fMRI data acquisition and analysis for task-free, anesthetized rats.

Templates for the acquisition of large datasets such as the Human Connectome Project guide the neuroimaging community to reproducible data acquisition and scientific rigor. By contrast, small animal neuroimaging often relies on laboratory-specific protocols, which limit cross-study comparisons. The establishment of broadly validated protocols may facilitate the acquisition of large datasets, which are essential for uncovering potentially small effects often seen in functional MRI (fMRI) studies.

Genetic coupling of enhancer activity and connectivity in gene expression control.

Gene enhancers often form long-range contacts with promoters, but it remains unclear if the activity of enhancers and their chromosomal contacts are mediated by the same DNA sequences and recruited factors. Here, we study the effects of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) on enhancer activity and promoter contacts in primary monocytes isolated from 34 male individuals. Using eQTL-Capture Hi-C and a Bayesian approach considering both intra- and inter-individual variation, we initially detect 19 eQTLs associated with enhancer-eGene promoter contacts, most of which also associate with enhancer accessibility and activity.

Prediction of Radiation Therapy Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity from Pretreatment CT Images in Patients with Thoracic Malignancy via an Optimal Biomarker Approach.

Rationale And Objectives: Cardiovascular toxicity is a well-known complication of thoracic radiation therapy (RT), leading to increased morbidity and mortality, but existing techniques to predict cardiovascular toxicity have limitations. Predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular toxicity may help to maximize patient outcomes.

Methods: The machine learning optimal biomarker (OBM) method was employed to predict development of cardiotoxicity (based on serial echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction and longitudinal strain) from computed tomography (CT) images in patients with thoracic malignancy undergoing RT.

Evaluation of Thigh Muscle Strength in Adolescent Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis or Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: There has been increased interest in lateral extra-articular procedures, such as anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) or lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET), to reduce anterolateral rotation instability of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Despite promising surgical outcomes with these techniques, their impact on knee strength recovery is unknown.

Hypothesis: Patients undergoing lateral extra-articular procedures at the time of ACLR would have impaired thigh muscle strength at 6 to 9 months after surgery.

Circulating, Extracellular Vesicle-Associated Tissue Factor in Cancer Patients with and without Venous Thromboembolism.

Cancer is characterized by chronic inflammation and hypercoagulability, with an excess of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tissue factor, the initiator of blood coagulation, circulates associated with extracellular vesicles (EV-TF). Studies investigating EV-TF between cancer-associated and non-cancer-associated VTE are lacking.

Phenotypic Presentation of Children with Joint Hypermobility: Preclinical Signs.

Introduction: Joint hypermobility (JH) is mobility beyond the normal range of motion. JH can be an isolated finding or a characteristic of a syndrome. Characteristics related to the sitting position with atypical body positions, such as sitting in splits (S), with the foot on the head (F), in W (W), in a concave shape (C), episodes of dislocations, and subluxations, suggest impacts on body mechanics since childhood, with damage to the conformation of the joints.

Venoarterial Membrane Oxygenation in Cardiogenic Shock Complicated from an Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Overview and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis.

Cardiogenic shock remains a significant cause of mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome, despite early interventions, such as coronary revascularization. Mechanical circulatory support devices, particularly venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), are increasingly being utilized to address this issue. Limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist to evaluate the efficacy of VA-ECMO in cardiogenic shock related to acute coronary syndrome.

Association of Corticosteroid Inhaler Type with Saliva Microbiome in Moderate-to-Severe Pediatric Asthma.

: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are common inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) inhaler devices. The difference in formulation and administration technique of these devices may influence oral cavity microbiota composition. We aimed to compare the saliva microbiome in children with moderate-to-severe asthma using ICS via MDIs versus DPIs.

An essential role for TASL in mouse autoimmune pathogenesis and Toll-like receptor signaling.

TASL is an immune adaptor that binds to the solute carrier SLC15A4 and facilitates activation of the transcription factor IRF5 during Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling. Similar to IRF5 and SLC15A4, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within TASL have been implicated in increased susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in patients. However, the biological function of TASL in vivo and how SLE-associated SNPs increase disease risk is unknown.

Anti-Idiotypic Antibody as a Booster Vaccine Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children and adults. With nearly everyone infected by the age of five, there is an opportunity to develop booster vaccines that enhance B-cell immunity, promoting potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies. One potential approach involves using anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-IDs) to mimic specific antigenic sites and enhance preexisting immunity in an epitope-specific manner.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Baseplate Stability Is Affected by Bone Density and the Type and Amount of Augmentation.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of bony increased offset (BIO) and metallic augments (MAs) on primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) baseplate stability in cadaveric specimens with variable bone densities.

Methods: Thirty cadaveric specimens were analyzed in an imaging and biomechanical investigation. Computed tomography (CT) scans allowed for preoperative RSA planning and bone density analysis.

Lipoprotein(a) Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score Development and Prediction in Primary Prevention From Real-World Data.

Background: Lp(a; Lipoprotein[a]) is a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); however, there are few algorithms incorporating Lp(a), especially from real-world settings. We developed an electronic health record (EHR)-based risk prediction algorithm including Lp(a).

Methods: Utilizing a large EHR database, we categorized Lp(a) cut points at 25, 50, and 75 mg/dL and constructed 10-year ASCVD risk prediction models incorporating Lp(a), with external validation in a pooled cohort of 4 US prospective studies.

The relationship between cannabis and cardiovascular disease: clearing the haze.

Cannabis has been consumed for centuries, but global regulatory changes over the past three decades have increased the availability and consumption of cannabis. Cannabinoids are touted to have therapeutic potential for many diseases and could be a replacement for opioids for analgesia and sedation. However, cannabinoids can cause substantial adverse cardiovascular events that would mitigate any potential benefit.

In vivo CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing in mice identifies genetic modifiers of somatic CAG repeat instability in Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease, one of more than 50 inherited repeat expansion disorders, is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG expansion in HTT. Inherited CAG repeat length is the primary determinant of age of onset, with human genetic studies underscoring that the disease is driven by the CAG length-dependent propensity of the repeat to further expand in the brain. Routes to slowing somatic CAG expansion, therefore, hold promise for disease-modifying therapies.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Medicine: A Critical Review.

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI), including its subfields of machine learning and deep learning, is a branch of computer science and engineering focused on creating machines capable of tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as visual perception, decision-making, and natural language processing. AI applications have become increasingly prevalent in dental medicine, generating high expectations as well as raising ethical and practical concerns.

Methods: This critical review evaluates the current applications of AI in dentistry, identifying key perspectives, challenges, and limitations in ongoing AI research.

Endovascular versus Best Medical Treatment for Acute Carotid Occlusion BelOw Circle of Willis (ACOBOW): The ACOBOW Study.

Background Symptomatic acute occlusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) below the circle of Willis can cause a variety of stroke symptoms, even if the major intracranial cerebral arteries remain patent; however, outcome and safety data are limited. Purpose To compare treatment effects and procedural safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) and best medical treatment (BMT) in patients with symptomatic acute occlusions of the ICA below the circle of Willis. Materials and Methods This retrospective, multicenter cohort study from 22 comprehensive stroke centers in Europe and Asia includes patients treated between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2022.

Construction and iterative redesign of synXVI a 903 kb synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome.

The Sc2.0 global consortium to design and construct a synthetic genome based on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome commenced in 2006, comprising 16 synthetic chromosomes and a new-to-nature tRNA neochromosome. In this paper we describe assembly and debugging of the 902,994-bp synthetic Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosome synXVI of the Sc2.

Location-specific net water uptake and malignant cerebral edema in acute anterior circulation occlusion ischemic stroke.

Background And Purpose: Early identification of malignant cerebral edema (MCE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke is crucial for timely interventions. We aimed to identify regions critically associated with MCE using the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) to evaluate the association between location-specific-net water uptake (NWU) and MCE.

Materials And Methods: This multicentre, retrospective cohort study included patients with acute ischemic stroke following large anterior circulation occlusion.

Stroke Rehabilitation: Synopsis of the 2024 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Description: In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.

Association between choroidal microvasculature in the eye and Alzheimer's disease risk in cognitively healthy mid-life adults: A pilot study.

Introduction: We explored associations between measurements of the ocular choroid microvasculature and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk.

Methods: We measured the choroidal vasculature appearing in optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of 69 healthy, mid-life individuals in the PREVENT Dementia cohort. The cohort was prospectively split into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on the presence of known risk factors (apolipoprotein E [] ε4 genotype and family history of dementia [FH]).

Enhanced pathogen identification among patients with clinically suspected meningitis.

Background: Delayed or incorrect treatment of meningitis may result in adverse patient outcomes. However, laboratory testing in resource-limited settings is often limited to conventional diagnostic methods. We explored the utility of syndromic molecular assays for diagnosis.