Multistage deep learning methods for automating radiographic sharp score prediction in rheumatoid arthritis.

The Sharp-van der Heijde score (SvH) is crucial for assessing joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through radiographic images. However, manual scoring is time-consuming and subject to variability. This study proposes a multistage deep learning model to predict the Overall Sharp Score (OSS) from hand X-ray images.

Predicting Individual Pain Sensitivity Using a Novel Cortical Biomarker Signature.

Importance: Biomarkers would greatly assist decision-making in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of chronic pain.

Objective: To undertake analytical validation of a sensorimotor cortical biomarker signature for pain consisting of 2 measures: sensorimotor peak alpha frequency (PAF) and corticomotor excitability (CME).

Design, Setting, And Participants: This cohort study at a single center (Neuroscience Research Australia) recruited participants from November 2020 to October 2022 through notices placed online and at universities across Australia.

rsfMRI-based brain entropy is negatively correlated with gray matter volume and surface area.

The brain entropy (BEN) reflects the randomness of brain activity and is inversely related to its temporal coherence. In recent years, BEN has been found to be associated with a number of neurocognitive, biological, and sociodemographic variables such as fluid intelligence, age, sex, and education. However, evidence regarding the potential relationship between BEN and brain structure is still lacking.

Molecular epidemiology of β-lactamases in ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales bloodstream infections in the mid-Atlantic United States.

Ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales remain a public health threat; contemporary data investigating their molecular epidemiology are limited. Five hundred consecutive ceftriaxone-resistant (MIC ≥ 4 µg/mL) Enterobacterales bloodstream isolates were collected between 2018 and 2022 from three Maryland hospitals. Broth microdilution confirmed antibiotic susceptibilities.

Duplexed direct RNA sequencing protocol using polyadenylation and polyuridylation.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies provides multiplexing options for DNA and cDNA sequencing, but not for direct RNA sequencing. Here we describe a duplexing approach and validate it by simultaneously sequencing the rRNA from wild type and knockout that have differential rRNA modifications, successfully demultiplexing the data using bioinformatics approaches.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) for acute poisonings in United States: a retrospective analysis of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry.

Introduction: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is frequently considered and implemented to help manage patients with cardiogenic shock from acute poisoning. However, utilization of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in acutely poisoned patients is largely unknown.

Method: We conducted a retrospective study analyzing the epidemiologic, clinical characteristics and survival of acutely poisoned patients placed on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry.

Developing an Emergency Medical Services Resilience Assessment Tool in Climate Change: A Study Protocol.

Background: Climate change poses significant threats to the health and safety of communities worldwide. Extreme weather events can disrupt critical infrastructure and overwhelm emergency medical services (EMS) systems. As the frequency and intensity of these climate-related disasters continue to increase, it is essential that EMS organizations develop robust strategies to enhance their resilience.

Adaptive changes in balance control strategies under continuous exposure to visual-somatosensory conflicts.

Human postural control system has the capacity to adapt to balance-challenging perturbations. However, the characteristics and mechanisms of postural adaptation to continuous perturbation under the sensory conflicting environments remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the functional role of oscillatory coupling drive to lower-limb muscles with changes in balance control during postural adaptation under multisensory congruent and incongruent environments.

A Sequential Mixed-Methods Study of Factors Associated with Low High-Resolution Anoscopy Completion in Transgender Women with Abnormal Anal Cytology.

In a cohort of transgender women (TGW) with abnormal anal cytology (AAC) in Washington, DC, we determined the rates of and factors associated with completion of high-resolution anoscopy (HRA). This mixed-methods study used a sequential study design. In an academic-community clinic, we recruited TGW who provided blood samples, anal swabs for anal cytology, and completed surveys.

A Perspective on Women in Otolaryngology Through the Legacy of Dr. Margaret F. Butler.

This article explores the life of Dr. Margaret F. Butler and her many contributions to the field of otolaryngology.

NumSimEX: A method using EXX hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry to map the energetics of protein folding landscapes.

Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS) is a powerful tool to understand protein folding pathways and energetics. However, HXMS experiments to date have used exchange conditions termed EX1 or EX2 which limit the information that can be gained compared to the more general EXX exchange regime. If EXX behavior could be understood and analyzed, a single HXMS timecourse on an intact protein could fully map its folding landscape without requiring denaturation.

CD19 CAR-T With Axicabtagene Ciloleucel in R/R Large B-Cell Lymphoma With/Without Prior Autologous Stem Cell Transplant.

Background: Anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy has been a breakthrough in treatment of primary refractory or relapsed large B-cell lymphoma (r/r LBCL) and is poised to supplant previous second line of high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT). However, in clinical practice, high risk patients with chemoimmunotherapy sensitive disease continue to receive salvage chemoimmunotherapy or cannot access CAR-T in a timely manner and thus may still proceed to HDT/ASCT. Little is known about clinical outcomes of CAR-T in patients who receive HDT/ASCT compared to those who are transplant-naïve.

Molecular Epidemiology, Drug-Resistant Variants, and Therapeutic Implications of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis D Virus Prevalence in Nigeria: A National Study.

Information on circulating HBV (sub-)genotype, variants, and hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection, which vary by geographical area, is crucial for the efficient control and management of HBV. We investigated the genomic characteristics of HBV (with a prevalence of 8.1%) and the prevalence of HDV in Nigeria.

Differences in Characteristics of Peripartum Patients Who Did and Did Not Require an Upgrade to the Intensive Care Unit: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

This study sought to identify predictors for peripartum patients admitted to non-intensive care wards who later upgraded to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted to the Maternal Fetal Ward between 01/2017 and 12/2022, who later upgraded to the ICU. Upgraded patients were 1:1 propensity score matched with those who remained on the Maternal Fetal Ward (control).

Structural Analysis of Amylin and Amyloid β Peptide Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease.

Amylin and amyloid β belong to the same protein family and activate the same receptors. Amyloid β levels are elevated in Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that amylin-based peptides can reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in animal models.

The Development of the Radial Bow in Children: Normative Values.

Background: Radial bowing is necessary for forearm rotation. Fractures or deformities of the forearm that affect the radial bow may disrupt normal forearm rotation.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the development and establish normative values for the pediatric and adolescent radial bow.

Cracking the Code of Calcification: How Presence and Burden among Intracranial Arteries Influence Stroke Incidence and Recurrence.

Background: Intracranial atherosclerosis accounts for about 8% of all strokes in Western societies but the influence of arterial calcification on plaque instability is a topic on ongoing debate.

Purpose: Explore the association between the presence and burden of calcium in atherosclerotic plaques among intracranial arteries with the risk of clinical or silent stroke events through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed and Embase were analyzed up to May 2024.

Far Cortical Locking Versus Standard Constructs for Locked Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Acute, Displaced Fractures of the Distal Femur: A Multicenter Randomized Trial.

Background: Fixation of distal femoral fractures remains a challenge, and nonunions are common with standard constructs. Far cortical locking (FCL) constructs have been purported to lead to improved fracture-healing as compared with that achieved with traditional locking bridge plates. We sought to test this hypothesis in a comparative effectiveness clinical trial.

Virus-Mimicking Polymer Nanocomplexes Co-Assembling HCV E1E2 and Core Proteins with TLR 7/8 Agonist-Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vivo Activity.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern, and the development of an effective HCV vaccine plays an important role in the effort to prevent new infections. Supramolecular co-assembly and co-presentation of the HCV envelope E1E2 heterodimer complex and core protein presents an attractive vaccine design strategy for achieving effective humoral and cellular immunity. With this objective, the two antigens were non-covalently assembled with an immunostimulant (TLR 7/8 agonist) into virus-mimicking polymer nanocomplexes (VMPNs) using a biodegradable synthetic polyphosphazene delivery vehicle.

Nutritional Counseling During Chemotherapy Treatment: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy.

Dietary interventions during chemotherapy hold promise for clinical and supportive care outcomes. We systematically investigated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of nutritional counseling conducted during chemotherapy. Studies prospectively implemented nutrition counseling during chemotherapy.