Panel Evaluation Research Articles

Development and evaluation of a haplotype reference panel of Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri) for genotype imputation

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome are remarkably useful resources for investigating the genome architecture, studying the genetic basis of complex traits and implementation of genomic selection. However, information on high-density SNPs is unavailable for most aquaculture species owing to the high costs of whole genome sequencing. Genotype imputation is an attractive approach for obtaining large number of genomic variants at a low cost. In this study, the first haplotype reference panel was constructed for Chlamys farreri, an economically important mollusk species and a major contributor to aquaculture in China. A total of 174 scallops from six populations in the main scallop culture area were selected for whole-genome resequencing. More than 87.47 million SNPs were identified and 3,968,417 SNPs genome-wide were selected for constructing the haplotype reference panel for C. farreri. The number of SNPs per chromosome ranged from 125,000 to 279,981 with an average spacing of 242 bases. Several factors were evaluated based on the imputation performance of the reference panel. The imputation accuracies of 19 chromosomes ranged from 0.91 to 0.95, and there were no significant differences among them (p > 0.05). The imputation accuracies of populations could reach 0.95, 0.93, and 0.90 for ZY, PR, and CS respectively, which confirmed a positive relationship between the kinship within the population and the imputation accuracy. The imputation accuracies increased with sequencing depth and plateaued at 0.5×, reaching accuracies of 0.91–0.93 for artificially breeding populations. Taken together, we constructed a haplotype reference panel for C. farreri, which can provide a cost-effective way to extend the limited number of genotypes for boosting the power of downstream analyses such as genome-wide association studies and genomic selection.

Lipidomics profiling reveals distinct patterns of plasma sphingolipid alterations in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are two of the commonest causes of dementia in the elderly. Of the myriad biomolecules implicated in dementia pathogenesis, sphingolipids have attracted relatively scant research attention despite their known involvement in multiple pathophysiological processes. The potential utility of peripheral sphingolipids as biomarkers in dementia cohorts with high concomitance of cerebrovascular diseases is also unclear.MethodsUsing a lipidomics platform, we performed a case–control study of plasma sphingolipids in a prospectively assessed cohort of 526 participants (non-cognitively impaired, NCI = 93, cognitively impaired = 217, AD = 166, VaD = 50) using a lipidomics platform.ResultsDistinct patterns of sphingolipid alterations were found in AD and VaD, namely an upregulation of d18:1 species in AD compared to downregulation of d16:1 species in VaD. In particular, GM3 d18:1/16:0 and GM3 d18:1/24:1 showed the strongest positive associations with AD. Furthermore, evaluation of sphingolipids panels showed specific combinations with higher sensitivity and specificity for classification of AD (Cer d16:1/24:0. Cer d18:1/16:0, GM3 d16:1/22:0, GM3 d18:1/16:0, SM d16:1/22:0, HexCer d18:1/18:0) and VAD (Cer d16:1/24:0, Cer d18:1/16:0, Hex2Cer d16:1/16:0, HexCer d18:1/18:0, SM d16:1/16:0, SM d16:1/20:0, SM d18:2/22:0) compared to NCI.ConclusionsAD and VaD are associated with distinct changes of plasma sphingolipids, warranting further studies into underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and assessments of their potential utility as dementia biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Proteomic profiling identifies biomarkers of COVID-19 severity

SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a major public health concern, particularly for the aged and those individuals with co-morbidities at risk for developing severe COVID-19. Understanding the pathogenesis and biomarkers associated with responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection remain critical components in developing effective therapeutic approaches, especially in cases of severe and long-COVID-19. In this study blood plasma protein expression was compared in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease. Evaluation of an inflammatory protein panel confirms upregulation of proteins including TNFβ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, already associated with severe cytokine storm and progression to severe COVID-19. Importantly, we identify several proteins not yet associated with COVID-19 disease, including mesothelin (MSLN), that are expressed at significantly higher levels in severe COVID-19 subjects. In addition, we find a subset of markers associated with T-cell and dendritic cell responses to viral infection that are significantly higher in mild cases and decrease in expression as severity of COVID-19 increases, suggesting that an immediate and effective activation of T-cells is critical in modulating disease progression. Together, our findings identify new targets for further investigation as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevention of complications of severe COVID-19.

PP031 Identification and evaluation of a serum microRNA panel for screening advanced colorectal adenomas

PP031 Identification and evaluation of a serum microRNA panel for screening advanced colorectal adenomas

Evaluation of a Prognostic 23-Gene Expression Panel in a Set of 390 Multiethnic Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is a curable lymphoma with unique epidemiological features, including rare neoplastic cells, and an adolescent/young adult age (AYA) incidence peak higher in females, correlated with socioeconomic status. We previously reported that RNA expression measured in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues using a panel of 23 immune response genes was associated with 5-year overall survival (OS) in predominantly White/European advanced staged CHL patients treated with ABVD chemotherapy (Scott et al., 2013). Here, we conducted a study to evaluate if the 23-gene expression panel predicted 5-year OS in a real-world set of FFPE tumor tissue from racially/ethnically diverse populations in the U.S. and Mexico from the Multi- Ethnic Study of Hodgkin Lymphoma (MESH). Methods: We collected tumor blocks from 891 patients from 9 hospitals and 2 Residual Tissue Repositories in the U.S. and Mexico. Demographic and clinical data, including survival by month, age at diagnosis, birth year, race/ethnicity, sex, histology were abstracted. Patients were diagnosed from 1978 to 2018. CHL diagnoses and histological subtypes were validated by histopathology review. RNA was extracted and NanoString gene expression profiling was performed using 250-gene codeset including the published 23-gene expression (GE) panel (Scott et. al., 2013). 390 cases passed QC after applying a modified normalization protocol (Chan et.al., 2017). The multiethnic risk index was derived from a linear equation of the log 2 GE in MESH multiplied by the established regression coefficients (Scott et al., 2013). Next, we examined a dichotomized score using a cut-off value at the 75 th percentile. Both were tested for association with 5-year OS using a Cox proportional hazards model using R software 4.3.0 version adjusting for age as a continuous and categorical variable (15-39 and 40+ years), type of hospital that provided the samples, sex, EBV tumor status (assigned using EBER2), race/ethnicity, and histology. The 5-year OS was computed by right-censoring any patient that survived longer than 5 years. Proportionality assumptions were tested (using an alpha level of 0.05). Stratified models by categorical age and race/ethnicity were adjusted for patient demographical variables and effect heterogeneity was examined using a t-test. Result: The analytic set comprised 47% females and 44% Hispanic, 24% White, 20% Black, 9% Asian, and 3% Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiians. 62% were 15-39 years and 32% 40+ years at diagnosis. The multivariate analysis, excluding age, indicated an association between the risk index and 5-year OS (HR =1.41 (1.08, 1.93), p=0.01). However, including age attenuated the association (HR=1.18 (0.89, 1.57), p=0.25). When stratified by age categories, the continuous risk index was associated with 5-year OS only in the older age group: 15-39 years (HR = 0.89 (0.54, 1.47), p=0.65), and >40 years (HR = 1.47 (1.08, 2.01), p=0.02), indicating effect heterogeneity by age groups (p=0.09). We did not observe significant effect heterogeneity by EBV status (p=0.6), race/ethnicity (p=0.72), nor sex (p=0.33). When the dichotomized score was examined, the model was attenuated after adjusting for age, but stratification analysis showed an association in the older adults (HR= 2.8 (1.42, 5.51), p<0.01) with significant effect heterogeneity across age (p=0.02) (Figure 1). Evaluating the association between individual genes and OS, we found effect heterogeneity by age; two genes from the 23-gene panel indicated protective effects in the AYA but hazardous in older adults: B2M (p effect heterogeneity' =0.048) and APOL6 (p'=0.059). Individual genes with heterogeneity of association across race/ethnicity included RNF144B (p' =0.0021) with increased hazards in Whites compared to Blacks, whereas WDR83 (p'=0.018), PRF1 (p'=0.0018), LYZ (p'=0.0028) had higher hazards in Blacks compared to Whites, and RAPGEF2 (p'=0.036) had higher hazards in Hispanics compared to Whites. Conclusion: The risk index and dichotomized score derived from the previously developed 23-gene panel was significantly associated with OS among >40 year age group, with evidence of age effect heterogeneity. We detected 2 genes with an association that varied by age, and five across race/ethnicity, suggesting the importance of including diverse racial/ethnic and age groups in CHL patient populations when developing predictive models.

Evaluation of Novel Minimal Screening Antibody Panel for Immunophenotypic Detection of Hematological Malignancies in a Resource-Constrained Setting: A Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION Immunophenotyping of abnormal cells by flow cytometer enabled this technology in diagnosing, prognostication and guiding therapy for blood malignancies. International consensus exist for diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma and plasma cell neoplasm (PCN) 1-3 using flow cytometer, but it is seldom used for screening these diseases. In clinical setting, including our tertiary care center in India, we come across patients whose peripheral blood (PB) smear examination does not hint towards the type of blood-related disorder. We identified the need to screen these patients by flow cytometry before channelling them towards established diagnostic work-up for malignancies. The aim of this study is to evaluate a flow cytometry screening assay, designed in-house, to detect blood malignancies in a resource-limited (sample, time, cost, infrastructure) clinical setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective double-blinded study was conducted between November 2022 and June 2023 with institutional ethical approval. Remainder of samples sent for routine clinical tests that met our inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected (n=221). Symptomatic patients with blood-related disorder, whose PB did not show any abnormal cells were included. All patients who had blast, lymphocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, lymphadenopathy, B-symptoms, splenomegaly or found to have plasmacytoma/amyloidosis/CRAB features were excluded. Three tube 8 colour 19 antibody panel (Table1) was designed. Immaturity markers and lineage specific markers are combined in a single tube to detect leukemias. CD5, CD10, CD19, CD20, kappa and lambda were put together to identify B-CLPD. A lyse-wash-stain protocol was followed and the samples were analysed in BD FACSCantoII flowcytometer with autofluroscence and compensation correction done for each sample. The findings of our screening assay were validated with morphological and clinical correlation and GraphPad Prism version 8.0.2 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Our antibody panel targeted only cell surface antigens, which reduced the cost of the test and permitted the analysis of the sample within 1 hour. During the study period, out of the 396 discard samples obtained, 221 patients met our inclusion criteria (Figure1). We analysed these samples with our screening assay and detected 51 patients with blood malignancies that included 19 acute leukemias, 11 lymphomas and 21 PCN and 167 samples with no evidence of leukemia, lymphoma or PCN which were subsequently diagnosed with anemias, platelet disorders, drug- or disease-induced leukocytosis/leukopenias and organ dysfunction not involving blood or bone marrow. The number of samples studied and the computed statistical parameters are given in Table2. Representative bivariate dot plots are given in Figure2. Out of the 221 test results, 214 had clinical, morphological and screening test concordance. One case of PCN could not be identified by morphological examination, where screening assay could identify clonal plasma cell population. Another one case was clinically diagnosed as PCN, but missed on screening panel because we did not see a definite cluster of CD38 + cells showing light chain kappa/lambda restriction. The remaining 5 samples were dilute in nature. In 3 out of 5 dilute samples, screening panel could identify the abnormality which was concordant with clinical diagnosis (based on clinical, biochemical, imaging, molecular and cytogenetics) where morphology failed. The other 2 cases were identified morphologically on bone marrow imprint. This flow cytometry screening assay was found to have overall 94.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 98.2% negative predictive value, delineating the efficacy of this minimal antibody screening panel in detecting blood malignancies. CONCLUSION Compared to the existing screening panels, this novel screening test has comprehensive set of antibodies (19 only) to detect leukemia, lymphoma and PCN simultaneously within 1 hour and at a lower cost. In patients screened negative, further blood malignancy-related testing may be avoided, thereby reducing the total cost incurred to the patient. The usefulness of this screening test is limited with dilute sample. However, the present study shows that this screening panel can be used in small resource-constrained and remote settings with a trained flow cytometry technologist alone.

Symptomatic Iron Deficiency without Anemia: An Underrecognized Phenomenon

Background: Iron deficiency is a multifactorial condition affecting millions globally and is the leading cause of anemia worldwide. The identification of iron deficiency usually occurs during the work-up of anemia. However, iron deficiency without anemia may adversely affect patients' quality of life. Our objective is to highlight the link between iron deficiency and various patient symptoms in the absence of anemia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients identified using ICD-10 codes D64.9 (Anemia, unspecified), D50.9 (Iron deficiency anemia, unspecified), and E61.1 (Iron deficiency) who were seen in a tertiary care hospital hematology clinic between 01/2019 and 09/2022. Patient symptoms were obtained from two consecutive visit notes. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit, MCV, ferritin, and iron profile values associated with the visits were obtained from the electronic health records. Documentation of intravenous (IV) treatment was obtained from infusion center flowsheets. Results: Our study identified a total of 65 patients. 24 patients with Hb above 12 g/dL were found, 16.67% (4/24) were male, 83.33% (18/24) were female. The most common age groups were 30-40 at 33.33% (8/24) and 40-50 at 20.83% (5/24). The mean Hb for this group of patients was 13.44 ± 1 g/dL, MCV 83.3 ± 7.1 fL, and the mean ferritin was 16.13 ± 10.37 ng/mL. 87.5% (21/24) of patients reported symptoms, with fatigue being reported by 83.33% (20/24) of patients. Pica was reported by 8.33% (2/24), restless leg syndrome by 12.5% (3/24), cold intolerance by 12.5% (3/24), and hair and/or nail changes by 25% (6/24) of patients. 70.83% (17/24) of patients received IV iron treatment, 16.67% (4/24) received oral iron treatment. Iron dextran was the most frequently used preparation at 76.47% (13/17). Mean post-treatment Hb was 13.92 ± 0.77 g/dL, MCV 88.53 ± 5.18 fL, and mean post-treatment ferritin 135.64 ± 99.66 ng/mL. In our study, 62.5% (15/24) of patients stated their symptoms improved, 4.17% (1/24) of patients stated their symptoms did not improve, 33% (8/24) of patients could not be evaluated at a subsequent visit for symptoms. Discussion:Iron deficiency without anemia can be a significant contributor to patient morbidity, and patients are not routinely assessed for iron deficiency in the absence of anemia. A recent study (Weyand et al. JAMA 2023) suggests up to 40% of females can have iron deficiency when defined by a ferritin level of 15 ng/mL, and up to 80% of females when a less stringent cut-off of 50 ng/mL is used. Our study suggests both male and female patients can report symptoms of iron deficiency without the presence of anemia and subjective improvement following iron replacement without significant changes in Hb. The high prevalence of iron deficiency indicates a greater need for screening for this underrecognized phenomenon. We recommend considering ferritin and iron panel evaluation while assessing patients for symptoms such as those seen in iron deficiency anemia, even without the presence of low Hb. Importantly, it appears correction of the iron deficiency can improve fatigue, even without affecting the Hb level. Further studies utilizing validated Quality of Life instruments should be done to more accurately assess this issue.

Performance evaluation of solar panels under different dust accumulation conditions using thermography: focusing on PV temperature variation

Degradation performance of photovoltaic modules (SPV) by real conditions has become increasingly problematic. In dusty areas, dust accumulation is one of the main concerns that may cause a significant determination of SPV efficiency. In the current study, the effect of four dust-accumulated densities of 6, 12, 18, and 24 g/m2 have been investigated in outdoor conditions in Cairo, Egypt. The performance evaluation of SPV modules in the form of front and backside temperatures of the SPV module has been evaluated in addition to current, voltage, power, and efficiency of the SPV modules. The results showed that, as compared with a clean SPV module, with increasing dust density from 6 to 24 g/m2 the frontside temperature of SPV modules were lower by 6–8 ℃. While their backside temperatures were found to be higher by 2–6 ℃. In addition, the difference between the backside and frontside temperatures of the SPV module ranged from 5 to 14 ℃ for dust modules as compared with 3 ℃ for the clean SPV module. The output power and efficiency of dusty SPV modules were found to be lower by 6–45% and 13–38%, respectively as compared with clean SPV module. The results clearly showed the importance of properly maintaining and servicing the SPV modules to avoid their degradation by dust accumulated.

MO16-5 Identification and evaluation of a serum microRNA panel for screening advanced colorectal polyps

MO16-5 Identification and evaluation of a serum microRNA panel for screening advanced colorectal polyps

Development of a social cognitive career theory scale for measuring the intention to select surgery as a career

BackgroundSurgeon shortages have emerged as a prominent global issue. Although various studies have explored the factors that influence medical students in choosing surgery as a career, addressing the need for surgeons requires a multifaceted approach. However, there is currently a lack of a theoretically grounded scale to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical career development or policy promotion. Thus, this study aimed to develop a questionnaire for assessing the preference for a surgical career by adopting the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Materials and methodsThe study aimed to develop the Social Cognitive Career Theory Scale toward Surgery (SCCTSS) by adopting the framework of SCCT. The questionnaire was created through expert consensus and the content validity index (CVI) calculation. Subsequently, a pilot version of the SCCTSS was administered to 222 medical students in their clinical clerkships, and the collected data underwent item analysis. Additionally, the validation of the SCCTSS by gender was performed. ResultsThe SCCTSS comprised 16 items that passed expert panel evaluation, with a CVI >0.8, mean ≥ 3.00, and an interquartile range ≤1. Item analysis demonstrated that the quality of the SCCTSS met the qualifying threshold. Furthermore, the SCCTSS questionnaire effectively validated gender differences in surgical career preference. ConclusionsWe developed an internally consistent and reliable scale and validated it through an expert panel method and feedback from medical students. Further research is required to evaluate the targeted interventions that may assist in recruiting medical students into the field of surgery through the application of the SCCTSS.

Development of a set of quality indicators in paediatric and perinatal care in Japan with a modified Delphi method

BackgroundsFew paediatric and perinatal quality indicators (QIs) have been developed in the Japanese setting, and the quality of care is not assured or validated. The aim of this study was...

Assessing the Economic Feasibility of Tourism around IKN: Does it Beyond the SDG Standards?

The aim of this paper outlines four urgent reason for tourism to follow up on national targets. In the SDGs document, one of the benchmarks for economic intensity is actualized in the function of tourism in boosting welfare. Using a descriptive approach, secondary data is sourced from government publications, as illustrated by pillar 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth”. Then, the investigation was converted to IKN (PPU) and 2 zones around IKN (Balikpapan-Kutai Kartanegara) with a frequency of 6 years. With the panel evaluation, several varied estimates were found. First, in parameter 1 (proportion of tourism contribution to GRDP), parameter 2 (number of foreign tourists), and parameter 3 (volume of domestic tourist visits), all the regions analyzed do not meet the SDG target. Second, in parameter 4 (foreign exchange or similar income from tourism), Kukar and Balikpapan have reached the standard, but PPU does not meet the criteria designed by the government. The expectations of this manuscript inspire stakeholders to resolve inequalities in the tourism sector, particularly in inter-line collaboration. Advanced academic studies can adopt or consider existing research through fresher thinking. The broader implications emphasize the maximum tourism potential in IKN.

EP17.03-04 The Economic Evaluation of The protein-Based Lung Cancer Biomarker Panel (LCBP):Evidencebased Onamulticenter Clinicaltrialin China

EP17.03-04 The Economic Evaluation of The protein-Based Lung Cancer Biomarker Panel (LCBP):Evidencebased Onamulticenter Clinicaltrialin China

68 Impact of Increasing Levels of Hybrid Rye on Carcass Characteristics and Product Sensory Evaluation in Grow-Finish Pigs

Abstract The objective of this trial was to determine the effects of hybrid rye (KWS Bono) inclusion rate on lean muscle deposition and product quality of grow-finish pigs. A total of 2,400 barrows and gilts (FAST x PIC 800, 44.9 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments. Diets were corn-soybean based with hybrid rye replacing either 0, 40, 70 or 100% of the corn in the diet. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the 2012 NRC requirements for all nutrients, and a five-phase feeding program was utilized (44.9 to 56.0, 56.0 to 69.0, 69.0 to 87.9, 87.9 to 107.5, and 107.5 to 111.6 kg). Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured at each phase change. Pigs were marketed across three events and (%) Yield, Hot Carcass Weight (HCW), Backfat (BF) and Iodine Value (IV) were measured at the procurement facility. Two primal sections (loins and bellies) were removed from 88 pigs (22/treatment) and sent to the KSU Meat Lab Facility to be cooked or smoked for a trained, sensory panel evaluation. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with block as a random effect and pre-planned linear and quadratic contrast statements to analyze the inclusion of hybrid rye. Results indicate that increasing hybrid rye inclusion rate from 0 to 100% decreased (P < 0.001) average market BW, % Yield, HCW, BF and IV all decreased (P < 0.001) as hybrid rye inclusion rate increased (Table 1). The sensory measures for loin chops for Initial Juiciness, Sustained Juiciness, Myofibrillar Tenderness and Overall Tenderness decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing hybrid rye. Connective Tissue Amount, Pork-Flavor Intensity and Off-Flavor Intensity were not affected (P > 0.10) by dietary treatment. All bacon measures including Texture, Saltiness, Smoke Intensity, Bacon Flavor and Off Flavor were not affected by hybrid rye inclusion (P > 0.10). In summary, while there was a reduction in HCW, BF, % Yield, IV and certain sensory values for loins as hybrid rye increased, there was no effect on any of the bacon variables measured. Therefore, depending on economics, hybrid rye can be an acceptable replacement for corn in finishing pig diets.

Validating of Survey Instrument in the Perspective of Computer Technology-based Learning

ICT plays an essential component in Higher education institutes (HEIs).A critical step in confirming that the results to be achieved are reliable in solving a study's problem is content validation. The goal of this research paper is to describe usage of survey instrument Content Validity Index (CVI) to confirm content of survey instrument created based on ICT acceptance impact on students' academic performance. The content validity index was used to determine the usability of a survey questionnaire. Ten field specialist/professionals were selected, and used Expert Panel Rating chart (EPRC), the opinions of these experts were considered using an approach of item-level CVI (I-CVI) and scale-level CVI (S-CVI). While certain latent variables and study items were either eliminated or changed, the outcome achieved an acceptable level of validity for the remaining items maintained systematically. In conclusion, students’ academic performances will be analyzed to assess the generally performance of the proposed model.

Evaluation and production of high-strength wood composite panels with polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

To reduce dependence on wood and deforestation, alternative materials have been considered. This research evaluated particleboards panels of Pinus elliotti mixed with residues of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in flakes with 50% of each material, glued with 10% of castor oil-based polyurethane resin (PUR). The temperature during board production was varied to evaluate its influence on the physical and mechanical properties of the boards. The study concludes that the increase in temperature did not result in a significant improvement in the particleboard properties, but their results showed application potential according to the normative standards.

Identifying the Variables for Oncoplastic Reconstruction: Preoperative Assessment Tool for Breast Conserving Treatment.

A wide range of surgical techniques has been described for breast conservation treatment (Oncoplasty) based on breast size and shape, as well as tumor size and location. However, there is a lack of standardization regarding the indications for oncoplastic reconstruction. This study aims to identify the presurgical parameters associated with poor cosmetic outcomes post-breast conserving treatment. We hope this preoperative model can assist in evaluating whether there is a need for oncoplastic intervention. The study group involved 136-adult females (age 35-77) who previously undergone breast conserving surgery and radiation, without oncoplastic intervention between 2007 and 2017. Patient demographics, medical and physical parameters were collected, and each patient filled Breast-QTM-questionnaire and six angles' photographs were taken. Patients' photographs were evaluated by 15 board-certified plastic surgeons. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential confounders for poor outcome in each of the experts' and patients' average-grades. Our analysis identified several variables correlated with poor surgical outcome: high BMI, high chest-wall-circumference, high breast-width and larger volume-removed. The general-aesthetic-result as evaluated by our experts was favorably influenced by an upper lateral quadrant tumor while the breast shape was negatively influenced by a lower medial quadrant tumor. Interestingly, no correlation was found between the patients' and panel's evaluations, nor did we find any clinically significant parameter related to the patients' reported well-being. Patients with high BMI, high chest-wall-circumference, large breast-width and larger inferomedial tumors could benefit from early plastic surgery evaluation and intervention. Patient's psychosocial well-being as well as sexual well-being are independent from positive surgical outcome evaluated by plastic surgeons. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Quantitative characterizations of visual fibrousness in meat analogues using automated image analysis.

A desirable quality of plant-based meat analogues is to resemble the fibrous structure of cooked muscle meat. While texture analysis can characterize fibrous structures mechanically, assessment of visual fibrous structures remains subjective. Quantitative assessment of visual fibrous structures of meat analogues relies on expert knowledge, is resource-intensive, and time-consuming. In this study, a novel image-based method (Fiberlyzer) is developed to provide automated, quantitative, and standardized assessment of visual fibrousness of meat analogues. The Fiberlyzer method segments fibrous regions from 2D images and extracts fiber shape features to characterize the fibrous structure of meat analogues made from mung bean, soy, and pea protein. The computed fiber scores (the ratio between fiber length and width) demonstrate a strong correlation with expert panel evaluations, particularly on a per-formulation basis (r2 = 0.93). Additionally, the Fiberlyzer method generates fiber shape features including fiber score, fiber area, and the number of fiber branches, facilitating comparisons of structural similarity between meat analogue samples and cooked chicken meat as a benchmark. With a simple measurement setup and user-friendly interface, the Fiberlyzer method can become a standard tool integrated into formulation development, quality control, and production routines of plant-based meat analogue. This method offers rapid, cheap, and standardized quantification of visual fibrousness, minimizing the need for expert knowledge in the process of quality control.

Experimental and numerical analysis of composite fuselage panel impacted by tire burst debris under airworthiness clause

This study focuses on an experimental and numerical simulation investigation on the dynamic response of the composite fuselage panel under the impact of the tire burst debris. According to the parameters specified in the airworthiness clause, the T800/M21C composite material is selected as the research object to carry out the tire debris impact test, and the consistent results are obtained by employing the applicable mesoscopic model of the tire debris, progressive failure model of composite, the interface model and considering the strain rate dependence of the composite material in numerical simulation. The results show that under the airworthiness condition, the peak strain rate of the fuselage panel is about 16 s−1 during the impact of tire debris. The damage modes of the fuselage panel are debonding of the stringers from the skin and local matrix tensile damage. The Puck failure criterion, which considers the angle of the fracture surface of the matrix, is proved to be more suitable for the prediction of matrix damage than the Hashin failure criterion. The developed progressive damage failure impact model can be used in structural analysis and optimization design of aircraft fuselage, providing reference data for airworthiness verification.

Does long-term follow-up and monitoring of primary shoulder arthroplasty identify failing implants requiring revision?

Published scoping review has identified evidence paucity related to long-term follow-up of shoulder arthroplasty. We aim to report effectiveness of elective primary shoulder arthroplasty surveillance in identifying failing implants requiring revision. A prospective database recording shoulder arthroplasty and subsequent follow-up surveillance in a shoulder unit was analyzed. Shoulder arthroplasty was performed by 4 fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons for accepted elective indications including the use of anatomic arthroplasty in arthritic shoulders with intact rotator cuff and a reverse prosthesis being used in rotator cuff-deficient shoulders and rotator cuff-competent arthritic shoulders when deemed preferable by the treating surgeon. All shoulder arthroplasty implants used had achieved a minimum 7A Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) rating. The included shoulder arthroplasties were performed between May 1, 2004, and December 31, 2021, with minimum 1-year follow-up. Surveillance program involves specialist physiotherapist review at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 15 years postoperatively, including clinical examination, outcome scoring, and radiographs. Patient-initiated review occurred between time points if a patient requested assessment because of symptoms. Outcome measures include ratio of failing implants identified by surveillance and patient-initiated review, with number of surveillance reviews offered and proportion that identified a failing implant requiring revision calculated. A total of 1002 elective primary shoulder arthroplasty with minimum 1-year follow-up were performed (547 reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [rTSA], 234 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [aTSA], and 221 hemiarthroplasty [HA]). A total of 238 patients died prior to December 31, 2022, resulting in 4019 surveillance appointments offered. Thirty-eight prostheses required revision ≥1 year postoperatively (6 rTSA, 9 aTSA, and 23 HA), with surveillance identifying requirement in 53% (33% rTSA, 56% aTSA, and 57% HA) and patient-initiated review in 47%. Mean years from implantation to revision was 5.2 (2.7 rTSA, 3.6 aTSA, and 6.6 HA). Revision indications included rotator cuff failure (56% aTSR and 43% HA) and glenoid erosion (57% HA). This is the first series reporting effectiveness of shoulder arthroplasty surveillance in identifying implants requiring revision. Surveillance identified more than half of implants requiring revision, although only 0.5% of appointments identified revision requirement. Surveillance enrolment may influence patient-initiated review utilization; therefore, similar studies using only patient-initiated follow-up would help inform recommendations.