Optimizing RNA extraction methods for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cardiac tissue specimens.

Archived FFPE cardiac tissue specimens are valuable for molecular studies aimed at identifying biomarkers linked to mortality in cardiovascular disease. Establishing a reliable and reproducible RNA extraction method is critical for generating high-quality transcriptome sequences for molecular assays. Here, the efficiency of four RNA extraction methods: Qiagen AllPrep DNA/RNA method (Method QP); Qiagen AllPrep DNA/RNA method with protocol modification on the ethanol wash step after deparaffinization (Method QE); CELLDATA RNA extraction (Method BP) and CELLDATA RNA extraction with protocol modifications on the lysis step (Method BL) was compared on 23 matching FFPE cardiac tissue specimens (n = 92).

Development of an Automated Triage System for Longstanding Dizzy Patients Using Artificial Intelligence.

Objective: To report the first steps of a project to automate and optimize scheduling of multidisciplinary consultations for patients with longstanding dizziness utilizing artificial intelligence.

Study Design: Retrospective case review.

Setting: Quaternary referral center.

Co-targeting the kappa opioid receptor and dopamine transporter reduces motivation to self-administer cocaine and partially reverses dopamine system dysregulation.

Cocaine disrupts dopamine (DA) and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) system activity, with long-term exposure reducing inhibiton of DA uptake by cocaine and increasing KOR system function. Single treatment therapies have not been successful for cocaine use disorder; therefore, this study focuses on a combination therapy targeting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and KOR. Sprague Dawley rats self-administered 5 days of cocaine (1.

Nicotine modifies cocaine responding in a concurrent self-administration model.

Background: Preclinical models of cocaine use disorder (CUD) have not yielded any FDA-approved pharmacotherapies, potentially due to a focus on cocaine use in isolation, which may not fully translate to real-world drug taking patterns. Cocaine and nicotine are commonly used together, and clinical research suggests that nicotine may increase the potency and reinforcing strength of cocaine. In this study, we sought to determine whether and how the addition of nicotine would alter ongoing intravenous cocaine self-administration and motivation to take cocaine in rats.