Astrocyte coverage of excitatory synapses correlates to measures of synapse structure and function in ferret primary visual cortex.

Most excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are contacted or ensheathed by astrocyte processes, forming tripartite synapses. Astrocytes are thought to be critical regulators of the structural and functional dynamics of synapses. While the degree of synaptic coverage by astrocytes is known to vary across brain regions and animal species, the reason for and implications of this variability remains unknown.

Partnering With Churches to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Trustworthy Contexts.

The Black church has long been seen as a crucial partner in addressing public health issues. This paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-engaged church intervention addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved Black communities in Jefferson County, Alabama. We partnered with churches to implement and evaluate the intervention between March and June of 2022 and found that our church partners were capable of significant messaging reach, particularly through electronic means.

Astrocyte coverage of excitatory synapses correlates to measures of synapse structure and function in primary visual cortex.

Most excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are contacted by astrocytes, forming the tripartite synapse. This interface is thought to be critical for glutamate turnover and structural or functional dynamics of synapses. While the degree of synaptic contact of astrocytes is known to vary across brain regions and animal species, the implications of this variability remain unknown.

Postsynaptic mitochondria are positioned to support functional diversity of dendritic spines.

Postsynaptic mitochondria are critical for the development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic inputs. However, their relationship to synaptic structure and functional activity is unknown. We examined a correlative dataset from ferret visual cortex with in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines during visual stimulation and electron microscopy reconstructions of spine ultrastructure, investigating mitochondrial abundance near functionally and structurally characterized spines.

Effects of a comprehensive brain computed tomography deep learning model on radiologist detection accuracy.

Objectives: Non-contrast computed tomography of the brain (NCCTB) is commonly used to detect intracranial pathology but is subject to interpretation errors. Machine learning can augment clinical decision-making and improve NCCTB scan interpretation. This retrospective detection accuracy study assessed the performance of radiologists assisted by a deep learning model and compared the standalone performance of the model with that of unassisted radiologists.

Postsynaptic mitochondria are positioned to support functional diversity of dendritic spines.

Postsynaptic mitochondria are critical to the development, plasticity, and maintenance of synaptic inputs. However, their relationship to synaptic structure and functional activity is unknown. We examined a correlative dataset from ferret visual cortex with two-photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines during visual stimulation and electron microscopy (EM) reconstructions of spine ultrastructure, investigating mitochondrial abundance near functionally- and structurally-characterized spines.

Letter to the Editor Response: Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Stakeholders in African American and Latinx Communities in the Deep South Through the Lens of the Health Belief Model.

The purpose of this submission to respond to a Letter to the Editor recently submitted regarding our manuscript, "Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Stakeholders in African American and Latinx Communities in the Deep South through the Lens of the Health Belief Model" published in the American Journal of Health Promotion in February, 2022. The manuscript reported on a study that had as its purpose to qualitatively explore perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination intention among African American and Latinx participants and suggest potential intervention strategies.

A binocular synaptic network supports interocular response alignment in visual cortical neurons.

In visual cortex, signals from the two eyes merge to form a coherent binocular representation. Here we investigate the synaptic interactions underlying the binocular representation of stimulus orientation in ferret visual cortex with in vivo calcium imaging of layer 2/3 neurons and their dendritic spines. Individual neurons with aligned somatic responses received a mixture of monocular and binocular synaptic inputs.

Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Stakeholders in African American and Latinx Communities in the Deep South Through the Lens of the Health Belief Model.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore perceptions related to COVID-19 vaccination intention among African American and Latinx participants and suggest intervention strategies.

Approach: Ninety minute virtual focus groups (N = 8), segmented by county, race and ethnicity were conducted with stakeholders from 3 vulnerable Alabama counties.

Participants: Participants (N = 67) were primarily African American and Latinx, at least 19 years, and residents or stakeholders in Jefferson, Mobile, and Dallas counties.

Role of the Cadaver Lab in Lymphatic Microsurgery Education: Validation of a New Training Model.

Background: Microsurgical transplantation of vascularized lymph nodes (VLNT) or lymphatic vessels (VLVT) alongside derivative lymphaticovenous procedures are promising approaches for treatment of lymphedema. However, clinically relevant training models for mastering these techniques are still lacking. Here we describe a new training model in human cadaver and validate its use as training tool for microsurgical lymphatic reconstruction.

Cortical response selectivity derives from strength in numbers of synapses.

Single neocortical neurons are driven by populations of excitatory inputs, which form the basis of neuronal selectivity to features of sensory input. Excitatory connections are thought to mature during development through activity-dependent Hebbian plasticity, whereby similarity between presynaptic and postsynaptic activity selectively strengthens some synapses and weakens others. Evidence in support of this process includes measurements of synaptic ultrastructure and in vitro and in vivo physiology and imaging studies.

Targeting Functionally Characterized Synaptic Architecture Using Inherent Fiducials and 3D Correlative Microscopy.

Brain circuits are highly interconnected three-dimensional structures fabricated from components ranging vastly in size; from cell bodies to individual synapses. While neuronal activity can be visualized with advanced light microscopy (LM) techniques, the resolution of electron microscopy (EM) is critical for identifying synaptic connections between neurons. Here, we combine these two techniques, affording the advantage of each and allowing for measurements to be made of the same neural features across imaging platforms.

Full-field comparisons between strains predicted by QCT-derived finite element models of the scapula and experimental strains measured by digital volume correlation.

Subject-specific finite element models (FEMs) of the shoulder can be used to evaluate joint replacement designs preclinically. However, to ensure accurate conclusions are drawn, experimental validation is critical. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of strain predictions generated by subject-specific scapula FEMs through comparisons against full-field experimental strains measured using digital volume correlation (DVC).

Heterogeneous Strain Distribution in the Subchondral Bone of Human Osteoarthritic Femoral Heads, Measured with Digital Volume Correlation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease, affecting approximately one third of people over the age of 45. Whilst the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease are still not well understood, mechanics play an important role in both the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis. In this study, we demonstrate the application of stepwise compression, combined with microCT imaging and digital volume correlation (DVC) to measure and evaluate full-field strain distributions within osteoarthritic femoral heads under uniaxial compression.

Lymphatic Leaks of the Thigh and Inguinal Region: Combined Plastic Surgery Approaches for an Effective Treatment Algorithm.

Background: Surgical procedures interfering with the draining nodes in the inguinal region carry the intrinsic risk of lymphatic complications. Lesions of the inguinal lymphatic network can lead to lymphocele or lymphocutaneous fistulas and can eventually be associated to limb lymphedema with consequent high morbidity.

Objectives: This article describes a new surgical algorithm based on wound properties to properly address lymphatic complications of the inguinal area.

Correction to: Material Mapping of QCT-Derived Scapular Models: A Comparison with Micro-CT Loaded Specimens Using Digital Volume Correlation.

The article Material Mapping of QCT-Derived Scapular Models: A Comparison with Micro-CT Loaded Specimens Using Digital Volume Correlation, written by Knowles et al, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 11 July 2019 without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on [August 30] to © The Author(s) 2019 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.

Material Mapping of QCT-Derived Scapular Models: A Comparison with Micro-CT Loaded Specimens Using Digital Volume Correlation.

Subject- and site-specific modeling techniques greatly improve finite element models (FEMs) derived from clinical-resolution CT data. A variety of density-modulus relationships are used in scapula FEMs, but the sensitivity to selection of relationships has yet to be experimentally evaluated. The objectives of this study were to compare quantitative-CT (QCT) derived FEMs mapped with different density-modulus relationships and material mapping strategies to experimentally loaded cadaveric scapular specimens.

Flow rate accuracy of ambulatory elastomeric and electronic infusion pumps when exposed to height and back pressures experienced during home infusion therapy.

: Elastomeric infusion pumps are widely used in the delivery of parenteral medications in the home, but real-life conditions may not match calibration or standardised testing conditions. This study investigated the impact of changes in infusion pump height and/or back pressure on infusion pump function. : Volume delivered after one day, infusion duration, average and peak flow rates and time spent within stated accuracy were determined for four elastomeric and one electronic pump using gravimetric technique.

Performance of QCT-Derived scapula finite element models in predicting local displacements using digital volume correlation.

Subject-specific finite element models (FEMs) of the shoulder complex are commonly used to predict differences in internal load distribution due to injury, treatment or disease. However, these models rely on various underlying assumptions, and although experimental validation is warranted, it is difficult to obtain and often not performed. The goal of the current study was to quantify the accuracy of local displacements predicted by subject-specific QCT-based FEMs of the scapula, compared to experimental measurements obtained by combining digital volume correlation (DVC) and mechanical loading of cadaveric specimens within a microCT scanner.

Rationale for Study of the Deep Subfascial Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphoscintigraphy for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Lymphedema.

Purpose: The current study aimed to determine the utility of including the study of deep subfascial lymphatic vessels in a 2-compartment lymphoscintigraphy for the diagnosis of lymphedema in patients with limb swelling. Lymphoscintigraphy is a valuable imaging tool for the timely diagnosis of peripheral lymphedema. However, there is a lack of standardization in its application, especially regarding which type of lymphatic vessels to examine (superficial, deep, or both).

Safety and effectiveness of 'hospital in the home' and 'outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy' in different age groups: A systematic review of observational studies.

Objective: The aim of this study was .to systematically review the published literature of observational studies evaluating the safety and effectiveness of hospital in the home (HITH) and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the general population, older people and children.

Study Design: The review included retrospective studies and prospective studies performed on HITH and OPAT within different age groups.

Protocol for a randomised crossover trial to evaluate patient and nurse satisfaction with electronic and elastomeric portable infusion pumps for the continuous administration of antibiotic therapy in the home: the Comparing Home Infusion Devices (CHID) study.

Introduction: Previous studies comparing satisfaction with electronic and elastomeric infusion pumps are limited, and improvements in size and usability of electronic pumps have since occurred. The Comparing Home Infusion Devices (CHID) study plans to assess patient and nurse satisfaction with an elastomeric and electronic pump for delivering intravenous antibiotic treatment in the home. Secondary objectives are to determine pump-related complications and actual antibiotic dose administered, evaluate temperature variation and compare pump operating costs.

Mastering Lymphatic Microsurgery: A New Training Model in Living Tissue.

Background: Advanced microsurgical techniques have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of lymphedema, but achieving international standards is limited by a scarcity of adequate training models. The purpose of this report is to describe our in vivo porcine training model for microsurgery.

Study Design: Five female common-breed pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) weighing 20 to 28 kg were placed under general anesthesia, and blue patent violet dye was injected to highlight lymphatic structures and prepare the pigs for anatomical exploration and microsurgery.