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Background: Spiders are highly adaptable hunters found in nearly all terrestrial ecosystems and play an important role in biological control by preying on pest insects. Spiders' body size and shape are vital for their survival, particularly in prey capture, and these morphological features are often utilized in cladistic analyses. This study employed geometric morphometrics to investigate prosoma shape and size variations between two populations of Nigma conducens spiders and between sexes within each population. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) explored shape variation, while Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) compared shape differences between populations and sexes. Multivariate regression analysis was used to check for allometry. Results: MANOVA results revealed significant shape variations in spider prosoma between the two populations and between sexes, though the degree of these differences was small. The considerable overlap in individual shapes between populations may indicate a response to microhabitat similarity. Additionally, sexual dimorphism was observed in the prosoma shape of N. conducens, likely due to sexual selection or adaptive divergence related to different microhabitats. Size differences between sexes were insignificant in either population, particularly in the first, suggesting that prosoma size does not contribute to reproductive success. Moreover, the non-allometric relationship indicated that shape variations between the populations were independent of size. Conclusion: Overall, these findings highlight the complexity of morphological adaptations in N. conducens in response to ecological pressures and sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have gained increased importance in assessing outcomes after reconstructive surgery. This also applies to the reconstruction of vulvoperineal defects after resection of gynecological or colorectal cancers in women. The objective of this study is to analyze the current state of PROM tool use within this patient population. Methods: By systematic literature searches in Embase, Medline, and Web of Science, English-language studies published after 1980, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series reporting on vulvoperineal defect reconstruction, which were included if they also analyzed quality of life (QoL) and/or PROMs. The PROM tools used by each study were extracted, analyzed, and compared. Results: The primary search yielded 2576 abstracts, of which 395 articles were retrieved in full text. Of these, 50 reported on vulvoperineal defect reconstruction, among which 27 studies analyzing QoL were found. Of those, 17 met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. After full-text screening, 14 different PROM tools and 5 individual, non-standardized questionnaires were identified. Only 22% of studies used a validated PROM tool. Conclusion: Far too few studies currently use PROM tools to assess outcomes in oncological vulvoperineal defect reconstruction. Less than half of the used PROMs are validated. No PROM was designed to specifically measure QoL in this patient population. The standardized implementation of a validated PROM tool in the clinical treatment of this patient population is an essential step to improve outcomes, enable the comparison of research, and support evidence-based treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Vulvoperineal defect reconstruction after oncological resection often leads to complications, which affect approximately 30% of patients. In recent decades, flap design has evolved towards perforator-based approaches to reduce this complication rate and reduce functional deficits. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess and compare the complication rate between perforator- and non-perforator-based reconstructions. Among 2576 screened studies, 49 met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1840 patients. We found that the overall short-term surgical complication rate was comparable in patients receiving a perforator or a non-perforator flap, with a tendency towards fewer complications when using a perforator flap. Perforator flap-based reconstruction allows the surgeon to spare relevant anatomical structures and is therefore associated with fewer functional deficits, with a comparable complication rate. Background: Patients with advanced vulvoperineal cancer require a multidisciplinary treatment approach to ensure oncological safety, timely recovery, and the highest possible quality of life (QoL). Reconstructions in this region often lead to complications, affecting approximately 30% of patients. Flap design has evolved towards perforator-based approaches to reduce functional deficits and (donor site) complications, since they allow for the preservation of relevant anatomical structures. Next to their greater surgical challenge in elevation, their superiority over non-perforator-based approaches is still debated. Methods: To compare outcomes between perforator and non-perforator flaps in female vulvoperineal reconstruction, we conducted a systematic review of English-language studies published after 1980, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series. Data on demographics and surgical outcomes were extracted and classified using the Clavien–Dindo classification. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to derive a pooled estimate of complication frequency (%) in patients who received at least one perforator flap and in patients who received non-perforator flaps. Results: Among 2576 screened studies, 49 met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1840 patients. The overall short-term surgical complication rate was comparable in patients receiving a perforator (n = 276) or a non-perforator flap (n = 1564) reconstruction (p* > 0.05). There was a tendency towards fewer complications when using perforator flaps. The assessment of patients' QoL was scarce. Conclusions: Vulvoperineal reconstruction using perforator flaps shows promising results compared with non-perforator flaps. There is a need for the assessment of its long-term outcomes and for a systematic evaluation of patient QoL to further demonstrate its benefit for affected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the declaration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic by the WHO in January 2020, efforts have been exerted by the scientific community to clarify the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirusinduced acute lung injury. Corticosteroids, inhaled vasodilators, B2 agonists, surfactant therapy, antibiotics, and/or antiviral agents are used as a pharmacological treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, we studied whether prophylactic nebulized heparin could limit this form of lung injury. Patients and methods: In all, 100 adult patients with COVID-19 suffering from moderate symptoms of the disease were randomized to prophylactic nebulized heparin (1000 IU/kg) every 6 h or placebo. The primary outcome of this study was the average daily ratio of partial pressure of PaO2 to FiO2 (P/F ratio), while the patient was on room air for 7 days. The secondary outcome was the levels of fibrin degradation products in the pulmonary lavage fluid measured at baseline and on study days 3 and 7 through minibronchoalveolar lavage (mini-BAL) fluid samples. Results: We found nebulized heparin was accompanied by a better hypoxic index as it was linked to a lesser D-dimer change at the intermediate phase of the study (day 3). Moreover, nebulized heparin was not associated with bleeding complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, prophylactic nebulized heparin may provide an adequate therapeutic approach in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hermit crab Clibanarius signatus Heller, 1861 inhabits varied intertidal habitats of the Red Sea coast, such as rocky shores and mangrove littoral salt marshes. Shield-shape variation among three populations of C. signatus was analyzed with geometric morphometric methods. Shape variation was studied through multivariate analyses using configurations aligned by the generalized Procrustes analysis. Shape variation was explored through principal component analysis. The ordination of the populations and the sexes was investigated using discriminant analysis of canonical variables. Centroid size, as a measure of overall size, was used to estimate size variation among the three populations and the sexes. The results revealed the presence of shield-size variation among the three populations and confirmed the size sexual dimorphism in two populations. Moreover, the analysis revealed the occurrence of two morphotypes based on a covariation between shield shape and shape of occupied shells. The geographic distance was not a good predictor of shield shape. Cross-validation analyses correctly reclassified more than 70% of individuals and 66% of sexes to their correct group. It was suggested that association in shield-shell shape could be the result of the phenotypic plasticity of this species. Key words: hermit crab, Clibanarius signatus, morphology, Red Sea, sexual dimorphism, shape variation. Le bernard-l'ermite Clibanarius signatus Heller, 1861 utilise différents habitats intertidaux du littoral de la mer Rouge, comme des rives rocheuses et des marais salés côtiers à mangroves. Les variations de la forme de l'écusson dans trois populations de C. signatus ont été analysées par des méthodes de morphométrie géométrique. Les variations morphologiques ont été étudiées par des analyses multivariées en utilisant des configurations alignées par analyse procrustéenne généralisée. Les variations morphologiques ont été explorées par analyse en composantes principales. L'ordination des populations et des sexes a été étudiée en utilisant l'analyse discriminante de variables canoniques. La taille centroïde comme mesure de la taille globale a été utilisée pour estimer les variations de la taille entre les trois populations et les sexes. Les résultats révèlent la présence de variations de la taille des écussons entre les trois populations et confirment la présence d'un dimorphisme sexuel de la taille dans deux populations. En outre, l'analyse révèle la presence de deux morphotypes résultant d'une covariation entre la forme de l'écusson et la forme de la coquille occupée. La distance géographique ne s'avère pas être une bonne variable prédictive de la forme de l'écusson. Des analyses de validation croisée ont permis de reclasser correctement plus de 70 % des individus et 66 % des sexes dans le bon groupe. Il est suggéré que l'association des formes de l'écusson et de la coquille pourrait être le résultat de la plasticité phénotypique de cette espèce. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés: bernard-l'ermite, Clibanarius signatus, morphologie, mer Rouge, dimorphisme sexuel, variation morphologique., Introduction Adaptations to variable environments require a change in an animal's behaviour, morphology, and physiology; this is known as phenotypic plasticity (Agrawal 2001). Populations of the same species can inhabit [...]

In autologous breast reconstruction, a sufficient flap volume is fundamental to restore breast shape and ensure an aesthetic outcome. After mastectomy, postoperative irradiation is regularly indicated in the oncological treatment algorithm. When administering radiation therapy after autologous reconstruction, the tissue transferred is inherently irradiated. Although there is evidence that points to a reduction in flap volume after adjuvant radiotherapy, the data have been contradicting and inconclusive. To address this anecdotal evidence, we performed a scoping review of the current literature that addresses the effect of radiotherapy on breast flap volume. Six two-armed studies, comprising a total of 462 patients, reported on the effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on free flap volume changes. Of those, two studies found a significant negative impact of radiotherapy on free flap volume, while the other four studies did not. Reported flap volume changes ranged from no change to a reduction of 26.2%, measured up to two years postoperatively. The selected studies contain varying patient numbers, follow-up timepoints, types of flaps, and measuring methods, contributing to a relatively high heterogeneity. While we present some evidence suggesting a significant impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on breast flap volume, future studies are needed to further investigate this potential correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, Child Protective Services (CPS) investigates over one million families. Every CPS investigation includes a thorough, roomby-room search of the family home, designed to uncover evidence of maltreatment. Most seek evidence of poverty-related allegations of neglect; few ever substantiate the allegations. Despite what in many cities amounts to dozens of daily home invasions by government agents, the most remarkable feature of CPS home searches is how uncommon it has been for courts to clarify their legal parameters. More surprising than the relative dearth of case law and scholarship on the subject is the conclusion some courts have reached that these investigations are outside the familiar rules regulating law enforcement searches of homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]