bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El rol de la Suprema Corte de Justicia ante la judicialización de la salud en Uruguay. Aportes para la descripción de la cultura jurídica uruguayaThe Role of the Supreme Court of Justice in the judicialization of healthcare in Uruguay. Contributions to the description of Uruguayan legal culture
Authors: Antía Florencia , Giudice Graña Lucía , Vairo Daniela
Published: January 2024

In the last 15 years, Uruguay has witnessed a process of judicialization of health care, carried out through litigation by hundreds of plaintiffs demanding access to high-cost medicines (HCMs) and challenging the constitutionality of laws regulating them. The case of Uruguay is interesting and informative because judicialization is occurring in a country with a comparatively robust health system and a traditionally deferential Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ). The study contributes to the literature on legal culture by examining a largely unexplored case, based on an analysis of the role played by the SCJ in reviewing the constitutionality of laws regulating access to HCMs. The systematic study of the Court’s conceptions reveals the existence of three stages in terms of the (un)constitutionality of the challenged regulation and the nature of the arguments invoked. These shifts coincide with the frequent changes in the composition of the Court and suggest the coexistence of different legal cultures.
Dynamics of carbon substrate competition among heterotrophic microorganisms
Authors: McNichol Samuel M , Sanchez-Quete Fernando , Loeb Stephanie K , Teske Andreas P , Shah Walter Sunita R , Mahmoudi Nagissa
Published: January 2024

Growing evidence suggests that interactions among heterotrophic microorganisms influence the efficiency and rate of organic matter turnover. These interactions are dynamic and shaped by the composition and availability of resources in their surrounding environment. Heterotrophic microorganisms inhabiting marine environments often encounter fluctuations in the quality and quantity of carbon inputs, ranging from simple sugars to large, complex compounds. Here, we experimentally tested how the chemical complexity of carbon substrates affects competition and growth dynamics between two heterotrophic marine isolates. We tracked cell density using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and measured rates of microbial CO2 production along with associated isotopic signatures (13C and 14C) to quantify the impact of these interactions on organic matter remineralization. The observed cell densities revealed substrate-driven interactions: one species exhibited a competitive advantage and quickly outgrew the other when incubated with a labile compound whereas both species seemed to coexist harmoniously in the presence of more complex organic matter. Rates of CO2 respiration revealed that coincubation of these isolates enhanced organic matter turnover, sometimes by nearly 2-fold, compared to their incubation as mono-cultures. Isotopic signatures of respired CO2 indicated that coincubation resulted in a greater remineralization of macromolecular organic matter. These results demonstrate that simple substrates promote competition whereas high substrate complexity reduces competitiveness and promotes the partitioning of degradative activities into distinct niches, facilitating coordinated utilization of the carbon pool. Taken together, this study yields new insight into how the quality of organic matter plays a pivotal role in determining microbial interactions within marine environments.
Are associations between physical activity and bone mineral density in adults sex- and age-dependent? An analysis of the UK Biobank study
Authors: Montgomery Gallin , Yusuf Mohamed , Cooper Rachel , Ireland Alex
Published: January 2024

Although physical activity (PA) is recognized as a key bone mass determinant across life, athlete studies suggest that it may be less effective in women and older individuals. This has not been explored within the general population. We aimed to address this knowledge gap using data from the UK Biobank Study, a large population-based study of middle-aged and older adults. Free-living PA data collected at 100 Hz for 7 d using wrist-worn accelerometers were classified as sedentary behavior (0–29 milligravities [mg]), light (30–124 mg), or moderate-to-vigorous PA (125 + mg). LS and FN-BMD were assessed using DXA. The associations between PA and BMD were assessed using linear regression models, with formal assessments of sex and age interactions undertaken and adjustments made for accelerometer wear time, height, body mass index, education, ethnicity, disability, and (in women only) menopausal status. In total, 15 133 UK Biobank participants (52% women) had complete PA, bone, and covariate data. In this sample, greater overall and moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with higher LS BMD. In women, these associations were typically weaker in older individuals, for example, regression coefficients in women aged 70 yr or older were ~50% lower than at 45–54 yr (age-by-PA interactions P < .01 in all models). Similar associations were observed in basic but not full models for FN BMD. Greater sedentary time was associated with lower LS BMD in men only, and greater light PA and sedentary time were associated with higher and lower FN BMD, respectively, in both sexes. These results suggest that associations between PA and bone health at clinically-relevant sites are weaker in older than younger women. That positive associations are evident between overall and moderate-vigorous PA and FN BMD even in women ≥70 yr suggests that PA for bone health should still be promoted in older women.
Computational investigation of thermal process in radiated nanofluid modulation influenced by nanoparticles (Al2O3) and molecular (H2O) diameters
Authors: Bani-Fwaz Mutasem Z ,   Adnan , Mahmood Zafar , Bilal Muhammad , EI-Zahhar Adel A , Khan Ilyas , Niazai Shafiullah
Published: January 2024

The study of variety of Newtonian nanofluids subject to various physical model parameters gained much interest of engineers and scientists. Owing to their coolant and absorption characteristics, these are broadly found in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering (expansion and contraction of veins and arteries), detection of cancer cells through magnetic nanoparticles, microchips, and particularly in petroleum industry. This study focuses on investigation of nanofluid heat transfer applications inside a channel formed by expanding/contracting walls. A new heat transport model is introduced by adding the effects of nanoparticles and molecular diameters, thermal radiations, and walls permeability. Then, numerical code for the model is developed and executed to analyze the dynamics of the model from physical aspects. For expanding (${\alpha }_1 = 1.0,2.0,3.0,4.0$) and contracting (${\alpha }_1 = - 1.0, - 2.0, - 3.0, - 4.0$) walls, the velocity is examined maximum in the channel center. However, the fluid movement in the working domain is in reverse proportion for ${Re} = 1.0,3.0,5.0,7.0$. Further, high absorbent walls (${A}_1 = 0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7$) controlled the motion for both ${\alpha }_1 > 0$ and ${\alpha }_1 < 0$, respectively. The addition of thermal radiation number ${Rd} = 0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7$ played the role of catalytic parameter which imperatively increased the fluid temperature. Further, contracting walls and temperature ratio number ${\theta }_r = 0.1,0.3,0.5,0.7$ reduced the temperature and this decrease is rapid in conventional fluid.
Effects of mosquito age and batch size on knockdown and mortality of laboratory-reared Anopheles dirus, Anopheles minimus, and wild-caught Anopheles harrisoni (Diptera: Culicidae) exposed to transfluthrin using WHO tube and CDC bottle bioassays
Authors: Saeung Manop , Ngoen-Klan Ratchadawan , Yan Chanly , Kerdsawang Jutamas , Nararak Jirod , Manguin Sylvie , Hii Jeffrey , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap
Published: January 2024

WHO tube and CDC bottle bioassays are currently available for insecticide resistance monitoring and malaria transmission research. Multiple parameters including mosquito density, age, and nutritional status may affect the readout in these bioassays’ tests. This study aims to assess the effects of experimental factors on knockdown and mortality measurements in dominant malaria vectors in Thailand following exposure to sublethal and lethal doses of transfluthrin. The effects of (i) 3 different mosquito batch sizes (5, 10, and 20 individuals) and (ii) 2 age groups (3–5 and 20–23 days old) on outcomes measured using the WHO tube (14.7 µg/cm2) and CDC bottle bioassay discriminating concentration (0.006 µg/cm2) against 2 laboratory strains: Anopheles dirus Peyton & Harrison and Anopheles minimus Theobald (species A) and wild-caught Anopheles harrisoni Harbach & Manguin (species C). Our results showed higher knockdown at 1-h exposure using WHO tube and CDC bottle bioassays containing 20 individuals compared to batches containing 10 and 5 individuals. Older mosquitoes showed greater susceptibility than younger test population, especially for An. mininus. Our study supports WHO recommendations for using 3- to 5-day-old mosquitoes. It also validates Praulin et al. (2022) proposal to divide the cohort into smaller batches with more test replicates when it is not practicable to test 25 mosquitoes per replicate.
Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in a patient with prostate cancer complicated by benign prostate hypertrophy with middle lobe hypertrophy
Authors: Kawamura Yoshiaki , Uchida Takato , Umemoto Tatsuya , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Nitta Masahiro , Hasegawa Masanori , Shoji Sunao , Miyajima Akira
Published: January 2024

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is difficult in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition causing frequent urination, because of the large prostate volume and particularly true when BPH is accompanied by an enlarged middle lobe. To overcome this difficulty, some surgeons elevate the middle lobe with a third arm or tow the urethral catheter to the edge to identify the resection line. Herein, we describe a method for lifting a prostate with an enlarged middle lobe, which was successfully applied in a patient with prostate cancer and BPH. This technique can help identify the resection line between the bladder and prostate, reducing surgical difficulty and the number of unnecessary sutures.
Generalization Across Experimental Parameters in Neural Network Analysis of High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy Datasets
Authors: Sytwu Katherine , Rangel DaCosta Luis , Scott Mary C
Published: January 2024

Neural networks are promising tools for high-throughput and accurate transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of nanomaterials, but are known to generalize poorly on data that is “out-of-distribution” from their training data. Given the limited set of image features typically seen in high-resolution TEM imaging, it is unclear which images are considered out-of-distribution from others. Here, we investigate how the choice of metadata features in the training dataset influences neural network performance, focusing on the example task of nanoparticle segmentation. We train and validate neural networks across curated, experimentally collected high-resolution TEM image datasets of nanoparticles under various imaging and material parameters, including magnification, dosage, nanoparticle diameter, and nanoparticle material. Overall, we find that our neural networks are not robust across microscope parameters, but do generalize across certain sample parameters. Additionally, data preprocessing can have unintended consequences on neural network generalization. Our results highlight the need to understand how dataset features affect deployment of data-driven algorithms.
Comparison of high-throughput single-cell RNA-seq methods for ex vivo drug screening
Authors: Gezelius Henrik , Enblad Anna Pia , Lundmark Anders , Åberg Martin , Blom Kristin , Rudfeldt Jakob , Raine Amanda , Harila Arja , Rendo Verónica , Heinäniemi Merja , Andersson Claes , Nordlund Jessica
Published: January 2024

Functional precision medicine (FPM) aims to optimize patient-specific drug selection based on the unique characteristics of their cancer cells. Recent advancements in high throughput ex vivo drug profiling have accelerated interest in FPM. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study for an integrated experimental system that incorporates ex vivo treatment response with a single-cell gene expression output enabling barcoding of several drug conditions in one single-cell sequencing experiment. We demonstrate this through a proof-of-concept investigation focusing on the glucocorticoid-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) E/R+ Reh cell line. Three different single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) approaches were evaluated, each exhibiting high cell recovery and accurate tagging of distinct drug conditions. Notably, our comprehensive analysis revealed variations in library complexity, sensitivity (gene detection), and differential gene expression detection across the methods. Despite these differences, we identified a substantial transcriptional response to fludarabine, a highly relevant drug for treating high-risk ALL, which was consistently recapitulated by all three methods. These findings highlight the potential of our integrated approach for studying drug responses at the single-cell level and emphasize the importance of method selection in scRNA-seq studies. Finally, our data encompassing 27 327 cells are freely available to extend to future scRNA-seq methodological comparisons.
scBiG for representation learning of single-cell gene expression data based on bipartite graph embedding
Authors: Li Ting , Qian Kun , Wang Xiang , Li Wei Vivian , Li Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data remains a challenge due to its high dimensionality, sparsity and technical noise. Recognizing the benefits of dimensionality reduction in simplifying complexity and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio, we introduce scBiG, a novel graph node embedding method designed for representation learning in scRNA-seq data. scBiG establishes a bipartite graph connecting cells and expressed genes, and then constructs a multilayer graph convolutional network to learn cell and gene embeddings. Through a series of extensive experiments, we demonstrate that scBiG surpasses commonly used dimensionality reduction techniques in various analytical tasks. Downstream tasks encompass unsupervised cell clustering, cell trajectory inference, gene expression reconstruction and gene co-expression analysis. Additionally, scBiG exhibits notable computational efficiency and scalability. In summary, scBiG offers a useful graph neural network framework for representation learning in scRNA-seq data, empowering a diverse array of downstream analyses.
Early vs delayed insertion of penile prosthesis in patients with refractory priapism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elmarasi Mohamed , Alsaeedi Ahmad , Elmakaty Ibrahim , Elsayed Basel , Khalil Ibrahim A , Aldeeb Maya , Khalafalla Kareim , Al Kubaisi Khalid , Arafa Mohamed , Majzoub Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Refractory priapism, characterized by persistent and prolonged painful erections despite initial treatment maneuvers, can significantly impair erectile function secondary to ischemia-induced corporal tissue fibrosis. These patients will likely require subsequent penile prosthesis (PP) surgery to regain sexual activity, yet consensus regarding the optimal timing of implantation remains lacking.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes associated with early vs delayed PP implantation in individuals with priapism-induced erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

We included studies that focused on refractory priapism leading to ED and its management with PP implantation. We assessed cohort study bias with a risk-of-bias tool and case series bias with the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by a fixed-effect model.

Results

We included 9 studies, comprising 4 cohort studies and 5 case series, involving a total of 278 patients. Total complications were higher in the delayed group (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.77-6.26). Fibrosis was significantly more pronounced in the delayed group (OR, 118.18; 95% CI, 20.06-696.32). The odds of erosion, infections, and penile injury did not show statistically significant differences between the groups (OR, 2.52 [95% CI, 0.67-9.49], 0.89 [0.38-2.10], 1.83 [0.79-4.26], respectively). Patients’ satisfaction resulted in a pooled OR of 0.15 (95% CI, 0.04-0.49) in favor of the early PP insertion group.

Conclusion

The results from this study favor an early approach to ED (within 30 days) following ischemic priapism. However, it is important to consider patients’ preferences, values, and psychological factors to make an informed decision.
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Gallagher Daniel O. , Taghlabi Khaled M. , Bondar Kevin , Saifi Comron
Published: January 2024

Study Design:

Narrative review.

Objective:

To provide an overview of the evaluation and diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Summary of Background Data:

DCM describes several etiologies of degenerative, nontraumatic spinal cord impairment. Early diagnosis and intervention can decrease neurological decline.

Methods:

An extensive literature review was conducted.

Results:

The incidence and prevalence of DCM are increasing worldwide. Asymptomatic spinal cord compression can progress to cervical myelopathy. Static and dynamic factors contribute to spinal cord compression. Patients frequently present with decreased manual dexterity, gait instability, and neck pain. On physical exam, patients frequently present with upper motor neuron signs, a Lhermitte sign, a failed Romberg test, global proprioceptive dysfunction, and decreased pain sensation. Anatomic variation may complicate physical exam interpretation. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale and Nurick Classification, based on functional impairment, provide diagnostic utility. Magnetic Resonance Imaging imaging is useful in narrowing the differential diagnosis, evaluating the severity of neurological impairment, and predicting disease progression.

Conclusions:

Understanding the pathophysiology of DCM and the diagnostic utility of the signs and symptoms of DCM is critical. The decision for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), laminoplasty, or combined ACDF and posterior cervical fusion is individualized for each patient.
The Impact of Long COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: McMaster Matthew W. , Dey Subo , Fishkin Tzvi , Wang Andy , Frishman William H. , Aronow Wilbert S.
Published: January 2024

Long coronavirus disease (COVID) is the development or persistence of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. Fewer patients are developing acute COVID-19 infections, but patients with long COVID continue to have alarming long-term sequelae. Many cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies show significant changes in cardiac structure after a COVID-19 infection, suggestive of an increased burden of many cardiovascular diseases, notably myocarditis. The pathophysiology of COVID-19 requires viral binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein receptors throughout the body, which are upregulated by inflammation. Consequently, the numerous preexisting conditions that worsen or prolong inflammation enhance this binding and have differing effects on patients based on their unique immune systems. These pathophysiological changes drive long COVID cardiac sequelae such as inappropriate sinus tachycardia, postural orthostatic tachycardia, and other types of orthostatic intolerance. Increased screening for long COVID and low-risk interventions such as exercise regimens could alleviate the suffering endured by patients with long COVID. Many studies such as the Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Initiative (RECOVER) trials at the National Institutes of Health are exploring potential treatments for long COVID patients.
The Benefits of Using Platelet-rich Plasma with Dermal Substitutes for Extremity Posttraumatic Skin Defects: A Short-term Outcome
Authors: Darwish Yasmine G. , Gharbia Mohamed , Sobhi Ahmed M. , Aborady Ahmed F.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Skin injuries are very common. Skin grafting is an ongoing wound management procedure. The artificial dermis, PELNAC, has been considered in the treatment of several acute and chronic skin injuries. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma with a platelet count higher than the baseline. It is presumed to act in a synergetic pattern to promote the healing of wounds. This study was conducted to assess the potential benefit of adding PRP to PELNAC as adjuvant therapy in treating posttraumatic skin.

Methods:

In this study, adult patients who were admitted to the hospital with extremity traumatic skin and soft tissue defects with exposed bare bone, exposed tendons, or exposed cartilage in the period between October 2019 and March 2021 were allocated to either being managed with dermal substitute (PELNAC) together with PRP (group I) or PELNAC alone (group II).

Results:

Patients in group I showed a higher mean graft take rate and a lower mean time for neovascularization of the acellular dermal matrix, with a statistically highly significant difference. The Vancouver Scar Scale values showed no significant difference in either group. The PRP-treated group showed statistically significant shorter hospital stays.

Conclusions:

The addition of PRP to the treatment protocol showed better outcomes in terms of graft take rate, time for neovascularization of acellular dermal matrix, and length of hospital stay, with no side effects. The present study findings emphasize the promising outcome of PRP in addition to the standard treatment of complex wounds to achieve rapid and safe healing.
Nontyphoidal Salmonella Outbreaks Associated With Chocolate Consumption: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patà Zacharie , Faré Pietro B. , Lava Sebastiano A. G. , Milani Gregorio P. , Bianchetti Mario G. , Janett Simone , Hunjan Isabella , Kottanattu Lisa
Published: January 2024

Background:

A large, cross-border outbreak of nontyphoidal salmonellosis connected to chocolate product consumption was recently reported. This occurrence motivated us to conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature concerning outbreaks of nontyphoidal salmonellosis associated with chocolate consumption.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42022369023) in 3 databases: U.S. National Library of Medicine, Web of Science and Excerpta Medica. Google Scholar and the bibliography of each identified report were also screened. Eligible were articles published after 1970, describing outbreaks of more than 10 patients with a nontyphoidal salmonellosis associated with chocolate consumption.

Results:

Twenty-three articles were included, which described 12 outbreaks involving a total of 3266 patients. All outbreaks occurred in high-income countries: 1 was limited to 1 city, 6 involved 1 country and the remaining 5 involved 2 or more countries. Six outbreaks peaked in winter, 3 in autumn, 2 in spring and 1 in summer. Children were mainly affected. No predominant serotype was identified.

Conclusions:

Our data documents that chocolate is an optimal medium for the transmission of nontyphoidal salmonellosis. A connected worldwide reporting system including high-income, middle-income and low-income countries is crucial to detect infectious diseases outbreaks in an early phase and avoid their spread.
Impact of preoperative infection on the outcomes of liver transplant recipients: a national propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Xiang Ze , Song Yisu , Liu Jianrong , Xu Chenhao , Zhou Zhisheng , Li Jiarui , Su Renyi , Shu Wenzhi , Lu Zhengyang , Wei Xuyong , Yang Jiayin , Yang Yang , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: January 2024

Background:

Impact of preoperative infection on liver transplantation (LT) needs further investigation.

Materials and methods:

From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022, 24 122 eligible patients receiving LT were enrolled from the China Liver Transplant Registry database. The outcomes of LT were compared after using the propensity score-matched analysis.

Results:

Compared to the noninfection group, patients in the infection group were more likely to have postoperative effusion, infection, abdominal bleeding, and biliary complications (all P<0.01), and they had shorter 30-day, 90-day survival, and overall survival (all P<0.01). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that MELD score and cold ischemia time were risk factors for the overall survival in the infection group (both P<0.05). Besides, compared to the nonpulmonary group, patients in the pulmonary group were more likely to have postoperative effusion and infection (both P<0.0001), and less likely to have postoperative abscess and early allograft dysfunction (both P<0.05). Patients in the nonabdominal group also had a higher proportion of postoperative infection than those in the abdominal group (P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the number=1 group, patients in the number ≥2 group were more prone to postoperative effusion and infection (both P<0.01), and they also had shorter 30-day and 90-day survival (both P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Preoperative infection can result in a higher incidence of early postoperative complications and shorter survival in liver transplant recipients. The types and number of infection sites will also influence the prognosis of liver transplant recipients.
Surgical Treatment of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Scalp With Intracranial and Extracranial Extension
Authors: Cheng Ting-An , Shieh Shyh-Jou
Published: January 2024

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the scalp are rare neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system. Here, we describe an unusual malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the scalp in an 84-year-old Asian man. The tumor was associated with bony destruction, intracranial, and extracranial extension. Trans-arterial embolization was done twice preoperatively. En block excision was performed and the dura and soft tissue defect were reconstructed by anterolateral thigh free fasciocutaneous flap. There is no recurrence and the wound healed well during follow-up.
Subtotal Thigh Flap for Large Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstruction in Patient With Recurrent Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans
Authors: Hsieh Pei-Ju , Shi Min-Yen , Pu Chi-Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Harvesting an adequate-sized flap is challenging for reconstructing large defects on the abdominal wall. A subtotal thigh flap would be one of the choices as it provides a well-vascularized large flap with muscle components. Moreover, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a low-grade dermal neoplasm with a high recurrence rate. There is still no consensus on the extent of resection to prevent a recurrence.

Objectives

We present a case of a patient who underwent the reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect with a subtotal thigh flap after the resection of recurrent DFSP.

Materials and Methods

A 59-year-old man killed from a recurrent huge mass in the lower abdomen with an invasion of the small intestine. His baseline characteristics and records of operations, medications, and outcomes were reviewed.

Result

After tumor excision, a 28 × 30-cm subtotal thigh flap was harvested from his left thigh to reconstruct the abdominal defect. A microvascular anastomosis with left deep inferior epigastric vessels was made eventually. The flap was in good condition, and the donor site was covered with a split-thickness skin graft.

Conclusions

Subtotal thigh flap may be considered for large abdominal wall defect reconstruction as it allows good perfusion of relatively large skin paddles compared with other free flaps. Also, patients with DFSP need definite margin-free resection and close follow-up to prevent a recurrence.
“Submarine-Shaped” Radial Forearm Flap for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Oral and Lower Lip Defects”
Authors: Ribeiro Luis Mata , Peng Chi , Mustafa Al , Cheong David Chon-Fok , Hung Shao-Yu , Tsao Chung-Kan
Published: January 2024

Background

Reconstruction of the oral cavity commonly results in trismus and lip incompetence.

Aim and Objectives

In this study, we aim to describe an innovative design of a radial forearm free flap for resurfacing bilateral buccal defects and simultaneous functional lower lip reconstruction in a single stage.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2010 and December 2019, 6 males underwent simultaneous buccal and lower lip reconstruction with a radial forearm free flap. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range, 50–68 years). The defects were caused by trismus release and due to previous treatments. The mean size of the defects was 17.9 cm in length and 3.25 cm in width. Flaps were harvested, including the proximal perforators of the radial vessels, and the inset began in the buccal area opposite the anastomosis side.

Results

Flap size ranged from 16 to 21 × 2 to 4 cm. The recipient vessels used were the superficial temporal (4) and facial (2). All flaps survived. Lip infection was seen in 2 cases and managed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 19.2 months (range, 12–28 months). The mean increase in the interincisal distance was 10.7 mm. Oral continence was good in all patients. Speech intelligibility was considered total in 4 patients and partial in the remaining 2.

Conclusion

The radial forearm flap constitutes an option for simultaneous lower lip reconstruction and resurfacing of bilateral buccal areas after trismus release. The procedure provides a thin and pliable reconstruction using only 1 donor site and 1 set of recipient vessels.
Managing Diabetes Mellitus in the Emergency Department
Authors: Burnett Caitlin , Evans Dian Dowling , Mueller Kenneth
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic medical condition that continues to increase in prevalence. Complications of DM, including diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, often present in the emergency department requiring emergent management. Prompt assessment, diagnosis, evaluation of laboratory values, treatment, monitoring, and strict follow-up education are essential to the successful management of this complex disease. Common medications and management strategies are key elements to control DM. This article presents an overview of DM, including its prevalence, pathophysiology, presentations, and management.
An Evidence-Based Algorithm of Management of Heatstroke in the Emergency Department
Authors: Davis Philip , Evans Dian
Published: January 2024

Annual rates of heat illness and heat-related deaths have been increasing across the United States as more regions of the country have been experiencing heat waves of extreme ambient temperatures of prolonged durations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat illnesses have become the leading cause of weather-related deaths. This article critiques and describes the findings of a systematic review by C. Rublee et al. (2021). The review was conducted to develop an evidence-based algorithm specific for management of heatstroke in the emergency department with implications for improving recognition, initiating rapid cooling, and providing supportive care to reduce patient mortality and morbidity.
Starmerella kisarazuensis f.a., sp. nov., a novel yeast isolated from Trifolium pratense flowers
Authors: Shibayama Kaito , Miyazaki Yumiko , Ikeda Mai , Yamaguchi Kaoru , Inaba Shigeki , Yamazaki Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Three yeast isolates, NBRC 115909T, NBRC 115910 and NBRC 116270, were isolated from Trifolium pratense (red clover) flowers collected from Kisarazu, Chiba, Japan. Analysis of the sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions revealed that these isolates represent a single novel species within the genus Starmerella. Also, no ascospore formation was observed. The yeast isolates were closely related to Starmerella vitae UWOPS 00-107.2T and Starmerella bombi NRRL Y-17081T. They differed from S. vitae, the most closely related species with a validly published name, by ten nucleotide substitutions with two gaps in the D1/D2 domains and 20 nucleotide substitutions in the ITS region. Moreover, the three isolates exhibited distinct phenotypic characteristics from the closely related species. Therefore, we suggest that these three isolates represent a novel species, designated as Starmerella kisarazuensis f.a., sp. nov. The holotype is NBRC 115909T (isotype: CBS 18485T).
Fontisubflavum oceani gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the deep-sea cold seep water of South China Sea
Authors: Xu Xiu-dan , Zhou Dan-dan , Zhang Bin-zhe , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2024

In this study, we report a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, atrichous and aerobic bacterial strain named CSW1921T, which was isolated from the deep-sea water of a cold seep in South China Sea. Growth of strain CSW1921T occurred at 10.0–35.0 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0–9.0) and with 0–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0–2.0 %). Phylogenetic tree analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence or the genomic sequence indicated that strain CSW1921T belonged to the family

Rhodobacteraceae

and was closely related to

Rhodophyticola porphyridii

MA-7-27T (97.5 % sequence similarity). Genomic analysis indicated that strain CSW1921T contains a circular chromosome of 3 592 879 bp with G+C content of 60.5 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of CSW1921T was ubiquinone-10. The polar lipids of CSW1921T contained phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids of strain CSW1921T contained C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω7c 11-methyl and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c). The average nucleotide identity, DNA–DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity values between strain CSW1921T and members of its related species were 68.02–69.08 %, 12.7–12.9 % and 46.87–48.08 %, respectively, which were lower than the recommended threshold values for bacterial species or genus delineation. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological analyses suggested that strain CSW1921T represents a novel genus and a novel species of the family

Rhodobacteraceae

, and the name Fontisubflavum oceani gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain CSW1921T (=MCCC 1K08371T=KCTC 92834T).
Deep Learning Outperforms Classical Machine Learning Methods in Pediatric Brain Tumor Classification through Mass Spectra
Authors: Santos Bezerra Thais Maria , Silva de Deus Matheus , Cavalaro Felipe , Ribeiro Denise , Seidinger Ana Luiza , Cardinalli Izilda Aparecida , de Melo Porcari Andreia , de Souza Queiroz Luciano , Pedrini Helio , Meidanis Joao
Published: January 2024

Pediatric brain tumors are the most common cause of death among all childhood cancers and surgical resection usually is the first step in disease management. During surgery, it is important to perform safe gross resection of tumors, retaining as much brain tissue as possible. Therefore, appropriate resection margin delineation is extremely relevant.

Currently available methods for tissue analysis have limited precision, are time-consuming, and often require multiple invasive procedures. Our main goal is to test whether machine learning techniques are capable of classifying the pediatric brain tissue chemical profile generated by DESI-MSI, which is mainly lipidic, into normal or abnormal tissue and into low- and high-grade malignancy subareas within each sample.

Our experiments show that deep learning methods outperform classical machine learning methods in the task of classifying brain tissue from DESI-MSI mass spectra, both in normal versus abnormal tissue, and, for malignant tissues, in low-grade versus high-grade malignancy.

Our conclusion are based on the analysis of 34,870 annotated spectra, obtained from the neoplastic and non-neoplastic microanatomical stratification of individual samples from 116 pediatric patients who underwent brain tumor surgical resection at the Boldrini Children’s Center between 2000 and 2020. Support Vector Machines, Random, Forests, and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) were among the classical machine learning techniques evaluated.
On the annotation of Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic microfossils as fungi
Authors: Kanaparthi Dheeraj , Lampe Marko , Krings Michel , Schue Bettina , Klingl Andreas , Schwille Petra , Lueders Tillmann
Published: January 2024

How old is the crown group Fungi? Inferences from phylogenetic and fossil-based studies provided far-apart age estimates ranging between 0.75 to 2.7 billion years old. One important criterion for interpreting Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic microfossils as Fungi is their uncanny morphological resemblance with extant fungi. Here, we demonstrate that bacteria exposed to environmental conditions similar to the paleoenvironmental settings where these presumed fungi lived can spontaneously transform into their protoplasts. These protoplasts exhibit morphologies corresponding to those of presumed fungal microfossils. These observations, together with microfossil chemical composition, pose a serious challenge to interpreting Paleo- and Mesoproterozoic microfossils as fungi. Based on these results, we reiterate that morphology is not a reliable indicator of the phylogeny of microfossils older than 2.5Ga.
Artificial-Intelligence Powered Identification of High-Risk Breast Cancer Subgroups Using Mammography: A Multicenter Study Integrating Automated Brightest Density Measures with Deep Learning Metrics
Authors: Jeong Yeojin , Lee Jeesoo , Lee Young-jin , Hwang Jiyun , Lee Sae Byul , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Kim Myeong-Seong , Kim Jae Il , Hopper John L , Nguyen Tuong L , Lee Jong Won , Sung Joohon
Published: January 2024

Mammography plays a crucial role in breast cancer (BC) risk assessment. Recent breakthroughs show that deep learning (DL) in mammography is expanding from diagnosis to effective risk prediction. Moreover, the brightest mammographic breast density (MBD), termed “cirrocumulus,” signifies an authentic risk. Addressing the challenges in quantifying above recent measures, we present MIDAS: a DL-derived system for multi-level MBD and risk feature score (FS). Using >260,000 multicenter images from South Korea and the US, FS consistently outperforms conventional MBD metrics in risk stratification. Only within the high FS, cirrocumulus further enriches assessment, pinpointing “double-higher” subgroup. Their risk profiles are notable: women in double upper-tertile showed OR=10.20 for Koreans and 5.67 for US, and OR=7.09 for scree-detected cases (US only). We also reveals the “black-box” nature of FS that it predominantly captures complex patterns of higher-intensity MBD. Our research enhances the potential of digital mammography in identifying individuals at elevated BC risks.
Phenotypic Analysis of Dominant Mutant Effects in Mice
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

Dominant effects of a mutation may show up at any time during a mutational analysis, including during the early stages of an embryonic stem (ES) cell gene targeting experiment. Here, we discuss the mechanisms of dominant and semidominant effects and how they might appear if they show up in heterozygous ES cells, in ES cell chimeras, or in heterozygous progeny of chimeras. Similarly, dominant effects may be seen in mice heterozygous for CRISPR–Cas-targeted, -induced, or spontaneous mutations. If the dominant effects prevent the germline transmission of ES cells or cause fertility problems in heterozygotes, they can severely limit further analysis of the mutation. Ways to circumvent such reproductive problems are presented. The special case of imprinted genes, which may be functionally hemizygous and present a different phenotype when inherited from the mother than when inherited from the father, is discussed.
Getting around an Early Lethal Phenotype in Mice with Chimeras
Authors: Papaioannou Virginia E. , Behringer Richard R.
Published: January 2024

The same gene can have many different functions in different places in the body and/or at different times in development and adult life. Often only one organ or one developmental stage is of particular interest to an investigator. If, however, lethality or severe detrimental effects of a mutation prevent the study of the organ or stage of interest, there are a number of ways to circumvent an early effect. In this overview, we discuss one way of getting around an early lethal phenotype by using chimeras, a method that is also useful for studying the mutant cells in the context of a wild-type host as part of the phenotypic analysis. The composition of chimeras with respect to embryonic cell lineages can be controlled to some extent to produce lineage-restricted chimeras with, for example, mutant cells restricted to certain lineages. Depending on the site of action of the mutant gene, this could result in chimeric “rescue.” Details of how to distinguish mutant cells from wild type, an essential part of any chimera experiment, are discussed as well as methods to genotype the chimeras with respect to both component cell types.
Sound waves, diffusive transport, and wall slip in nanoconfined compressible fluids
Authors: Holey Hannes , Gumbsch Peter , Pastewka Lars
Published: January 2024

Although continuum theories have been proven quite robust to describe confined fluid flow at molecular length scales, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal mechanistic insights into the interfacial dissipation processes. Most MD simulations of confined fluids have used setups in which the lateral box size is not much larger than the gap height, thus breaking thin-film assumptions usually employed in continuum simulations. Here we explicitly probe the long-wavelength hydrodynamic correlations in confined simple fluids with MD and compare to gap-averaged continuum theories as typically applied in, e.g., lubrication. Relaxation times obtained from equilibrium fluctuations interpolate between the theoretical limits from bulk hydrodynamics and continuum formulations with increasing wavelength. We show how to exploit this characteristic transition to measure viscosity and slip length in confined systems simultaneously from equilibrium MD simulations. Moreover, the gap-averaged theory describes a geometry-induced dispersion relation that leads to overdamped sound relaxation at large wavelengths, which is confirmed by our MD simulations. Our results add to the understanding of transport processes under strong confinement and might be of technological relevance for the design of nanofluidic devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Model for measuring competitiveness in construction companies in Lima–Peru
Authors: Tam Wong Fernando Luis , Castro Guzman Enrique Alonso , Franco Chalco Eduardo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to establish a model of competitiveness factors to measure the value of construction companies adequately.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model of four main factors was developed, and they include human capital, ethical values, process innovation and financing. Information was collected from 18 construction companies in the city of Metropolitan Lima, collecting information on each of these factors. Through an analysis of the principal components, the weighting of each factor about the competitiveness of a construction company was determined.

Findings

The cost of person-hours, the cost of equipment to execute work, and the cost of materials used are the strongest indicators to measure the competitiveness of a construction company. On the other hand, the number of employees holding university degrees and the number of master builders holding technical degrees in the human capital factor also have a moderate weight in determining the competitiveness value of a company. The indicator of work delivered within the deadline also moderately affects competitiveness. Finally, the monthly debt payment indicator has a very small effect on the company’s competitiveness.

Originality/value

In conclusion, this study provides evidence of a competitiveness model with highly related factors on human capital, process innovation and ethical values as the most important in measuring competitiveness.
Exploring the relationships between knowledge management enablers, employee innovativeness and market development performance in A/E/C firms: a developing country perspective
Authors: Dang Chau Ngoc , Wipulanusat Warit , Nuaklong Peem , Witchayangkoon Boonsap
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM) enablers, employee innovativeness (EI) and market development performance (MDP) in architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted to collect empirical data from A/E/C practitioners in Vietnam. First, factor analysis is used to identify KM enablers in A/E/C firms. Then, a framework which shows the links between KM enablers, EI and MDP is proposed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to examine the proposed relationships.

Findings

This study identifies five constructs which can enable A/E/C firms to achieve effective KM implementation, including mutual trust and collaboration, organizational values and norms, information and communication systems, organizational policies and empowerment. Furthermore, the SEM results show that except for organizational policies, four remaining KM enablers significantly affect EI. It is also found that EI has a significant impact on MDP.

Practical implications

The findings could help A/E/C firms to know which KM enablers are critical to EI and provide a better understanding of the link between EI and MDP. Hence, they could make appropriate investments in KM practices to improve both EI and MDP.

Originality/value

The results of this study fill the gap in knowledge by empirically structuring the relationships between KM enablers, EI and MDP. Such results may provide A/E/C firms with useful information to enhance EI and MDP in today’s intensively competitive construction environments.