Design Characteristics of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interfaces for Children With Cortical Visual Impairment: Results From Two Focus Groups With Vision Professionals.

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to gain insight on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interface designs for children with cortical visual impairment (CVI). Children with CVI frequently require AAC and specific interface supports, and customization may be necessary to support access and use of speech-generating devices.

Method: A focus group methodology was selected to gain feedback from vision professionals on helpful AAC features for children with CVI.

N-Heterocyclic Carbene Deposition on a Copper Powder Surface Using Mechanochemistry.

Metal powders are crucial precursors for manufacturing surfaces through thermal spraying, cold spraying, and 3D printing methods. However, surface oxidation of these precursors poses a challenge to the coherence of the metallic materials during manufacturing processes. Herein, we introduce a method for surface modification of copper powder with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) using mechanochemistry to mitigate surface oxidation.

Evaluating Surgeon-influenced Factors for Total Knee Arthroplasty Value-based Reimbursement.

Introduction: Clinical outcome measures used under value-based reimbursement models require risk stratification of patient demographics and medical history. Only certain perioperative patient factors may be influenced by the surgeon. The study evaluated surgeon-influenced modifiable factors associated with achieving literature-defined KOOS score thresholds to serve as the foundation of the newly established alternative payment models for total knee arthroplasties (TKA).

Classification-based pathway analysis using GPNet with novel P-value computation.

Pathway analysis plays a critical role in bioinformatics, enabling researchers to identify biological pathways associated with various conditions by analyzing gene expression data. However, the rise of large, multi-center datasets has highlighted limitations in traditional methods like Over-Representation Analysis (ORA) and Functional Class Scoring (FCS), which struggle with low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and large sample sizes. To tackle these challenges, we use a deep learning-based classification method, Gene PointNet, and a novel $P$-value computation approach leveraging the confusion matrix to address pathway analysis tasks.

Inferring the genetic relationships between unsupervised deep learning-derived imaging phenotypes and glioblastoma through multi-omics approaches.

This study aimed to investigate the genetic association between glioblastoma (GBM) and unsupervised deep learning-derived imaging phenotypes (UDIPs). We employed a combination of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), and scPagwas (pathway-based polygenic regression framework) methods to explore the genetic links between UDIPs and GBM. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were conducted to identify causal relationships between UDIPs and GBM.

SAMURAI: shallow analysis of copy number alterations using a reproducible and integrated bioinformatics pipeline.

Shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS) offers a cost-effective approach to detect copy number alterations (CNAs). However, there remains a gap for a standardized workflow specifically designed for sWGS analysis. To address this need, in this work we present SAMURAI, a bioinformatics pipeline specifically designed for analyzing CNAs from sWGS data in a standardized and reproducible manner.

Targeting AXL inhibits the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer in bone.

Purpose: After failing primary and secondary hormonal therapy, castration-resistant and neuroendocrine prostate cancer metastatic to the bone is invariably lethal, although treatment with docetaxel and carboplatin can modestly improve survival. Therefore, agents targeting biologically relevant pathways in PCa and potentially synergizing with docetaxel and carboplatin in inhibiting bone metastasis growth are urgently needed.

Experimental Design: Phosphorylated (activated) AXL expression in human prostate cancer bone metastases was assessed by immunohistochemical staining.

Phase I Clinical Trial of High Doses of Seleno-L-methionine in Combination with Axitinib in Patients with Previously Treated Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Data in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) xenografts defined the seleno-L-methionine (SLM) dose and the plasma selenium concentrations associated with the enhancement of HIF1α/2α degradation, stabilization of tumor vasculature, enhanced drug delivery, and efficacy of axitinib. The data provided the rationale for the development of this phase I clinical trial of SLM and axitinib in advanced or metastatic relapsed ccRCC.

Patients And Methods: Patients were ≥18 years with histologically and radiologically confirmed advanced or metastatic ccRCC who had received at least one prior systemic therapy, which could include axitinib (last dose ≥6 months prior to enrollment).

Biomechanical Principles of Spinal Deformity Correction in the Thoracolumbar Spine.

Thoracolumbar spinal deformities are a pervasive condition affecting the adolescent and adult patient population. These deformities represent three-dimensional alterations in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes with implication on the local, regional, and global alignment. With continued studies, the importance of the overall correction on long-term outcomes has been established.

Falling Rates of Public Orthopaedic Surgery Reimbursements and Utilization, 2016 to 2024.

Background: Declining reimbursement rates can lead to decreased access and utilization of common orthopaedic surgeries for patients on Medicare, which is a particularly vulnerable population for musculoskeletal injuries.

Methods: Using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from 2016 to 2024 and utilization data for Medicare and part B beneficiaries from 2016 to 2022, we analyzed reimbursement and utilization trends. Simple linear regressions were executed to measure the annual trends, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test were used to analyze the statistical significance of price and utilization changes.

Cellulose Nanofiber-Reinforced γ-AlOOH Aerogels for Enhanced Removal of Environmental Pollutants.

In this study, we report the modification of a monolithic γ-aluminum oxy-hydroxide (γ-AlOOH) aerogel with cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using the sol-gel method via supercritical drying. The optimized 2% CNF (w/w) results in a monolithic CNF-γ-AlOOH that is amorphous in nature, along with C-C and C-O-C functional groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the as-synthesized CNF-γ-AlOOH showed CNF embedded in the γ-AlOOH aerogel.

Strategies and Prospects for Engineering a Stable Zn Metal Battery: Cathode, Anode, and Electrolyte Perspectives.

ConspectusZinc metal batteries (ZMBs) appear to be promising candidates to replace lithium-ion batteries owing to their higher safety and lower cost. Moreover, natural reserves of Zn are abundant, being approximately 300 times greater than those of Li. However, there are some typical issues impeding the wide application of ZMBs.

New PPARα Agonist A190-Loaded Microemulsion for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious side effect of anticancer agents with limited effective preventive or therapeutic interventions. Although fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist, has demonstrated neuroprotective and analgesic properties, its clinical utility is hindered by low receptor affinity, poor subtype selectivity, and suboptimal bioavailability. A190, a highly selective and potent nonfibrate PPARα agonist, offers a promising alternative but is limited by poor aqueous solubility, resulting in reduced oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Plasma-Activated Water Boosts the Activity of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase and the Conversion of Chitin by a Chitinolytic Enzyme Cocktail.

The plasma-activated water (PAW) containing numerous reactive species can facilitate chitin degradation. Given the intricate interplay between PAW treatment and the diverse activities of chitinolytic enzymes, further investigation is imperative for enhancing the chitin bioconversion efficiency. This study revealed that PAW-treated chitin exhibited improved degradability toward LPMO10A, endochitinases ChtI, ChtII-B4C1, and exochitinase Chi-h.

Tree age affects key fine root morphological traits but does not interfere strongly with (ecto-)mycorrhizal traits.

Background And Aims: It is assumed that trees should adapt their above and belowground organs as they age. However, most studies to date have quantified these trait adjustments in homogeneous forest stands, confounding the effect of stand aging on soil properties and the intrinsic response of trees to aging.

Methods: Here, we examined 11 morphological, architectural, anatomical and mycorrhizal fine root traits of each of the first five orders for 66 Pinus koraiensis individuals of 16 to 285 years old in northeast China, while accounting for soil characteristics (pH and total C, N and P concentrations).

Buruli Ulcer Transmission: Environmental Pathways and Implications for Dermatologic Care.

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a necrotizing skin and soft tissue disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans that is common in hot and humid climates. Mycobacterium ulcerans is a nontuberculous mycobacterium and ubiquitous acid-fast gram-positive bacillus known to thrive in aquatic environments and water insects. The mode of transmission to humans is poorly understood and varies by geography.

Program Director Perspectives on DEI Initiatives in the Dermatology Residency Selection Process.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has maintained a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; however, a recent strike down of affirmative action by the US Supreme Court has caused similar efforts to be called into question. This prompted our investigation into dermatology program director (PD) perceptions of DEI programming and its integration into resident selection. A cross-sectional survey of PDs at US dermatology residency programs was conducted from April 2024 to July 2024 (N=30).

Conservative Approach to Treatment of Cyclosporine-Induced Gingival Hyperplasia With Azithromycin and Chlorhexidine.

Treatment of symptomatic cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia can be challenging, especially if continued use of cyclosporine is necessary for adequate control of the underlying disease. We outline a simplified approach for conservatively managing cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia using azithromycin and chlorhexidine.