance model generalization. In addition to the ANN model, machine learning algorithms commonly recommended for small datasets, such as K-nearest neighbors (KNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs), were implemented for comparative evaluation. The results demonstrate that all models achieved good predictive performance, with SVM showing the highest accuracy among the techniques tested, reinforcing the value of integrating traditional ML models for benchmarking purposes in low-data scenarios. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, causing irreversible vision loss. It typically begins with peripheral vision impairment and, in severe cases, leads to complete blindness. A major advancement in glaucoma treatment is Microinvasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), including trabecular bypass and ab interno trabeculectomy, which are generally used for mild to moderate glaucoma. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of iStent micro-bypass implantation and Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) goniotomy combined with phacoemulsification in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods: A review of recent studies was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Both prospective and retrospective clinical studies were included. These MIGS methods were compared for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication burden at baseline and endpoint. Results: Eleven studies involving 1925 eyes were analyzed. All studies showed that iStent (first- and second-generation) micro-bypass implantation and KDB goniotomy reduced IOP, favoring the phaco-KDB group. Antiglaucoma medication use also decreased significantly. The success rate was sufficient and most complications were minimal. Conclusions: In conclusion, iStent implantation and KDB goniotomy offer a high safety profile, meaningful IOP reduction, a minimally invasive approach, and quick recovery. Full article

Passenger cars have unibody constructions, which means that their collision damage often involves key structural components. Successful repair requires the selection of appropriate technology and adherence to quality standards, which directly affects the safety of the vehicle’s continued operation. A commonly used method is a system of replacing damaged components with new ones, while repair by molding and forming is also possible—provided the original structural features are preserved. Automotive body repairs require advanced welding techniques and high precision. Methods such as MIG, TIG, as well as brazing and soldering have replaced older techniques, providing more efficient joining of HSS and HSLA components. Maintaining quality workmanship is crucial, as repair errors can weaken a vehicle’s structure and compromise passenger safety. This article presents the results of a study on the evaluation of the quality, microstructure, and mechanical properties of welded joints of a passenger car frame rail section made of high-strength, low-alloy steel—HSLA 320. The joints were made by three welding methods: MMA, MAG, and TIG, using different technological parameters. Microstructural analysis, non-destructive testing, and microhardness measurements made it possible to assess the impact of the chosen technology on the quality and strength of the joints. The best results were obtained for the TIG method, characterized by the highest repeatability and precision. Full article

Background: Abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE) is a rare but debilitating condition, often occurring in surgical scars after Caesarean sections. It is characterized by cyclic pain and a palpable mass, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Traditional treatments, including hormonal therapy and surgery, have limitations, prompting interest in minimally invasive techniques such as cryoablation. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of percutaneous image-guided single-probe cryoablation using liquid nitrogen for symptomatic AWE. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous image-guided single-probe cryoablation using liquid nitrogen in treating symptomatic AWE lesions, with a primary objective to assess pain relief using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 14 patients (23 lesions) treated with percutaneous cryoablation between September 2022 and April 2025. Clinical, imaging (MRI and ultrasound), and procedural data were analyzed. Pain scores (VAS scale) were assessed before treatment and at 3-month follow-up. Hydro- and/or carbo-dissection were used to protect adjacent structures. Response to treatment was evaluated with MRI and clinical follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using median, range, and percentage calculations, with comparisons made using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: A total of 23 AWE lesions were treated in 14 patients (mean age: 39.6 years). The median lesion volume was 3546 mm³, with a range from 331 mm³ (8 × 4.6 × 9 mm) to 45,448 mm³ (46 × 26 × 38 mm). Most of the lesions were located in the muscle (69.6%, n = 16), while 17.4% (n = 4) involved both muscle and subcutaneous tissue, and 13.0% (n = 3) were purely subcutaneous. Among the 23 treated lesions, 8.7% (n = 2) appeared as purely hemorrhagic, 13.0% (n = 3) as fibrotic, and 78.3% (n = 18) were classified as mixed, based on imaging characteristics. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia in 65% of cases and under sedation in 35%. Hydrodissection was used in 48% of lesions, carbo-dissection in 4%, and combined hydro–carbo-dissection in 26%. A single 13G cryoprobe was used in 83% of cases, and a 10G probe in 17%. The median ablation time was 15 min (range: 6–28 min), and the median total procedure time was 93 min (range: 22–240 min). Pain scores significantly decreased from a median of 8/10 (range: 6–10) before treatment to 0/10 (range: 0–2) at follow-up (p < 0.0001). MRI follow-up confirmed complete coverage of the ablation zone and disappearance of hemorrhagic inclusions in all cases. Two patients (14%) required re-treatment, both with satisfactory outcomes. No peri- or post-procedural complications were observed, and no visible scars were noted. Conclusions: Percutaneous cryoablation using a single probe with liquid nitrogen is a safe and effective treatment for AWE, offering significant pain relief, minimal morbidity, and excellent cosmetic outcomes. It should be considered as part of multidisciplinary care. Further prospective studies with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article

Liver fibrosis, a critical pathological feature of chronic liver injury, is closely associated with macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses and metabolic reprogramming. Blocking the fibrosis process will be beneficial to the treatment and recovery of the disease. Liver macrophages are a remarkably heterogeneous population of immune cells that play multiple functions in homeostasis and are central to liver fibrosis. Glycolysis-mediated macrophage metabolic reprogramming leads to an increase in the proportion of M1 macrophages and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of acid B (SAL B) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis. Here, we demonstrate that SAL B reduced the production of inflammatory factors in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, SAL B increased the expression of migration inhibitor 1 (MIG1) by inhibiting DNMT1-mediated methylation of the MIG1 promoter. Subsequently, MIG1 reduced the transcription of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) which blocked glycolysis-mediated macrophage M1 polarization. In summary, our results suggested that SAL B is a promising intervention for ameliorating liver fibrosis. Full article

This multicenter study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of third-generation trabecular micro-bypass implantation (iStent^® infinite) combined with phacoemulsification (n = 233 eyes). Key outcomes through 12 months included the mean change in intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of topical medications, as well as proportions achieving IOPs ≤ 18/15/12 mmHg or using 0/1/2/ ≥ 3 medications. In all eyes with 12-month follow-up data (n = 96, consistent cohort), the mean IOP reduced from 17.2 ± 4.2 mmHg preoperatively to 13.8 ± 3.0 mmHg at Month 12 (p = 0.001), while the mean number of medications reduced from 1.24 ± 0.91 preoperatively to 0.61 ± 0.96 at Month 12 (p = 0.001). The proportions of eyes achieving IOP ≤ 18/15/12 mmHg increased from 63.5%, 34.4%, and 14.6% preoperatively to 92.7%, 71.9%, and 37.5%, respectively at Month 12, (all p = 0.001). The proportions of eyes off medication increased from 16.7% preoperatively to 62.5% at Month 12 (p = 0.001). This study provides clinically relevant, real-world results that demonstrate significant reductions in IOP and the number of topical glaucoma medications required following iStent infinite trabecular micro-bypass and phacoemulsification. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of ab interno techniques using minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), specifically XEN gel stent implantation, by evaluating its 2-year outcomes in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG). Methods: This retrospective single-center study consecutively included 31 eyes of 31 patients with POAG or PXG who underwent XEN gel stent implantation. Patients were followed for 24 months, with assessments at multiple time points. Success was defined as achieving an IOP of less than 14 mmHg and a reduction of more than 20% from preoperative IOP without additional glaucoma surgery. Bleb morphology was evaluated using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and slit-lamp photographs. Postoperative interventions and complications were also recorded. Results: At 24 months, complete success and qualified success rates were 35.5% (11/31) and 51.6% (16/31), respectively. There was no difference in surgical success rates at 2 years based on the tip location (intraconjunctiva, intratenon, and uviform) on the 1st postoperative day. Patients with high sparse wall on AS-OCT imaging or avascular bleb morphology via slit-lamp photography at 6 months postoperatively had higher complete success rates at 2 years than those without (p = 0.007, p = 0.009, respectively). Patients with avascular bleb types at 6 months postoperatively had higher qualified success rates at 2 years compared with the vascular types (p = 0.038). Needling was performed in 32.3% of eyes, with secondary surgical procedures required in 16.1% of eyes. The most common adverse event was hypotony, occurring in 67.7% of eyes on the 1st postoperative day but resolving within 6 months. Conclusions: The ab interno XEN gel stent is an effective and minimally invasive option for managing POAG and PXG, with long-term success predicted by the AS-OCT assessment of bleb morphology at 6 months. Proactive postoperative management, emphasizing early intervention and monitoring, is crucial for maintaining optimal outcomes. Full article

Aim: To compare the three-year surgical outcomes among the Kahook dual blade (KDB), Tanito microhook (TMH), T-hook, and 360° suture trabeculotomy (S-lot) cohorts. Study design: Retrospective interventional comparative study conducted at a single eye center. Subjects and Methods: A total of 224 eyes that underwent combined cataract surgery with either KDB, TMH, T-hook, or S-lot procedures were retrospectively analyzed over the three-year period. Results: According to Tukey’s multiple comparison test, postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) in the S-lot cohort was significantly lower than in the TMH cohort from 1 month to 3 years (p = 0.01 to <0.001), lower than in the KDB cohort between 6 months and 1 year (p = 0.026 to <0.001), and lower than in the T-hook cohort at 1 month (p = 0.012) and from 6 to 12 months (p < 0.001). The survival probability of achieving ≤15 mmHg and ≤18 mmHg in the S-lot cohort was significantly better than in others by p < 0.001 and 0.005, respectively. At 3 months, the T-hook cohort showed significantly lower IOP than the TMH cohort (p = 0.029), and at 1 week, IOP was marginally lower than in the KDB (p = 0.063) and TMH (p = 0.052) cohorts, based on Dunnett’s test. However, no significant differences in postoperative IOP were observed among the three sectorial canal-opening surgery (COS) groups beyond 6 months. Conclusions: Among the four MIGS cohorts, S-lot provided the most substantial mid-term postoperative IOP reduction. The T-hook cohort showed marginally superior IOP reduction at 1 week compared to the KDB and TMH groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the ab externo open-conjunctiva (AEO) approach with adjunctive Ologen collagen matrix (OCM) compared to ab interno closed-conjunctiva (AIC) techniques for XEN45 gel stent implantation in patients with refractory open-angle glaucoma. The goal was to determine whether the AEO with OCM approach offers advantages in intraocular pressure (IOP) control and postoperative outcomes. Methods: A retrospective, comparative case series was conducted on 76 eyes from 76 patients with open-angle glaucoma who underwent XEN45 implantation between 2017 and 2022 at a single tertiary center. The patients were divided into Group 1 (AEO with OCM, n = 47) and Group 2 (AIC, n = 29). Postoperative IOP, the number of glaucoma medications, surgical complications, bleb revisions, and failure rates were recorded over 12 months. The AEO technique, supported by OCM, was assessed for its potential to reduce postoperative fibrosis and improve long-term outcomes. Results: Both groups experienced significant IOP reductions over time compared to baseline. However, Group 1 had superior outcomes, requiring fewer glaucoma medications postoperatively (p < 0.05), and demonstrated lower rates of complications (10.6% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.026) and bleb revisions (8.5% vs. 34.5%, p = 0.005). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed significantly greater cumulative surgical success in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The AEO with OCM approach to XEN45 implantation may provide improved safety and efficacy compared to the AIC approach. It appears to be beneficial in minimizing postoperative fibrosis, reducing the medication burden, and lowering complication and failure rates. Prospective randomized trials are needed to validate these findings. Full article

At weaning, piglets deal with numerous changes and stressors, which can lead to reduced feed intake, digestive disturbances, and gut inflammation. In this context, there is a compelling need to develop new and innovative nutritional strategies aimed at restoring intestinal balance in piglets after weaning and controlling the weaning-associated intestinal inflammation. This study investigated the effect of a diet, including a synbiotic additive (a mix of grape seed and camelina meals as the prebiotic and a lactobacilli mixture as the probiotic) on intestinal inflammation in piglets after weaning. An acute inflammation was induced by the intraperitoneally challenge with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experimental groups were as follows: Control group (piglets fed a conventional corn-soybean meal-based diet), LPS group (piglets fed the Control diet and challenged with 80 µg/b.w. of LPS), SYN group (piglets fed a basal diet, including 5% prebiotic mix and 0.1% probiotic mix, SYN diet), and SYN+LPS group (piglets fed the SYN diet and challenged with 80 µg/b.w. of LPS). Using genomic and proteomic techniques, genes and proteins related to intestinal inflammation were measured in both the jejunum and colon. The results showed that the LPS challenge induced an exacerbated inflammatory response in the jejunum and colon of piglets, inducing an overexpression of a large palette of inflammation-related mediators, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)—IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha—TNF-α), and chemokines (e.g., monokine induced by interferon-gamma—MIG, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted—RANTES). All these effects are prevented by the SYN diet, which controls the amplitude of intestinal inflammation induced by the LPS challenge in piglets. Overall, these results suggested that piglets, after weaning, fed the synbiotic diet are less susceptible to the LPS challenge. This diet might be used as a nutritional strategy to alleviate intestinal inflammation in piglets after weaning. Full article