Computer-Assisted Classification of the Squamocolumnar Junction.

Background And Aims: An irregular z-line is characterized by a squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) that extends proximally above the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) by < 1 centimeter (cm), while Barrett's esophagus (BE) is defined as a columnar lined esophagus (CLE) that extends proximally by ≥1 cm with the presence of specialized intestinal metaplasia (IM) on biopsy. Measurement of CLE is most accurate for lengths ≥1 cm, and as such, guidelines do not recommend biopsy of an irregular z-line when seen on endoscopy. However, a CLE is often estimated by visual inspection rather than direct measurement, making this characterization imprecise.

Exploring the Effects of Intersubunit Interface Mutations on Virus-Like Particle Structure and Stability.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) from bacteriophage MS2 provide a platform to study protein self-assembly and create engineered systems for drug delivery. Here, we aim to understand the impact of intersubunit interface mutations on the local and global structure and function of MS2-based VLPs. In previous work, our lab identified locally supercharged double mutants [T71K/G73R] that concentrate positive charge at capsid pores, enhancing uptake into mammalian cells.

Colon Volume by Computed Tomography and Scintigraphic Colonic Transit in Constipated Patients With or Without Redundant Colon.

Redundant colon, also referred to as "dolichocolon," is an anatomical variant associated with elongation and redundancy thought to be associated with constipation, abdominal pain, and distention. Diagnosis requires radiological visualization of the non-dilated colon in situ via barium enema or abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT). Colonic redundancy is based on 3 criteria: sigmoid loop displaced cranially relative to the iliac crests (type 1); transverse colon caudal to the iliac crests (type 2); and redundant loops at the hepatic or splenic flexure (type 3).

Plant-soil interactions alter nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in an advancing subarctic treeline.

Treelines advance due to climate warming. The impacts of this vegetation shift on plant-soil nutrient cycling are still uncertain, yet highly relevant as nutrient availability stimulates tree growth. Here, we investigated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plant and soil pools along two tundra-forest transects on Kola Peninsula, Russia, with a documented elevation shift of birch-dominated treeline by 70 m during the last 50 years.

Results of Anorectal Physiological Testing in Patients with Limited English Proficiency.

Background: Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience barriers to healthcare. These include language barriers and difficulty accessing medical subspecialties. Consequently, patients with LEP may be underrepresented, and may be more likely to have abnormal results, among individuals referred for anorectal testing.