NETest in advanced high-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Molecular blood biomarkers are lacking for high-grade (HG) gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). To histologically distinguish between neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), neuroendocrine tumors G3 (NET G3), adenocarcinoma and MINEN is often challenging. The mRNA-based NETest has diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value in neuroendocrine tumors G1-2 but has not been studied in HG GEP-NEN. Patients with advanced HG GEP-NEN were prospectively included in an observational study. A blood sample was collected before the start of chemotherapy and pseudonymised before NETest was performed. NETest results are expressed as an activity index (NETest score) from 0 to 100. The normal score cut-off is 20. Histological sections were pseudonymised before centralized pathological re-evaluation. Samples from 60 patients were evaluable with the NETest. Main primary tumor sites were colon (14), rectum (12), pancreas (11) and esophagus (7). Re-classification: 30 NEC, 12 NET G3, 3 HG-NEN ambiguous morphology, 8 MiNEN, 3 adenocarcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation (ADNE), 3 adenocarcinomas and 1 NET G2. Elevated NETest (>20) was seen in 38/45 (84%) HG GEP-NEN, all 17 large-cell NEC (100%), 11/13 (85%) small-cell NEC, all ambiguous cases and 7/12 (64%) NET G3. NETest was elevated in 5/8 (63%) MiNEN, 2/3 ADNE, however not in 3 adenocarcinomas. Median survival was 10.2 months (9.6-10.8 95%CI) for evaluable HG GEP-NEN treated with palliative chemotherapy (n = 39), and survival was significantly shorter in patients with NETest >60 with an OS of only 6.5 months. This is the first study to evaluate use of the NETest in advanced HG GEP-NEN. The NETest was almost always elevated in GEP-NEC and in all large-cell NEC. The NETest was also frequently elevated in NET G3 and MiNEN, however cases were limited. Baseline NETest was not predictive for benefit of chemotherapy, however a NETest >60 was prognostic with a shorter survival for patients receiving chemotherapy.

Antibiotic therapy in reconstructive surgery of deep sternal wound infections.

BACKGROUND: The choice of antibiotics and length of administration in the treatment of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) is unclear. The reason for this is the lack of studies and local differences in resistance. An increase in resistance can be observed in gram-positive cocci, which are the most frequently detected in deep sternal infections. The duration of administration is often 2- 6 weeks or longer, although the benefit of prolonged antibiotic administration has not been confirmed by studies. We evaluated the antibiotic treatment during surgical treatment, consisting of surgical wound debridement and plastic chest reconstruction. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients (n = 260) who underwent reconstructive surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Leipzig University Hospital from 01.05.2012 - 31.12.2020. The duration of intake, results of microbiological swabs and resistance were investigated. RESULTS: At the time of discharge, closed wound conditions were noted in 177 of 260 cases (68.1%). The largest proportion of patients (n = 238) was treated with a latissimus dorsi flap (91.5%).Antibiotic treatment was conducted in 206 of 260 cases (79.2%). The mean duration of antibiotic administration was 21.4 days (±17.6). Prolonged treatment over 14 days did not alter outcome (p = 0.226), in contrast, the number of multidrug resistances (p < 0.001). There was no prove of resistance against linezolid which is effective against the most common found infectious agents Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 93; 24.0 %) & Staphylococcus aureus (n = 47; 12.1 %). CONCLUSION: There is no evidence of benefit from antibiotic therapy over 14 days, whereas multidrug resistance increases with prolonged antibiotic use. In the absence of infectious agents or clinical signs of inflammation, surgical treatment without additional antibiotic treatment is effective.Linezolid is a suitable antibiotic in the treatment of gram-positive infections which are the most frequent in DSWI.

Examining the prevalence of trans phantoms among transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse individuals: An exploratory study.

Background: Trans phantoms are bodily sensations of gendered body parts that a person was not born with (i.e., a phantom penis experienced by a trans man, or a phantom vagina experienced by a trans woman). This is distinct from the experience of many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, who experience awareness of their bodies as missing a gendered body part, or configuration, which is a major characteristic of gender dysphoria. Aims: Our purpose was to gain greater understanding of the prevalence and quality of trans phantoms. Methods: Data was gathered through a brief, online survey on trans embodiment. Respondents who had both completed the survey, and were deemed appropriate for inclusion in the study, based on their survey responses, comprised our sample of 1,446 adults. Results: Results indicated that trans phantoms are a typical embodied experience of TGD people. Almost 50% of study participants reported experiencing a trans phantom, most of whom also reported feeling erotic sensation in their phantom. Conclusions: Though the phenomenon of trans phantoms is not universal, it is clearly one that warrants further study.

[Registry Research Funding of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRÄC) and Research Funding Report 2021/2022]. / Register Forschungsförderung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie (DGPRÄC) und Forschungsförderungs-Bericht 2021/2022.

BACKGROUND: Research is an integral part of academic medicine. In plastic surgery, it sets the course for innovations in the specialty. The purpose of this study is to present the research performance of plastic surgeons in Germany for the period 2021/2022 and to compare it with previous periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The directors of plastic surgical academic institutions reported all requested/approved and rejected research applications to public, non-public and industrial funding organizations. Data was gathered within an established online database. In addition, the DFG´s public database GEPRIS was screened for plastic surgical research grants. Data was also collected regarding research infrastructure and organization at the participating centers. RESULTS: 105 applications were reported to 54 different funding agencies from 20 plastic surgery centers. 37 funding applications were submitted to the major public funding agencies DFG, BMBF, BMWi, BMG, BMVg, G-BA and EU. Of these, 59,5% (22/37) were DFG, 13,5% (5/37) each BMBF and EU, 5,4% (2/37) BMWi, and 2,7% (1/37) each BMG, BMVg, and G-BA applications. The average funding volume of these proposals was 401,515 euros. Approved DFG proposals were most frequently assigned to the review board 205-27 Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery (n=10/16, 62,5%). Over time, the research registry shows an increase in the number of proposals in general and those granted. 70,0% (14/20) of participating sites had their own experimental research laboratory, while only 40,0% (8/20) had their own clinical trial center. CONCLUSION: The 2021/2022 Research Funding Report once again highlights the impressive research accomplishments of the plastic surgery community.

The 2021 SIIM-FISABIO-RSNA Machine Learning COVID-19 Challenge: Annotation and Standard Exam Classification of COVID-19 Chest Radiographs.

We describe the curation, annotation methodology, and characteristics of the dataset used in an artificial intelligence challenge for detection and localization of COVID-19 on chest radiographs. The chest radiographs were annotated by an international group of radiologists into four mutually exclusive categories, including "typical," "indeterminate," and "atypical appearance" for COVID-19, or "negative for pneumonia," adapted from previously published guidelines, and bounding boxes were placed on airspace opacities. This dataset and respective annotations are available to researchers for academic and noncommercial use.

Development of the Gender Embodiment Scale: Trans Masculine Spectrum.

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people have a variety of ways of embodying their gender. We present preliminary work on The Gender Embodiment Scale for trans masculine individuals as a collaborative product from a trans-identified community-engaged team. This scale provides researchers and clinicians a survey to diversify ways gender is understood and counteracts assumptions of a singular gender experience for TGD people. This scale reflects gender embodiment as individually unique and inclusive of the body, behavior, and social treatment. Use of the scale can enhance discussion and enable assessments regarding relative importance and satisfaction across items in these domains.

Convalescent plasma, cytomegalovirus infection, and persistent leukopenia in COVID-19 recovery phase: What is the link?

Therapies used to tide over acute crisis of COVID-19 infection may lower the immunity, which can lead to secondary infection or a reactivation of latent infection. We report a 75-years-old male patient who had suffered from severe COVID-19 infection three weeks earlier and who had been treated with corticosteroids and convalescent plasma along with other supportive therapies. At time of discharge he had developed leukopenia which worsened at 1-week follow up visit. On 18th day post-discharge, he became very sick and was brought to our hospital with complaints of severe persistent dysphagia. During evaluation he was diagnosed to have an acute cytomegalovirus infection and severe oropharyngeal thrush. Both COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus are known to cause synergistic decrease in T cells and NK cells leading to immunosuppression. The patient made complete recovery with a course of intravenous ganciclovir and fluconazole. Persistent leukopenia in high risk and severely ill cases should give rise to a suspicion of COVID-19 and cytomegalovirus co-infection.

Effects of non-vascularized adipose tissue transplantation on its genetic profile.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) is recognized as a highly active metabolic and inflammatory tissue. Interestingly, adipose tissue transplantation is widely performed in plastic surgery via lipofilling, yet little is known about the gene alteration of adipocytes after transplantation. We performed an RNA-expression analysis of fat transplants before and after fat transplantation.In C57BL/6 N mice SAT was autologously transplanted. Samples of SAT were analysed before transplantation, 7, and 15 days after transplantation and gene expression profiles were measured.Analysis revealed that lipid metabolism-related genes were downregulated while inflammatory and extracellular matrix related genes were up-regulated 7 and 15 days after transplantation. When comparing gene expression profile 7 days after transplantation to 15 days after transplantation developmental pathways showed most changes.

The next big earthquake may inflict a multi-hazard crisis - Insights from COVID-19, extreme weather and resilience in peripheral cities of Israel.

The occurrence of a natural disaster in an area already coping with an epidemic, constitutes a multi-hazard event. Such events are more likely than ever during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In regions that seasonally experience extreme-weather disasters, such multi-hazard crises are imminent. People living along the Dead Sea Fault and in the Negev are used to harsh weather conditions and to the hardship of living in isolation. While self-reliance and community-support are often the norm in the daily life of residents in in peripheral communities, in an emergency they may be crucial for survival. Worldwide remote communities with limited response and medical infrastructure and resources may struggle to cope with the aftermath of an earthquake while potentially coping with a concurrent epidemic or extreme weather. In this work we focus on the effect of concurring disasters and seasonal stressors. In particular we discuss how various disasters would affect the Covid-19 infection rate, and we demonstrate that in Israel's periphery cities, heat-stress is a consistent and significant seasonal stressor that would hamper emergency and recovery operations. We also suggest that transient tourist population in these remote cities is expected to burden local emergency efforts and facilities. A seasonal over burden parameter is proposed to describe how seasonal tourism and weather conditions enhance the hardship and risk in a multi-hazard situation. A case study shows that high-resolution spatial analysis of risk and preparedness together with a temporal analysis of seasonal effects, may be used to detect specific neighborhoods with high or low resilience and capacity to cope with disasters. Our work demonstrates the need for spatial and temporal, multi-hazard analysis for improving local resilience and emergency plans in periphery cities and communities exposed to seasonal harsh weather.

[Registry Research Funding of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) and Research Funding Report 2019/2020]. / Register Forschungsförderung der Deutschen Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) und Forschungsförderungsbericht 2019/2020.

BACKGROUND: Since 2015/16 the DGPRÄC collects, evaluates and publishes the research activities of academic sections, departments and clinics for plastic surgery at university hospitals in Germany, in order to raise the awareness of plastic surgical research performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The directors of plastic surgical academic institutions were contacted via the DGPRÄC and asked to report any requested/approved and rejected research applications to public, non-public and industrial funding organizations. Data was collected in our previously established online database: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6F5xmTyw-k7VKJx_2jkPA4LBXsA0sgBGMrC3rx_4bHj6uzQ/viewform?usp=sf_link. In addition, applications were identified via the DFG's public database GEPRIS. RESULTS: A total of 41 funding applications to the public funding institutes DFG, BMBF, BMWi, BMG and EU were identified. 75.6 % (31/41) of the applications had already been approved at the time of data collection, of which 77.4 % (24/31) were DFG, 9.7 % (3/31) were BMWi, 6.5 % (2/31) were EU and 3.2 % (1/31) were BMBF or BMG applications. The average funding amounted to 358 301 Euro. In 50.0 % (12/24) of the cases, the approved DFG proposals were assigned to the subject review board 205-27 Orthopedics, Trauma Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery. CONCLUSION: The continuous publication of plastic surgical research funding reports submitted by the convention of university plastic surgeons of the DGPRÄC portraits the excellent, collaborative research activity in the field of plastic surgery.

Bridging the gap between academia and practice: Perspectives from two large-scale and niche research projects in Canada.

There is a recognized disconnect in priority and synergy between academic and practitioners in forensic science. In this work, we personally reflect on our experiences in conducting research studies that directly involve academic and practitioner stakeholders. We believe, amongst others, that this "gap" can be mitigated through regular and productive communication. We also emphasize the need to create stronger and national research strategies which identifies the current and pressing needs of enforcement officials in order to bring these needs directly to academia. As part of this, researchers should actively seek to make sure what they study will be relevant within the discipline. Our reflection is geared on direct feedback from an entomological study in large scale sampling of blowflies and workshops in bloodstain pattern analysis using a forensic blood substitute.

Characteristics of 252 patients with bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours treated at the Copenhagen NET Centre of Excellence.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumours are divided into typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). AIM: To thoroughly describe a cohort of 252 patients with TC, AC and LCNEC (SCLC excluded). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Collection of data from 252 patients referred to and treated at Rigshospitalet 2008-2016. Data was collected from electronic patient files and our prospective NET database. Statistics were performed in SPSS. RESULTS: 162 (64%) had TC, 29 (12%) had AC and 61 (24%) had LCNEC. Median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range: 19-89) with no difference between genders. Thoraco-abdominal CT was performed in all patients at diagnosis. FDG-PET/CT was performed in 207 (82%) at diagnosis and was positive in 95% of the entire cohort, with no difference between tumour types. Synaptophysin was positive in 98%, chromogranin A in 92% and CD56 in 97%. Mean Ki67 index was 5% in TC, 16% in AC and 69% in LCNEC (p < 0.001). Metastatic disease was found in 4% of TC, 27% of AC and 58% of LCNEC at time of initial diagnosis (p < 0.001). In total 179 patients (71%) underwent surgical resection; TC: 87%, AC: 72% and LCNEC: 28% (p < 0.001). Of the resected patients, 11 (6%) had recurrence. Five-year survival rate was 88% for TC, 63% for AC and 20% for LCNEC. CONCLUSION: In this comprehensive study of a cohort of 252 patients, one of the largest until date, with TC, AC and LCNEC, the gender distribution showed female predominance with 68%. FDG-PET/CT was positive in 95% of the patients independent of tumour type, which confirms that FDG-PET/CT should be a part of the preoperative work-up for TC, AC and LCNEC. Tumour type was the single most potent independent prognostic factor.

[Registry Research Funding of the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) and Research Funding Report 2017/2018]. / Register Forschungsförderung der Deutschen Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC) und Forschungsförderungs-Bericht 2017/2018.

INTRODUCTION: This report serves to publicize the research of academic institutions for Plastic Surgery within our society DGPRÄC in 2017/2018 and sequels the funding report of 2015/2016. Applications to public, non-public, or industrial funding organizations were evaluated. At the same time, this paper analyses the number of approved DFG applications in Plastic, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery in the GEPRIS system. Contrary to these specialties, Plastic Surgery is not classified as an independent speciality in the subject structure of the DFG review board which results in a lack of transparency concerning Plastic Surgery research work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our previously established online database (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OaSnHyKTysawiI1ie7kfUxDf7nJP_RiTUJTsnb7Mq_E/edit) for reporting requested/ approved and rejected research applications to public, non-public and industrial funding organizations was continued and evaluated together with applications found in the DFG's public database GEPRIS. RESULTS: Compared to the previous year's report, the number of approved applications from public research organizations (DFG, BMBF, BMWi, EU) was increased from 23 to 27. We identified 19 approved DFG applications from Plastic Surgery, as compared to 9 and 8 applications by Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, respectively. SUMMARY: Taken together, this data emphasizes that our research is at least equal to that of other newly established surgical specialties within the framework of the DFG. Accordingly, we hope to provide further arguments for an adaptation of the DFG review boards subject structure to include Plastic Surgery as an independent specialty as it is for Vascular Surgery and Thoracic Surgery.

[Resection of recurrent rectal cancer]. / Rezidivresektionen beim Rektumkarzinom.

A curative treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) can only be achieved with a complete resection and microscopically tumor-free surgical margins (R0). Imaging techniques are the most important investigations for the preoperative staging of local and systemic diseases. Due to substantial improvements in surgical strategies and techniques, previously unresectable tumors can now be excised. Several publications have demonstrated the oncological benefits of high sacral resection for LRRC. High subcortical sacrectomy (HiSS), extended lateral resection and extended lateral pelvic sidewall excision (ELSiE) belong to the newer surgical options. Biological meshes, various myocutaneous flaps, titanium and bone allografts can be used for reconstruction. Specialized centers provide an efficient management of complications and postoperative treatment.

Dynamical Disentangling and Cooling of Atoms in Bilayer Optical Lattices.

We show how experimentally available bilayer lattice systems can be used to prepare quantum many-body states with exceptionally low entropy in one layer, by dynamically disentangling the two layers. This disentangling operation moves one layer-subsystem A-into a regime where excitations in A develop a single-particle gap. As a result, this operation maps directly to cooling for subsystem A, with entropy being shuttled to the other layer. For both bosonic and fermionic atoms, we study the corresponding dynamics showing that disentangling can be realized cleanly in ongoing experiments. The corresponding entanglement entropies are directly measurable with quantum gas microscopes, and, as a tool for producing lower-entropy states, this technique opens a range of applications beginning with simplifying production of magnetically ordered states of bosons and fermions.

Perceived indoor air quality and its relationship to air pollutants in French dwellings.

Perception of indoor air quality (PIAQ) was evaluated in a nationwide survey of 567 French dwellings, and this survey was combined with measurements of gaseous and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5 ) indoor air pollutants and indoor climate parameters. The perception was assessed on a nine-grade scale by both the occupants of the dwellings and the inspectors who performed the measurements. The occupants perceived the air quality in their homes as more pleasant than the inspectors. The inspectors perceived the air quality as more unpleasant in dwellings in which the residents smoked indoors. Significant associations between PIAQ and indoor air pollutant concentrations were observed for both the inspectors and, to a lesser extent, the occupants. Introducing confounding parameters, such as building and personal characteristics, into a multivariate model suppressed most of the observed bivariate correlations and identified the tenure status of the occupants and their occupation as the parameters that most influenced their PIAQ. For the inspectors, perceived air quality was affected by the presence of smokers, the season, the type of ventilation, retrofitting, and the concentrations of acetaldehyde and acrolein.

Results after surgical treatment of liver metastases in patients with high-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NEC) are generally characterized by synchronous metastases, high aggressiveness and a dismal prognosis. Current international guidelines do not recommend surgical treatment of liver metastases, however the existing data are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of curatively intended resection/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver metastases in patients with metastatic GEP-NEC. METHODS: 32 patients with a diagnosis of high-grade gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (Ki-67 > 20%) and with intended curative resection/RFA of liver metastases, were identified among 840 patients from two Nordic GEP-NEC registries. Tumor morphology (well vs poor differentiation) was reassessed. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analyses for the entire cohort and for subgroups. RESULTS: Median OS after resection/RFA of liver metastases was 35.9 months (95%-CI: 20.6-51.3) with a five-year OS of 43%. The median PFS was 8.4 months (95%-CI: 3.9-13). Four patients (13%) were disease-free after 5 years. Two patients had well-differentiated morphology (NET G3) and 20 patients (63%) had Ki-67 ≥ 55%. A Ki-67 < 55% and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were statistically significant factors of improved OS after liver resection/RFA. CONCLUSION: This study shows a long median and long term survival after liver surgery/RFA for these selected metastatic GEP-NEC patients, particularly for the group with a Ki-67 in the relatively lower G3 range. Our findings indicate a possible role for surgical treatment of liver metastases in the management of this patient population.

[Partial Fasciectomy and Options of Reconstruction Using Local Flaps in Cases of Dupuytren's Disease]. / Partielle Fasziektomie und lappenplastische Deckungsoptionen beim Morbus Dupuytren.

Aim: Partial fasciectomy in cases of grade III-IV Dupuytren's contracture and coverage of the defect with local flaps. Indication: Dupuytren's contracture is a progressive disease of the hand associated with the formation of fascial cords, which may result in flexion and adduction contractures of the fingers leading up to complete dysfunction of the hands. Method: If several fingers are affected, partial fasciectomy is the gold standard in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. Ideally, the fingers reach the neutral position after the fibres causing the contracture are resected and arthrolysis is performed as needed. The skin deficits resulting from restored extension have to be covered by the use of Z-plasties, local or pedicled flaps of the hand. Conclusion: The resection of contracting cords in advanced cases of Dupuytren's contracture leads to large soft tissue defects. The microsurgical preparation of nerve and vascular structures is often difficult because of the fascial cords surrounding them. Exact preoperative planning of the extent of resection, as well as reconstruction options are essential and determine how incisions are made. To prevent a relapse, it is essential to reverse skin fibre direction using flaps and to insert intact skin with preserved subdermal adipose tissue.

[Plastic Reconstruction with a Vascular Pedicle Latissimus Dorsi Flap after Sternal Osteomyelitis]. / Plastische Rekonstruktion nach Sternumosteomyelitis mittels gefäßgestielter Latissimus-dorsi-Lappenplastik.

Objective: Sternal bone and soft tissue debridement after osteomyelitis of the sternum with simultaneous defect coverage using a vascular pedicle latissimus dorsi flap. Indication: Profound sternal wound healing disorders may be covered with various flap grafts. The latissimus dorsi flap provides a fast, sufficient and reliable option to cover sternal defects. If the bone and soft tissue debridement has been very radical, coverage may be performed in a one-stage procedure. Method: The individual surgical steps for sternal debridement with simultaneous defect coverage using a vascular pedicle latissimus dorsi flap are shown. Conclusion: The radicality of debridement is crucial to treatment success and allows debridement and flap graft coverage to be performed at the same time. If two surgeons work simultaneously, the duration of surgery may be significantly reduced.