demuxSNP: supervised demultiplexing single-cell RNA sequencing using cell hashing and SNPs.

Background: Multiplexing single-cell RNA sequencing experiments reduces sequencing cost and facilitates larger-scale studies. However, factors such as cell hashing quality and class size imbalance impact demultiplexing algorithm performance, reducing cost-effectiveness.

Findings: We propose a supervised algorithm, demuxSNP, which leverages both cell hashing and genetic variation between individuals (single-nucletotide polymorphisms [SNPs]).

What Makes a Plastic Surgery Residency Program Attractive? An Applicant's Perspective.

Background: Plastic surgery is among the most competitive specialties in medicine, but little is known about the attributes of programs that are most attractive to successful applicants. This study aimed to understand and provide insights regarding program characteristics that are most influential to students when ranking plastic surgery programs.

Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted with newly matched plastic surgery residents for the integrated and combined Match in 2012 and 2013.

A Comparison of Dermal Autograft and Acellular Dermal Matrix in Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction: Long-term Aesthetic Outcomes and Capsular Contracture.

Background: The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in tissue expander breast reconstruction has been touted to reduce capsular contracture rates and improve aesthetic outcomes. Autogenous dermal grafts have shown to be a safer and more cost-effective alternative to ADM. The purpose of this study was to compare the capsular contracture rates and long-term aesthetic outcomes of tissue expander breast reconstruction using dermal autografts with ADM-assisted reconstruction.

Dermal autografts as a substitute for acellular dermal matrices (ADM) in tissue expander breast reconstruction: a prospective comparative study.

The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in tissue expander breast reconstruction has several advantages but increased complications have been reported. Dermal autografts may offer a safer and more cost-effective alternative. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare the outcomes of tissue expander breast reconstruction using dermal autografts with ADM-assisted reconstruction.

Systemic hypothermia improves histological and functional outcome after cervical spinal cord contusion in rats.

Hypothermia has been employed during the past 30 years as a therapeutic modality for spinal cord injury (SCI) in animal models and in humans. With our newly developed rat cervical model of contusive SCI, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of transient systemic hypothermia (beginning 5 minutes post-injury for 4 hours, 33 degrees C) with gradual rewarming (1 degrees C per hour) for the preservation of tissue and the prevention of injury-induced functional loss. A moderate cervical displacement SCI was performed in female Fischer rats, and behavior was assessed for 8 weeks.

Comparative structure-activity relationship studies of 1-(5-methylsulfonylpyrid-2-yl)-5-alkyl and (hetero)aryl triazoles and pyrazoles in canine COX inhibition.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of novel 5-alkyl and 5-aryl/heteroaryl substituted 1,2,4-triazoles are described. The in vitro activity is compared to the pyrazole class of compounds with analogous side chains to delineate the contribution of the triazole ring nitrogen in binding to the active site. Both series are quite potent and selective in the canine whole blood (CWB) COX-2 assay, suggesting the increased binding contribution of the hydrophobic side chains.

5-Heteroatom-substituted pyrazoles as canine COX-2 inhibitors: Part 2. Structure-activity relationship studies of 5-alkylethers and 5-thioethers.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of novel 2-[3-trifluoromethyl-5-alkyl(thio)ether pyrazo-1-yl]-5-methanesulfonyl pyridine derivatives for canine COX enzymes are described. The 4-cyano-5-alkyl ethers were found to have excellent potency and selectivity, whereas the 5-thioethers were potent but less selective than the ether analogs in a canine whole blood (CWB) COX-2 assay.

5-heteroatom substituted pyrazoles as canine COX-2 inhibitors. Part 1: Structure-activity relationship studies of 5-alkylamino pyrazoles and discovery of a potent, selective, and orally active analog.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of the novel 2-[3-di and trifluoromethyl-5-alkylamino pyrazo-1-yl]-5-methanesulfonyl (SO(2)Me)/sulfamoyl (SO(2)NH(2))-pyridine derivatives for canine COX enzymes are described. The studies led to the identification of 2e as lead with potent in vitro activity, selectivity, and in vivo activity in dogs and cats.

In vitro and in vivo profile of 2-(3-di-fluoromethyl-5-phenylpyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonylpyridine, a potent, selective, and orally active canine COX-2 inhibitor.

The synthesis of a novel canine COX-2 selective inhibitor, 2-(3-difluoromethyl-5-phenylpyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonylpyridine, and its in vitro and in vivo profile are described. Pyrazole 8 demonstrated excellent potency and selectivity for canine COX-2 in both in vitro and ex vivo whole blood assays. This novel COX-2 inhibitor also showed a good pharmacokinetic profile (pk) following oral (po), intravenous (iv), and subcutaneous (sc) dosing and demonstrated excellent in vivo efficacy in a canine synovitis model.

Transplantation of Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing glia after spinal cord injury: does pretreatment with methylprednisolone and interleukin-10 enhance recovery?

Methylprednisolone (MP) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are tissue protective acutely after spinal cord injury (SCI); their combination offers additive protection (Takami et al., 2002a). Our study examined if acute administration of MP (30 mg/kg i.

Label-free protein and pathogen detection using the atomic force microscope.

The atomic force microscope (AFM) uses a sharp micron-scale tip to scan and amplify surface features, providing exceptionally detailed topographical information with magnification on the order of x10(6). This instrument is used extensively for quality control in the computer and semiconductor industries and is becoming a progressively more important tool in the biological sciences. Advantages of the AFM for biological application include the ability to obtain information in a direct, label-free manner and the ability to image in solution, providing real-time data acquisition under physiologically relevant conditions.

Discovery of a potent, selective and orally active canine COX-2 inhibitor, 2-(3-difluoromethyl-5-phenyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-5-methanesulfonyl-pyridine.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of 2-[3-di(and tri)fluoromethyl-5-arylpyrazol-1-yl]-5-methanesulfonylpyridine derivatives for canine COX enzymes are described. This led to the identification of 12a as a lead candidate for further progression. The in vitro and in vivo activity of 12a for the canine COX-2 enzyme as well as its in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties in dog are highlighted.

Synthesis and protein kinase inhibitory activity of balanol analogues with modified benzophenone subunits.

A series of analogues of the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitory natural product balanol which bear modified benzophenone subunits are described. The analogues were designed with the goal of uncovering structure-activity features that could be used in the development of PKC inhibitors with a reduced polar character compared to balanol itself. The results of these studies suggest that most of the benzophenone features found in the natural product are important for obtaining potent PKC inhibitory compounds.