Detection of Hybrid Fusion Transcripts, Aberrant Transcript Expression, and Specific Single Nucleotide Variants in Acute Leukemia and Myeloid Disorders with Recurrent Gene Rearrangements.

Introduction: A variety of gene rearrangements and molecular alterations are key drivers in the pathobiology of acute leukemia and myeloid disorders; current classification systems increasingly incorporate these findings in diagnostic algorithms. Therefore, clinical laboratories require versatile tools, which can detect an increasing number and variety of molecular and cytogenetic alterations of clinical significance.

Methods: We validated an RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay that enables the detection of: (i) numerous hybrid fusion transcripts (including rare/novel gene partners), (ii) aberrantly expressed EVI1 (MECOM) and IKZF1 (Del exons 4-7) transcripts, and (iii) hotspot variants in KIT, ABL1, NPM1 (relevant in the context of gene rearrangement status).

Novel Strategies for Evaluating and Improving Plastic Surgery Applicant Selection.

Residency applicant evaluation and selection is a critical part of developing and maintaining a high-quality plastic surgery residency program. Currently, many programs rely on objective measures such as the United States Medical Licensing Exam scores, number of research publications, grade point average, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society status, or a combination of these objective metrics. However, there is a growing body of literature suggesting that the current means of residency applicant evaluation and selection may not be the best predictive factors of future resident success.

MRI Features of Free Liquid Silicone in the Transgender Female Breast.

Objective: To define MRI features of free liquid silicone injection (FLSI) of the breast in transgender women considering surgical management.

Methods: This study was IRB-approved. MRI images from transgender women with FLSI imaged between 2009 and 2019 were reviewed.

Impact of increasing age on functioning free muscle transplantation for facial palsy reconstruction.

Background: Management of facial paralysis in older patients is controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of increasing age on functioning free muscle transplantation (FFMT).

Patients And Methods: Twenty-nine facial paralysis patients over 50 years old received FFMT.

MORAb-202, an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Utilizing Humanized Anti-human FRα Farletuzumab and the Microtubule-targeting Agent Eribulin, has Potent Antitumor Activity.

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTA) have been investigated for many years as payloads for antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). In many cases, these ADCs have shown limited benefits due to lack of efficacy or significant toxicity, which has spurred continued investigation into novel MTA payloads for next-generation ADCs. In this study, we have developed ADCs using the MTA eribulin, a derivative of the macrocyclic polyether natural product halichondrin B, as a payload.

Proximal versus Distal Nerve Transfer for Biceps Reinnervation-A Comparative Study in a Rat's Brachial Plexus Injury Model.

Background: The exact role of proximal and distal nerve transfers in reconstruction strategies of brachial plexus injury remains controversial. We compared proximal with distal nerve reconstruction strategies in a rat model of brachial plexus injury.

Methods: In rats, the C6 spinal nerve with a nerve graft (proximal nerve transfer model, n = 30, group A) and 50% of ulnar nerve (distal nerve transfer model, n = 30, group B) were used as the donor nerves.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Past and Present-88 Surgeries in 30 Years at Chang Gung.

Background: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a highly controversial clinical entity. There is much debate on its terminology, existence, diagnosis, and treatment. The purpose of this study was to describe our opinions about these controversial topics of TOS and the treatment of TOS over the past 30 years.

The effect of systemic injury score on the decision making of mangled lower extremities.

Purpose: Mangled lower extremity with Mangled extremity severity score (MESS) more than 7 are considered unsalvageable. We are looking for a factor helps us predicting the salvage potential in the patient with MESS score between 7 and 9.

Materials And Methods: We reviewed the patients with lower extremities open fracture type IIIB or IIIC and received salvaged procedure or amputation in CGMH between 2002/01 and 2010/09.

An evolutionary perspective on the history of flap reconstruction in the upper extremity.

Examining the evolution of flap reconstruction of the upper extremity is similar to studying the evolution of biological species. This analogy provides a perspective to appreciate the contributing factors that led to the development of the current arsenal of techniques. It shows the trajectory for the future and provides a glimpse of the factors that that will be influential in the future.

Reconstruction of unicoronal plagiocephaly with a hypercorrection surgical technique.

OBJECT Successful surgical repair of unicoronal plagiocephaly remains a challenge for craniofacial surgeons. Many of the surgical techniques directed at correcting the stigmata associated with this craniofacial deformity (for example, ipsilateral supraorbital rim elevation [vertical dystopia], ipsilateral temporal constriction, C-shaped deformity of the face, and so on) are not long lasting and often result in deficient correction and the need for secondary revision surgery. The authors posit that the cause of this relapse was intrinsic deficiencies of the current surgical techniques.

A systematic review of interethnic variability in facial dimensions.

Background: The earliest recorded facial proportional analysis is in the Greek neoclassical canons (c. 450 b.c.

HPV16 E7 oncogene expression in normal human epithelial cells causes molecular changes indicative of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Cancer-associated epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for invasion and metastasis. Molecular hallmarks of EMT include down-regulation of the epithelial adhesion protein E-cadherin and de-novo expression of N-cadherin and the mesenchymal intermediate filament proteins vimentin and fibronectin. Expression of HPV16 E7 in normal human epithelial cells caused increased levels of vimentin and fibronectin, whereas the epithelial adhesion protein E-cadherin was expressed at decreased levels.

Palladium(II) Acetate-Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) Chloride: A Novel Catalytic Couple for the Intramolecular Heck Reaction.

A series of crotyl ethers underwent intramolecular cyclizations in the presence of a novel catalytic couple, composed of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride and palladium(II) acetate, under Heck conditions initially described by Jeffery.(1) The data indicated that the combination of these two metal catalysts formed a synergistic interaction that mediated intramolecular couplings in a superior manner as compared to the use of palladium(II) acetate alone. When tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride was added to the system, a distinct increase in rate and selectivity for the endocyclic form of the bicyclic ether products was generally observed.