| 1. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
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In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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| 2. |
- Abbafati, Cristiana, et al.
(author)
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- 2020
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 3. |
- Chen, Pisin, et al.
(author)
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Fuzzy Euclidean wormholes in de Sitter space
- 2017
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In: Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 1475-7516. ; :7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigate Euclidean wormholes in Einstein gravity with a massless scalar field in de Sitter space. Euclidean wormholes are possible due to the analytic continuation of the time as well as complexification of fields, where we need to impose the classicality after the Wick-rotation to the Lorentzian signatures. For some parameters, wormholes are preferred than Hawking-Moss instantons, and hence wormholes can be more fundamental than Hawking-Moss type instantons. Euclidean wormholes can be interpreted in three ways: (1) classical big bounce, (2) either tunneling from a small to a large universe or a creation of a collapsing and an expanding universe from nothing, and (3) either a transition from a contracting to a bouncing phase or a creation of two expanding universes from nothing. These various interpretations shed some light on challenges of singularities. In addition, these will help to understand tensions between various kinds of quantum gravity theories.
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| 4. |
- Gan, Wensheng, et al.
(author)
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Utility-Driven Data Analytics on Uncertain Data
- 2020
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In: IEEE Systems Journal. - : IEEE. - 1932-8184 .- 1937-9234. ; 14:3, s. 4442-4453
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Modern Internet of Things (IoT) applications generate massive amounts of data, much of them in the form of objects/items of readings, events, and log entries. Specifically, most of the objects in these IoT data contain rich embedded information (e.g., frequency and uncertainty) and different levels of importance (e.g., unit risk/utility of items, interestingness, cost, or weight). Many existing approaches in data mining and analytics have limitations, such as only the binary attribute is considered within a transaction, as well as all the objects/items having equal weights or importance. To solve these drawbacks, a novel utility-driven data analytics algorithm named HUPNU is presented in this article. As a general utility-driven uncertain data mining model, HUPNU can extract High-Utility patterns by considering both Positive and Negative unit utilities from Uncertain data. The qualified high-utility patterns can be effectively discovered for intrusion detection, risk prediction, manufacturing management, and decision-making, among others. By using the developed vertical Probability-Utility list with the positive and negative utilities structure, as well as several effective pruning strategies, experiments showed that the developed HUPNU approach with the pruning strategies performed great in mining the qualified patterns efficiently and effectively.
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| 5. |
- Janik, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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Using the serratus anterior free flap for dynamic facial reanimation : Systematic review
- 2023
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In: Head and Neck. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1043-3074 .- 1097-0347. ; 45:1, s. 266-274
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It was the purpose of this study to evaluate the role of the serratus anterior free flap (SAFF) with its long thoracic nerve (LTN) as composite flap for dynamic facial reanimation. A total of 10 studies, published between 2004 and 2021, met inclusion criteria. Clinical data of 48 patients were used for the systematic review and analysis. One to three slips were used, mainly as one-stage procedures (n = 39; 81.3%), to create different force vectors. Single or double innervated muscle transfers were utilized in 32 (66.7%) and 16 (33.3%) cases with additionally harvested skin paddles in 4 (8.3%) patients. The LTN was mostly anastomosed to the ipsilateral masseteric nerve (45.8%; n = 22) or to remaining facial nerve branches (37.5%; n = 18), while cross-facial-nerve-grafting was rarely used (16.7%; n = 8). The SAFF as composite flap with different force vectors proved to be a good candidate for immediate dynamic facial reanimation after any midface defects.
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| 6. |
- Jensson, David, et al.
(author)
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Oculo-zygomatic nerve transfer for facial synkinesis : An anatomical feasibility study
- 2019
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In: Microsurgery. - : Wiley. - 0738-1085 .- 1098-2752. ; 37:7, s. 629-633
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with severe oro-ocular synkinesis often present with concomitant inefficient smile excursion on the affected site. In theory, oculo-zygomatic nerve transfer may decrease synkinesis and improve smile by redirecting nerve fibers to their target muscle. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of nerve transfer in human cadavers between a caudal branch innervating the orbicularis oculi to a cephalad branch innervating the zygomaticus major muscles.METHODS: Eighteen hemi-faces were dissected. Reach for direct coaptation of a caudal nerve branch innervating the orbicularis oculi muscle to a cephalad nerve branch innervating the zygomaticus major muscle was assessed. Measurements included total number of nerve branches as well as maximum dissection length. Nerve samples were taken from both branches at the site of coaptation and histomorphometric analysis for axonal count was performed.RESULTS: The number of sub-branches to the orbicularis oculi muscle was 3.1 ± 1.0 and to the zygomaticus major muscle 4.7 ± 1.2. The maximal length of dissection of the caudal nerve branch to the orbicularis oculi muscle was 28.3 ± 7.3 mm and for the cranial nerve branch to the zygomaticus major muscle 23.8 ± 6.5 mm. Transection and tension-free coaptation was possible in all cases but one. The average myelinated fiber counts per mm2 was of 5,173 ± 2,293 for the caudal orbicularis oculi branch and 5,256 ± 1,774 for the cephalad zygomaticus major branch.CONCLUSION: Oculo-zygomatic nerve transfer is an anatomically feasible procedure. The clinical value of this procedure, however, remains to be proven.
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| 7. |
- Kao, Yu Chien, et al.
(author)
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Identification of COL1A1/2 Mutations and Fusions With Noncoding RNA Genes in Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation (Nora Lesion)
- 2023
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In: Modern Pathology : an official journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc. - : Elsevier BV. - 1530-0285. ; 36:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) (Nora lesion) is a benign bone surface lesion, which most commonly occurs in the digits of young patients and has a high rate of recurrence. Histologically, it is composed of a mixture of disorganized bone, cartilage, and spindle cells in variable proportions and characterized by amorphous "blue bone" mineralization. Recurrent chromosomal abnormalities, including t(1;17)(q32-42;q21-23) and inv(7)(q21.1-22q31.3-32), have been reported in BPOP. However, the exact genes involved in the rearrangements remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed 8 BPOP cases affecting the fingers, toe, ulna, radius, and fibula of 5 female and 3 male patients, aged 5 to 68 years. RNA sequencing of 5 cases identified genetic fusions between COL1A2 and LINC-PINT in 3 cases and COL1A1::MIR29B2CHG fusion in 1, both validated using fluorescence in situ hybridization and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. The remaining fusion-negative case harbored 3 COL1A1 mutations as revealed by whole-exome sequencing and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. All these genetic alterations were predicted to cause frameshift and/or truncation of COL1A1/2. The chromosomal locations of COL1A2 (7q21.3), LINC-PINT (7q32.3), COL1A1 (17q21.33), and MIR29B2CHG (1q32.2) were consistent with the breakpoints identified in the previous cytogenetic studies. Subsequent screening of 3 BPOPs using fluorescence in situ hybridization identified 1 additional case each with COL1A1 or COL1A2 rearrangement. Our findings are consistent with reported chromosomal abnormalities and implicate the disruption of type I collagen, and perhaps of either noncoding RNA gene as a tumor suppressor, in the tumorigenesis of BPOP. The prevalence and tumorigenic mechanisms of these COL1A1/2 alterations in BPOP require further investigation.
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| 8. |
- Klein, Holger Jan, et al.
(author)
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Contemporary Concepts of Primary Dynamic Facial Nerve Reconstruction in the Oncologic Patient
- 2019
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In: The Journal of craniofacial surgery (Print). - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 1049-2275 .- 1536-3732. ; 30:8, s. 2578-2581
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Transection of the facial nerve and its branches during extensive ablative procedures in the oncologic patient causes loss of control of facial mimetic muscles with severe functional and aesthetic sequelae. In such patients with advanced tumorous disease, copious comorbidities, and poor prognosis, rehabilitation of the facial nerve has long been considered of secondary priority. However, recent advances in primary facial nerve reconstruction after extensive resection demonstrated encouraging results focusing on rapid and reliable restoration of facial functions. The authors summarize 3 innovative approaches of primary dynamic facial nerve reconstruction by using vascularized nerve grafts, dual innervation concepts, and intra-facial nerve transfers.
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| 9. |
- Rodríguez-Lorenzo, Andres, et al.
(author)
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Platysma Motor Nerve Transfer for Restoring Marginal Mandibular Nerve Function
- 2016
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In: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 4:12, s. e1164-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Injuries of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) of the facial nerve result in paralysis of the lower lip muscle depressors and an asymmetrical smile. Nerve reconstruction, when possible, is the method of choice; however, in cases of long nerve gaps or delayed nerve reconstruction, conventional nerve repairs may be difficult to perform or may provide suboptimal outcomes. Herein, we investigate the anatomical technical feasibility of transfer of the platysma motor nerve (PMN) to the MMN for restoration of lower lip function, and we present a clinical case where this nerve transfer was successfully performed.Methods: Ten adult fresh cadavers were dissected. Measurements included the number of MMN and PMN branches, the maximal length of dissection of the PMN from the parotid, and the distance from the anterior border of the parotid to the facial artery. The PMN reach for direct coaptation to the MMN at the level of the crossing with the facial artery was assessed. We performed histomorphometric analysis of the MMN and PMN branches.Results: The anatomy of the MMN and PMN was consistent in all dissections, with an average number of subbranches of 1.5 for the MMN and 1.2 for the PMN. The average maximal length of dissection of the PMN was 46.5 mm, and in every case, tension-free coaptation with the MMN was possible. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that the MMN contained an average of 3,866 myelinated fiber counts per millimeter, and the PMN contained 5,025. After a 3-year follow-up of the clinical case, complete recovery of MMN function was observed, without the need of central relearning and without functional or aesthetic impairment resulting from denervation of the platysma muscle.Conclusions: PMN to MMN transfer is an anatomically feasible procedure for reconstruction of isolated MMN injuries. In our patient, by direct nerve coaptation, a faster and full recovery of lower lip muscle depressors was achieved without the need of central relearning because of the synergistic functions of the PMN and MMN functions and minimal donor-site morbidity.
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| 10. |
- Tsai, Chun-Wei, et al.
(author)
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Big data analytics : a survey
- 2015
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In: Journal of Big Data. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2196-1115. ; 2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The age of big data is now coming. But the traditional data analytics may not be able to handle such large quantities of data. The question that arises now is, how to develop a high performance platform to efficiently analyze big data and how to design an appropriate mining algorithm to find the useful things from big data. To deeply discuss this issue, this paper begins with a brief introduction to data analytics, followed by the discussions of big data analytics. Some important open issues and further research directions will also be presented for the next step of big data analytics.
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| 11. |
- Tsai, Chun-Wei, et al.
(author)
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Big Data Analytics
- 2016
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In: Big Data Technologies and Applications. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 9783319445489 - 9783319445502 ; , s. 13-52
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The age of big data is now coming. But the traditional data analytics may not be able to handle such large quantities of data. The question that arises now is, how to develop a high performance platform to efficiently analyze big data and how to design an appropriate mining algorithm to find the useful things from big data. To deeply discuss this issue, this paper begins with a brief introduction to data analytics, followed by the discussions of big data analytics. Some important open issues and further research directions will also be presented for the next step of big data analytics.
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| 12. |
- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, et al.
(author)
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Anatomical features in lower lip depressor muscles for optimization of myectomies in marginal mandibular nerve palsy
- 2021
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In: The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 1049-2275 .- 1536-3732. ; 32:6, s. 2230-2232
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Myectomies of the lower-lip depressor muscles, with the aim to improve facial balance in unilateral facial paralysis, have unexplained high recurrence rates. A potential explanation is that these recurrences are due to inadequate resection through the muscle width, leaving lateral muscle fibers intact.Aim: Revisit the anatomy of the lower-lip depressor muscles and suggest an optimization of the surgical technique. Perform a literature review to identify recurrence rates and surgical technique of the procedure.Materials and Methods: Ten fresh hemifaces were dissected. The following measurements of depressor labii inferioris and depressor anguli oris were made: the widths of the muscles, the distance from the mandibular midline to the lateral borders of the muscles, and the intraoral distance from the lateral canine to the lateral border of depressor anguli oris. A literature review was performed.Results: The width of depressor labii inferioris was 20 ± 4 mm and depressor anguli oris 14 ± 3 mm. The distance from the midline to the lateral border of depressor labii inferioris was 32 ± 4 mm and 54 ± 4 mm for depressor anguli oris. The literature review revealed a mean recurrence rate of 21%.Discussion: A potential optimization of the surgical technique in lower-lip depressor myectomies is to extend the muscle resection laterally. To ensure inclusion of the whole width of the depressor muscles and decrease the recurrence rates of the procedure, the measurements presented in this study should be kept in mind during surgery.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, et al.
(author)
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Preoperative assessment of depressor anguli oris to prevent myectomy failure : An anatomical study using high-resolution ultrasound
- 2024
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In: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. - : Elsevier. - 1748-6815 .- 1878-0539. ; 88, s. 296-302
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Myectomies of the lower lip depressor muscles have unexplained high failure rates. This study aimed to examine the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle using high-resolution ultrasound to identify potential anatomical explanations for surgical failures and to determine the accuracy of utilizing preoperative ultrasound assessment to improve myectomies.Methods: Anatomical features of DAO and the surrounding anatomy were examined in 38 hemifaces of human body donors using high-resolution ultrasound and dissection.Results: The ultrasound and dissection measurements showed the DAO muscle width to be 16.2 ± 2.9 versus 14.5 ± 2.5 mm, respectively, and the location of the lateral muscle border 54.4 ± 5.7 versus 52.3 ± 5.4 mm lateral to the midline. In 60% of the cases, the facial artery was either completely covered by lateral DAO muscle fibers or was found to be in direct contact with the lateral border. Significant muscle fiber continuity was present between the DAO and surrounding muscles in 5% of cases, whereas continuity between the depressor labii inferioris and surrounding muscles was considerably more common and pronounced.Conclusions: High-resolution ultrasound can accurately reveal important preoperative anatomical information in myectomies. Two potential explanations for the surgical failures were discovered: an overlap of lateral DAO muscle fibers over the facial artery could lead to inadequate resections and continuity with the surrounding muscles might lead to muscle function takeover despite adequate resections. Both can be uncovered preoperatively by the surgeon through a brief, directed ultrasound examination, which may allow for modification of the surgical plan to reduce surgical failure.
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| 15. |
- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, et al.
(author)
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Selective ansa cervicalis nerve transfer to the marginal mandibular nerve for lower lip reanimation : An anatomical study in cadavers and a case report
- 2023
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In: Microsurgery. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0738-1085 .- 1098-2752. ; 43:2, s. 142-150
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background:Donor nerve options for lower lip reanimation are limited in patients undergoing oncological resection of the facial nerve. The ansa cervicalis nerve (ACN) is an advantageously situated donor with great potential but has not been examined in detail. In the current study, the anatomical technical feasibility of selective ACN to marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) transfer for restoration of lower lip tone and symmetry was explored. A clinical case is presented.Methods:Dissections were conducted in 21 hemifaces in non-embalmed human cadavers. The maximal harvestable length of ACN was measured and transfer to MMN was simulated. A 28-year-old male underwent ACN-MMN transfer after parotidectomy (carcinoma) and was evaluated 12 months post-operatively (modified Terzis' Lower Lip Grading Scale [25 observers] and photogrammetry).Results:The harvestable length of ACN was 100 & PLUSMN; 12 mm. A clinically significant anatomical variant ( "short ansa ") was present in 33% of cases (length: 37 & PLUSMN; 12 mm). Tensionless coaptation was possible in all cases only when using a modification of the surgical technique in "short ansa " cases (using an infrahyoid muscle nerve branch as an extension). The post-operative course of the clinical case was uneventful without complications, with improvement in tone, symmetry, and function at the lower lip at 12-month post-operative follow-up.Conclusions:Selective ACN-MMN nerve transfer is anatomically feasible in facial paralysis following oncological ablative procedures. It allows direct nerve coaptation without significant donor site morbidity. The clinical case showed good outcomes 12 months post-operatively. A strategy when encountering the "short ansa " anatomical variant in clinical cases is proposed.
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| 16. |
- Vejbrink Kildal, Villiam, M.D., et al.
(author)
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Ultrasound-guided injections for treatment of facial paralysis sequelae : A randomized study on body donors
- 2024
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In: Plastic and reconstructive surgery (1963). - : Wolters Kluwer. - 0032-1052 .- 1529-4242. ; 153:3, s. 617e-625e
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Botulinum toxin injection is the gold standard treatment of synkinesis and gustatory hyperlacrimation in facial paralysis patients. However, poor injection accuracy may lead to suboptimal treatment results and complications. Diplopia, ptosis, and lagophthalmos are common after lacrimal gland injections. Intra-ocular injections have been reported in the treatment of both synkinesis and excessive tearing. Ultrasound guidance should increase injection accuracy in the facial region, but this has not been proven.Methods: Twenty-six hemifaces of non-embalmed cadavers were studied in a randomized split-face manner. Ink was injected with ultrasound or landmark guidance into the lacrimal gland and three common synkinetic muscles: the orbicularis oculi, depressor anguli oris, and mentalis. Injection accuracy was evaluated through several measures.Results: Using ultrasound guidance, most ink (>50%) was found inside the correct target in 88% of cases, compared with 50% using landmark guidance (p<0.001). This was most pronounced in the lacrimal gland (62% vs. 8%), depressor anguli oris (100% vs. 46%), and mentalis (100% vs. 54%) (p<0.05). All ink was found inside the correct target (no ink outside) in 65% using ultrasound guidance vs. 29% without (p<0.001). Injection accuracy (any ink in target) was 100% when using ultrasound guidance vs. 83% without (p<0.01). Twenty-three percent of landmark-guided depressor anguli oris injections stained the facial artery (p=0.22).Conclusions: Ultrasound guidance significantly increased injection accuracy and reduced the amount of ink lost in surrounding tissue when compared with landmark guidance. Clinical trials are needed to explore the effects of ultrasound guidance on treatment outcome, duration, and complications in facial paralysis patients.
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