bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the Infraorbital Nerve Using Bilayered Artificial Nerve Conduits after Partial Maxillectomy
Authors: Oyama Aoi , Nakamura Ryota , Nakakawaji Mikumo , Nishikawa Daisuke , Beppu Shintaro , Maruyama Yoko , Okumura Seiko , Hanai Nobuhiro , Takanari Keisuke 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Facial sensory nerves play vital roles in daily functions like self-protection, facial expressions, speaking, and eating. Severing the infraorbital nerve (ION) during partial maxillectomy via the Weber-Ferguson incision can lead to sensory disturbances. This study presents immediate ION reconstruction using artificial nerve conduits and its short-term outcomes.

Methods:
This retrospective study included three patients (mean age: 67.0 years) undergoing immediate ION reconstruction after partial maxillectomy via the Weber-Ferguson incision. Sensory recovery was evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein and two-point discrimination (2PD) tests. A reference group of five patients who underwent total maxillectomy without ION reconstruction was also assessed.

Results:
No postoperative complications were observed during the 15.3-month follow-up. Sensory recovery varied among patients, with one achieving normal perception at 24 months, another showing diminished light touch at 13 months, and the third experiencing diminished protective sensation at 7 months postoperatively. In comparison, the reference group showed lower sensory recovery. Two patients showed improvements in 2PD test results at 24 and 13 months, whereas one showed no recovery at 7 months. No patients in the reference group showed improvement.

Conclusion:
Immediate ION reconstruction using artificial nerve conduits after partial maxillectomy appears feasible, as evidenced by acceptable sensory recovery in the short term.
Understanding Patient Satisfaction: A Comparative Analysis of Telemedicine versus In-person Encounters in Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Authors: Layon Sarah A. , Madueke Michael , Burns Heather R. , Parham Matthew J. , Wang Daniel S. , Olorunnipa Olushola 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Telemedicine services experienced unprecedented growth during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, offering patients remote access to care while minimizing exposures to possible infection. Our institution has one of the country’s largest pediatric plastic surgery divisions and serves both a prominent metro area and sprawling rural community. Given the increasing utilization of telemedicine across several surgical subspecialties, this study aims to evaluate patient satisfaction following pediatric plastic surgery telemedicine encounters.

Methods:
Press Ganey surveys were completed by parents or guardians of pediatric plastic surgery patients after in-person or telemedicine encounters with a single surgeon. Surveys were gathered from March 2020 to December 2022. Only 13 of the 25 survey questions were applicable to both in-person and telemedicine encounters and were included for analysis. Top box scores (the proportion of patients who selected the highest rating) were compared using Fisher exact test.

Results:
Completed surveys were available for both groups from June 2020 to November 2022. A total of 223 surveys met inclusion criteria; there were 159 in-person encounters and 64 telemedicine encounters. Telemedicine encounters consistently had top box scores comparable to, or greater than, in-person encounters for all 13 survey questions. Statistically significant differences were observed for ease of contacting the practice (P = 0.002) and scheduling appointments (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
Pediatric plastic surgery encounters completed via telemedicine demonstrate high patient satisfaction, exceeding in-person encounters for accessibility and convenience. Our study provides objective data about the patient experience and emphasizes the value of integrating telemedicine into pediatric plastic surgery practices.
Lipoprotein(a) is a highly atherogenic lipoprotein: pathophysiological basis and clinical implications
Authors: Björnson Elias , Adiels Martin , Borén Jan , Packard Chris J. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose of review
Lipoprotein(a) has been identified as a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and aortic valve stenosis. However, as reviewed here, there is ongoing debate as to the key pathogenic features of Lp(a) particles and the degree of Lp(a) atherogenicity relative to low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Recent findings
Genetic analyses have revealed that Lp(a) on a per-particle basis is markedly (about six-fold) more atherogenic than LDL. Oxidized phospholipids carried on Lp(a) have been found to have substantial pro-inflammatory properties triggering pathways that may contribute to atherogenesis. Whether the strength of association of Lp(a) with ASCVD risk is dependent on inflammatory status is a matter of current debate and is critical to implementing intervention strategies. Contradictory reports continue to appear, but most recent studies in large cohorts indicate that the relationship of Lp(a) to risk is independent of C-reactive protein level.

Summary
Lp(a) is a highly atherogenic lipoprotein and a viable target for intervention in a significant proportion of the general population. Better understanding the basis of its enhanced atherogenicity is important for risk assessment and interpreting intervention trials.
Quality of Life in People With HIV at the End of Life: Preliminary Results From the Last Gift Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Coler Brahm , Honerkamp Smith Gordon , Arora Anish K. , Wells Adam , Solso Stephanie , Dullano Cheryl , Concha-Garcia Susanna , Hill Eddie , Riggs Patricia K. , Korolkova Anastasia , Deiss Robert , Smith Davey , Sundermann Erin E. , Gianella Sara , Chaillon Antoine , Dubé Karine 
Published: October 2024

Background:
As people living with HIV (PWH) age, they face new challenges that can have a negative impact on their quality of life (QOL) and mental health.

Setting:
This study enrolled PWH at the end of life (EOL) who were actively engaged in cure-related research in Southern California, United States. EOL was defined as having a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. We examined the relationship between QOL, mental health, and research participation.

Methods:
Structured assessments were used to collect comprehensive data on QOL and mental health.

Results:
From 2017 to 2023, 35 PWH in their final stages of life who were actively engaged in cure-related research were enrolled. Their median age was 62.7 years, and most were White or otherwise non-Hispanic/non-Latino (90.6%), and male (86.7%). Changes in QOL and the presence of neurologic and psychiatric conditions, with a focus on depression and anxiety, were the primary outcomes assessed in this study. Participants had stable QOL scores throughout the study. There was an inverse relationship between QOL and Beck Depression Inventory scores, with higher mean QOL scores being associated with lower mean Beck Depression Inventory scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:
QOL remained stable among PWH who participate in cure-related research at EOL. The inverse relationship between QOL and depressive symptoms suggests that participation in cure-related research may improve QOL or reduce depressive symptoms in this population. Future interventions should look into ways to improve the well-being of PWH at EOL through research and customized mental health interventions.
Surgical Reconstruction in Malignant Eyelid Tumors
Authors: Savur Fatma 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
To report the histopathological subtypes of malignant eyelid tumors treated surgically in the author's clinic and to present the author's graft and flap preferences in the reconstruction of the eyelid defect after surgical excision.

Methods:
This retrospective study included 33 patients who underwent malignant eyelid tumor excision, followed by eyelid reconstruction. A frozen section was performed during surgery to assess surgical margins in all patients. Demographic characteristics, histological classification, localization, and size of the tumor, postoperative defect size, follow-up period, complications, and recurrence rate were recorded.

Results:
Of the patients with a mean age of 66.6 ± 15.3 (range: 23–94), 15 (45.5%) were females and 18 (54.5%) were males. The lower eyelid was the most commonly involved site in 27 (81.8%) patients. Basal cell carcinoma was the most frequently diagnosed type of malignant cancer in 81.8% (n = 27) of the cases. Among the tumor subtypes, nodular type basal cell carcinoma was the most frequently observed subtype in 10 (30.3%) patients. Wide excision with different flap and graft techniques was performed in 26 (78.8%) patients with defect sizes of 40% or larger. In the author's study, the most preferred flap technique for anterior lamella reconstruction was the Tenzel semicircular flap (30.3% n = 10). The most frequently preferred flap for posterior lamella reconstruction was the Hughes tarsoconjunctival flap (30.3% n = 10). There were no flap or graft failures in any of the author's cases.

Conclusion:
In the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors, different local flap and graft techniques selected according to the size of the defect have successful anatomical results in reconstructive surgery after frozen section controlled excision.
The Frequency of Presence of the Infraorbital Canal in the Maxillary Sinus and its Clinical Importance
Authors: Tekin Mustafa Said , Karaalioğlu Banu 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
The infraorbital canal (IOC) houses critical structures like the infraorbital artery, vein, and nerve, and its atypical location within the maxillary sinus could pose risks during surgical procedures, making it crucial to understand its prevalence and distribution. The study aims to investigate the localization and frequency of the IOC within the maxillary sinus.

Methods:
This retrospective study analyzed computed tomography (CT) images from 1000 randomly selected patients (500 males, 500 females) aged 18 to 65 years who underwent paranasal region imaging at Istanbul Medipol University Medipol Mega University Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Exclusion criteria included major pathologies, prior surgeries, and poor image quality. The study focused on evaluating the localization of the IOC and its presence within the maxillary sinus, using coronal CT sections.

Results:
The IOC was found within the maxillary sinus in 8% of cases (44 males, 36 females). This variation was bilateral in 34 cases and unilateral in 46 cases, with no statistically significant relationship between sex and the occurrence or type of variation. The study’s findings align with previous research, which reported similar prevalence rates for this anatomical variation.

Conclusion:
The study confirms that the IOC is located within the maxillary sinus in a significant percentage of cases, emphasizing the importance of preoperative CT evaluation to prevent potential complications during maxillary sinus surgeries. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of considering individual anatomical differences in the localization of the IOC.
Paravertebral versus EPidural Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Esophageal ResectioN (PEPMEN)
Authors: Feenstra Minke L. , Kooij Cezanne D. , Eshuis Wietse J. , de Groot Eline M. , Hermanides Jeroen , Kingma B. Feike , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Daams Freek , Marsman Marije , van den Bosch Oscar F.C. , ten Hoope Werner , Goense Lucas , Luyer Misha D.P. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A.P. , Scholten Harm J. , Buise Marc , van Det Marc J. , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , van der Meer Franciscus , Frederix Geert W.J. , Hollmann Markus W. , Cheong Edward , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , van Hillegersberg Richard 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
To compare quality of recovery in patients receiving epidural or paravertebral analgesia for minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).

Summary Background Data:
Paravertebral analgesia may be a promising alternative to epidural analgesia, avoiding potential side effects and improving postoperative recovery.

Methods:
This randomized controlled superiority trial was conducted across four Dutch centers with esophageal cancer patients scheduled for transthoracic MIE with intrathoracic anastomosis, randomizing patients to receive either epidural or paravertebral analgesia. The primary outcome was Quality of Recovery (QoR-40) on the third postoperative day (POD). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, inotropic/vasopressor medication use, hospital stay, complications, readmission, and mortality.

Results:
From December 2019 to February 2023, 192 patients were included: 94 received epidural and 98 paravertebral analgesia. QoR-40 score on POD3 was not different between groups (mean difference 3.7, 95%CI -2.3 to 9.7; P=0.268). Epidural patients had significant higher QoR-40 scores on POD1 and 2 (mean difference 7.7, 95%CI 2.3-13.1; P=0.018 and mean difference 7.3, 95%CI 1.9-12.7; P=0.020) and lower pain scores (median 1 versus 2; P=<0.001 and median 1 versus 2; P=0.033). More epidural patients required vasopressor medication on POD1 (38.3% versus 13.3%; P<0.001). Urinary catheters were removed earlier in the paravertebral group (median POD3 versus 4; P=<0.001). No significant differences were found in postoperative complications or hospital/Intensive Care Unit stay.

Conclusions:
This randomized controlled trial did not demonstrate superiority of paravertebral over epidural analgesia regarding quality of recovery on POD3 after MIE. Both techniques are effective and can be offered in clinical practice.
Diagnostic Value of Bereitschaftspotential in People With Functional Seizures
Authors: Dietze Christoph S. , van Waart-Houtman Dieke , Meppelink Anne Marthe , Bourez-Swart Mireille , van der Palen Job , Zijlmans Maeike , van der Salm Sandra M. A. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose:
Bereitschaftspotential (BP) or readiness potential in people with functional movement disorders can aid diagnostic workup. We evaluated the diagnostic value of BP as an interictal EEG marker in people with functional seizures (FS).

Methods:
We recorded and analyzed BP interictal before intended movements in 17 adults with FS and 17 controls with alternative diagnoses. We evaluated the signals for the presence of BP, latency, amplitude, and early versus late BP.

Results:
Bereitschaftspotential was present in all except one person with FS. We found no significant differences in the latency and amplitude of BP between participants with FS and controls. The early BP showed the most significant variance in amplitude, latency, and presence.

Conclusions:
We found interictal typical BP values in participants with FS and variable semiology, while earlier research found interictal no BP in functional movement disorders. These findings do not support the use of BP as an interictal diagnostic tool for FS. Differences in early BP and focus on FS with pure motor semiology are starting points for further research evaluating potential interictal markers in people with FS.
Ligase-mediated programmable genomic integration (L-PGI): an efficient site-specific gene editing system that overcomes the limitations of reverse transcriptase-based editing systems
Authors: Nan Angela Xinyi , Chickering Michael , Bartolome Christopher , Shadija Neeta , Li Dan , Estes Brett , Stetina Jessica Von , Li Wei , Andresen Jason , Cochrane Jesse C , Bai Chen , Gatlin Jason , Wang Jie , Norouzi Davood , Kumar Sandeep , Dunyak Maike Thamsen , Chavez Leonard , Seth Anmol , Halperin Shakked , Finn Jonathan D , Xie Jenny 
Published: October 2024

SummarySince their discovery, CRISPR/Cas9 systems have been repurposed for programmable targeted genomic editing. This has led to unprecedented advancement of gene editing for therapeutic benefit. Initial uses of CRISPR/Cas9 were focused on gene disruption via DNA cleavage, but significant engineering led to systems for single base editing as well as insertion, deletion and manipulation of short stretches of genomic sequences using nicking Cas9 and RT-based methods. These technologies allowed safer and more precise editing but were limited to small corrections and showed significantly reduced efficiencies in nondividing cells, presenting difficulty for translation toin vivotherapies. To find an alternate editing strategy that could address these shortcomings, we revisited the mechanism of DNA nicking by nCas9. nCas9 nicking creates a free 5’ phosphate group and a 3’ hydroxyl group on the complementary strand of the target sequence. Under ordinary conditions in the cell these ends are re-joined by endogenously expressed ligases to repair DNA back to wild-type. If, however, a DNA fragment containing the desired edit were present, ligation of the nicked genomic DNA with the delivered fragment could result in gene editing. We demonstrate that optimization of each component and introduction of a chemically modified high affinity splinting DNA allows a variety of ligase-based edits, including longer edits not efficient with RT-based systems, at high efficiencies and fidelities that minimize genomic byproducts in both dividing and nondividing cells as well asin vivoin adult mice. Here we present the first therapeutically relevant ligation-based programmable gene editing technology, L-PGI.
Rapid Prototyping of 3D Microstructures: A Simplified Grayscale Lithography Encoding Method Using Blender
Authors: Borghi Fabrício Frizera , Bendimerad Mohammed , Chapon Marie-Ly , Petithory Tatiana , Vonna Laurent , Pieuchot Laurent 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe democratization of fabrication equipment has spurred recent interest in maskless grayscale lithography for both 2D and 3D microfabrication. However, the design of suitable template images remains a challenge. This work presents a simplified method for encoding 3D objects into grayscale image files optimized for grayscale lithography. Leveraging the widely used, open-source 3D modeling software Blender, we developed a robust approach to convert geometric heights into grayscale levels and generate image files through top-view rendering. Our method accurately reproduced the overall shape of simple structures like stairs and ramps compared to the original designs. We extended this approach to complex 3D sinusoidal surfaces, achieving similar results. Given the increasing accessibility and user-friendliness of digital rendering tools, this study offers a promising strategy for rapid prototyping of initial designs with minimal effort.
New insights into the involvement of residue D1/V185 in Photosystem II function inSynechocystis 6803andThermosynechococcus vestitus
Authors: Boussac Alain , Sellés Julien , Sugiura Miwa , Burnap Robert L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe effects of D1-V185T and D1-V185N mutations in Photosystem II (PSII) fromThermosynechococcus vestitus(formerlyT. elongatus) andSynechocystis6803, respectively, were studied using both EPR and optical kinetics. EPR spectroscopy reveals the presence of a mixture of a S2state in a high spin configuration (S2HS) and in a low spin configuration (S2LS) in both mutants. In contrast to the S2HSin the wild type, the S2HSstate in the D1-V185T mutant does not progress to the S3state at 198 K. This inability is likely due to alterations in the protonation state and hydrogen-bonding network around the Mn4CaO5cluster. Optical studies show that these mutations significantly affect proton release during the S3-to-S0transition. While the initial fast proton release associated with TyrZ●formation remains unaffected within the resolution of our measurements, the second, and slower, proton release is delayed, suggesting that the mutations disrupt the hydrogen-bonding interactions necessary for efficient deprotonation of substrate water (O6). This disruption in proton transfer also correlates with slower water exchange in the S3state, likely due to non-native hydrogen bonds introduced by the threonine or asparagine side chains at position 185. These findings point to a critical role of D1-V185 in regulating both proton transfer dynamics and water binding, underscoring a complex interplay between structural and functional changes in PSII.
Reconstructing the deep phylogeny of the MAPK signaling network: functional specialization via multi-tier coevolutionary expansion
Authors: Huang EJ , Parksong Jeeun , Peterson Amy F. , Torres Fernando , Regot Sergi , Bever Gabriel S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling network is a three-tier cascade that regulates key cellular responses in eukaryotes. However, the evolutionary origins of its complex interactions and functional diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of MAPK components across Eukarya to delineate divergences of non-human orthologs of human paralogs along the human evolutionary backbone. We identified two major pulses of coevolutionary expansion: one predating the divergence of fungi and animals, and another predating the origin of animals. Our reconstruction also infers a polyphyletic origin for the atypical MAPKs. Integrating functional literature across eukaryotic taxa with our reconstructed trees reveals that the two clades of MAP3K, Sterile-like (STE) and tyrosine kinase-like (TKL), had distinct evolutionary trajectories and influences on downstream pathway diversification. STEs that function as MAP3Ks are conserved across extant eukaryotes. Despite the absence of TKL MAP3Ks in many early diverging eukaryotes, the expansion of TKL MAP3Ks aligns phylogenetically and functionally with that of the downstream MAP2Ks and MAPKs. We thus propose that the MAPK network originated as a STE-regulated pathway, and that subsequent radiations of the TKLs drove the diversification of downstream components and top-down finetuning of pathway specificity. We thus provide an evolutionary framework for generating novel hypotheses on the functional diversity of this key signaling network, including potential insights into the evolution of animal multicellularity. Our study demonstrates that phylogenetics can offer new perspectives towards understanding complex cellular physiology.SignificanceThe mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling network responds to various signals and regulates basic cell physiology including proliferation and apoptosis. This three-tier network is universal in eukaryotes, but there is great functional diversity among different homologs as well as different taxa. Here we compared amino acid sequences to reconstruct MAPK evolutionary history as a network. We found that the three levels expand in parallel, showcasing a special case of coevolution. Two distinct pulses of network expansion predate the origin of animals, indicating that the functional diversity of human MAPK network proteins originate from ancient evolutionary radiations. Together, our study provides a critical look at the deep history of this important network.