Patients with DCIS Seen at a Specialized High-Risk Breast Clinic Run by Surgical Advanced Practice Providers Have High Rates of Preventive Medication Uptake.

Background: Preventative medication (PM) uptake is low among patients at an elevated risk of breast cancer, largely due to fears of intolerance. This study aimed to investigate whether a new, surgical advanced practice provider (APP)-run clinic was effectively prescribing PM. We hypothesized equivalent rates of PM uptake compared to consultation with medical oncologists (MD).

Towards the Development of an Optical Biosensor for the Detection of Human Blood for Forensic Analysis.

Blood is a common biological fluid in forensic investigations, offering significant evidential value. Currently employed presumptive blood tests often lack specificity and are sample destructive, which can compromise downstream analysis. Within this study, the development of an optical biosensor for detecting human red blood cells (RBCs) has been explored to address such limitations.

Assessing the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) in prioritising CT head interpretation: study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial (ACCEPT-AI).

Introduction: Diagnostic imaging is vital in emergency departments (EDs). Accessibility and reporting impacts ED workflow and patient care. With radiology workforce shortages, reporting capacity is limited, leading to image interpretation delays.

AI assisted reader evaluation in acute CT head interpretation (AI-REACT): protocol for a multireader multicase study.

Introduction: A non-contrast CT head scan (NCCTH) is the most common cross-sectional imaging investigation requested in the emergency department. Advances in computer vision have led to development of several artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect abnormalities on NCCTH. These tools are intended to provide clinical decision support for clinicians, rather than stand-alone diagnostic devices.

The Development and Characterisation of ssDNA Aptamers via a Modified Cell-SELEX Methodology for the Detection of Human Red Blood Cells.

Blood is one of the most commonly found biological fluids at crime scenes, with the detection and identification of blood holding a high degree of evidential value. It can provide not only information about the nature of the crime but can also lead to identification via DNA profiling. Presumptive tests for blood are usually sensitive but not specific, so small amounts of the substrate can be detected, but false-positive results are often encountered, which can be misleading.

Single versus Double Drainage for Immediate Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background: Reports evaluating plastic surgeons' practices indicate there are conflicting trends regarding the use of one or two drains for implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR). Our study aimed to perform a matched cohort analysis to examine the postoperative outcomes and complications of immediate IBBR with tissue expander (TE) using two drains versus a single drain.

Methods: A propensity score-matched analysis (nearest neighbor, 1:1 matching) of immediate reconstructions using two versus one drain was conducted.

Prepectoral versus subpectoral two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction: U.S. medical center experience and narrative review.

Background And Objective: With the incorporation of autologous fat grafting, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) products, and nipple-sparing mastectomy, prepectoral device placement has become more popular in selected patients when compared to partial submuscular (dual plane) or complete submuscular device placement. In this article, we aimed to present a review of the current state-of-the-art for implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) using expanders. Additionally, we present a case series of our experience with IBBR evaluating perioperative outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PRO).

Updates in the Surgical Management of Benign and High-Risk Breast Lesions.

Benign breast disease (BBD) is a heterogenous group of lesions often classified as nonproliferative or proliferative, with the latter group further categorized based on the presence of atypia. Although nonproliferative lesions are more common, the risk of breast cancer is elevated in women with proliferative lesions. Historically, the majority of proliferative lesions were excised due to concern for future and/or concomitant breast cancer at the site of the index lesion.

Latissimus dorsi flap with immediate fat transfer (LIFT) for autologous breast reconstruction: Single institution experience.

Background: Few studies have reported the outcomes of LDF and immediate fat transfer (LIFT) during breast reconstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes and complications of LIFT and standard LDF (without immediate fat transfer) for breast reconstruction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts from patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction after total mastectomy between 2011 and 2021.

Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap: a comprehensive review and case series.

The latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) has gained popularity given its versatile nature and broad applicability in breast reconstruction. Its resurgence has been attributed to its ability to be enhanced using implant or high-volume fat grafting, rendering it a primary option for selected patients. The aim of this review is to tackle current indications and subjects of controversy regarding use of complete-autologous and implant-enhanced LDF in breast reconstruction.

Predictors for Prolonged TE-to-Implant Exchange During Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Single Institution Experience.

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the factors causing a prolonged time for tissue expander (TE) exchange into a definitive implant using two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR). This study aimed to review our experience with IBBR, focusing on the time for TE-to-implant exchange and determining which factors cause a prolonged time for exchange.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed to include women undergoing immediate two-stage IBBR with TEs after total mastectomy between January 2011 and May 2021.

Autologous breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap in obese patients: Time-to-event analysis.

Background: Obesity is a multisystem disease process that confers increased surgical risk. In patients who are not surgical candidates for breast reconstruction with implants/tissue expanders or abdomen-based flaps, the latissimus dorsi flap (LDF) remains a versatile alternative due to its safety profile. We conducted an analysis of patients who underwent reconstruction with LDFs and compared outcomes between two groups: obese and nonobese patients.

WireSafe - A pilot study of a novel safety engineered device designed to prevent guidewire retention and reduce sharps injuries during central venous catheter insertion.

Background: Guidewire retention and sharps injury during central venous catheter insertion are errors that cause patient and healthcare professional harm. The WireSafe is a novel procedure safety pack engineered to prevent guidewire retention and sharps injury during central venous catheter insertion. This is a pilot study aimed to determine its acceptability, usability and safety during clinical practice.

Neurodivergence and radiology: How medical professionals can optimise the standard of care provided to autistic paediatric patients.

Introduction: Several studies have been published regarding patients with various neurodevelopmental diagnoses attending hospital appointments, however, few focus on autism and the radiology department. This paper aims to identify how implementing patient-centred strategies and protocols for autistic paediatric patients will benefit the patient pathway and provide a more comfortable experience for those undergoing different scans and procedures within the radiology department.

Methods: Using several electronic databases, articles were collected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and analysed with the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme (CASP).

De-escalation of axillary surgery in patients outside Z0011 criteria.

Over the past 2 decades, axillary surgical management for breast cancer patients has been reshaped after several practice-changing randomized clinical trials provided evidence to support the de-escalation of axillary surgery, specifically the omission of axillary lymph node dissection, for patients with positive axillary lymph nodes. One such practice-changing trial was the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial, which showed that patients with clinical T1-2 breast tumors and limited nodal disease (1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes) who underwent upfront breast-conserving therapy could be safely spared the morbidity of axillary lymph node dissection. American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 has been criticized as several important groups were excluded, such as patients who underwent a mastectomy, patients with >2 positive sentinel lymph nodes, or patients with imaging-detected lymph node metastases.

Two-Stage Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Using Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background: Limited comparability between study groups can generate significant selection and observer bias when evaluating the efficacy of the SPY system and fluorescence imaging for implant-based breast reconstruction. In this study, the authors compared the surgical outcomes and complications during the first stage of reconstruction between reconstructions evaluated intraoperatively with fluorescence imaging using the SPY system and clinical assessment using a matched analysis.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing total mastectomy and immediate two-stage implant-based breast reconstruction with TEs from January of 2011 to December of 2020.

The classification of handwriting features of the Kazakh language written in Latin script.

In 2017, the Republic of Kazakhstan began the phased transition of its alphabet from Cyrillic to Latin script. This transition has presented significant challenges to Kazakhstani document examiners, who have yet to develop appropriate methodologies for the analysis of handwriting samples written in the Kazakh language using Latin letters. This study aims to identify distinguishing macro and micro features of letters within Kazakh writing samples produced using the Latin alphabet and determine their frequencies of occurrence and discriminating power indices.

Hypotony in uveitis: an overview of medical and surgical management.

Hypotony is a well-recognised, sight-threatening complication of uveitis. It can also be the final common endpoint for a multitude of disease entities. Multiple mechanisms underlie hypotony, and meticulous clinical history alongside ocular phenotyping is necessary for choosing the best intervention and therapeutic management.

Subpectoral versus prepectoral two-stage breast reconstruction: A propensity score-matched analysis of 30-day morbidity and long-term outcomes.

Background: Approximately 80% of patients undergoing total mastectomy in the US opt for implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR). A two-stage reconstruction with tissue expander (TE) remains the most common technique. Since the implementation of ADMs, a prepectoral approach has gained popularity and is becoming the standard of care.

Simultaneous Fat Grafting During Tissue Expander-to-Implant Exchange: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is the most common technique for breast reconstruction. The primary resource for correcting deformities, once patients have achieved an adequate volume with two-stage IBBR, is autologous fat grafting. We compared the surgical outcomes of simultaneous fat grafting during TE-to-implant exchange (SFG + TtIE) versus no fat grafting during TE-to-implant exchange (No-FGX).

Nanomaterials for optical biosensors in forensic analysis.

Biosensors are compact analytical devices capable of transducing a biological interaction event into a measurable signal outcome in real-time. They can provide sensitive and affordable analysis of samples without the need for additional laboratory equipment or complex preparation steps. Biosensors may be beneficial for forensic analysis as they can facilitate large-scale high-throughput, sensitive screening of forensic samples to detect target molecules that are of high evidential value.

Clinically relevant mitochondrial-targeted therapy improves chronic outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

Pioglitazone, an FDA-approved compound, has been shown to target the novel mitochondrial protein mitoNEET and produce short-term neuroprotection and functional benefits following traumatic brain injury. To expand on these findings, we now investigate the dose- and time-dependent effects of pioglitazone administration on mitochondrial function after experimental traumatic brain injury. We then hypothesize that optimal pioglitazone dosing will lead to ongoing neuroprotection and cognitive benefits that are dependent on pioglitazone-mitoNEET signalling pathways.

Generating aptamers towards human sperm cells using massively parallel sequencing.

Determining the presence of sperm cells on an item or swab is often a crucial component of sexual offence investigation. However, traditional histological staining techniques used for the morphological identification of spermatozoa lack both specificity and sensitivity, making analysis a complex and time-consuming process. New methods for the detection of sperm cells based on aptamer recognition may be able to overcome these issues.