Data-Driven Design of Protein-Derived Peptide Multiplexes for Biomimetic Detection of Exhaled Breath VOC Profiles

Exhaled human breath contains a rich mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) whose concentration can vary in response to disease or other stressors. Using simulated odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and machine learning methods, we designed a multiplex of short VOC- and carbon-binding peptide probes that detect the characteristic "VOC fingerprint". Specifically, we target VOCs associated with COVID-19 in a compact, molecular sensor array that directly transduces vapor composition into multi-channel electrical signals. Rapidly synthesizable, chimeric VOC- and solid-binding peptides were derived from selected OBPs using multi-sequence alignment with protein database structures. Selective peptide binding to targeted VOCs and sensor surfaces was validated using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance. VOC sensing was demonstrated by peptide-sensitized, exposed-channel carbon nanotube transistors. The data-to-device pipeline enables the development of novel devices for non-invasive monitoring, diagnostics of diseases, and environmental exposures assessment.

Visual and electrophysiological identification of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve in redo thyroid surgery compared with primary thyroid surgery

PURPOSE: Thyroid reoperations are surgically challenging because of significant anatomical variance. Visual and functional identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) were studied in 2 groups of patients who underwent primary and redo thyroid surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted on 200 patients: 100 patients with redo and 100 patients with primary thyroid surgery. In addition to visual identification, nerve branches were functionally identified by intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM). Visual, functional, and total identification rates of the EBSLN in both primary and redo surgery were determined and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: We attempted to identify 138 and 170 EBSLNs at risk in redo and primary surgery, respectively. Visual identification rates were 65.3% and 30.4% (P < 0.001) in primary and redo surgery groups, respectively. In total, 164 (96.5%) and 97 EBSLNs (70.3%) were identified in primary and redo surgery, respectively (P < 0.001), including the use of IONM. In primary surgery group, 53 nonvisualized EBSLNs of 164 identified nerves (32.3%) were determined by IONM alone. In redo surgery group, 55 of 97 identified nerves (56.7%) were determined by IONM alone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both visual and total identification rates of the EBSLN are significantly decreased in reoperative thyroidectomy. IONM increases the total identification rate of the EBSLN in primary and redo thyroid surgery. Electrophysiological monitoring makes a substantial contribution to the identification of the EBSLN both in primary and especially in redo thyroid surgery.

Inverse ‘D’ incision technique in treatment of pilonidal sinus disease; excision with minimal tissue loss, closure without tension and lateral location of the suture line

PURPOSE: Surgical excision is the preferred treatment modality for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus (PS). Notably, the desirable features of an ideal surgical intervention are excision with minimal tissue loss, closure without tension, and a lateral suture line. The present study aimed to investigate early outcomes of surgical excision through the inverse D (ᗡ) incision based on tissue loss, wound tension, and suture line location. METHODS: This prospective study was comprised of 80 patients with PS in whom excision of PS was performed through the ‘ᗡ’ incision to minimize tissue loss with a tensionless primary surgical wound closure. The suture line was located laterally in all patients. Early and late postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, return to work, and recurrence rates were investigated. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 36 months. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (78.8%) were male. PS in all patients was surgically removed by subcutaneous excision through a ‘ᗡ’ incision. Laterally placed surgical wounds were closed primarily with interrupted vertical mattress sutures. No general complications were encountered. Five patients (6.3%) experienced early postoperative surgical site complications. On average, the duration of hospital stay and return to work were 2.4 days and 3.8 days, respectively. Recurrence was seen in 1 case (1.3%) during the follow-up period. Satisfaction score was high in 83.8% of patients. CONCLUSION: The method of sinus excision using the ‘ᗡ’ incision with a primary suture facilitates excision with minimal tissue loss and closure without tension with an off-midline suture. It is both a simple and effective surgical technique for the treatment of sacrococcygeal PS.