Oropharyngeal Contamination Predisposes to Complications after Neck Dissection: An Analysis of 9462 Patients.

Objective: While neck dissection is important in the treatment of head and neck cancer, there is a paucity of studies evaluating outcomes. We sought to compare preoperative variables and outcomes between clean and contaminated neck dissections, using the 2006-2011 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) data sets.

Study Design: Retrospective review of prospectively maintained database.

Daptomycin-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

Introduction: Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic with activity against gram-positive organisms. With increasing use, acute eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare, but potentially fatal adverse drug reaction that requires prompt recognition. The authors present a definite case of daptomycin-induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

Assessing Outcomes and Safety of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Tissue Expander Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Background: With the rising cost of healthcare delivery and bundled payments for episodes of care, there has been impetus to minimize hospitalization and increase utilization of outpatient surgery mechanisms. Given the increase in outpatient mastectomy and immediate tissue expander (TE)-based reconstruction and the paucity of data on its comparative safety to inpatient procedures, we sought to understand the risk for early postoperative complications in an outpatient model compared with more traditional inpatient status using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Methods: NSQIP data files from 2005 to 2012 were queried to identify patients undergoing immediate TE-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Sensing-enabled hippocampal deep brain stimulation in idiopathic nonhuman primate epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a debilitating condition affecting 1% of the population worldwide. Medications fail to control seizures in at least 30% of patients, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising alternative treatment. A modified clinical DBS hardware platform was recently described (PC+S) allowing long-term recording of electrical brain activity such that effects of DBS on neural networks can be examined.

Study on the effectiveness and impact of pentavalent vaccination program in India and other south Asian countries.

Penta-valent-vaccine is a combination vaccine administered in a 3-dose schedule, offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DPT), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib). The vaccine is widely recommended by WHO and GAVI as a substitute for prevailing vaccination practices against the above mentioned diseases and viruses. The vaccine has met with both positive and negative responses, which leads to uncertainties about the vaccine's safety.

Insights into resistome and stress responses genes in Bubalus bubalis rumen through metagenomic analysis.

Buffalo rumen microbiota experience variety of diets and represents a huge reservoir of mobilome, resistome and stress responses. However, knowledge of metagenomic responses to such conditions is still rudimentary. We analyzed the metagenomes of buffalo rumen in the liquid and solid phase of the rumen biomaterial from river buffalo adapted to varying proportion of concentrate to green or dry roughages, using high-throughput sequencing to know the occurrence of antibiotics resistance genes, genetic exchange between bacterial population and environmental reservoirs.

Advances in oncologic head and neck reconstruction: systematic review and future considerations of virtual surgical planning and computer aided design/computer aided modeling.

Background: Mastery of craniomaxillofacial reconstruction has been traditionally considered to be learning curve dependent, often with inconsistent results during the skill acquisition phase. Until recently, the overall success in bony oncologic reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial skeleton has relied mainly on the use of 2D imaging modalities, as well as surgical trial-and-error. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer aided design (CAD)/computer aided modeling (CAM) are gaining traction in oncologic applications and offers opportunity for increased accuracy, improved efficiency, and enhanced outcomes.

Assessing safety and outcomes in outpatient versus inpatient thyroidectomy using the NSQIP: a propensity score matched analysis of 16,370 patients.

Background: With increasing economic healthcare constraints and an evolving understanding of patient selection criteria and patient safety, outpatient thyroidectomy is now more frequently employed. However, robust statistical analyses evaluating outcomes and safety after outpatient thyroidectomy with matched comparisons to inpatient cohorts are lacking.

Methods: The 2011-2012 NSQIP datasets were queried to identify all patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Neuroprotective effect of Tinospora cordifolia ethanol extract on 6-hydroxy dopamine induced Parkinsonism.

Objective: The present study investigates the neuroprotective activity of ethanol extract of Tinospora cordifolia aerial parts against 6-hydroxy dopamine (6-OHDA) lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Materials And Methods: T. cordifolia ethanol extract (TCEE) was standardized with high performance thin layer chromatography using berberine.

Parmotrema tinctorum exhibits antioxidant, antiglycation and inhibitory activities against aldose reductase and carbohydrate digestive enzymes: an in vitro study.

This study evaluated the inhibitory potential of ethyl acetate extract of Parmotrema tinctorum (PTEE), an edible lichen, against aldose reductase (AR) and carbohydrate digestive enzymes such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase. It was also screened for antioxidant activities by using DPPH, ABTS, superoxide and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays. PTEE exhibited α-glucosidase, α-amylase and AR inhibition along with significant antiglycation potential with an estimated IC50 value of 58.

Draft Genome Sequence of an Invasive Multidrug-Resistant Strain, Pseudomonas aeruginosa BK1, Isolated from a Keratitis Patient.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat due to the presence of a multitude of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of P. aeruginosa BK1, an invasive and multidrug-resistant strain, isolated from a bacterial keratitis patient in southern India.

Draft Genome Sequences of Staphylococcus aureus AMRF1 (ST22) and AMRF2 (ST672), Ocular Methicillin-Resistant Isolates.

Sequence type 22 (ST22) and ST672 are the two major emerging clones of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in India. ST672 strains were found to cause severe ocular infections. We report the draft genome sequences of two emerging strains of methicillin-resistant S.

Cloning and expression of recombinant human GMCSF from Pichia pastoris GS115--a progressive strategy for economic production.

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGMCSF) is a proinflammatory cytokine and hematopoietic growth factor. Recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGMCSF) serves as a biotherapeutic agent in bone marrow stimulations, vaccine development, gene therapy approaches, and stem cell mobilization. The objective of the present study includes construction of rhGMCSF having N-terminal intein tag, expression of protein both extracellularly and intracellularly from yeast expression system followed by its purification in a single step by affinity chromatography.

Alkane activation on crystalline metal oxide surfaces.

Advances in the fundamental understanding of alkane activation on oxide surfaces are essential for developing new catalysts that efficiently and selectively promote chemical transformations of alkanes. In this tutorial review, we discuss the current understanding of alkane activation on crystalline metal oxide surfaces, and focus mainly on summarizing our findings on alkane adsorption and C-H bond cleavage on the PdO(101) surface as determined from model ultrahigh vacuum experiments and theoretical calculations. These studies show that alkanes form strongly-bound σ-complexes on PdO(101) by datively bonding with coordinatively-unsaturated Pd atoms and that these molecularly adsorbed species serve as precursors for C-H bond activation on the oxide surface.

Functional connectivity estimated from intracranial EEG predicts surgical outcome in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy.

This project aimed to determine if a correlation-based measure of functional connectivity can identify epileptogenic zones from intracranial EEG signals, as well as to investigate the prognostic significance of such a measure on seizure outcome following temporal lobe lobectomy. To this end, we retrospectively analyzed 23 adult patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) who underwent an invasive stereo-EEG (SEEG) evaluation between January 2009 year and January 2012. A follow-up of at least one year was required.

A matched cohort study of superomedial pedicle vertical scar breast reduction (100 breasts) and traditional inferior pedicle Wise-pattern reduction (100 breasts): an outcomes study over 3 years.

Background: The superomedial pedicle vertical scar breast reduction is gaining popularity for its round, projecting breast and shorter incision when compared with the traditional Wise-pattern reduction using an inferior pedicle. However, there is a paucity of large-volume institutional outcomes studies identifying how this technique fares against more traditional methods of reduction.

Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of bilateral breast reductions over a 3-year period was performed.

Bilateral implant breast reconstruction: outcomes, predictors, and matched cohort analysis in 730 2-stage breast reconstructions over 10 years.

Background: Rates of bilateral implant breast reconstruction (BI/BR) are rising despite the lack of precise information. Previous studies have examined unilateral reconstruction, making it difficult to counsel patients regarding the risk of BI/BR. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of complications and predictors of unfavorable aesthetic outcomes in the largest study to date of exclusive 2-stage BI/BR.

Single-stage nipple-areolar complex reconstruction technique, outcomes, and patient satisfaction.

Introduction: Nipple-areolar reconstruction (NAR) is the final phase of breast reconstruction and is associated with increased patient satisfaction. Nipple-areolar reconstruction is typically performed in 2 separate stages, which include nipple reconstruction and tattooing of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Previous studies have demonstrated that increased duration of the reconstruction is associated with decreased patient satisfaction.

Pathways and kinetics of methane and ethane C-H bond cleavage on PdO(101).

We used conventional density functional theory (DFT) and dispersion-corrected DFT (DFT-D3) calculations to investigate C-H bond activation pathways for methane and ethane σ-complexes adsorbed on the PdO(101) surface. The DFT-D3 calculations predict lower and more physically realistic values of the apparent C-H bond cleavage barriers, which are defined relative to the gas-phase energy level, while giving nearly the same energy differences between stationary states as predicted by conventional DFT for a given reaction pathway. For the stable CH4 η(2) complex on PdO(101), DFT-D3 predicts that the C-H bond cleavage barriers are 55.

Effect of molecular chaperones on the expression of Candida antarctica lipase B in Pichia pastoris.

One of the reasons for limited heterologous protein secretion in Pichia pastoris is the suboptimal folding conditions inside the cell. The Hsp70 and Hsp40 chaperone families in the cytoplasm or the ER regulate the folding and secretion of heterologous proteins. Here, we have studied the effect of chaperones Ydj1p, Ssa1p, Sec63p and Kar2p on the secretory expression of Candida antarctica lipase B (CalB) protein.

Mohs moat: peripheral cutaneous margin clearance in a collaborative approach for aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma.

Although Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for large, aggressive or recurrent non-melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck, tumours that involve deep underlying structures (including bone, parotid gland and named nerves) are impractical for extirpation under local anaesthesia. Such cases are often referred to a head and neck surgeon, who typically relies on intraoperative frozen section analysis of the peripheral cutaneous margin. Here we describe the use of the Mohs moat technique as part of a collaborative approach for the treatment of aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma that allows an analysis of the complete peripheral cutaneous margin and results in decreased operating room and general anaesthesia time.

Composite tissue allotransplantation and dysregulation in tissue repair and regeneration: a role for mesenchymal stem cells.

Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a rapidly evolving area that has brought technological advances to the forefront of plastic surgery, hand surgery, and transplant biology. Composite tissue allografts (CTAs) may have profound functional, esthetic, and psychological benefits, but carry with them the risks of life-long immunosuppression and the inadequate abilities to monitor and prevent rejection. Allografts may suffer from additional insults further weakening their overall benefits.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Highly Flagellated, Fast-Swimming Archaeon, Methanocaldococcus villosus Strain KIN24-T80 (DSM 22612).

We report the draft genome sequence of a hyperthermophilic Methanocaldococcus villosus strain, KIN24-T80. The gene associated with its heavy flagellum formation was annotated in the 1.2-Mb draft genome sequence, and this strain may be a good model system to study the extensive functional role of flagella and their fast motor activity.

Ulnar forearm free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: systematic review of the literature and a case report.

Objective: Under the assumption that the ulnar artery is the predominant blood supply to the hand, radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) generally have been preferred over ulnar forearm free flaps (UFFF) in head and neck reconstruction. The objective of this study is to create the first and only systematic review of the literature regarding UFFF in head and neck reconstruction, assessing the usage, morbidity, complications, and rationale of its use.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, including Mesh terms and manual searches.