Comparisons of 3D printed materials for biomedical imaging applications.

In biomedical imaging, it is desirable that custom-made accessories for restraint, anesthesia, and monitoring can be easily cleaned and not interfere with the imaging quality or analyses. With the rise of 3D printing as a form of rapid prototyping or manufacturing for imaging tools and accessories, it is important to understand which printable materials are durable and not likely to interfere with imaging applications. Here, 15 3D printable materials were evaluated for radiodensity, optical properties, simulated wear, and capacity for repeated cleaning and disinfection.

Differentiation and characterization of neurons derived from rat iPSCs.

Background: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be an advantageous source of neuronal cells to repair damage due to neurological disorders or trauma. Additionally, they are promising candidates to develop models to study underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. While successful neural differentiation of iPSCs has been reported in mice, protocols detailing the generation of neural cells from rat iPSCs are relatively limited, and their optimization by manipulating cell culture methods has remained unexplored.

Multimodal Evaluation of TMS - Induced Somatosensory Plasticity and Behavioral Recovery in Rats With Contusion Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes partial or complete damage to sensory and motor pathways and induces immediate changes in cortical function. Current rehabilitative strategies do not address this early alteration, therefore impacting the degree of neuroplasticity and subsequent recovery. The following study aims to test if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in promoting plasticity and rehabilitation, and can be used as an early intervention strategy in a rat model of SCI.