Bayesian-frequentist hybrid inference framework for single cell RNA-seq analyses.

Background: Single cell RNA sequencing technology (scRNA-seq) has been proven useful in understanding cell-specific disease mechanisms. However, identifying genes of interest remains a key challenge. Pseudo-bulk methods that pool scRNA-seq counts in the same biological replicates have been commonly used to identify differentially expressed genes.

Bayesian-frequentist hybrid inference framework for single cell RNA-seq analyses.

Background: Single cell RNA sequencing technology (scRNA-seq) has been proven useful in understanding cell-specific disease mechanisms. However, identifying genes of interest remains a key challenge. Pseudo-bulk methods that pool scRNA-seq counts in the same biological replicates have been commonly used to identify differentially expressed genes.

Rift Valley Fever Virus Primes Immune Responses in Cells.

The ongoing global emergence of arthropod-borne (arbo) viruses has accelerated research into the interactions of these viruses with the immune systems of their vectors. Only limited information exists on how bunyaviruses, such as Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), are sensed by mosquito immunity or escape detection. RVFV is a zoonotic phlebovirus (Bunyavirales; ) of veterinary and human public health and economic importance.

Enhanced Nanobubble Formation: Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation to Qβ Virus-like Particles.

Plasmonic gold nanostructures are a prevalent tool in modern hypersensitive analytical techniques such as photoablation, bioimaging, and biosensing. Recent studies have shown that gold nanostructures generate transient nanobubbles through localized heating and have been found in various biomedical applications. However, the current method of plasmonic nanoparticle cavitation events has several disadvantages, specifically including small metal nanostructures (≤10 nm) which lack size control, tuneability, and tissue localization by use of ultrashort pulses (ns, ps) and high-energy lasers which can result in tissue and cellular damage.

QRS fragmentation and prolongation as predictors of exercise capacity in patients after Fontan palliation.

Introduction: Patients with Fontan anatomy are at increased risk for exercise intolerance and early morbidity and mortality. QRS complex fragmentation (fQRS) and prolongation have been studied in multiple heart diseases, but their clinical importance is unknown in the Fontan population.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed.

Functional and mechanistic roles of the human proton-coupled folate transporter transmembrane domain 6-7 linker.

The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT; SLC46A1) is a folate-proton symporter expressed in solid tumors and is used for tumor-targeted delivery of cytotoxic antifolates. Topology modeling suggests that the PCFT secondary structure includes 12 transmembrane domains (TMDs) with TMDs 6 and 7 linked by an intracellular loop (positions 236-265) including His247, implicated as functionally important. Single-cysteine (Cys) mutants were inserted from positions 241 to 251 in Cys-less PCFT and mutant proteins were expressed in PCFT-null (R1-11) HeLa cells; none were reactive with 2-aminoethyl methanethiosulfonate biotin, suggesting that the TMD6-7 loop is intracellular.

Structural determinants of human proton-coupled folate transporter oligomerization: role of GXXXG motifs and identification of oligomeric interfaces at transmembrane domains 3 and 6.

The human proton-coupled folate transporter (hPCFT) is expressed in solid tumours and is active at pHs characterizing the tumour microenvironment. Recent attention focused on exploiting hPCFT for targeting solid tumours with novel cytotoxic anti-folates. hPCFT has 12 transmembrane domains (TMDs) and forms homo-oligomers with functional significance.

Distal junctional kyphosis of adolescent idiopathic thoracic curves following anterior or posterior instrumented fusion: incidence, risk factors, and prevention.

Study Design: This is a retrospective multicenter analysis of a subset of 375 patients with thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with either anterior (238) or posterior (137) fusion with preoperative or postoperative distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) >or=10 degrees .

Objectives: To determine the incidence of DJK before and after surgery in patients with AIS undergoing either anterior or posterior thoracic fusion, and provide recommendations for prevention.

Summary Of Background Data: DJK following surgical treatment for AIS may result in pain, imbalance, and unacceptable deformity.

A posterior tether for fusionless modulation of sagittal plane growth in a sheep model.

Study Design: This was an in vivo and in vitro investigation of a minimally invasive posterior tether system for fusionless modulation of sagittal plane growth in an immature sheep model.

Objective: To determine whether fusionless modulation of spinal growth in the sagittal plane of an immature sheep model can be successfully performed.

Summary Of Background Data: Scheuermann's disease has been reported to affect 1% to 8% of the pediatric population.

Single-rod versus dual-rod anterior instrumentation for idiopathic scoliosis: a biomechanical study.

Study Design: Anterior single- and dual-rod instrumented human and ovine thoracolumbar spines, with and without structural interbody support (SIS), were biomechanically tested and compared in flexion, lateral bending, and torsion.

Objective: To determine significant differences in global stiffness of the constructs in an attempt to clarify specific indications for each in the treatment of spinal deformities.

Summary Of Background Data: Single- and dual-rod anterior systems have been used without any consensus as to indications for one versus the other.

A biomechanical study of regional endplate strength and cage morphology as it relates to structural interbody support.

Study Design: An in vitro biomechanical investigation to quantify the endplates resistance to compressive loads, in the thoracic and lumbar spine. Comparisons were made to determine the regional strength of the endplate, the optimal size and geometry of interbody support, and the effects of endplate removal on structural strength.

Objectives: To biomechanically assess the regional variation of endplate strength in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the optimal geometry and cross-sectional area for structural interbody support, and endplate preparation techniques with respect to endplate failure or subsidence.