Assessment of clinically significant urolithiasis positivity rate using CT KUB for suspected renal colic.

Background: Unenhanced low-dose computed tomography of the kidneys, ureter and bladder (CT KUB) is the gold standard diagnostic imaging modality in the assessment of suspected renal colic. As the radiation dose is not negligible, it is important to monitor the diagnostic yield of CT KUBs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic yield of CT KUB studies performed for suspected renal colic in patients presenting to the emergency department.

Food systems microbiome-related educational needs.

Within the European-funded Coordination and Support Action MicrobiomeSupport (https://www.microbiomesupport.eu/), the Workshop 'Education in Food Systems Microbiome Related Sciences: Needs for Universities, Industry and Public Health Systems' brought together over 70 researchers, public health and industry partners from all over the world to work on elaborating microbiome-related educational needs in food systems.

A simple and accessible CRISPR genome editing laboratory exercise using yeast.

CRISPR is a revolutionary tool to engineer the genome. Herein, we describe a laboratory exercise designed to introduce students to CRISPR by editing the genome of yeast to disrupt the gene, which results in yeast that form red colored colonies. The experiment was constructed to be performed in a single laboratory session and to be accessible to students and instructors without experience working with yeast.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis: pathways to better brain health. Perspectives on what we know, what we need to investigate and how to put knowledge into practice.

The gut and brain link via various metabolic and signalling pathways, each with the potential to influence mental, brain and cognitive health. Over the past decade, the involvement of the gut microbiota in gut-brain communication has become the focus of increased scientific interest, establishing the microbiota-gut-brain axis as a field of research. There is a growing number of association studies exploring the gut microbiota's possible role in memory, learning, anxiety, stress, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

Can saline injection protect phrenic nerve? - A randomised controlled study.

Background And Aims: Various methods were attempted to reduce the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy during interscalene brachial plexus nerve block. Mechanism of phrenic palsy was presumed to be due to the spread of local anaesthetic anterior to the anterior scalene muscle. We hypothesised that by injecting saline in this anatomical location prior to performing an interscalene block might reduce the incidence of phrenic palsy.