Use of Tranexamic Acid in Head and Neck Free Flap Reconstruction.

Introduction: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is commonly used in surgical settings to reduce blood loss. Due to its antifibrinolytic properties, TXA theoretically increases the risk of thrombosis. In this study, the use of TXA was assessed in patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction.

Measurement properties of the Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life (TBI-QoL) and Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QoL) measurement systems: a systematic review.

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury impact all areas of individuals' quality of life. A synthesis of available evidence for the Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life (TBI-QoL) and Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life (SCI-QoL) measurement systems could inform evidence-based clinical practice and research. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the literature of existing evidence on the measurement properties of SCI-QoL and TBI-QoL among rehabilitation populations.

Endothelial-specific CXCL12 regulates neovascularization during tissue repair and tumor progression.

C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12; Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 [SDF-1]), most notably known for its role in embryogenesis and hematopoiesis, has been implicated in tumor pathophysiology and neovascularization. However, its cell-specific role and mechanism of action have not been well characterized. Previous work by our group has demonstrated that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 modulates downstream CXCL12 expression following ischemic tissue injury.

Fe nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopic studies of tetranuclear iron clusters bearing terminal iron(iii)-oxido/hydroxido moieties.

Fe nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) has been applied to study a series of tetranuclear iron ([Fe]) clusters based on a multidentate ligand platform (L) anchored by a 1,3,5-triarylbenzene linker and pyrazolate or (butylamino)pyrazolate ligand (PzNH Bu). These clusters bear a terminal Fe(iii)-O/OH moiety at the apical position and three additional iron centers forming the basal positions. The three basal irons are connected with the apical iron center a μ-oxido ligand.

The psychometric properties of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) measurement system in neurorehabilitation populations: a systematic review.

Objective: To systematically review the literature of existing evidence on the measurement properties of the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders (Neuro-QoL) measurement system among neurorehabilitation populations.

Data Sources: The Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guided this systematic review in which we searched nine electronic databases and registries, and hand-searched reference lists of included articles.

Study Selection: Two independent reviewers screened selected articles and extracted data from 28 included studies.

Disentangling the Effects of Comorbidity and Polypharmacy on Cognitive Function and Physical Frailty in Individuals With HIV.

Objective: To estimate the extent to which comorbidity, polypharmacy, and anticholinergic/sedative burden interrelate to influence cognitive ability, perceived cognitive deficits (PCD), and physical frailty in people living with HIV.

Design: Cross-sectional Structural Equation Modeling of data from 824 older people living with HIV in Canada, participating in the Positive Brain Health Now study.

Method: Structural Equation Modeling was used to link observed variables, including comorbidity, polypharmacy, anticholinergic, and sedative burden, to cognitive ability and 2 latent constructs-physical frailty and PCD.

The Association Between Serum Mature and Precursor Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurocognitive Function in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Longitudinal Study.

Background: Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive impairment persists. We investigated the association between serum levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), precursor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF), and neurocognitive changes over time among adults with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to elucidate the interplay between neurotrophic factors and neurocognitive outcomes post-ART.

Methods: Utilizing data from the ACTG 5199 study in Johannesburg and Harare, serum mBDNF and proBDNF levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Local photo-crosslinking of native tissue matrix regulates cell function.

Within most tissues, the extracellular microenvironment provides mechanical cues that guide cell fate and function. Changes in the extracellular matrix such as aberrant deposition, densification and increased crosslinking are hallmarks of late-stage fibrotic diseases that often lead to organ dysfunction. Biomaterials have been widely used to mimic the mechanical properties of the fibrotic matrix and study cell function.

Lattice dynamics ofSn impurity in a bcc-Cr crystal.

The chromium crystal doped withSn isotope was studied using the nuclear resonance inelastic x-ray scattering and first principles calculations. The Sn partial phonon density of states (PDOS) was obtained for three temperatures that correspond to different magnetic states of Cr. At all temperatures, the energy spectrum consists of a broad band around 18 meV and a narrow peak at 43 meV.

Cognitive impact of anticholinergic and sedative burden in people with HIV.

Objective: This study aims to estimate the extent to which anticholinergic and sedative burden is associated with cognitive ability and self-reported cognitive difficulties (SCD) in middle-aged and older adults living with HIV.

Design: This cross-sectional analysis examined data from the inaugural visit of participants enrolled in the Positive Brain Health Now (BHN) study.

Methods: Cognitive ability was measured using the Brief Cognitive Ability Measure (B-CAM; higher is better) and SCD using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ; higher is worse).

Temperature-dependent iron motion in extremophile rubredoxins - no need for 'corresponding states'.

Extremophile organisms are known that can metabolize at temperatures down to - 25 °C (psychrophiles) and up to 122 °C (hyperthermophiles). Understanding viability under extreme conditions is relevant for human health, biotechnological applications, and our search for life elsewhere in the universe. Information about the stability and dynamics of proteins under environmental extremes is an important factor in this regard.

Effect of Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors on Increased Early Childhood Blood Lead Levels: A Case Study in Chicago.

This study analyzes the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) in children across Chicagoland zip codes from 2019 to 2021, linking them to socioeconomic, environmental, and racial factors. Wilcoxon tests and generalized additive model (GAM) regressions identified economic hardship, reflected in per capita income and unemployment rates, as a significant contributor to increased lead poisoning (LP) rates. Additionally, LP rates correlate with the average age of buildings, particularly post the 1978 lead paint ban, illustrating policy impacts on health outcomes.

Medication utilization patterns in patients with post-COVID syndrome (PCS): Implications for polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions.

Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) causes lasting symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues. PCS treatment is nonspecific, focusing on symptom management, potentially increasing the risk of polypharmacy.

Objectives: To describe medication use patterns among patients with Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) and estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy, potential drug-drug interactions, and anticholinergic/sedative burden.

Early Return of Motion in Patients With Intramedullary Screw Placement for Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fracture Fixation.

Introduction: Hand fractures are associated with significant morbidity. Current management standards often result in prolonged immobilization, stiffness, and delayed return to functional use. Intramedullary (IM) compression screws offer minimal soft tissue disruption and early postoperative active motion.

The association between anticholinergic/sedative burden and physical frailty in people aging with HIV.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the strength of the association between anticholinergic/sedative burden and concurrent physical frailty in people aging with HIV.

Design: This cross-sectional analysis examined baseline data from 824 adults with a mean age of 53 enrolled in the Positive Brain Health Now study.

Methods: Anticholinergic medications were identified using four methods: Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) Scale, Anticholinergic Risk Scale (ARS), Anticholinergic Drug Scale (ADS), and the anticholinergic list of the Anticholinergic and Sedative Burden Catalog (ACSBC).

Reactive high-spin iron(IV)-oxo sites through dioxygen activation in a metal-organic framework.

In nature, nonheme iron enzymes use dioxygen to generate high-spin iron(IV)=O species for a variety of oxygenation reactions. Although synthetic chemists have long sought to mimic this reactivity, the enzyme-like activation of O to form high-spin iron(IV) = O species remains an unrealized goal. Here, we report a metal-organic framework featuring iron(II) sites with a local structure similar to that in α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases.

A novel integrated time-resolved array avalanche photodiode detection system for nuclear resonant scattering measurements.

The nuclear resonant scattering (NRS) experiment requires photon-counting detectors with high time resolution, short dead time, large dynamic range, low noise, and large detection area. An 8-channel avalanche photodiode (APD) array detector system with high integrity, flexibility, and reliability has been developed to adapt to the demands of NRS experiments. The detector system mainly consists of four key parts: (i) an array-APD sensor, (ii) 8-channel integrated fast preamplifiers, (iii) the time-to-digital converter readout electronics, and (iv) a data acquisition system and EPICS support software.

Stabilization of a Heme-HNO Model Complex Using a Bulky Bis-Picket Fence Porphyrin and Reactivity Studies with NO.

Nitroxyl, HNO/NO, the one-electron reduced form of NO, is suggested to take part in distinct signaling pathways in mammals and is also a key intermediate in various heme-catalyzed NO interconversions in the nitrogen cycle. Cytochrome P450nor (Cyt P450nor) is a heme-containing enzyme that performs NO reduction to NO in fungal denitrification. The reactive intermediate in this enzyme, termed "Intermediate ", is proposed to be an Fe-NHO/Fe-NHOH type species, but it is difficult to study its electronic structure and exact protonation state due to its instability.

Impact of a Repatriation Program Between Quaternary and Community Hospitals.

Background: Capacity challenges at quaternary hospitals cause delays or denials in patient transfers from community hospitals that can compromise quality and safety. Repatriation is an innovative approach to increase capacity at the quaternary hospital by transferring a patient back to their originating community hospital after the quaternary portion of their care is completed.

Methods: A repatriation program was implemented at a large quaternary care teaching hospital over a one-year period (2020 to 2021).

Dictys: dynamic gene regulatory network dissects developmental continuum with single-cell multiomics.

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) are key determinants of cell function and identity and are dynamically rewired during development and disease. Despite decades of advancement, challenges remain in GRN inference, including dynamic rewiring, causal inference, feedback loop modeling and context specificity. To address these challenges, we develop Dictys, a dynamic GRN inference and analysis method that leverages multiomic single-cell assays of chromatin accessibility and gene expression, context-specific transcription factor footprinting, stochastic process network and efficient probabilistic modeling of single-cell RNA-sequencing read counts.

Imaging Field-Driven Melting of a Molecular Solid at the Atomic Scale.

Solid-liquid phase transitions are basic physical processes, but atomically resolved microscopy has yet to capture their full dynamics. A new technique is developed for controlling the melting and freezing of self-assembled molecular structures on a graphene field-effect transistor (FET) that allows phase-transition behavior to be imaged using atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy. This is achieved by applying electric fields to 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane-decorated FETs to induce reversible transitions between molecular solid and liquid phases at the FET surface.

CSSQ: a ChIP-seq signal quantifier pipeline.

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) has revolutionized the studies of epigenomes and the massive increase in ChIP-seq datasets calls for robust and user-friendly computational tools for quantitative ChIP-seq. Quantitative ChIP-seq comparisons have been challenging due to noisiness and variations inherent to ChIP-seq and epigenomes. By employing innovative statistical approaches specially catered to ChIP-seq data distribution and sophisticated simulations along with extensive benchmarking studies, we developed and validated CSSQ as a nimble statistical analysis pipeline capable of differential binding analysis across ChIP-seq datasets with high confidence and sensitivity and low false discovery rate with any defined regions.