Microfluidic purification of genomic DNA.

We describe a microfluidic device to extract DNA from a cell lysate, without the need for centrifuges, magnetic beads, or gels. Instead, separation is driven by transverse migration of DNA, which occurs when a polyelectrolyte solution flowing through a microfluidic channel is subjected to an electric field. The coupling of the weak shearing with the axial electric field is highly selective for long, flexible, charged molecules, of which DNA is the sole example in a typical cell lysate.

Morphological changes to peripheral joints supporting thumb trapezial metacarpal osteoarthritis.

The present study aims to determine if morphological differences of the scaphoid, trapezoid, and second metacarpal are associated with thumb osteoarthritis by comparing three-dimensional bone models of healthy controls and osteoarthritis patients. Fifty-eight patients with moderate to severe thumb osteoarthritis (modified Eaton ≥ II) and 35 healthy controls from a larger completed investigation were examined. To quantify morphological variations, a statistical shape model was created that classified binary with respect to the Eaton grading system: non-osteoarthritis or moderate/severe osteoarthritis (II-IV).

Implementation of a Surgery-first Approach to Pediatric Choledocholithiasis.

Background: In choledocholithiasis, the obstructed common bile duct (CBD) requires clearance either via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and common bile duct exploration (CBDE) during cholecystectomy. We hypothesized that patients with primary cholecystectomy (PC) and IOC/CBDE will have improved clinical outcomes when compared to primary ERCP (PE) patients.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric choledocholithiasis patients who underwent treatment at our institution between 2019 and 2023.

Biphasic response of human iPSC-derived neural network activity following exposure to a sarin-surrogate nerve agent.

Organophosphorus nerve agents (OPNA) are hazardous environmental exposures to the civilian population and have been historically weaponized as chemical warfare agents (CWA). OPNA exposure can lead to several neurological, sensory, and motor symptoms that can manifest into chronic neurological illnesses later in life. There is still a large need for technological advancement to better understand changes in brain function following OPNA exposure.

The impact of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue in breast cancer survivors: results from WF-97415.

Purpose: To examine the differential effect of non- and anthracycline-based chemotherapy on fatigue over 12 months post-diagnosis among breast cancer survivors.

Methods: This study is based on a prospective Wake Forest NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) multicenter cohort study (WF-97415) of women with stage I to III breast cancer and non-cancer controls. Analyses compared those: 1) receiving, or 2) not receiving anthracycline chemotherapy, 3) receiving aromatase inhibitors (AIs) without chemotherapy, with 4) a comparator group without a history of cancer.