Reshaping vitreoretinal surgery: Intraoperative optical coherence tomography as a tool for enhancing surgical decision-making in complex cases.

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) has been applied and studied in a variety of vitreoretinal surgeries for its feasibility, safety, and outcomes for years. Common scenarios include membrane peeling procedures, retinal detachments, choroidal-retinal biopsies, Argus implants, and subretinal injections. iOCT offers the surgeon a better understanding of the retinal microarchitectural changes and timely intraoperative feedback, directing a future view of precision surgery.

Early experience on injectable micronized putty type human-derived acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in management of diabetic foot wounds in Singapore.

Diabetic foot wounds (DFW) are notoriously difficult to treat owing to poor vascularity, delayed healing and higher rates of infection. Human-derived acellular dermal matrices (ADM) have been used in DFW treatment, utilizing a matrix scaffold for new tissue generation. We investigate the efficacy of a micronized injectable human-derived ADM in the treatment of DFW.

Individualized morphological covariation network aberrance associated with seizure relapse after antiseizure medication withdrawal.

This study intents to detect graphical network features associated with seizure relapse following antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal. Twenty-four patients remaining seizure-free (SF-group) and 22 experiencing seizure relapse (SR-group) following ASM withdrawal as well as 46 matched healthy participants (Control) were included. Individualized morphological similarity network was constructed using T1-weighted images, and graphic metrics were compared between groups.

Residue Analysis and Dietary Risk Assessment of 10 Neonicotinoid Insecticides in from Hainan Province of China.

In this study, residues of 10 neonicotinoid insecticides were tested with 143 fresh samples of using the QuEChERS method combined with UPLC-MS/MS. Based on the residue results, the point estimation method was used to assess dietary risks for adults and children, and the cumulative risk was assessed according to the hazard index () and relative potency factor () methods. The results showed that 71 out of 143 samples of fresh sold in Hainan tested positive for neonicotinoid insecticides, with a detection rate of 49.

Umbilical Artery Thrombosis Masquerading as Single Umbilical Artery in a Stillbirth.

Umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) masquerading as a single umbilical artery (SUA) is a rare but critical diagnostic challenge in prenatal care. We described a case of a 22-year-old primigravida with an uneventful obstetric history who presented with reduced fetal movements at 22 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound showed no gross fetal structural anomalies while umbilical artery Doppler flow imaging revealed an isolated SUA.

Validation of the advance care planning engagement survey in Singapore.

Background: Singapore has an ageing population. End-of-life care and advance care planning are becoming increasingly important. To assess advance care planning engagement, valid tools are required.

Stereoactive Lone-Pair Manipulation for High Thermoelectric Performance of GeSe-Based Compounds.

Materials with high crystallographic symmetry are supposed to be good thermoelectrics because they have high valley degeneracy () and superb carrier mobility (μ). Binary GeSe crystallizes in a low-symmetry orthorhombic structure accompanying the stereoactive 4s lone pairs of Ge. Herein, we rationally modify GeSe into a high-symmetry rhombohedral structure by alloying with GeTe based on the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion theory.

Amplicon Sequencing Reveals Diversity in Spatially Separated Microbial Communities in the Icelandic Mars Analog Environment Mælifellssandur.

Exploration missions to Mars rely on landers or rovers to perform multiple analyses over geographically small sampling regions, while landing site selection is done using large-scale but low-resolution remote-sensing data. Utilizing Earth analog environments to estimate small-scale spatial and temporal variation in key geochemical signatures and biosignatures will help mission designers ensure future sampling strategies meet mission science goals. Icelandic lava fields can serve as Mars analog sites due to conditions that include low nutrient availability, temperature extremes, desiccation, and isolation from anthropogenic contamination.

Spatial variability of cultural landscape vulnerability and influential factors in ethnic villages of Southeast Guizhou.

In Southeast Guizhou, a region of China rich in ethnic diversity, the cultural landscapes of ethnic villages are increasingly vulnerable under the pressures of urbanization and tourism development. This study assesses the vulnerability of 43 ethnic villages in Leishan County using the Vulnerability Scoring Diagram (VSD) model, which evaluates exposure, sensitivity, and coping ability. Analyses using spatial autocorrelation and geographic weighted regression reveal distinct spatial patterns of vulnerability, with the northern region exhibiting higher vulnerability indices than the southern region.

The effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cardiovascular function in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: A randomized trial.

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by intense central inflammation, leading to substantial post-hemorrhagic complications such as vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Given the anti-inflammatory effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and its ability to promote brain plasticity, taVNS has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for SAH patients. However, the effects of taVNS on cardiovascular dynamics in critically ill patients, like those with SAH, have not yet been investigated.

Cardiovascular mortality risk among small bowel adenocarcinoma patients: a population-based study.

Background: The objective of this research is to statistically assess the risk of cardiovascular mortality (CVM) between patients with small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) and the general population. Additionally, it aims to identify CVM-associated risk factors among individuals with SBA.

Methods: Data obtained between 2000 and 2017 on SBA patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were examined.

A general strategy towards activatable nanophotosensitizer for phototoxicity-free photodynamic therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained widespread attention in cancer treatment, but it still faces clinical problems such as skin phototoxicity. Activatable photosensitizers offer a promising approach to addressing this issue. However, several significant hurdles need to be overcome, including developing effective activation strategies and achieving the optimal balance between photodynamic effects and related side effects.

"If I could try it, I'd try it": Qualitative study of the illegal vaping culture in Singapore.

Aims And Background: Singapore has one the world's strictest e-cigarette (vaping) regulations, with bans on e-cigarette import, sale, purchase, use and possession. Nevertheless, Singapore is seeing a growing vaping trend. Beyond estimates of vaping prevalence, little is known about vaping in countries where it is banned or the features and drivers of such illegal vaping cultures.

Mosla Chinensis Extract Enhances Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health in Broilers by Modulating Gut Microbiota.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Mosla chinensis extract (MCE) on broiler intestinal health. A total of 240 1-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (balanced for sex) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups, each with six replicates of 10 chickens. The study comprised a starter phase (days 1-21) and a grower phase (days 22-42).

Relationship Between the Carbonation Depth and Microstructure of Concrete Under Freeze-Thaw Conditions.

Concrete structures in cold regions are affected by freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) and carbonation, which lead to the premature failure of concrete structures. The carbonation depth, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), compressive strength, porosity, and pore size distribution of concrete under FTC conditions were tested through an accelerated carbonation experiment to study the carbonation performance evolution. The freeze-thaw effect mechanism on concrete carbonation was further analyzed via the obtained relationship between carbonation depth and pore structure.

Tiled Amplicon Sequencing Enables Culture-free Whole-Genome Sequencing of Pathogenic Bacteria From Clinical Specimens.

Pathogen sequencing is an important tool for disease surveillance and demonstrated its high value during the COVID-19 pandemic. Viral sequencing during the pandemic allowed us to track disease spread, quickly identify new variants, and guide the development of vaccines. Tiled amplicon sequencing, in which a panel of primers is used for multiplex amplification of fragments across an entire genome, was the cornerstone of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing.

Five racemic phthalides from the aerial parts of Lycopodiastrum casuarinoides and their neuroprotective activities.

Five racemic phthalides (1-5), including four undescribed phthalides monomers [(+)-1, (+)-2, (-)-2 and (-)-3], four undescribed phthalide dimers [(+)-4, (-)-4, (+)-5 and (-)-5], together with two known compounds [(-)-1 and (+)-3], were isolated from the aerial parts of Lycopodistrum casuarinoides. Their chemical structures were delineated by extensive spectroscopic data (UV, 1D/2D NMR, HRESIMS), in combination with the comparison of the experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra, calculated spin-spin coupling constants, and calculated NMR. All compounds were reported from Lycopodiaceae family for the first time.

Shared and distinct morphometric similarity network abnormalities in generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Background: The high comorbidity and symptom overlap of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD), has led to the study of their shared and disorder-specific neural substrates. However, the morphometric similarity network (MSN) differences among these disorders remain unknown.

Methods: MSN derived from T1-weighted images in patients of GAD, PTSD, and SAD, and health controls (HC) using a Siemens 3T magnetic resonance imaging system.

Research outputs after the Coursework Pathway.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to quantify research outputs after completing a Coursework Pathway (CP).

Methods: Emergency medicine trainees who completed a CP during 2012-2022 were included. Research outputs were identified using Medline, EMBASE, Pubmed and Google Scholar.

Pharmacogenomics in psychiatry: Practice recommendations from an Asian perspective (2024).

Introduction: Pharmacogenomic testing in psychiatry is an emerging area with potential clinical application of guiding medication choice and dosing. Interest has been fanned by commercial pharmacogenomic providers who have commonly marketed combinatorial panels that are direct-to-consumer. However, this has not been adopted widely due to a combination of barriers that include a varying evidence base, clinician and patient familiarity and acceptance, uncertainty about cost-effectiveness, and regulatory requirements.

Injectable bioresponsive bone adhesive hydrogels inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome on demand to accelerate diabetic fracture healing.

Diabetes is associated with excessive inflammation, which negatively impacts the fracture healing process and delays bone repair. Previously, growing evidence indicated that activation of the nod-like receptor (NLR) family, such as nod-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome induces a vicious cycle of chronic low-grade inflammatory responses in diabetic fracture. Here, we describe the synthesis of a bone adhesive hydrogel that can be locally injected into the fracture site and releases a natural inhibitor of NLRP3 (rutin) in response to pathological cue reactive oxygen species activity (ROS).

Incidental finding of intravascular large B cell lymphoma in a multinodular goiter.

No abstract available.

ICAM-1 expression is upregulated in the umbilical vein endothelial cells in acute chorioamnionitis with foetal inflammatory response.

Introduction: ICAM-1 is an adhesion molecule expressed on the endothelial cells and is involved in regulating leukocyte recruitment to the site of inflammation. Elevated ICAM-1 mRNA expression was found in the serum of mothers with chorioamnionitis. This study aimed to determine the expression of ICAM-1 in the placenta and umbilical cord of pregnancy with chorioamnionitis, and its association with adverse neonatal outcome.

Predatory publishers: Stay vigilant to protect yourself.

No abstract available.

Burden of Food-Borne Trematodiases in China: Trends from 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2035.

To assess the burden of food-borne trematodiases in China from 1990 to 2021 and project the burden through 2035, data were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021 datasets. The estimated prevalent food-borne trematodiase cases were 33.32 million (95% uncertainty interval (): 29.