MADDD-seq, a novel massively parallel sequencing tool for simultaneous detection of DNA damage and mutations.

Our genome is exposed to a wide variety of DNA-damaging agents. If left unrepaired, this damage can be converted into mutations that promote carcinogenesis or the development of genetically inherited diseases. As a result, researchers and clinicians require tools that can detect DNA damage and mutations with exceptional sensitivity.

Development of GO Move: A Website for Children With Unilateral Cerebral Palsy.

It is unknown if an online tool is wanted by therapists and parents of individuals with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) to support implementation of goal-directed home programs, and if wanted, the recommended features for the tool. The objective was to explore the experiences of therapists and parents who have implemented home programs, seek guidance on translating a paper-based home program toolbox into a mobile website, and develop the website. Qualitative descriptive methodology guided data collection using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, validated with field notes and member checking.

Astrocytic laminin-211 drives disseminated breast tumor cell dormancy in brain.

Although dormancy is thought to play a key role in the metastasis of breast tumor cells to the brain, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms regulating disseminated tumor cell (DTC) dormancy in this organ is limited. Here using serial intravital imaging of dormant and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer lines, we identify escape from the single-cell or micrometastatic state as the rate-limiting step towards brain metastasis. We show that every DTC occupies a vascular niche, with quiescent DTCs residing on astrocyte endfeet.

Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Camp for Children with Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Augmented by Use of an Exoskeleton to Play Games in Virtual Reality.

Aim: To determine the acceptability and effects of a pediatric constraint induced movement therapy (P-CIMT) camp for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (hCP) augmented by use of an exoskeleton to play games in virtual reality (VR).

Method: 31 children with hCP attended a P-CIMT camp 6 hours per day for 10 days over 2 successive weeks (60 hours) that included 30 minutes of unilateral training with the Hocoma ArmeoSpring Pediatric that combines the assistance of an exoskeleton and VR games. The primary outcome measure was the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA); secondary outcome measures were the Melbourne Assessment of Uni-lateral Hand Function (MUUL), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Neural and non-neural contributions to ankle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy.

Aim: To assess the neural and non-neural contributions to spasticity in the impaired ankle of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method: Instrumented tapping of the Achilles tendon was done isometrically to minimize non-neural contributions and elicit neural contributions. Robot-controlled ankle stretching was done at various velocities, including slow stretching, with minimized neural contributions.