The Study of Small RNA Sequencing from Biological Samples (miRNA-seq).

Small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) has greatly transformed the study of molecular biology by allowing thorough analysis of several types of short RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). This chapter presents a comprehensive methodology for conducting miRNA -seq on biological materials. The text introduces the principles and uses of miRNA-seq, emphasizing its importance in gene regulation, disease processes, and therapeutic interventions.

Collection and Processing of Samples for Next-Generation Sequencing to Study the Gut Microbiome.

16S rRNA gene sequencing is commonly used for identification and quantitation of microorganisms in complex biological mixtures, such as the human gut microbiome. The 16S rRNA gene is an excellent target gene for sequencing DNA in a heterogenous sample, as it is a highly conserved part of the transcriptional machinery. Universal PCR primers are used to amplify the conserved regions of 16S.

The Evolution of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies.

The genetic information that dictates the structure and function of all life forms is encoded in the DNA. In 1953, Watson and Crick first presented the double helical structure of a DNA molecule. Their findings unearthed the desire to elucidate the exact composition and sequence of DNA molecules.

Empathy and cultural competence remains stable for medical students: do the humanities have an effect?

There is a paucity of rigorous longitudinal data regarding the relationship between humanities and their effect on multiple psychometrics. Using an observational art course, we assessed pre- and post-course metrics and longitudinal impacts with 120 preclinical medical students taking the "Art of Observation" between 2016 and 2019. Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) and Jeffreys Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) were assessed annually for four years.

CT perfusion derived relative cerebral blood volume < 42 % is negatively associated with poor functional outcomes at discharge in anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke.

Background And Aim: Recent studies have shown that the CT Perfusion (CTP) parameter of rCBV < 42 % lesion volume can predict 90-day functional outcomes in stroke patients. However, its correlation with discharge outcomes, including functional dependence, has not been investigated. Our study aims to evaluate the relationship between rCBV < 42 % and poor functional outcomes at discharge, defined as a modified Rankin score (mRS) of 3 or higher.

Differentiating seborrheic keratosis from melanoma among lesions exhibiting blue-white veil: A retrospective study.

Background: Differentiating melanoma (MM) from seborrheic keratosis (SK) containing a blue-white veil (BWV) remains challenging.

Objective: Identify dermoscopic features that can improve upon the differentiation between MMs and SKs exhibiting BWV.

Methods: Images from 110 MMs and 121 SKs containing BWV were aggregated, and 91 MMs and 62 SKs from this data set had complete agreement on the presence of BWV according to 3 expert dermoscopists.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation with Insomnia in the Elderly Population.

Introduction/objectives: Insomnia is a common sleep disorders that affects most individuals in the United States, and worldwide. Insomnia is linked with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in adults, although the strengths of association were weak, especially in the elderly population. AF is estimated to affect approximately 3 to 6 million people in the United States.

An Efficiency Model for Decreasing Operative Room Turnover Time for Total Joint Arthroplasties.

Objectives: Despite an increased demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA), rising health-care costs and bundling of payments by payers have shifted the focus to improving operating room (OR) efficiency. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an efficiency model that optimized instrument trays on decreasing OR turnover time (TOT) and the benefits made possible by this improved efficiency.

Methods: All primary TJA procedures performed by a single fellowship-trained surgeon from January 2022 to August 2023 were reviewed.

Utility of N-acetylcysteine in Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury Secondary to Influenza A Infection.

Influenza A, which belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae viral family, is a known causative agent of respiratory illness and systemic inflammation. Annual influenza immunizations are crucial in reducing the incidence and severity of the flu. Intravenous (IV) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a pharmaceutical agent indicated for hepatic injury, particularly to address oxidative stress and inflammation secondary to acetaminophen toxicity.

A Scoping Review of Arthropod-Borne Flavivirus Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Arthropod-borne flaviviruses (ABFs), transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, are increasing due to climate change and globalization. This scoping review examines the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes of ABF infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs). A database search up to January 25, 2024, focused on ABFs such as West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Powassan virus (POWV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and Zika virus (ZIKV), limited to SOTRs.

Engraftment of a surrogate antigen onto tumor cell surface via pHLIP peptide to universally target CAR-T cell therapy to solid tumors.

CAR-T cells and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are immunotherapeutics that have shown efficacies against certain malignancies. However, their broad application is hindered by the scarcity of tumor-associated antigens on tumor cell surfaces. Previous investigations unveiled the unique capacity of pH-low insertion peptide (pHLIP) to anchor to plasma membranes under acidic conditions.

Perspectives and needs of neonatology division directors regarding gender equity.

Gender inequities in pediatrics are extensively documented despite women predominating the workforce. As a landscape assessment of gender equity in university-based neonatology divisions in the United States, we collected gender equity measures from academic neonatology division directors; 83% (n = 106) participated. The majority recognized addressing gender inequity was a middle-to-top priority, though they reported minimal gender inequities in their division.

"Chopperlysis": The effect of helicopter transport on reperfusion and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes.

Background: In large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for thrombectomy, spontaneous reperfusion may occur during transport, and anecdotally more frequently in patients transferred via helicopter than by ground. This pattern has been more often observed in conjunction with tenecteplase (TNK) treatment prior to helicopter transport. We aim to explore the "chopperlysis" effect-how helicopter transport, particularly with thrombolytics, may affect reperfusion and clinical outcomes.

Role of preoperative CT imaging in penetrating thoraco-abdominal injuries: A multicenter study of urban trauma centers.

Introduction: Management of penetrating thoracoabdominal (PTA) injuries with signs of hemorrhage have warranted operative intervention but improved imaging capabilities have redefined interventions required. We examined outcomes of hemodynamically stable patients undergoing preoperative CT imaging with the hypothesis that CT imaging would decrease OR time without delaying OR arrival.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was performed amongst four urban trauma centers examining hemodynamically stable patients with PTA injuries requiring operative intervention from January 2017-December 2021.

The recent history and near future of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine: an update on progress from 2019 to 2024.

The field of behavioral medicine has a long and successful history of leveraging digital health tools to promote health behavior change. Our 2019 summary of the history and future of digital health in behavioral medicine (Arigo in J Behav Med 8: 67-83, 2019) was one of the most highly cited articles in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine from 2010 to 2020; here, we provide an update on the opportunities and challenges we identified in 2019. We address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on behavioral medicine research and practice and highlight some of the digital health advances it prompted.

Hyperacute thrombosis of a vertebral artery stent with a single missed dose of a P2Y12 inhibitor and poor stent wall apposition: illustrative case.

Background: Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury during surgery can cause pseudoaneurysm, hemorrhage, thrombosis, ischemia, or death. Strategies to prevent cerebrovascular embolic complications include surgical ligation, endovascular stenting, and/or antiplatelet therapy.

Observations: A 73-year-old female with a known right vertebral artery occlusion underwent a C2-3 laminectomy, complicated by left vertebral artery injury and occlusion with subsequent posterior circulation ischemia.

Comparative Outcomes of Unilateral vs Bilateral Revascularization in Moyamoya Disease: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background And Objectives: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by progressive steno-occlusion of the internal carotid arteries, leading to compensatory collateral vessel formation. The optimal surgical approach for MMD remains debated, with bilateral revascularization potentially offering more comprehensive protection but involving more extensive surgery compared to unilateral revascularization. This study aims to compare bilateral revascularization and unilateral revascularization short-term safety profile in the treatment of MMD.

Association Between MRI Findings of Facet Arthropathy and Synovitis With Health-Related Outcome and Pain Scores Following Therapeutic Lumbar Facet Injections.

Low back pain is a common complaint among adults. The facet joint is a major source of lumbar pain, and therapeutic facet injections have gained popularity as a minimally invasive treatment option. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization for diagnosing low back pain has increased significantly over the past few decades.

Knowledge of Palliative Care in Men and Women Diagnosed With Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate knowledge of Palliative Care (PC) and the impact of systemic and patient-related factors on the use of PC in a diverse population of men and women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Methodology: A telephone administered survey was used with patients receiving treatment at a Cancer Center in an urban area of the Northeast US. Descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were used.