Patient and healthcare providers' perspectives on participation in a postpartum pilot trial of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: A qualitative study.

Background: There is a need to better understand barriers to recruitment and participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating postpartum thromboprophylaxis, as previous trials had low recruitment and were not feasible. In a qualitative interview study of the pilot PARTUM trial (a feasibility trial of low-dose aspirin versus placebo for six weeks postpartum), we explored the facilitators and barriers to trial involvement.

Methods: Patients eligible for the pilot PARTUM trial, including those who declined joining the trial, were invited to participate in a qualitative study.

A robustly rooted tree of eukaryotes reveals their excavate ancestry.

The eukaryote Tree of Life (eToL) depicts the relationships among all eukaryotic organisms; its root represents the Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor (LECA) from which all extant complex lifeforms are descended. Locating this root is crucial for reconstructing the features of LECA, both as the endpoint of eukaryogenesis and the start point for the evolution of the myriad complex traits underpinning the diversification of living eukaryotes. However, the position of the root remains contentious due to pervasive phylogenetic artefacts stemming from inadequate evolutionary models, poor taxon sampling and limited phylogenetic signal.

Deciphering the role of FDG-PET/CT in the management of sarcoidosis.

Background: Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-18 (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET/CT) has utility in identifying sites of active sarcoidosis. However, the role of FDG-PET/CT in predicting treatment response and guiding therapy outside of cardiac disease is yet to be completely understood.

Research Question: Do physicians agree on the utility of FDG-PET/CT in sarcoid cases, and do they agree on the appropriate treatment response, based on the associated reports?

Study Design And Methods: Physicians respondents were presented with a series of anonymised sarcoidosis case vignettes.

Endothelial Cell Phenotypic Plasticity in Cardiovascular Physiology and Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects.

Endothelial cells (ECs) are a highly specialized and heterogeneous population that plays a fundamental role in maintaining vascular homeostasis, immune regulation, and blood flow control. Beyond serving as a physical barrier, ECs exhibit remarkable plasticity, undergoing phenotypic transitions, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal (EndMT), endothelial-to-hematopoietic (EndHT), endothelial-to-osteoblast (EndOT) and endothelial-to-immune-cell-like (EndICLT). These transitions allow ECs to adapt to developmental, physiological, and pathological conditions.