Adapting a style based generative adversarial network to create images depicting cleft lip deformity.

Training a machine learning system to evaluate any type of facial deformity is impeded by the scarcity of large datasets of high-quality, ethics board-approved patient images. We have built a deep learning-based cleft lip generator called CleftGAN designed to produce an almost unlimited number of high-fidelity facsimiles of cleft lip facial images with wide variation. A transfer learning protocol testing different versions of StyleGAN as the base model was undertaken.

Anisotropic hydrogel microelectrodes for intraspinal neural recordings in vivo.

Creating durable, motion-compliant neural interfaces is crucial for accessing dynamic tissues under in vivo conditions and linking neural activity with behaviors. Utilizing the self-alignment of nano-fillers in a polymeric matrix under repetitive tension, here, we introduce conductive carbon nanotubes with high aspect ratios into semi-crystalline polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels, and create electrically anisotropic percolation pathways through cyclic stretching. The resulting anisotropic hydrogel fibers (diameter of 187 ± 13 µm) exhibit fatigue resistance (up to 20,000 cycles at 20% strain) with a stretchability of 64.

Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries Enabled by Magnetically Aligned Electrodes.

With the increasing popularity of electric transportation over the past several years, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries are highly demanded for shortening electric vehicles' charging time. Extensive efforts have been made on material development and electrode engineering; however, few of them are scalable and cost-effective enough to be potentially incorporated into the current battery production. Here, we propose a facile magnetic templating method for preparing LiFePO (LFP) cathodes with vertically aligned graphene sheets to realize fast-charging properties at a practical loading of 20 mg cm.

Robotic Nipple Sparing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction with Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps.

The single port robotic nipple sparing mastectomy (SPrNSM) was recently introduced. This approach is safe and has led to favorable outcomes in relation to cosmetic result, patient satisfaction, and breast sensation. The typical reconstruction with all robotic nipple sparing mastectomies is implant based; however, this is not always what a patient desires.

Safety and Immunogenicity of Omicron Protein Vaccines in mRNA-Vaccinated Adolescents: A Phase 3, Randomised Trial.

Objectives: Safety and immunogenicity assessment of updated monovalent and bivalent SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in adolescents.

Methods: This phase 3, double-blinded study randomised 12-<18-year-old participants, who received ≥2 prior doses of an approved/authorised mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, 1:1 to receive NVX-CoV2601 (XBB.1.

Abnormal cardiovascular control during exercise: Role of insulin resistance in the brain.

During exercise circulatory adjustments to meet oxygen demands are mediated by multiple autonomic mechanisms, the skeletal muscle exercise pressor reflex (EPR), the baroreflex (BR), and by feedforward signals from central command neurons in higher brain centers. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues includes sensitization of skeletal muscle afferents by hyperinsulinemia which is in part responsible for the abnormally heightened EPR function observed in diabetic animal models and patients. However, the role of insulin signaling within the central nervous system (CNS) is receiving increased attention as a potential therapeutic intervention in diseases with underlying insulin resistance.

Do people prefer AI-generated patient educational materials over traditional ones?

Objective: This study aimed to assess people's preference between traditional and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated colon cancer staging Patient Education Materials (PEMs).

Methods: We assessed preference among patients and companions being seen for a non-cancer diagnosis at the UT Health Austin Colon and Rectal Surgery Clinic. Participants were blinded to the study concept of AI and generation method of PEMs (Traditional: National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society; AI-generated: ChatGPT and Google Bard).

Epidemiologic Investigation of Protozoa and Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Starr County, Texas.

The burden of pathogenic enteric protozoa and soil-transmitted helminths among impoverished populations living on the Texas-Mexico border is unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study on an ongoing longitudinal cohort of 616 adults residing in Starr County, Texas. A total of 359 adults were screened for four protozoa and five soil-transmitted helminths by using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Corticosteroids in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis? Not so fast: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) is rising in incidence with a high mortality burden. While corticosteroids are recommended for eligible patients with severe AH, no guidance exists for the timing of steroid initiation, tapering regimens, and surveillance of adverse events.

Objective: We aim to systematically review these variables and provide evidence-based recommendations for the inpatient and outpatient management of severe AH.

Difficulty With Board Certification in Urology Is Associated With Adverse Medical License Actions.

Introduction: Board certification in urology is a multistep process including a written qualifying examination (QE), followed by an oral certifying examination (CE) approximately 2 years after residency or fellowship completion. The goal of this process is to ensure that urologists are well trained, have an extensive fund of knowledge, demonstrate professionalism and competence in practice, and are safe to practice urology. Board certification in urology serves to both establish and confirm physician competence and ultimately protect the public.

Structured Liquid--Liquid Emulsion Stabilized by Surface-Engineered Liquid Metal Droplets as "Mutant" Pickering Emulsifiers.

Liquid metals (LMs), i.e., metals and alloys that exist in a liquid state at room temperature, have recently attracted considerable attention owing to their electronic and rheological properties useful in various cutting-edge technologies.

Beyond the Case Study: Laboratory Activities to Complement Integumentary Education.

Objective: To present a full scope of detailed and engaging laboratory activities recommended by physical therapist clinicians and educators from across the US to assist health professions faculty to develop new or improve current integumentary/wound management (IWM) instruction.

Methods: A three-round Delphi survey was conducted to update IWM curriculum recommendations for entry-level doctor of physical therapy education. First-round participants provided ideas for laboratory activities.

Markers for Pressure Injury Risk in Individuals with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study.

Objective: To identify markers associated with pressure injury (PrI) history in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) using two approaches: skin blood flow (SBF) response toward localized heating, and serum marker for insulin resistance.

Methods: For this cross-sectional, observational study of adults with chronic traumatic SCI at T12 and above, researchers recruited two groups of participants: with history of PrI (group 1), and without history of PrI (group 2). The study protocol included obtaining fasting blood samples and measurement of SBF at bilateral heels with localized heating of 42 °C for 30 minutes from all participants.

Efficacy of a Community- and Family-Based Intervention on Cardiovascular Fitness and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk Factors Among Primarily Latino Families.

Background: Targeting cardiovascular fitness (CVF), rather than weight loss, may be a more acceptable and feasible outcome among Latinos.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the short-term efficacy of (AFL), a fitness- and lifestyle-focused behavioral intervention to improve CVF and performance among Latino families.

Methods: Latino parent-child dyads (n = 137) were randomized to either AFL program or a waitlist control condition.

Characterizing temporal and global host innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-1 and -2 infection in pathologically relevant human lung epithelial cells.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) and -2 (SARS-CoV-2) are beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs) that have caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, a better understanding of host responses to β-CoVs would provide insights into the pathogenesis of these viruses to identify potential targets for medical countermeasures. In this study, our objective is to use a systems biology approach to explore the magnitude and scope of innate immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-1 and -2 infection over time in pathologically relevant human lung epithelial cells (Calu-3/2B4 cells).

Triethylamine-mediated protonation-deprotonation unlocks dual-drug self assembly to suppress breast cancer progression and metastasis.

Carrier-free nanomedicines exhibited significant potential in elevating drug efficacy and safety for tumor management, yet their self assembly typically relied on chemical modifications of drugs or the incorporation of surfactants, thereby compromising the drug's inherent pharmacological activity. To address this challenge, we proposed a triethylamine (TEA)-mediated protonation-deprotonation strategy that enabled the adjustable-proportion self assembly of dual drugs without chemical modification, achieving nearly 100% drug loading capacity. Molecular dynamic simulations, supported by experiment evidence, elucidated the underlying self-assembly mechanism.

Suppressing APOE4-induced neural pathologies by targeting the VHL-HIF axis.

The ε4 variant of human apolipoprotein E () is a key genetic risk factor for neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and elevated all-cause mortality in humans. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that can mitigate the harmful effects of has significant implications. In this study, we find that inactivating the VHL-1 (Von Hippel-Lindau) protein can suppress mortality, neural and behavioral pathologies caused by transgenic human in .

A planar-sheet nongraphitic zero-bandgap sp carbon phase made by the low-temperature reaction of γ-graphyne.

The highest sheet symmetry form of graphyne, with one triple bond between each neighboring hexagon in graphene, irreversibly transforms exothermically at ambient pressure and low temperatures into a nongraphitic, planar-sheet, zero-bandgap phase consisting of intrasheet-bonded sp carbons. The synthesis of this sp carbon phase is demonstrated, and other carbon phases are described for possible future synthesis from graphyne without breaking graphyne bonds. While measurements and theory indicate that the reacting graphyne becomes nonplanar because of sheet wrinkling produced by dimensional mismatch between reacted and nonreacted sheet regions, sheet planarity is regained when the reaction is complete.

Polydipsia Induced Acute Angle-Closure Crisis.

We present a case of Acute Angle-Closure Crisis (AACC) precipitated by primary transient psychogenic polydipsia; we believe that our case is the first of its kind to be reported. A 74-year-old male presented to the emergency department with altered mental status due to acute-onset hyponatremia. Six days after admission, the patient noticed painful loss of vision in his right eye and an ipsilateral headache lasting 10-15 minutes.