Making bioinformatics training FAIR: the EMBL-EBI training portal.

EMBL-EBI provides a broad range of training in data-driven life sciences. To improve awareness and access to training course listings and to make digital learning materials findable and simple to use, the EMBL-EBI Training website, www.ebi.ac.uk/training, was redesigned and restructured. To provide a framework for the redesign of the website, the FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles were applied to both the listings of live training courses and the presentation of on-demand training content. Each of the FAIR principles guided decisions on the choice of technology used to develop the website, including the details provided about training and the way in which training was presented. Since its release the openly accessible website has been accessed by an average of 58,492 users a month. There have also been over 12,000 unique users creating accounts since the functionality was added in March 2022, allowing these users to track their learning and record completion of training. Development of the website was completed using the Agile Scrum project management methodology and a focus on user experience. This framework continues to be used now that the website is live for the maintenance and improvement of the website, as feedback continues to be collected and further ways to make training FAIR are identified. Here, we describe the process of making EMBL-EBI's training FAIR through the development of a new website and our experience of implementing Agile Scrum.

Global curriculum in research literacy for the surgical oncologist.

BACKGROUND: The ability to provide optimal care to cancer patients depends on awareness of current evidence-based practices emanating from research or involvement in research where circumstances permit. The significant global variations in cancer-related research activity and its correlation to cancer-specific outcomes may have an influence on the care provided to cancer patients and their outcomes. The aim of this project is to develop a global curriculum in research literacy for the surgical oncologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leadership of the Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology convened a global curriculum committee to develop a global curriculum in research literacy for the Surgical Oncologist. RESULTS: A global curriculum in research literacy is developed to incorporate the required domains considered to be essential to interpret the published research or become involved in research activity where circumstances permit. The purpose of this curriculum is to promote research literacy for the surgical oncologist, wherever they are based. It does not mandate direct research participation which may not be feasible due to restrictions within the local health-care delivery environment, socio-economic priorities and the educational environment of the individual institution where they work. CONCLUSIONS: A global curriculum in research literacy is proposed which may promote research literacy or encourage involvement in research activity where circumstances permit. It is hoped that this will enhance cancer-related research activity, promote awareness of optimal evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for cancer patients globally.

Global Curriculum in Research Literacy for the Surgical Oncologist.

BACKGROUND: The ability to provide optimal care to cancer patients depends on awareness of current evidence-based practices emanating from research or involvement in research where circumstances permit. The significant global variations in cancer-related research activity and its correlation to cancer-specific outcomes may have an influence on the care provided to cancer patients and their outcomes. The aim of this project is to develop a global curriculum in research literacy for the surgical oncologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leadership of the Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology convened a global curriculum committee to develop a global curriculum in research literacy for the Surgical Oncologist. RESULTS: A global curriculum in research literacy is developed to incorporate the required domains considered to be essential to interpret the published research or become involved in research activity where circumstances permit. The purpose of this curriculum is to promote research literacy for the surgical oncologist, wherever they are based. It does not mandate direct research participation which may not be feasible due to restrictions within the local health-care delivery environment, socio-economic priorities and the educational environment of the individual institution where they work. CONCLUSIONS: A global curriculum in research literacy is proposed which may promote research literacy or encourage involvement in research activity where circumstances permit. It is hoped that this will enhance cancer-related research activity, promote awareness of optimal evidence-based practices and improve outcomes for cancer patients globally.

Modified serial extraction in a case with missing mandibular second premolars and a brief review of related treatment modalities.

This article discusses a case of an 8-year-old female child who presented with severe lower anterior crowding and congenitally missing lower second premolars. A conventional serial extraction procedure could not be performed due to the congenital absence of teeth. Instead, planned extraction of a few primary teeth was done to relieve the lower anterior crowding, the results of which were near satisfactory.

Actions and comparative efficacy of phosphatidylcholine formulation and isolated sodium deoxycholate for different cell types.

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylcholine formulation has been used to dissolve local fat deposits. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of phosphatidylcholine formulation and its vehicle sodium deoxycholate alone on different cell lines to understand better its mechanism of action. METHODS: Cells and media including 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, normal foreskin fibroblasts, neonatal human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (CADMEC), and fetal human skeletal muscle cells (HSkMC) were used. After 24 h, cells were exposed in 3-4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2, 3-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reagent (MTT assays) to increasing dosages of phosphatidylcholine formulation (0.0156-0.5 mg/ml) or an equivalent vehicle, sodium deoxycholate solution, pH 9.0 (0.0066-0.210 mg/ml). Viability was assessed after 1, 2, and 3 days of treatment. Fat tissue (4 x 4 cm) obtained ex vivo from the dorsal fat pads of five rabbits was injected with 2 ml of phosphatidylcholine formulation (50 mg/ml), sodium deoxycholate (21 mg/ml), or normal saline and incubated for 24 h. These were examined histologically to identify cell lysis and morphologic changes. RESULTS: At 0.125- and 0.25-mg/ml doses of phosphatidylcholine solution, CADMEC and HSkMC were more sensitive (P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA) than adipocytes at all time points examined. Phosphatidylcholine formulation at a dose of 0.5 mg/ml and the equivalent vehicle, sodium deoxycholate, at a dose of 0.21-mg/ml both induced nearly 100% fat cell lysis after 24 h, and evidence of cell lysis as early as 6 h after exposure. After incubation of fat tissue for 24 h with phosphatidylcholine formulation, loss of intracellular lipid staining with an increase in extracellular lipids was seen. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated sodium deoxycholate was almost as effective as the phosphatidylcholine formulation, at clinical concentrations, in reducing the viability of mature adipocytes over time. Similar cytotoxic effects of phosphatidylcholine formulation on normal foreskin fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and human skeletal muscle cells also were observed. The data prove that the formulation acts in a nonspecific manner and that its unintentional administration to other tissues causes cell death.

A novel metered dose transdermal spray formulation for oxybutynin.

The objective of the present work was to develop a metered dose spray formulation for transdermal delivery of oxybutynin and to carry out the in vitro characterization of the optimized formulation. Oxybutynin release from a series of ethanol/acetone/methylal based formulations was assessed in vitro and the developed formulation was used for delivery from a metered dose spray. Various qualitative and quantitative parameters like spray pattern, particle size distribution, pH, evaporation time, pump seal efficiency test, average weight per metered dose, content per spray and content uniformity were evaluated. The different film forming agents were assessed and carbopol (0.5%) and lutrol (0.1%) were found to give good clarity of solution, evaporation rate, spray pattern and tackiness of the film. Diffusion studies of the optimized formulations through the semipermeable membrane showed the release of drug to the extent of almost 50% over a period of 24 h. Stability studies were conducted as per ICH guidelines and indicated that formulations were stable. Skin irritation studies were performed using rabbit as an animal model. The results obtained show that the metered dose transdermal spray formulation can be a promising and innovative therapeutic system for the transdermal administration of oxybutynin.

Massive subfascial hematoma after alteplase therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

The authors report a case of a patient who received alteplase for acute myocardial infarction and developed spontaneous subfascial hematoma without any evidence of direct trauma. Subfascial hematoma remains a rare and self-limited complication of thrombolytic therapy. The development of cutaneous ecchymosis associated with a sudden fall in hemoglobin after the administration of alteplase should strongly suggest the possibility of diffuse subfascial hematoma. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between the use of alteplase and the development of subfascial hemorrhage.

Goldenhar's syndrome--a case report.

A case of Goldenhar's syndrome in a three months old male child with epibulbar dermoid (Fig. 1), accessory auricular appendages (Fig. 2), transverse facial cleft (Figs. 1 and 3), pedunculated mass on the left cheek (Figs. 2 and 3), asymmetry of skull (Fig. 4) and imperforate anus (already operated) is presented. Literature is reviewed briefly and aetiopathogenesis discussed in short.

Multiple fractures following camel bite of the face (a case report).

A rare case of multiple fractures following camel bite of the face in a young male, producing facial deformity and open bite is described. Fractures were confirmed by X-rays and CT scan. Treatment consisted of an open reduction and interosseous wiring of fractures to attain normal occlusion which was maintained by intermaxillary and suspension wire fixation followed by soft tissue repair. This corrected the open bite, collapse of maxillary arches and facial deformity. The behaviour of camels during rutting is briefly discussed.