Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Cerebral microvascular dysfunction and nitro-oxidative stress are present in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to disease progression and severity. A pro-nitro-oxidative environment can lead to post-translational modifications of ion channels central to microvascular regulation in the brain, including the large conductance Ca-activated K channels (BK). Nitro-oxidative modulation of BK can resulting in decreased activity and vascular hyper-contractility, thus compromising neurovascular regulation.

Development of a rapid screener to elicit patient preferences for antiseizure medication discontinuation.

Objective: While guidelines encourage individualized discussions of the risks and benefits of antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal after a period of seizure-freedom, no formal methods exist for assessing patient preferences. We report the initial development of a rapid patient preferences screener.

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study of adults who were ≥1 year seizure-free and seen for epilepsy across three institutions.

Mammary Cancer Models: An Overview from the Past to the Future.

Breast cancer research heavily relies on diverse model systems to comprehend disease progression, develop novel diagnostics, and evaluate new therapeutic strategies. This review offers a comprehensive overview of mammary cancer models, covering both ex vivo and in vivo approaches. We delve into established techniques, such as cell culture and explore cutting-edge advancements, like tumor-on-a-chip and bioprinting.

Lack of Association between Vitamin D Genetic Polymorphism and Virological Characteristics of Hepatitis B Infection.

Background: Exploring polymorphisms in vitamin D-related genes (VDR) within the Brazilian population provides a valuable model to contribute to the influence of the host genetic variants on chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: 126 CHB patients were enrolled in the current study and clinical, laboratory, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OD)D] level data were obtained. Four VDR (rs7975232, rs1544410, rs10735810, rs731236) and 2 vitamin D-binding protein/carrier globulin (GC) polymorphisms (rs4588 and rs7041) were determined using TaqMan assays and nucleotide sequencing.

Bio-based plasticizer Babassu oil for custom-made conductive additive-manufacturing filaments: towards 3D-printed electrodes applied to cocaine detection.

Babassu (Atallea sp.), a native palm tree from South America's Amazon produces bio-oil and biochar with significant potential for industrial applications. Babassu oil as a bio-based plasticizer is reported here for the first time to replace petrochemical alternatives in the production of conductive filaments for additive manufacturing purposes.