Functional and Cosmetic Considerations in Saddle Nose Deformity Repair.

The saddle nose deformity is associated with dorsal collapse and can have both function and cosmetic problems. The saddle nose can cause nasal obstruction by narrowing the nasal cavities, eliciting dynamic internal and external nasal valve narrowing, and abnormally widening the internal and external nasal valves altering airflow dynamics, sinonasal passageways, and olfaction. The saddle nose is challenging to treat due to skin contracture, lack of donor tissue, and difficulties in esthetic integration.

Blood-based diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis: A prospective cohort study in South Africa and Dominican Republic.

Objectives: Pediatric tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is complicated by challenges in obtaining invasive respiratory specimens that frequently contain few Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacilli. We report the diagnostic performance of an Mtb antigen-derived peptide (MAP-TB) assay and its ability to monitor TB treatment response.

Methods: Study cohorts enrolled children who presented with presumptive TB at two hospitals in South Africa from 2012 to 2017 (157 children aged <13 years) and at community-based clinics in the Dominican Republic from 2019 to 2023 (101 children aged <18 years).

Donor Type Does Not Impact Late Graft Failure Following Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide Based Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis.

Background: Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is a commonly used graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, particularly in the setting of haploidentical (haplo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The rate of graft failure has been reported to be as high as 12-20% in haplo-HCT recipients using PTCy. The objective of this study was to determine if donor type influenced the risk of late graft failure following RIC HCT using PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis.

Enhancing chemotherapy response prediction via matched colorectal tumor-organoid gene expression analysis and network-based biomarker selection.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents significant challenges in chemotherapy response prediction due to its molecular heterogeneity. Current methods often fail to account for the complexity and variability inherent in individual tumors.

Methods: We developed a novel approach using matched CRC tumor and organoid gene expression data.

Protocol to detect neutral lipids with BODIPY staining in myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mouse mammary tumors.

Neutral lipids affect the immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Here, we present a protocol for measuring neutral lipids in MDSCs using BODIPY from mouse mammary tumor derived from triple-negative breast cancer cells, 4T1, which is applicable to other mammary tumors of interest. We describe steps for 4T1 cell culture, single-cell isolation from tumors, staining of cells with antibodies and BODIPY, and flow cytometry.

ZIC1 is a context-dependent medulloblastoma driver in the rhombic lip.

Transcription factors are frequent cancer driver genes, exhibiting noted specificity based on the precise cell of origin. We demonstrate that ZIC1 exhibits loss-of-function (LOF) somatic events in group 4 (G4) medulloblastoma through recurrent point mutations, subchromosomal deletions and mono-allelic epigenetic repression (60% of G4 medulloblastoma). In contrast, highly similar SHH medulloblastoma exhibits distinct and diametrically opposed gain-of-function mutations and copy number gains (20% of SHH medulloblastoma).

Microvascular dysfunction, mitochondrial reprogramming, and inflammasome activation as critical regulators of ischemic stroke severity induced by chronic exposure to prescription opioids.

The opioid epidemic endangers not only public health but also social and economic welfare. Growing clinical evidence indicates that chronic use of prescription opioids may contribute to an elevated risk of ischemic stroke and negatively impact post-stroke recovery. In addition, NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been related to several cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke.

EEFSEC deficiency: A selenopathy with early-onset neurodegeneration.

Inborn errors of selenoprotein expression arise from deleterious variants in genes encoding selenoproteins or selenoprotein biosynthetic factors, some of which are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. This study shows that bi-allelic selenocysteine tRNA-specific eukaryotic elongation factor (EEFSEC) variants cause selenoprotein deficiency, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. EEFSEC deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder, manifests with global developmental delay, progressive spasticity, ataxia, and seizures.

Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy with Erythrosin B, Eosin Y, and Rose Bengal for the inhibition of fungal keratitis isolates: An in vitro study.

Introduction: Fungal keratitis is a leading cause of corneal blindness, with current antifungal treatments having limited efficacy. One promising treatment modality is Rose Bengal (RB) photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PDAT) that has shown mixed success against fungal keratitis. Therefore, there is a need to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of other green-light activated photosensitizers that have deep penetration in the cornea to combat the deep fungal infections, such as Erythrosin B (EB) and Eosin Y (EY).

Slow-Coagulation Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of slow-coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (SC-TSCPC) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG).

Methods: A single-center, retrospective non-comparative study including consecutive patients with medically uncontrolled PXG who underwent SC-TSCPC (1250-milliwatt power and 4-second duration). The primary outcome measure was surgical success (defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 - 21 mmHg with ≥20% reduction compared to baseline and no need for further glaucoma surgeries or development of vision-threatening complications).

Investigating Moral Distress in Clinical Research Professionals-A Deep Dive into Troubled Waters.

Moral distress occurs when professionals are constrained from taking what they believe to be ethically appropriate actions or are forced to take actions they believe are ethically inappropriate, challenging their professional identities and representing systems-level issues within organizations. Moral distress has been recognized in a variety of health care-related fields; however, the phenomenon is still comparatively unexplored among clinical research professionals (CRPs). In this qualitative study, we interviewed ten CRPs to unearth root causes of moral distress in this ethically unique profession.

The Value of Auditing the Frequency of Inhalational Anesthetics With a Combination of Very Low Bispectral Index and High Fraction of the Age-Adjusted Minimum Alveolar Concentration.

Background: Previously, a depth of anesthesia bispectral index (BIS™) <45 was considered lowand found to have no clinical benefit. A BIS <35 was considered very low and was not only without evident clinical benefit but also associated with a greater risk of postoperative delirium. We considered the association between BIS and the anesthetic dose of inhalational agents, quantified using the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) fraction, which was the patient's end-tidal inhalational agent concentration divided by the agent's altitude- and age-adjusted minimum alveolar percentage concentration.

Education Research: Utilization of Simulation in Residency Programs: A Survey of Adult Neurology Residency Program Directors.

Background And Objectives: Previous research has demonstrated that simulation-based medical education (SBME) can improve neurology trainees' confidence, knowledge, and competence. However, a general needs assessment and review of current SBME used within neurology are needed to guide SBME curriculum development. The objective of this study was to describe the current use of SBME in resident education and to assess perceived barriers to expanding SBME interventions.

The African Initiative for Bioinformatics Online Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases (AI-BOND): Investing in the next generation of African neuroscientists.

Unlabelled: Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD), pose significant challenges to health care systems globally, particularly in Africa. With the advances in medical technology and research capabilities, especially in next-generation sequencing and imaging, vast amounts of data have been generated from AD/ADRD research. Given that the greatest increase in AD/ADRD prevalence is expected to occur in Africa, it is critical to establish comprehensive bioinformatics training programs to help African scientists leverage existing data and collect additional information to untangle AD/ADRD heterogeneity in African populations.

Genome sequencing reveals novel variants in a diverse population with congenital anterior segment anomalies.

Congenital anterior segment anomalies are disorders that affect the development of the eye and cause severe visual impairment. The molecular basis of congenital anterior segment anomalies is not well known. In this study, genome sequencing was performed on 27 families from diverse ethnicities with congenital anterior segment anomalies and 11 variants were identified, most of which were novel and family specific.

Single-nuclei sequencing reveals a robust corticospinal response to nearby axotomy but overall insensitivity to spinal injury.

The ability of neurons to sense and respond to damage is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and facilitating nervous system repair. For some cell types, notably dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), extensive profiling has uncovered a significant transcriptional response to axon injury, which influences survival and regenerative outcomes. In contrast, the injury responses of most supraspinal cell types, which display limited regeneration after spinal damage, remain mostly unknown.

Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting With FDG-Avid Breast Masses and Axillary Lymph Nodes on PET-CT in a Patient With Recent Diagnosis of Endometrial Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a self-limited, idiopathic, non-neoplastic disorder characterized by the proliferation of phagocytic histiocytes, which can mimic malignant lymphoproliferative disease. Cases of RDD most commonly present as bilateral painless cervical lymphadenopathy, with lesser involvement of the axilla, inguinal, and mediastinal lymph nodes. We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with a history of endometrial serous carcinoma who underwent evaluation at a dedicated breast imaging department after positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed breast masses and axillary nodes with increased uptake of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).

Mutation Causing Pediatric Macular Chorioretinal Atrophy Associated With Stickler Syndrome.

To report a case of macular chorioretinal atrophy associated with Stickler syndrome in a pediatric patient with a genetically confirmed mutation. A single case was evaluated. A 3-year-old girl was found to have macular chorioretinal atrophy in the right eye and a retinal detachment in the left eye.

Comparing outcomes of Aquablation versus holmium laser enucleation of prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A network meta-analysis.

Introduction: Water Jet Ablation Therapy (WJAT) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) represent two common surgical treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Despite their increasing use, there is no study between these two methods. We aim to evaluate their efficacy and safety through a network meta-analysis (NMA), providing critical insights for clinical decision-making in the management of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH.

Accuracy of warm ischemia time measurement using a surgical intelligence software in partial nephrectomies: A validation study.

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to compare the accuracy of warm ischemia times (WITs) derived by a surgical artificial intelligence (AI) software to those documented in surgeon operative reports during partial nephrectomy procedures and to assess the potential of this technology in evaluating postoperative renal function.

Patients And Methods: A surgical AI software (Theator Inc., Palo Alto, CA) was used to capture and analyse videos of partial nephrectomies performed between October 2023 and April 2024.

Short-Term Hormonal Changes Following Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction among Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Findings from a Large Longitudinal Prospective Multicentric Study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate possible hormonal changes following microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) across three referral centers.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively analyzed data from 102 consecutive NOA men. Patients with prior hormonal therapies were excluded.

hnRNPLL regulates MYOF alternative splicing and correlates with early metastasis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer known for its high rate of early metastasis, necessitating the discovery of the underlying mechanisms. Herein, we report that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L-like (hnRNPLL) expression significantly increases at the invasion forefront in PDAC and is associated with early metastasis and poor prognosis. Our findings revealed that hnRNPLL knockdown resulted in extensive exon skipping (ES) events.