Non-redundant metagenome-assembled genomes of activated sludge reactors at different disturbances and scales.

Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) are microbial genomes reconstructed from metagenomic data and can be assigned to known taxa or lead to uncovering novel ones. MAGs can provide insights into how microbes interact with the environment. Here, we performed genome-resolved metagenomics on sequencing data from four studies using sequencing batch reactors at microcosm (~25 mL) and mesocosm (~4 L) scales inoculated with sludge from full-scale wastewater treatment plants. These studies investigated how microbial communities in such plants respond to two environmental disturbances: the presence of toxic 3-chloroaniline and changes in organic loading rate. We report 839 non-redundant MAGs with at least 50% completeness and 10% contamination (MIMAG medium-quality criteria). From these, 399 are of putative high-quality, while sixty-seven meet the MIMAG high-quality criteria. MAGs in this catalogue represent the microbial communities in sixty-eight laboratory-scale reactors used for the disturbance experiments, and in the full-scale wastewater treatment plant which provided the source sludge. This dataset can aid meta-studies aimed at understanding the responses of microbial communities to disturbances, particularly as ecosystems confront rapid environmental changes.

Systematic review of machine-learning models in orthopaedic trauma.

Aims: Machine-learning (ML) prediction models in orthopaedic trauma hold great promise in assisting clinicians in various tasks, such as personalized risk stratification. However, an overview of current applications and critical appraisal to peer-reviewed guidelines is lacking. The objectives of this study are to 1) provide an overview of current ML prediction models in orthopaedic trauma; 2) evaluate the completeness of reporting following the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement; and 3) assess the risk of bias following the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) tool. Methods: A systematic search screening 3,252 studies identified 45 ML-based prediction models in orthopaedic trauma up to January 2023. The TRIPOD statement assessed transparent reporting and the PROBAST tool the risk of bias. Results: A total of 40 studies reported on training and internal validation; four studies performed both development and external validation, and one study performed only external validation. The most commonly reported outcomes were mortality (33%, 15/45) and length of hospital stay (9%, 4/45), and the majority of prediction models were developed in the hip fracture population (60%, 27/45). The overall median completeness for the TRIPOD statement was 62% (interquartile range 30 to 81%). The overall risk of bias in the PROBAST tool was low in 24% (11/45), high in 69% (31/45), and unclear in 7% (3/45) of the studies. High risk of bias was mainly due to analysis domain concerns including small datasets with low number of outcomes, complete-case analysis in case of missing data, and no reporting of performance measures. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that despite a myriad of potential clinically useful applications, a substantial part of ML studies in orthopaedic trauma lack transparent reporting, and are at high risk of bias. These problems must be resolved by following established guidelines to instil confidence in ML models among patients and clinicians. Otherwise, there will remain a sizeable gap between the development of ML prediction models and their clinical application in our day-to-day orthopaedic trauma practice.

Near infrared laser stimulation of human neural stem cells into neurons on graphene nanomesh semiconductors.

Reduced graphene oxide nanomeshes (rGONMs), as p-type semiconductors with band-gap energy of ∼ 1 eV, were developed and applied in near infrared (NIR) laser stimulation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) into neurons. The biocompatibility of the rGONMs in growth of hNSCs was found similar to that of the graphene oxide (GO) sheets. Proliferation of the hNSCs on the GONMs was assigned to the excess oxygen functional groups formed on edge defects of the GONMs, resulting in superhydrophilicity of the surface. Under NIR laser stimulation, the graphene layers (especially the rGONMs) exhibited significant cell differentiations, including more elongations of the cells and higher differentiation of neurons than glia. The higher hNSC differentiation on the rGONM than the reduced GO (rGO) was assigned to the stimulation effects of the low-energy photoexcited electrons injected from the rGONM semiconductors into the cells, while the high-energy photoelectrons of the rGO (as a zero band-gap semiconductor) could suppress the cell proliferation and/or even cause cell damages. Using conventional heating of the culture media up to ∼ 43 °C (the temperature typically reached under the laser irradiation), no significant differentiation was observed in dark. This further confirmed the role of photoelectrons in the hNSC differentiation.

Radiological evaluation of the effect of biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold (HA+TCP) with 5, 10 and 20 percentage of porosity on healing of segmental bone defect in rabbit radius.

The objective of this study is to radiologically evaluate the effects of biphasic calcium phosphate scaffold with 5, 10 and 20 percentage of porosity on cortical bone repair in rabbits. In this study, 28 male white rabbits were examined. Rabbits were divided into four groups. After induction of general anesthesia, a segmental bone defect of 10 mm in length was created in the middle of the right radius shaft. In group A, the defect was stabilized with miniplate and 2 screws and left untreated. In groups B, C and D tricalcium phosphate scaffold mixed with hydroxyapatite (TCP+HA) with 5%, 10% and 20% porosity was used to fi ll the bone defect. Bone regeneration and HA+TCP scaffold resorption were assessed by X-ray at 1, 2 and 3 months after the surgery. In group A, 3 months after surgery, periosteal callus was not found but intercortical callus was observed. In groups B and C, 3 months after surgery medullary bridging callus and intercortical callus were found, periosteal callus was not found, TCP+HA scaffold were observed. In group D, 2 months after the surgery, medullary bridging callus and intercortical callus were found, 3 months later, periosteal callus was not found, most of scaffold had disappeared and were unclear and partial bone formation was recognized. Differences observed in radiological findings were significant between group A and groups B, C, D. Differences between groups B and C were not significant, but between group D and groups B and C were significant. The results of this study showed that TCP+HA scaffold is an osteoconductive and osteoinductive biomaterial. Scaffold of TCP+HA can increase the amount of newly formed bone and more rapid regeneration of bone defects. These results suggest TCP+HA scaffold may considerably be used in the treatment of cortical bone defect and other orthopaedic defects PCL (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 20).

Treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures in the community hospital.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are among the most common elbow injuries in the pediatric population. Because of the significant morbidity associated with treating displaced pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, most community-based orthopedic surgeons prefer to transfer these injuries to specialty children's hospitals. Our intention in writing this article was to document and evaluate the results we obtained using the lateral diverging pin technique to treat patients at our community hospital. In doing so, we set out to determine if our results were comparable to those of specialty hospitals, allowing us in the future to eliminate the inconvenience placed on patients and their families when being transferred to a specialty facility. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the patients treated surgically at our institution for a closed Gartland type II or type III supracondylar distal humerus fracture during the months of September and October of 2005. The medical records and radiographs of all children who had been treated for a displaced extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures were evaluated. The data recorded from the chart review included the age and sex of the patients, preoperative and postoperative neurovascular status, operative techniques (2 vs 3 lateral entry point Kirschner wires), and the operative time (start to close). The radiographs were reviewed to determine the Gartland type of fracture and the Baumann angle on the anteroposterior film immediately postoperative and at the time of fracture union. RESULTS: Four Gartland type II and 3 Gartland type III fractures were identified during the study period. There were 3 boys and 4 girls with a mean age of 6.29 years (range, 3.92-8.58 years). The mean immediate postoperative Baumann angle was 18.29 degrees (range, 10-25 degrees). At the time of fracture union, the mean Baumann angle was 19.0 degrees (range, 14-22 degrees). The mean range-of-motion loss as compared with the extension loss (range, 10-2 degrees) and 4.57 degrees of flexion loss (range, 10-2 degrees). The mean operative time was 20.43 minutes (range, 7-37 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the change in Baumann angle and loss of range of motion compare favorably with results of studies done at specialty hospitals. We believe that the divergent lateral pinning technique, in combination with postoperative splinting and a sling can provide excellent results while eliminating the risk of injury to the ulnar nerve. With this knowledge, we feel that the advantage to treating these fractures at a community hospital is the elimination of the anxiety, stress, and time spent waiting in the emergency department of multiple hospitals.