bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enlarging Orbital Rim Mass Due to Old Pencil Injury
Authors: Schumaier Nahrain Putris , Mileo Lauren DeMaria , Folberg Robert , Schlachter Dianne M.
Published: May 2024

A 54-year-old female noticed a 2-month history of an enlarging left inferomedial orbital rim mass. The patient remembered a pencil injury at approximately 7 years of age. Her complete ophthalmic examination was otherwise unremarkable. She underwent CT orbital imaging, demonstrating a centrally hyperdense lesion along the left inferomedial orbital rim. There was no involvement of the nasolacrimal duct system. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy. The pathology disclosed noncaseating granulomatous inflammation to particulate black material consistent with graphite.
Lateral Rectus Muscle Entrapment in Complex Orbital Fracture in a Child
Authors: Imagawa Yukihiro , Lucero Kate Angelli J. , Kong Doo-sik , Woo Kyung In
Published: May 2024

A 6-year-old boy presented with a lateral rectus muscle entrapment in a complex orbital fracture sustained during bicycle riding. He was diagnosed with a skull-base fracture with pneumocephalus and zygomatic and inferior orbital wall fractures at another hospital. The zygomatic fracture and pneumocephalus were treated conservatively. Although a detailed ocular motility examination could not be performed due to pain and inability to open the eyelid, the inferior wall fracture was surgically repaired. Postoperatively, persistent extraocular movement limitation prompted a referral to the authors’ clinic. Orbital CT imaging demonstrated a fracture at the greater wing of the sphenoid with a hypoattenuated area in the adjacent middle cranial fossa. Orbital MRI taken thereafter revealed lateral rectus and orbital fat prolapse into the middle cranial fossa, indicating entrapment of these structures through the lateral wall fracture. The incarcerated lateral rectus was released using an endoscopic transorbital approach via an upper lid crease, resulting in the recovery of extraocular movement.
Addressing corneal opacity after herpes zoster infection
Authors: Santhiago Marcony R. , Sampaio Lycia Pedral , Arroyo Danielle , Wilson Steven E. , Moshirfar Majid , Del Risco Norma , Moin Kayvon A. , Cabanás Margarita , Ruiz Ramón , Llovet Fernando , Shetty Rohit , Nawas Zeid , Al-Mohtaseb Zaina , Pflugfelder Stephen C. , Chen Allison J.
Published: May 2024

A 15-year-old boy was referred for corneal opacity evaluation. The patient had a previous herpes zoster virus (HZV) infection—varicella-zoster virus (VZV)—with ocular manifestation 1 year ago. After the infection, he developed a central corneal scar and decreased corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in the right eye.

The slitlamp examination showed the right eye with central corneal opacity (involving anterior stroma), lacuna area between the haze, fluorescein negative, and no vascularization near the scar (Figure 1

JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202406000-00019/figure1/v/2024-07-10T174224Z/r/image-tiff

). The patient had been treated with oral valacyclovir and topical corticosteroids without any improvement of visual acuity or changes in opacity within the 1-year follow-up.

His CDVA was 20/200 (−4.50 −0.75 × 25) in the right eye and counting fingers (−4.00) in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was 12 mm Hg in both eyes. Fundoscopy was normal in the right eye, but he had a macular scar in the left eye (diagnosed when he was 7 years). The left eye had no cornea signs. The patient has no comorbidity or previous surgeries.

Considering this case, a corneal central scar in a 15-year-old boy, legally single eye only, and assuming it is an opacity in the anterior stroma, would you consider surgery for this patient? If so, which would you choose: Would you consider an excimer laser treatment of his ametropia while partially removing his opacity, a phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), or a PTK followed by a topography-guided treatment, femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty (FALK), or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or penetrating keratoplasty (depending on the scar depth)? Would you consider prophylactic acyclovir during and after surgery? Would you consider any other surgical step to prevent delayed corneal healing-persistent epithelial defect?

Before the surgical approach, would you consider treating this patient with topical losartan (a transforming growth factor [TGF]-β signaling inhibitor)? Would you first perform the surgery (which one) and then start the medication? Furthermore, if so, how long would you treat this patient? Would you consider treatment with another medication?
A systematic review with meta-analyses of the association between stigma and chronic pain outcomes
Authors: Hickling Lauren M. , Allani Selsebil , Cella Matteo , Scott Whitney
Published: May 2024

Stigma is common in people experiencing chronic pain and there are indications that it may adversely affect pain outcomes. However, to date, there is no systematic review exploring the impact of stigma on chronic pain-related outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between stigma and key chronic pain outcomes and differences in stigma between pain conditions. Seven databases were searched for studies reporting a measure of association between stigma and at least one pain outcome in adults with chronic pain. Studies were screened by 2 independent researchers. Nineteen studies met eligibility criteria and data were extracted, quality-assessed, and narratively synthesised and meta-analysed where possible. Meta-analyses of bivariate cross-sectional correlations demonstrated significant positive correlations between stigma and pain intensity, disability, and depression, with small to moderate effects. Data from 2 prospective studies and those only reporting multivariate analyses that were not included in meta-analyses further supported these findings. There was some evidence that individuals who experience pain conditions with less clear pathophysiology may report greater stigma, although more research is needed. The review highlights that there is a growing number of studies on stigma in the pain field showing an adverse association between stigma and chronic pain outcomes.
Efficacy of stem cell therapy in patients with chronic liver disease: an umbrella review of systematic reviews
Authors: Teng Yue , Gaidhane Abhay M. , Padhi Bijaya K. , Zahiruddin Quazi S. , Alhumaid Saad , Sharma Rakesh K. , Rustagi Sarvesh , Satapathy Prakasini , Sharma Divya , Arora Mithhil , Hazazi Ali , Alturaifi Amani , AlRshoud Mansoor A. , Zaidan Ali A. , Almosa Fadel A.M. , Alzayer Suha A. , Al Alqam Razi , Alhajaji Raghad , Rabaan Ali A.
Published: May 2024

Background:

Stem cell therapy offers promising benefits like modulating immune responses, reducing inflammation, and aiding liver regeneration. This umbrella review seeks to compile evidence from systematic reviews to assess the efficacy of stem cell therapy for improving liver function and survival rates in chronic liver disease patients.

Methods:

We searched electronic databases up to February 15, 2024. The selection process focused on systematic reviews comparing stem cell therapy with standard care or a placebo. The primary outcomes evaluated were changes in liver enzymes, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and survival rates. Nested Knowledge software was utilized for screening and data extraction. All statistical analyses were performed using R software, version 4.3.

Results:

Our umbrella review included 28 systematic reviews. The meta-analysis showcased a notable improvement in survival rates with a pooled relative risk of 1.487 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.281–1.727). In nonrandomized studies, albumin levels exhibited a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.786 (95% CI: 0.368–1.204), indicating positive therapeutic effects. For alanine aminotransferase, the meta-analysis revealed a decrease in levels with an SMD of −0.499 (95% CI: −0.834 to −0.164), and for aspartate aminotransferase, an overall SMD of −0.362 (95% CI: −0.659 to −0.066) was observed, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. No significant changes were observed in total bilirubin levels and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores in randomized controlled trials.

Conclusion:

Stem cell therapy exhibits potential as a novel treatment for chronic liver diseases, as it has demonstrated improvements in survival rates and certain liver function markers. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to fully ascertain the efficacy of stem cell therapy in this patient population.
Enlightenment of robotic gastrectomy from 527 patients with gastric cancer in the minimally invasive era: 5 years of optimizing surgical performance in a high-volume center – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xue Zhen , Lu Jun , Lin Jia , Xu Kai-Xiang , Xu Bin-Bin , Wu Dong , Zheng Hua-Long , Xie Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-Bin , Lin Jian-Xian , Chen Qi-Yue , Li Ping , Huang Chang-Ming , Zheng Chao-Hui
Published: May 2024

Background:

Learning curves have been used in the field of robotic gastrectomy (RG). However, it should be noted that the previous study did not comprehensively investigate all changes related to the learning curve. This study aims to establish a learning curve for radical RG and evaluate its effect on the short-term outcomes of patients with gastric cancer.

Methods:

The clinicopathological data of 527 patients who underwent RG between August 2016 and June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Learning curves related to the operation time and postoperative hospital stay were determined separately using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Then, the impact of the learning curve on surgical efficacy was analyzed.

Results:

Combining the CUSUM curve break points and technical optimization time points, the entire cohort was divided into three phases (patients 1–100, 101–250, and 251–527). The postoperative complication rate and postoperative recovery time tended to decrease significantly with phase advancement (P<0.05). More extraperigastric examined lymph nodes (LN) were retrieved in phase III than in phase I (I vs. III, 15.12±6.90 vs. 17.40±7.05, P=0.005). The rate of LN noncompliance decreased with phase advancement. Textbook outcome (TO) analysis showed that the learning phase was an independent factor in TO attainment (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

With learning phase advancement, the short-term outcomes were significantly improved. It is possible that our optimization of surgical procedures could have contributed to this improvement. The findings of this study facilitate the safe dissemination of RG in the minimally invasive era.
Work–Life Balance of Faculty in Professional Physical Therapist Education: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Andrea Catherine M. , Flores Megan B. , Wilford Katherine F.
Published: May 2024

Introduction.

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore perceptions of work–life balance (WLB) of full-time faculty in professional physical therapist (PT) education programs.

Review of Literature.

Studies show that faculty are at risk of diminution of WLB and subsequent burnout due to job expectations and changing educational landscapes. Limited evidence exists to describe perceived WLB of faculty in professional PT education.

Subjects.

Full-time faculty in professional PT education programs (n = 239) responded to an online survey and 16 participated in focus group discussions.

Methods.

The Work/Nonwork Interference and Enhancement Survey (W/NW Scale), faculty characteristic prompts, and open-ended questions were disseminated electronically to all accredited professional PT education programs within the United States. Focus groups were conducted to further explore nuances of WLB. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for survey categorical variables with means and standard deviations for continuous variables. Differences in W/NW Scale and faculty characteristics were analyzed using independent-samples Mann–Whitney U tests. Open coding and an iterative process of thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Results.

Medians for all W/NW Scale dimensions were between 2 and 3 out of 5. W/NW Scale dimension scores differed significantly in each of the faculty characteristics of gender, defined workload, and faculty job searching (Z = −2.399 to −3.517, P ≤ .016). Qualitative data yielded 3 main themes: 1) implicit and explicit job duties; 2) leadership; and 3) individual boundaries. Ebb and flow of WLB emerged as an overarching theme.

Discussion and Conclusion.

This study offers a portrayal of the lived experience of faculty regarding WLB. Results offer useful information about faculty demographics, work-related factors, and personal responsibilities. One limitation was that cultural, community, and religious demands were not explored. Findings may facilitate improved understanding of faculty WLB perceptions and can guide leadership to optimize the balance between faculty's paid work and personal life.
Common contact allergens implicated in frontal fibrosing alopecia found in over-the-counter hair growth serums and solutions
Authors: Verma Kritin K. , Fenner Blayne , Pham Meredith , Tarbox Michelle
Published: May 2024

Background:

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a form of lichen planopilaris with an undetermined etiopathogenesis, predominantly affecting women. There is conflicting evidence as to whether contact allergens may play a role in the underlying etiology or progression of FFA.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to find the most common products that patients search for online, identify contact allergens present in these advertised over-the-counter hair products, and suggest their role in the development or exacerbation of FFA.

Methods:

We reviewed current research on this topic and then investigated common allergens found in over-the-counter hair products commonly used for hair regrowth.

Results:

FFA’s exact etiopathogenesis remains vastly unknown, however, current literature has reported an association between inflammatory skin conditions and FFA.

Limitations:

The lack of published data on the function of contact allergens in FFA placed restrictions on our study.

Conclusion:

A survey-based analysis with a larger cohort is needed to further interpret the relationship between product use and FFA presentation based on contact allergens. More research on possible etiopathogenesis and the relationship between contact dermatitis and FFA may prevent further progression of a patient’s disease, leading to an improvement in their quality of life.
Tailoring the Best Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Through Invasive Right Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loops in a Patient Supported by Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Protti Ilaria , van den Enden Antoon , Meani Paolo , ter Horst Maarten , Van Mieghem Nicolas M. , Meuwese Christiaan L.
Published: May 2024

Patients undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) typically suffer from cardiogenic pulmonary edema and lung atelectasis, which can exacerbate right ventricular (RV) dysfunction through an increase in lung elastance and RV afterload. Invasive mechanical ventilation settings, and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in particular, can help to improve RV performance by optimizing lung recruitment and minimizing alveolar overdistention. In this report, we present a VA-ECMO supported patient in whom in vivo RV pressure-volume (PV) loops were measured during a decremental PEEP trial, leading to the identification of an optimum PEEP level from a cardio-respiratory viewpoint. This innovative approach of tailoring mechanical ventilation settings according to cardio-respiratory physiology through in vivo RV PV loops may provide a novel way to optimize hemodynamics and patient outcomes.
Semaglutide for management of obesity in adolescents: efficacy, safety, and considerations for clinical practice
Authors: Bensignor Megan O. , Arslanian Silva , Vajravelu Mary Ellen
Published: May 2024

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to describe the existing limited data related to the use of semaglutide in adolescents with obesity, supplementing with findings from adult studies of semaglutide use.

Recent findings

Semaglutide, as a once weekly subcutaneous injection for weight management, effectively reduces body mass index (BMI) while improving hyperglycemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, hyperlipidemia, and quality of life in youth with obesity. As of this review, only one large randomized clinical trial of semaglutide in youth has been completed, with a follow-up duration of 68 weeks. Thus, long-term data on the safety in adolescents is limited, particularly regarding the risks of cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, suicidal ideation, and disordered eating. Due to the cost of semaglutide, particularly in the United States, limited cost effectiveness analyses have demonstrated unfavorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for semaglutide relative to phentermine-topiramate as an alternative antiobesity medication in adolescents.

Semaglutide represents an important advance in the pediatric obesity management, with clear short-term reductions in BMI and improvement in metabolic parameters. However, its long-term safety and efficacy for youth with obesity remain to be demonstrated. Additional research is needed to assess trends in utilization and adherence to minimize the risk of worsening socioeconomic disparities in pediatric obesity.
Diaphragmatic Ultrasound in Children With Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Chiang Elaine , Kessler David O. , Liebman Melissa , Rabiner Joni E.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Asthma is a leading cause of pediatric emergency department visits, yet few tools exist to objectively measure asthma severity. Diaphragmatic ultrasound (DUS) is a novel method of assessing respiratory distress; however, data are lacking for children.

Our primary aim was to determine if diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickening (DT), or diaphragmatic thickening fraction (TF) correlated with asthma severity as determined by the Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score. Secondarily, we examined if these parameters correlated with need for respiratory support and evaluated interrater reliability.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of children 5–18 years presenting to a pediatric emergency department with an asthma exacerbation. Diaphragmatic ultrasound was performed by a trained pediatric emergency medicine sonologist in subcostal (DE) and midaxillary (DT). Thickening fraction was calculated from DT values as previously described in literature. To evaluate interrater reliability, a subset of subjects had DUS performed by a second sonologist.

Results

We enrolled 47 subjects for a total of 51 encounters. The mean age was 9.1 ± 3.7 years. Twenty-five (49%) had mild, 24 (47%) had moderate, and 2 (4%) had severe asthma. There was a significant difference in midaxillary DT and TF between children with mild and moderate asthma (P = 0.02; mean difference, 0.2 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.03–0.4 and P = 0.02; mean difference, 0.11 mm; 95% CI, 0.02–0.2, respectively). No difference was found in subcostal DE (P = 0.43; mean difference, 1.4 mm; 95% CI, −2.1 to 4.8). No association was found between use of positive pressure and DUS parameters. Fourteen encounters had 2 sonologists perform DUS, with strong interrater reliability found for midaxillary DT (Pearson correlation, 0.56) and poor association for subcostal DE (Pearson correlation, 0.18).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we conclude that DUS may be helpful in assessing severity of asthma. The midaxillary view assessment for DT and TF had the best correlation with asthma severity and the best interrater reliability. Future studies may benefit from focusing on the midaxillary view for DT and TF.
Clinical Characteristics and Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With a Newly Diagnosed Central Nervous System Tumor
Authors: Tamas Vanessa , Hollenbach Kathryn , Saleh Fareed , Crawford John , Gutglass David J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Due to the varied symptomatology and inconsistent features on neurologic exam, central nervous system (CNS) tumors are difficult to diagnosis in a timely manner.

Objective

To determine the clinical, neurological, and neuroimaging features of newly diagnosed CNS tumors presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

We evaluated a retrospective cohort of 121 consecutive patients presenting to a tertiary care pediatric ED over 7 consecutive years with newly diagnosed CNS tumors. Clinical symptomatology, neurologic findings reported by emergency room and neurology physicians, neuroimaging features, and time to diagnosis were analyzed.

Results

A total of 116 (48 female, median age 8.0 years (interquartile range, 4.4–12.6), 52% Hispanic) presented to the ED (64% self-referred) diagnosed with a brain tumor (54% posterior fossa, 24% embryonal, 24% low-grade glioma, 16% high-grade glioma) resulting in hospital admission in 92% of cases. Five were diagnosed with extradural spinal, clivus, or orbital apex tumors. Symptomatology or duration did not differ when stratified by demographics, location, or histologic subtype. Moderate degree of concordance was observed among neurologic examinations performed by ED physicians and neurologists. Delayed diagnosis (median delay = 3.5 [1–7] months) was seen in 14% of patients, 13 with primary brain tumors (11 hemispheric, 2 brain stem). Six children with delayed diagnosis of low-grade glial tumors had a nonfocal neurologic examination in comparison to 5 patients with abnormal examinations observed with primary spinal or extradural CNS tumors. Four patients with posterior fossa tumors (3 medulloblastoma, 1 ependymoma) had normal/near normal neurologic examination at presentation despite posterior fossa symptomatology related to increased intracranial pressure.

Conclusions

Our series highlights the complexity of symptomology and neurologic findings in children presenting to the ED with newly diagnosed CNS tumors who may have a normal neurologic examination. Standardization of symptom assessment and focused neurologic examinations may lead to earlier neuroimaging and prevent delayed diagnosis.
Effects of dynamic wrist-hand splints for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Gilanlıoğulları Nazemin , Soyer Kardem
Published: May 2024

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results structural changes on wrist-hand joints, which can have negative impact on daily activities. Splints are commonly used to reduce pain and improve function of people with RA. The research shows that usage of dynamic splints improves wrist-hand function of people with other conditions.

Objective:

This systematic review aims to understand impact of dynamic wrist-hand splints on daily activity functioning of people with RA.

Study Design:

A systematic review.

Methods:

Search criteria were applied to PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Scopus electronic databases. Only papers, January 1980 to January 2024, conducted use of dynamic wrist-hand splint for people with RA were included. Quality assessment was completed using the Jovell and Navarro-Rubio classification.

Results:

Five papers that evaluated the use of dynamic wrist-hand splint for people with RA were included. All the papers showed that use of dynamic wrist-hand splints have positive effect on people with RA, but further research is required to show effect of them on daily activity functioning.

Conclusion:

Use of dynamic wrist-hand splints improves function and preferred to be used more commonly by the people with RA; however, there is not enough research to show its effect on daily activities as most of the research conducted had limitations. Therefore, further research is required to show the impact of dynamic wrist-hand splint of daily activities for people with RA.
Immediate Prepectoral Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction Without Acellular Dermal Matrix Is Equally Safe Following Skin-Sparing and Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Henry Nader , Sebag Victoria , Safran Tyler , Viezel-Mathieu Alex , Dionisopoulos Tassos , Davison Peter , Vorstenbosch Joshua
Published: May 2024

Background

Prepectoral breast reconstruction has become increasingly popular over the last decade. There is a paucity of data surrounding the impact of mastectomy type on clinical outcomes when comparing prepectoral immediate breast reconstruction without acellular dermal matrix (ADM) using tissue expansion. The purpose of this study was to compare 90-day reconstructive surgical outcomes in immediate prepectoral tissue expander reconstruction between patients with nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM).

Methods

A retrospective review of patient records was carried out on all patients undergoing NSM or SSM with immediate prepectoral tissue expander reconstruction without ADM, in a single institution, from June 2020 to December 2021. All complications were recorded, categorized, and statistically analyzed for significance.

Results

Seventy-nine patients (97 breasts) were studied. The mean age was 51 years old (range, 31–77). Twenty-two patients suffered complications recorded in 22 breasts (22.7%). There was no statistically significant difference in the total complications between the NSM (25.7%) and SSM (21.0%) groups or in the incidence of all major and minor complications.

Conclusions

Breast reconstruction using tissue expanders without ADM has similar reconstructive outcomes in both NSM and SSM. There were no significant differences in complication rates between either groups. Breast reconstruction without ADM can confer institutional cost savings without compromising safety.
Double Z-Rhombic Plasty for Repair of Scalp Defects
Authors: García Sánchez Vicente , Lin Wu Zhan Q. , Barret Juan P.
Published: May 2024

Background

The closure of scalp wounds presents with reconstructive challenges due to the poor tissue elasticity. It is not uncommon to require skin grafts for definitive closure, even when large flaps are employed. Herein, we present a novel method for the direct closure of small- to medium-sized wounds defects. It is a modified bilateral rhomboid flap, which enables tension-free closure in many areas of scalp.

Methods

All patients treated with this technique between January 2018 and January 2023 were reviewed. Demographics, complications, and outcomes were reviewed.

Results

One hundred forty patients have been operated with this technique. All have been cases of skin tumors. The full flap survival was 97.14%, and they did not present any major local complications, avoiding in all cases the use of skin autografts. Four patients (2.86%) had partial necrosis in the edges of the flap, all managed with topical wound care with good healing and no need of secondary procedures.

Conclusions

This flap is safe and easy to perform when there is skin laxity in the scalp. It can save many skin grafts, simplifying the closure of this area, which can be a first-choice technique on scalp reconstruction.
Perceptions of Nasal Profile and Augmentation Rhinoplasty in the Japanese Colonial Era of Korea (1910–1945)
Authors: Jung Sung Gyun , Hwang Kun , Hwang Young Joong
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze perceptions of nasal profiles and the origins of augmentation rhinoplasty in Korea during the Japanese colonial era. Through (www.google.com) and (www.naver.com), the archives of newspapers and magazines were searched for references to “nasal augmentation.” The following topics were identified: the ideal nasal profile in the corresponding era, nasal augmentation by nonsurgical methods, camouflage makeup for noses with a low profile, the earliest literature on augmentation rhinoplasty in Japan, a case of augmentation rhinoplasty in a Korean woman, an estimate of the year when augmentation rhinoplasty was first performed in Korea, and augmentation rhinoplasty by injection. In 1922, the Nose Lifter (nose uplifting clip) was already commercially available to Korean women. The following year, in 1923, Nishihata and Yoshida published their work on augmentation rhinoplasty using ivory in Japan. By 1925, some hospitals had performed augmentation rhinoplasty, but the procedure had not yet gained popularity among Koreans. In 1927, a Japanese author emphasized the importance of an ideal nasal profile harmonizing with the lips, chin, and neck. Also, in 1927, rhinoplasty gained popularity and was performed at various ENT clinics throughout Korea using various methods. In 1929, a 3-dimensional makeup method was introduced to camouflage a low-profile nose. By 1935, there was a belief that augmentation by injection was not harmful. The authors believe that augmentation rhinoplasty began in 1925 and gained popularity among Koreans by 1927. It was not until 1935 that the complications associated with injectable augmentation were recognized.
Increase of Cardiac Autoantibodies Against Beta-2-adrenergic Receptor During Acute Cellular Heart Transplant Rejection
Authors: Salbach Christian , Schlegel Philipp , Stroikova Vera , Helmschrott Matthias , Mueller Anna-Maria , Weiß Christel , Giannitsis Evangelos , Frey Norbert , Raake Philip , Kaya Ziya
Published: May 2024

Background.

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) in heart transplant (HTx) recipients may be accompanied by cardiac cell damage with subsequent exposure to cardiac autoantigens and the production of cardiac autoantibodies (aABs). This study aimed to evaluate a peptide array screening approach for cardiac aABs in HTx recipients during ACR (ACR-HTx).

Methods.

In this retrospective single-center observational study, sera from 37 HTx recipients, as well as age and sex-matched healthy subjects were screened for a total of 130 cardiac aABs of partially overlapping peptide sequences directed against structural proteins using a peptide array approach.

Results.

In ACR-HTx, troponin I (TnI) serum levels were found to be elevated. Here, we could identify aABs against beta-2-adrenergic receptor (β-2AR: EAINCYANETCCDFFTNQAY) to be upregulated in ACR-HTx (intensities: 0.80 versus 1.31, P = 0.0413). Likewise, patients positive for β-2AR aABs showed higher TnI serum levels during ACR compared with aAB negative patients (10.0 versus 30.0 ng/L, P = 0.0375). Surprisingly, aABs against a sequence of troponin I (TnI: QKIFDLRGKFKRPTLRRV) were found to be downregulated in ACR-HTx (intensities: 3.49 versus 1.13, P = 0.0025). A comparison in healthy subjects showed the same TnI sequence to be upregulated in non-ACR-HTx (intensities: 2.19 versus 3.49, P = 0.0205), whereas the majority of aABs were suppressed in non-ACR-HTx.

Conclusions.

Our study served as a feasibility analysis for a peptide array screening approach in HTx recipients during ACR and identified 2 different regulated aABs in ACR-HTx. Hence, further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic implications of aAB testing and diagnostic or therapeutic consequences.
Interleukin-27 Promotes the Generation of Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells to Alleviate Graft-versus-host Disease
Authors: Zhu Jianmin , Yang Liting , Xia Jing , Zhou Neng , Zhu Jiayao , Zhu Hua , Chen Jing , Qing Kai , Duan Cai-Wen
Published: May 2024

Background.

Stimulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) formation represents a potential curative therapeutic approach for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which significantly impacts the prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, the lack of an effective strategy for inducing MDSC production in vivo has hindered their clinical application. In our previous study, MDSC expansion was observed in interleukin (IL)-27-treated mice.

Methods.

In this study, we overexpressed exogenous IL-27 in mice using a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector to investigate its therapeutic and exacerbating effects in murine GVHD models.

Results.

In our study, we demonstrated that exogenous administration of IL-27 significantly suppressed GVHD development in a mouse model. We found that IL-27 treatment indirectly inhibited the proliferation and activation of donor T cells by rapidly expanding recipient and donor myeloid cells, which act as MDSCs after irradiation or under inflammatory conditions, rather than through regulatory T-cell expansion. Additionally, IL-27 stimulated MDSC expansion by enhancing granulocyte-monocyte progenitor generation. Notably, we verified that IL-27 signaling in donor T cells exerted an antagonistic effect on GVHD prevention and treatment. Further investigation revealed that combination therapy involving IL-27 and T-cell depletion exhibited remarkable preventive effects on GVHD in both mouse and xenogeneic GVHD models.

Conclusions.

Collectively, these findings suggest that IL-27 promotes MDSC generation to reduce the incidence of GVHD, whereas targeted activation of IL-27 signaling in myeloid progenitors or its combination with T-cell depletion represents a potential strategy for GVHD therapy.
Abelson Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression
Authors: Gosch Berton Giovanni , Cyntia Lima Fonseca Rodrigues Amanda , dos Santos Borges Rafael , Rodrigues Cardoso Nicole , de Oliveira Thiago Abrahão , Oliveira Marques Marcos Vinícius
Published: May 2024

Background

Alpha-synucleinopathies are incurable neurodegenerative diseases. Abelson tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Abl TKIs) may be disease-modifying therapies. This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression evaluated the use of Abl TKIs in their treatment.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for trials using Abl TKIs in patients with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia published until July 2023. The outcome was the change in the MDS-UPDRS-III (Movement Disorder Society–Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III). DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates. Leave-one-out forest plots were used for the sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression (restricted maximum likelihood) was performed.

Results

Five studies (197 patients) were included. Nilotinib 300 mg had an effect size of −1.154 (95% confidence interval [CI], −3.000 to 0.692). Nilotinib 150 mg and bosutinib 100 mg versus placebo yielded 0.82 (95% CI, −3.76 to 5.41). Sensitivity analysis showed that 1 trial changed the significance of the nilotinib 300 mg single-arm analysis (MD = −1.723; 95% CI, −2.178 to −1.268). Meta-regression revealed that lower age (EC = −0.9103, SE = 0.2286, P < 0.0001) and higher baseline MDS-UPDRS-III scores (EC = 0.1210, SE = 0.0168, P < 0.0001) could explain the inefficacy of nilotinib 300 mg.

Conclusions

Nilotinib (300 mg) proved effective postsensitivity analysis, unlike lower doses and bosutinib in Parkinson's disease/Lewy body dementia. Abl TKIs showed reduced efficacy in younger, more impaired patients, indicating the need for further testing with higher-potency drugs in patients who have diseases that are in the early stage but with a later onset.
Selfish herd effects in aggregated caterpillars and their interaction with warning signals
Authors: Kersh-Mellor Rami , Montgomery Stephen H. , McLellan Callum F.
Published: May 2024

Larval Lepidoptera gain survival advantages by aggregating, especially when combined with aposematic warning signals, yet reductions in predation risk may not be experienced equally across all group members. Hamilton’s selfish herd theory predicts that larvae that surround themselves with their group mates should be at lower risk of predation, and those on the periphery of aggregations experience the greatest risk, yet this has rarely been tested. Here, we expose aggregations of artificial ‘caterpillar’ targets to predation from free-flying, wild birds to test for marginal predation when all prey are equally accessible and for an interaction between warning coloration and marginal predation. We find that targets nearer the centre of the aggregation survived better than peripheral targets and nearby targets isolated from the group. However, there was no difference in survival between peripheral and isolated targets. We also find that grouped targets survived better than isolated targets when both are aposematic, but not when they are non-signalling. To our knowledge, our data provide the first evidence to suggest that avian predators preferentially target peripheral larvae from aggregations and that prey warning signals enhance predator avoidance of groups.
John Joseph Thomas Hayes Owen. 7 January 1934—5 January 2023
Authors: Brown Geoff , Michell FRS Bob
Published: May 2024

John Owen was an anatomist and immunologist who conducted pioneering work on the origins and development of the two major classes of lymphocytes, the cells that are the central players in the adaptive immune systems of vertebrates. He was a meticulous biological experimenter who liked to keep questions simple and precise. His observations contributed to two key discoveries: that mouse and avian stem cells migrate into the embryonic thymus and give rise to T lymphocytes; and that in birds the bursa of Fabricius is the tissue in which stem cells develop into B lymphocytes. He also helped to establish that in mammals the earliest B lymphocytes develop in the liver of the fetus. He and his colleagues went on to define how combinations of several cell populations in the thymus provide the settings in which mammals first generate and then select from the variety of T lymphocyte lineages and immune specificities that will equip them with healthy immune surveillance and responses. His wry Liverpudlian sense of humour let him engage easily with everyone, from any walk of life, and he was an inspiration to young colleagues, many of whom would go on to flourish in the research areas that he pioneered. John died on 5 January 2023, from prostate cancer and other ailments: but he was in the gym only a couple of weeks before he died. He is buried in Kirkdale cemetery, Lancashire, under a family tombstone that also celebrates his grandfather, his father and his mother: his epitaph reads ‘One push-up too many’.
The effect of muscle ultrastructure on the force, displacement and work capacity of skeletal muscle
Authors: Dhawale Nihav , Labonte David , Holt Natalie C.
Published: May 2024

Skeletal muscle powers animal movement through interactions between the contractile proteins, actin and myosin. Structural variation contributes greatly to the variation in mechanical performance observed across muscles. In vertebrates, gross structural variation occurs in the form of changes in the muscle cross-sectional area : fibre length ratio. This results in a trade-off between force and displacement capacity, leaving work capacity unaltered. Consequently, the maximum work per unit volume—the work density—is considered constant. Invertebrate muscle also varies in muscle ultrastructure, i.e. actin and myosin filament lengths. Increasing actin and myosin filament lengths increases force capacity, but the effect on muscle fibre displacement, and thus work, capacity is unclear. We use a sliding-filament muscle model to predict the effect of actin and myosin filament lengths on these mechanical parameters for both idealized sarcomeres with fixed actin : myosin length ratios, and for real sarcomeres with known filament lengths. Increasing actin and myosin filament lengths increases stress without reducing strain capacity. A muscle with longer actin and myosin filaments can generate larger force over the same displacement and has a higher work density, so seemingly bypassing an established trade-off. However, real sarcomeres deviate from the idealized length ratio suggesting unidentified constraints or selective pressures.
Self-generating autocatalytic networks: structural results, algorithms and their relevance to early biochemistry
Authors: Huson Daniel , Xavier Joana C. , Steel Mike
Published: May 2024

The concept of an autocatalytic network of reactions that can form and persist, starting from just an available food source, has been formalized by the notion of a reflexively autocatalytic and food-generated (RAF) set. The theory and algorithmic results concerning RAFs have been applied to a range of settings, from metabolic questions arising at the origin of life, to ecological networks, and cognitive models in cultural evolution. In this article, we present new structural and algorithmic results concerning RAF sets, by studying more complex modes of catalysis that allow certain reactions to require multiple catalysts (or to not require catalysis at all), and discuss the differing ways catalysis has been viewed in the literature. We also focus on the structure and analysis of minimal RAFs and derive structural results and polynomial-time algorithms. We then apply these new methods to a large metabolic network to gain insights into possible biochemical scenarios near the origin of life.
Mechanisms of glycine formation in cold interstellar media: a theoretical study
Authors: Panajapo Pannipa , Suwannakham Parichart , Promma Phorntep , Sagarik Kritsana
Published: May 2024

The possibility of the formation of glycine (Gly) from fundamental gas molecules in cold interstellar media was studied using quantum chemical methods, transition state theory and microcanonical molecular dynamics simulations with surface hopping dynamics (NVE-MDSH). This theoretical study emphasized five photochemical pathways in the lowest singlet-excited (
S
1
) state, thermochemical processes after non-radiative
S
1
→
S
0
relaxations, and photo-to-thermal energy conversion in the NVE ensemble. The optimized reaction pathways suggested that to generate a reactive singlet dihydroxy carbene (HOCOH) intermediate, photochemical pathways involving the H
2
O…CO van der Waals and H
2
O−OC hydrogen bond precursors (Ch (1)_Step (1)) possess considerably lower energy barriers than the
S
0
state pathways. The Gibbs free energy barriers (∆
G

ǂ

) calculated after the non-radiative
S
1
→S
0
relaxations indicated higher spontaneous temperatures (
T
s
) for the formation of the HOCOH intermediate (Ch (1)_Step (1)) than for Gly formation (Ch (1)_Step (2) and Ch (4)). Although the termolecular reaction in Ch (4) possesses a low energy barrier, and is thermodynamically favourable, the high exothermic
S
1
→S
0
relaxation energy leads to the separation of the weakly associated H
2
O…CH
2
NH…CO complex into single molecules. The NVE-MDSH results also confirmed that the molecular processes after the
S
1
→S
0
relaxations are thermally selective, and because the non-radiative
S
1
→S
0
relaxation temperatures are exceedingly higher than
T
s
, the formation of Gly on consecutive reaction pathways is non-synergistic with low yields and several side products. Based on the theoretical results, photo-to-thermal control strategies to promote desirable photochemical products are proposed. They could be used as guidelines for future theoretical and experimental research on photochemical reactions.
Long-range polymer ordering by directional coating to remarkably enhance the charge carrier mobility in PCDTPT-based organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Iqbal M. Javaid , Saghir Kashif , Afzal Tahmina , Almutairi Badriah S. , Iqbal M. Zahir , Raza Mohsin Ali , Riaz Saira
Published: May 2024

With the wide potential of organic field-effect transistors in all the modern electronic circuitries, researchers are grappling with the challenge of poor charge transport and hence lower mobility in organic polymers. Low-charge carrier mobility is mainly due to disorder in the molecular packing of organic semiconductors along with other factors, such as impurities, defects and interactions between molecules. The current research work has been conducted to align the molecular chains of poly[4-(4,4-dihexadecyl-4H-cyclopenta[1,2-‌‌‌b:5,4-‌b′]‌dithiophen-2-yl)-alt-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo-[3,4-c]pyridine] (PCDTPT) using directional coating techniques such as dip coating and brush coating on nano-grooved substrates. Long-range order of polymer chains was clearly observed along the direction of brush coating and nanogrooves in optical and atomic force microscope (AFM) images while transmission spectra confirmed decreased pi–pi stacking for the polymer films deposited by this technique. By comparing the mobility performance of brush-coated devices with other techniques, we found a remarkable mobility enhancement of 90 times that of conventional spin-coated device and 24 times enhancement compared with the dip-coated device for the case when the alignment of polymer chains was parallel to the channel. All the fabrication and characterizations were performed in the ambient environment. This study demonstrates a potential approach to align the polymers on long and short ranges hence providing a route for high-performing devices in ambient conditions.
Subtemperate regelation exhibits power-law premelting
Authors: Meyer Colin. R. , Bellamy Julia , Rempel Alan. W.
Published: May 2024

Wire regelation is a common tabletop demonstration of the pressure-dependence of the ice melting temperature where a loaded wire moves from top to bottom through a block of ice, yet leaves the block intact. With the background temperature fixed at the bulk melting point ∼0°C, the elevated ice and liquid pressures beneath the wire cause melting because of the negative Clapeyron slope, while refreezing takes place above the wire where the pressures are reduced. Regelation is a model for temperate glacier ice moving through small bedrock obstacles. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that regelation continues to occur, albeit at much slower velocities, when the fixed background ice temperature is cold enough that the wire load is insufficient to produce bulk melting, suggesting that premelting plays a central role. Here, we compile available data for wire regelation at all temperatures. We then develop a model for the subtemperate data points, where the film thickness depends on the temperature below the melting point. We find agreement between the power-law model and the laboratory data for slow regelation velocities, allowing us to characterize the dominant premelting mechanisms for different wire compositions. These results advance our understanding of the role of premelting in subtemperate glacier sliding.
Compartmentalization of Transcripts During Antibody Mediated Rejection in Renal Transplants
Authors: Margeta Dajana , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Khazaie Sepideh , Herlitz Leal C. , Augustine Joshua J. , Heeger Peter S. , Tambur Anat R. , Fairchild Robert L. , Baldwin William M.
Published: May 2024

We used Digital Spatial Profiling to localize transcripts in glomeruli and tubulointerstitial compartments in a series of 4 biopsies from a patient diagnosed with acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The 4 biopsies included: a baseline protocol biopsy 25 days after transplantation; a 3 month biopsy diagnosed as acute AMR; a biopsy 4 months after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) showing ongoing AMR with a mild increase in tubulointerstitial fibrosis; and a biopsy 7 months later with resolution of glomerulitis. Glomeruli were captured in regions of interest (ROIs) for whole exome sequencing. Compared to baseline glomeruli, 17 transcripts were increased and 39 decreased in the 3 subsequent biopsies (> 2-fold and p < 0.005). Increased signatures for macrophages correlated with increased numbers of CD68 positive cells imaged in the corresponding glomeruli. The Human Cell Atlas classified the 39 transcripts decreased during the initial rejection as characteristic of podocytes and this gene signature did not recover in the subsequent 2 biopsies. Additional ROIs encompassing areas of tubulointerstitial fibrosis disclosed signatures for memory B cells in the acute AMR sample. Treatment with IVIg did not eliminate the B cell signal in the subsequent biopsy.

Collectively these data demonstrate a compartmentalization of injury processes. Innate immune cells including macrophages were located in glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments, whereas, adaptive immune cells including memory B cells localized to the tubulointerstitial compartment. Furthermore, podocyte transcripts were decreased in glomeruli and did not recover with treatment indicating a vulnerability of these cells to acute AMR.