Transgressive hybrids as hopeful holobionts.

Background: Hybridization between evolutionary lineages has profound impacts on the fitness and ecology of hybrid progeny. In extreme cases, the effects of hybridization can transcend ecological timescales by introducing trait novelty upon which evolution can act. Indeed, hybridization can even have macroevolutionary consequences, for example, as a driver of adaptive radiations and evolutionary innovations.

South to south collaboration: advancing quality of abortion care through health care professionals exchange program.

Background: South-South Cooperation (SSC) is recognized as a vital component of goal 17 - 'Partnerships for the goals' within the SDGs and countries in the global south has been utilizing this cooperation mainly in research. We report the first health care professional exchange program through this south-to-south collaboration focusing on advancing quality of abortion care in the Sub-Saharan region.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive mixed method study, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, to assess the impact of health care professionals' exchange program within the obstetrics and gynecology departments of two teaching institutions in Ethiopia and Rwanda over the course of a year (February 1, 2023-January 31,2024).

Factors Affecting Patient Outcomes of Abdominoplasty After Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Postoperative complications in body contouring surgery have been linked to several factors, including body mass index, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and skin resection weight. Prior weight loss by surgical means is another predisposing factor for postoperative complications following body contouring. This study aims to examine these previously identified variables, and several others, in the context of a spectrum of abdominal body contouring techniques following bariatric surgery.

Surgical Management of Giant Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Maxillofacial Region: Ablative and Reconstructive Strategies.

Introduction: Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), characterized by a diameter of ≥5 cm and a potential for deep tissue invasion. This study aimed to present our experience with the surgical management of GBCC in the maxillofacial region, focusing on resection and immediate reconstruction strategies.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 5926 patients with BCC in the maxillofacial region from 2010 to 2020, with a specific emphasis on 32 patients diagnosed with GBCC.

Brachial Plexus Schwannoma: A Systematic Review of Clinicopathological Features, Surgical Outcomes, and Prognosis of 341 Cases.

Introduction: Although primary tumors of the brachial plexus (BP) are rare, schwannomas are the most frequently encountered type. This study evaluated the clinicopathological presentation, surgical outcomes, and prognosis of patients with BP schwannomas.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane on the 25th of March 2024.

Microglia modulate the cerebrovascular reactivity through ectonucleotidase CD39.

Microglia and the border-associated macrophages contribute to the modulation of cerebral blood flow, but the mechanisms have remained uncertain. Here, we show that microglia regulate the cerebral blood flow baseline and the responses to whisker stimulation or intra-cisternal magna injection of adenosine triphosphate, but not intra-cisternal magna injection of adenosine in mice model. Notably, microglia repopulation corrects these cerebral blood flow anomalies.

Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. Despite high heritability (60-80%), the majority of the underlying genetic determinants remain unknown. We analysed data from participants of European, East Asian, African American and Latino ancestries (n = 158,036 cases with bipolar disorder, 2.

Klebsiella pneumoniae employs a type VI secretion system to overcome microbiota-mediated colonization resistance.

Microbial species must compete for space and nutrients to persist in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and our understanding of the complex pathobiont-microbiota interactions is far from complete. Klebsiella pneumoniae, a problematic, often drug-resistant nosocomial pathogen, can colonize the GI tract asymptomatically, serving as an infection reservoir. To provide insight on how K.

Integrated cancer cell-specific single-cell RNA-seq datasets of immune checkpoint blockade-treated patients.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have emerged as a promising avenue for the treatment of various cancers. Despite their success, the efficacy of these treatments is variable across patients and cancer types. Numerous single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies have been conducted to unravel cell-specific responses to ICB treatment.

Dendrites endow artificial neural networks with accurate, robust and parameter-efficient learning.

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are at the core of most Deep Learning (DL) algorithms that successfully tackle complex problems like image recognition, autonomous driving, and natural language processing. However, unlike biological brains who tackle similar problems in a very efficient manner, DL algorithms require a large number of trainable parameters, making them energy-intensive and prone to overfitting. Here, we show that a new ANN architecture that incorporates the structured connectivity and restricted sampling properties of biological dendrites counteracts these limitations.

Tissue Perfusion and Biomarkers Assessment Following Root Coverage Procedures.

Aim: To assess tissue perfusion changes and wound healing biomarker levels after root coverage procedures with coronally advanced flap in combination with the cross-linked xenogeneic collagen matrix (CCMX), loaded either with a placebo or recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF).

Methods: This study was designed as a secondary analysis from a previously published clinical trial, and it assessed the tissue perfusion changes over 6 months around multiple gingival recession defects, treated with either with CCMX alone (control) or with CCMX + rhPDGF (test). High frequency Doppler ultrasonography (HFUS) scans were obtained at sites of interest at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.

Pathological Features and Differential Efficacy of Cisplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Lung Cancer Harboring Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations.

Purpose: We aimed to elucidate the efficacy of conventional cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with lung cancers harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 110 patients (EGFR mutation group: n = 51; EGFR wild-type group: n = 59) receiving cisplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy following complete resection of non-small-cell non-squamous-cell lung cancer (2010-2021). Clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were investigated.

Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 1 Safety Study of Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy in Peanut Allergic Adults.

Background: Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT) uses a specifically formulated toothpaste to deliver allergenic proteins to immunologically active areas of the oral cavity. This represents a new delivery mechanism with several features designed to improve food allergy desensitization. OMIT presents advantages over other approaches to allergy immunotherapy due to its targeted delivery and simplified administration.

Hereditary angioedema: patient healthcare experiences within underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disorder in which unpredictable angioedema attacks significantly impact patient quality of life (QoL). There is limited information regarding patient experiences and perspectives of HAE management within underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Objective: To gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of medical care and treatment for HAE among underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the US.

NATURAL HISTORY OF MEDULLARY THYROID CARCINOMA IN MEN-2 PATIENTS CARRYING A VARIANT AT CODON 804 IN THE RET PROTO-ONCOGENE: A STUDY BY THE FRENCH NEUROENDOCRINE TUMOR GROUP (GTE).

Background: RET variants affecting codon 804 are part of the low-to-moderate risk group in the ATA classification, with indications for prophylactic thyroidectomy beyond age of 5 years. However, aggressiveness seems to be variable. The objective of this study was to report a large cohort of French carriers of a pathogenic variant at codon 804 in the RET proto-oncogene.

Exploring Intersections between Trauma and Discrimination in Youth of Color Seeking Mental Health Services.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the intersection between trauma and discrimination among Black and Latino/a/x youth seeking treatment. Specifically, we examine: 1) the frequency of various everyday discrimination experiences, averaged across the sample and disaggregated by demographic characteristics; 2) unique associations between exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and everyday discrimination experiences; and 3) unique associations between everyday discrimination experiences and specific posttraumatic stress symptoms while accounting for demographic characteristics and PTEs.

Method: Participants were 573 Black (54.

Rurality and neighborhood socioeconomic status are associated with overall and cause-specific mortality and hepatic decompensation in type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: Social determinants of health are key factors driving disease progression. In type 2 diabetes there is limited literature on how distal or intermediate factors (e.g.

Assessing the predictive value of Ki-67 and progesterone receptor algorithms for recurrence and disease-free survival in meningiomas.

Sophisticated refinements in histopathology are evolving to improve meningioma outcome prediction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the stand-alone performance of Ki-67 and progesterone receptor (PR) algorithm scores in meningiomas and their power in predicting recurrence and disease-free survival of the patients. Whole slide images of Ki-67 and PR-stained slides from 404 meningioma cases were analyzed by a digital image viewer and analysis software Virapath-2.

Disruption of midgut homeostasis by microplastics in Spodoptera frugiperda: Insights into inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms.

Microplastics have evolved as widespread contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising significant environmental concerns due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the agricultural insect, Spodoptera frugiperda. Maize leaves containing three sizes (0.

Abelacimab versus Rivaroxaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Abelacimab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to the inactive form of factor XI and blocks its activation. The safety of abelacimab as compared with a direct oral anticoagulant in patients with atrial fibrillation is unknown.

Methods: Patients with atrial fibrillation and a moderate-to-high risk of stroke were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to receive subcutaneous injection of abelacimab (150 mg or 90 mg once monthly) administered in a blinded fashion or oral rivaroxaban (20 mg once daily) administered in an open-label fashion.

Pediatric relapsed/refractory ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma treatment and outcomes in the targeted drug era.

Treatment options for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) have increased in the era of targeted therapies such as brentuximab vedotin (BV) and Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) inhibitors. However, there is no standard treatment and limited published data evaluating their use. The goal of this retrospective study is to describe current real-world treatment and outcomes of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with R/R ALK-positive ALCL.

Interprogram Differences in Core General, Core Plastic, and Plastic Surgery-Adjacent Training.

Background: Plastic surgery training continues to evolve with integrated residents spending more time in plastic versus general surgery. Herein, we provide an updated description of interprogram differences in core general, core plastic, and plastic surgery-adjacent training curricula.

Methods: We obtained rotation schedules from US plastic surgery residency websites or program coordinators for AY2021-2022.

Defect Structures in Colloidal Crystals and Their Effect on Grating Diffraction Structural Color.

Colloidal crystals of micrometer-sized colloids create prismatic structural colors through the grating diffraction of visible light. Here, we develop design rules to engineer such structural color by specifically accounting for the effect of crystal defects. The local quality and grain size of the colloidal structure are varied by performing self-assembly in the presence of a direct current (DC) electric field.

Self-acupressure for patients with breast cancer experiencing aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms: Protocol for the AcuAIM randomized pilot trial.

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) reduce hormone receptor-positive breast cancer recurrence risk by about 50%. However, half of AI-treated postmenopausal women report new or worsened musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS), and 20% discontinue therapy prematurely. Acupuncture is effective for reducing symptoms, but many women are not able to access acupuncture therapy.

Cost-effectiveness of monitoring and liver cancer surveillance among patients with inactive chronic hepatitis B.

Patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) have an increased risk for death from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the United States, only an estimated 37% of adults with chronic hepatitis B diagnosis without cirrhosis receive monitoring with at least an annual alanine transaminase (ALT) and hepatitis B deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and an estimated 59% receive antiviral treatment when they develop active hepatitis or cirrhosis. A Markov model was used to calculate the costs, health impact and cost-effectiveness of increased monitoring of adults with HBeAg negative inactive or HBeAg positive immune tolerant CHB who have no cirrhosis or significant fibrosis and are not recommended by the current American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) clinical practice guidelines to receive antiviral treatment, and to assess whether the addition of HCC surveillance would be cost-effective.