Stress-induced VIPergic activation mediates microbiota/Th17cell-dependent depressive-like behaviors.

Chronic stress often has deleterious effects leading to the development of psychiatric diseases. The gut-brain axis represents a novel avenue for stress research. The negative effects of stress on the gut physiology have been well-described, whereas the pathways whereby stress controls microbial composition to modulate behaviors remains mainly unknown.

Analysis of ChatGPT publications in radiology: Literature so far.

Objective: To perform a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the published literature on ChatGPT and radiology in the nine months since its public release, detailing the scope of the work in the short timeframe.

Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out of the MEDLINE, EMBASE databases through August 15, 2023 for articles that were focused on ChatGPT and imaging/radiology. Articles were classified into original research and reviews/perspectives.

Rapid isothermal point-of-care test for screening of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

Rapid on-site diagnosis of emerging pathogens is key for early identification of infected individuals and for prevention of further spreading in a population. Currently available molecular diagnostic tests are instrument-based whereas rapid antibody and antigen tests are often not sufficiently sensitive for detection in pre-symptomatic subjects. There is a need for rapid point of care molecular screening tests that can be easily adapted to emerging pathogens and are selective, sensitive, reliable in different settings around the world.

Engineered biosensors for the quorum sensing molecule 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazine-2-ol (DPO) reveal its presence in humans, animals, and bacterial species beyond Vibrio cholerae.

A biosensor was engineered to enable the study of the novel quorum sensing molecule (QSM), 3,5-dimethylpyrazin-2-ol (DPO), employed by Vibrio cholerae to regulate biofilm formation and virulence factor production. Investigations into bacterial quorum sensing (QS), a form of communication based on the production and detection of QSMs to coordinate gene expression in a population dependent manner, offer a unique window to study the molecular underpinnings of microbial behavior and host interactions. Herein, we report the construction of an engineered microbial whole-cell bioluminescent biosensing system that incorporates the recognition of the VqmA regulatory protein of Vibrio cholerae with the bioluminescent reporting signal of luciferase for the selective, sensitive, stable, and reproducible detection of DPO in a variety of samples.

Bacterial Quorum-Sensing Molecules in Serum: A Potential Tool for Crohn's Disease Management.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an idiopathic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with the primary method of diagnosis and follow-up being colonoscopy. A disturbed host-microbiome interaction, including the presence of pathobionts, is implicated in initiation and perpetuation of inflammation. As such, we hypothesized that bacterial quorum-sensing (QS) molecules (QSMs), small molecules bacteria generate to regulate gene expression, would be elevated in patients with CD.

Inflammasome-Regulated Pyroptotic Cell Death in Disruption of the Gut-Brain Axis After Stroke.

Approximately 50% of stroke survivors experience gastrointestinal complications. The innate immune response plays a role in changes to the gut-brain axis after stroke. The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in disruption of the gut-brain axis after experimental stroke.

Identification of a Signaling Mechanism by Which the Microbiome Regulates Th17 Cell-Mediated Depressive-Like Behaviors in Mice.

Objective: Microbiota dysbiosis has been linked to major depressive disorder, but the mechanisms whereby the microbiota modulates mood remain poorly understood. The authors tested whether specific changes in the microbiome modulate depressive-like behaviors.

Methods: Stools from learned helpless, non-learned helpless, and non-shocked mice were analyzed by V4 16S RNA sequencing to identify gut bacteria associated with learned helplessness and to quantify the level of the quorum-sensing molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2).

Simultaneous Mapping of T and T Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting in a Cohort of Healthy Subjects at 1.5T.

Background: Cardiac MR fingerprinting (cMRF) is a novel technique for simultaneous T and T mapping.

Purpose: To compare T /T measurements, repeatability, and map quality between cMRF and standard mapping techniques in healthy subjects.

Study Type: Prospective.

Diagnostic Accuracy of a Rapid Biparametric MRI Protocol for Detection of Histologically Proven Prostate Cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of a rapid, low cost, noncontrast MRI examination as a secondary screening tool in detection of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Methods: In this prospective single institution study, 129 patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels or abnormal digital rectal examination findings underwent MRI with an abbreviated biparamatric MRI protocol consisting of high-resolution axial T2- and diffusion-weighted images. Index lesions were classified according to modified Prostate Imaging - Reporting and Data System (mPI-RADS) version 2.

Investigation of Microbiota Alterations and Intestinal Inflammation Post-Spinal Cord Injury in Rat Model.

Although there has been a significant amount of research focused on the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI), there is limited information on the consequences of SCI on remote organs. SCI can produce significant effects on a variety of organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with SCI often suffer from severe, debilitating bowel dysfunction in addition to their physical disabilities, which is of major concern for these individuals because of the adverse impact on their quality of life.

Quantitative perfusion imaging of neoplastic liver lesions: A multi-institution study.

We describe multi-institutional experience using free-breathing, 3D Spiral GRAPPA-based quantitative perfusion MRI in characterizing neoplastic liver masses. 45 patients (age: 48-72 years) were prospectively recruited at University Hospitals, Cleveland, USA on a 3 Tesla (T) MRI, and at Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China on a 1.5 T MRI.

Health-related quality of life with long-term retention of the PROSthesis of Antibiotic Loaded Acrylic Cement system following infection resolution in low demand patients.

Background: The study purpose was to (1) evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQL) with the PROSthesis of Antibiotic Loaded Acrylic Cement (PROSTALAC) in situ for infected total hip arthroplasty (THA), (2) determine infection resolution, and (3) compare subjects who underwent second stage surgery with those who retained the PROSTALAC on a longer term basis.

Methods: Demographics, physical demand level, and comorbidities were recorded prospectively in 29 subjects followed to at least 24 months after initial PROSTALAC insertion. HRQL was evaluated using the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and RAND 36-Item Health Survey.

Neurotransmitters: The Critical Modulators Regulating Gut-Brain Axis.

Neurotransmitters, including catecholamines and serotonin, play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the human body. Studies on these neurotransmitters mainly revolved around their role in the "fight or flight" response, transmitting signals across a chemical synapse and modulating blood flow throughout the body. However, recent research has demonstrated that neurotransmitters can play a significant role in the gastrointestinal (GI) physiology.

Serotonin Activates Bacterial Quorum Sensing and Enhances the Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Host.

Bacteria in humans play an important role in health and disease. Considerable emphasis has been placed in understanding the role of bacteria in host-microbiome interkingdom communication. Here we show that serotonin, responsible for mood in the brain and motility in the gut, can also act as a bacterial signaling molecule for pathogenic bacteria.

Whole-Cell Biosensors as Tools for the Detection of Quorum-Sensing Molecules: Uses in Diagnostics and the Investigation of the Quorum-Sensing Mechanism.

Genetically engineered bacterial whole-cell biosensors are powerful tools that take advantage of bacterial proteins and pathways to allow for detection of a specific analyte. These biosensors have been employed for a broad range of applications, including the detection of bacterial quorum-sensing molecules (QSMs). Bacterial QSMs are the small molecules bacteria use for population density-dependent communication, a process referred to as quorum sensing (QS).

Spectrophotometric analyses of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) in water.

A simple and accurate spectrophotometric method for on-site analysis of royal demolition explosive (RDX) in water samples was developed based on the Berthelot reaction. The sensitivity and accuracy of an existing spectrophotometric method was improved by: replacing toxic chemicals with more stable and safer reagents; optimizing the reagent dose and reaction time; improving color stability; and eliminating the interference from inorganic nitrogen compounds in water samples. Cation and anion exchange resin cartridges were developed and used for sample pretreatment to eliminate the effect of ammonia and nitrate on RDX analyses.

A randomized pilot study of a comprehensive postoperative exercise program compared with usual care following primary total hip arthroplasty in subjects less than 65 years of age: feasibility, selection of outcome measures and timing of assessment.

Background: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is being used more commonly in younger higher demand patients. The purpose of this randomized pilot study was to explore a) feasibility of comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation compared to usual care following primary THA in subjects <65 years, b) appropriate outcome measures including performance-based measures and c) timing of assessments.

Methods: 21 subjects who underwent primary THA were randomized to receive a three-month out-patient rehabilitation program (Intervention) or usual postoperative care (Control).

Engineered cells as biosensing systems in biomedical analysis.

Over the past two decades there have been great advances in biotechnology, including use of nucleic acids, proteins, and whole cells to develop a variety of molecular analytical tools for diagnostic, screening, and pharmaceutical applications. Through manipulation of bacterial plasmids and genomes, bacterial whole-cell sensing systems have been engineered that can serve as novel methods for analyte detection and characterization, and as more efficient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional analytical techniques. Bacterial cell-based sensing systems are typically sensitive, specific and selective, rapid, easy to use, low-cost, and amenable to multiplexing, high-throughput, and miniaturization for incorporation into portable devices.

Functional outcomes for 2 years comparing hip resurfacing and total hip arthroplasty.

This prospective observational study of 499 patients with hip resurfacing and 255 patients with total hip arthroplasty compared outcomes for 2 years. We used propensity scores to identify matched cohorts of 118 patients with hip resurfacing and 118 patients with total hip arthroplasty. We used these cohorts to compare improvements in the Western Ontario and McMaster University (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and Medical Outcomes Short-Form 36 physical function component (SF-36 PF) scores at 3 months and at 1 and 2 years postsurgery.