Application of adipose tissue-derived stem cell therapy with a clinically relevant dose does not significantly affect atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in a streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia mouse model.

Aims: Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces increased inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques, resulting in elevated plaque instability. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy was shown to decrease plaque size and increase stability in non-DM animal models. We now studied the effect of MSC therapy in a streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia mouse model using a clinically relevant dose of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ASCs).

Fit for purpose testing and independent GMP validation of the monocyte activation test.

The present study describes the "fit for purpose" testing and the independent product-specific GMP validation of the monocyte activation test (MAT) to detect pyrogenic and pro-inflammatory contaminants, MAT Method A, Quantitative Test (European Pharmacopoeia, Ph. Eur. chapter 2.

Variations in linear energy transfer distributions within a European proton therapy planning comparison of paediatric posterior fossa tumours.

Background And Purpose: Radiotherapy for paediatric posterior fossa tumours may cause complications in the brainstem and upper spinal cord due to high doses. With proton therapy (PT) this risk may increase due to higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) from elevated linear energy transfer (LET). This study assesses variations in LET in the brainstem and spinal cord in proton treatment plans from European centres.

Are We Moving Too Fast?: Representation of Speed in Static Images.

Despite pictures being static representations, they use various cues to suggest dynamic motion. To investigate the effectiveness of different motion cues in conveying speed in static images, we conducted 3 experiments. In Experiment 1, we compared subjective speed ratings given for motion lines trailing behind movers, suppletion lines replacing parts of the movers and backfixing lines set in the background against the baseline of having no extra cue.

Right Ventricular Restrictive Physiology Is Associated With Right Ventricular Direct Flow From 4D Flow CMR.

Background: Right ventricular restrictive physiology (RVRP) is a common occurrence in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). The relationship of RVRP with biventricular blood flow components and kinetic energy (KE) from 4-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of 4D flow CMR parameters with RVRP in rTOF patients.

The effect of gesture expressivity on emotional resonance in storytelling interaction.

The key function of storytelling is a meeting of hearts: a resonance in the recipient(s) of the story narrator's emotion toward the story events. This paper focuses on the role of gestures in engendering emotional resonance in conversational storytelling. The paper asks three questions: Does story narrators' gesture expressivity increase from story onset to climax offset (RQ #1)? Does gesture expressivity predict specific EDA responses in story participants (RQ #2)? How important is the contribution of gesture expressivity to emotional resonance compared to the contribution of other predictors of resonance (RQ #3)? 53 conversational stories were annotated for a large number of variables including Protagonist, Recency, Group composition, Group size, Sentiment, and co-occurrence with quotation.

Sphere transgressions: reflecting on the risks of Big Tech expansionism.

The rapid expansion of Big Tech companies into various societal domains (e.g., health, education, and agriculture) over the past decade has led to increasing concerns among governments, regulators, scholars, and civil society.

Sphere transgressions in medical research: tactical engagements with Apple's ResearchKit.

In the last decade, large technology companies have started many initiatives to stimulate and innovate in the sphere of medical research. A prominent example is the ResearchKit software framework launched by tech giant Apple in 2015. This software framework enables medical researchers to develop research apps on the iPhone that collect and access diverse types of research data.

A multimodal neural signature of face processing in autism within the fusiform gyrus.

Atypical face processing is commonly reported in autism. Its neural correlates have been explored extensively across single neuroimaging modalities within key regions of the face processing network, such as the fusiform gyrus (FFG). Nonetheless, it is poorly understood how variation in brain anatomy and function jointly impacts face processing and social functioning.

Endothelial identity not found - Beyond passage 38, commercial cardiac microvascular endothelial cells do not express CD31 and VE-cadherin.

Few immortalized cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (CMEC) lines are available, particularly mouse lines. We purchased the CLU510 mCMEC line (Cedarlane), isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for CD31 and VE-cadherin. The cell line has been used in previous studies, although none report CD31 or VE-cadherin expression.

Global, regional, and national burden of colorectal cancer, 19902021: An analysis from global burden of disease study 2021.

Objective: Data on the global, regional and national changes in the trends of colorectal cancer (CRC) are analyzed to understand the trends in its burden, in order to assist policymakers in allocating healthcare resources and developing prevention and control strategies.

Methods: This study analyzed trends in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for CRC from 1990 to 2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. The trends of burden and effectiveness of control strategies were assessed using jointpoint regression analysis, decomposition analysis and frontier analysis.

Knowledge, interest and perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery. A global survey.

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare are growing exponentially. The field of neurosurgery is particularly suited to implement AI solutions given its technology-driven nature. It is of paramount importance to understand the basics of AI to make informed decision on how to shape current and future applications.

Clinical epidemiology, genetic diversity, and drug susceptibility patterns by whole genome sequencing of complex isolates in Gabon from 2012 to 2022.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate genotypic characteristics and drug resistance profiles of complex (Mtbc) strains isolated from patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) in Gabon.

Methods: We performed whole genome sequencing of 430 Mtbc strains cultured between 2012 and 2022. Phylogenetic strain classification, genomic resistance prediction, and cluster analysis were also performed.

Heating dictates the scalability of CO electrolyzer types.

Electrochemical CO reduction offers a promising method of converting renewable electrical energy into valuable hydrocarbon compounds vital to hard-to-abate sectors. Significant progress has been made on the lab scale, but scale-up demonstrations remain limited. Because of the low energy efficiency of CO reduction, we suspect that significant thermal gradients may develop in industrially relevant dimensions.

Cell-derived Newcastle disease virus variant with two amino acid substitutions near cleavage site of F shows favorable traits as oncolytic virus.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has shown encouraging effectiveness in , , and in early clinical trials as a viro-immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Previously, NDV used in clinical trials was produced in embryonated chicken eggs; however, egg-produced viruses are known to be partly neutralized by the human complement system when administered intravenously. Here, an NDV variant (NDV F0) was generated for production in mammalian cells, without passage in eggs.

"Salud Mamaria", an internet-based psychoeducational program during the breast cancer diagnosis process: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Some of the key challenges during the breast cancer diagnosis process include a lack of information and negative psychological consequences, such as distress and anxiety about the process. Implementing a psychoeducational program during the diagnosis process may enhance the well-being of women. "" is an Internet-Based Psychoeducational Program (IBPP) that comprises three interventions: A ("Improving Your Health Habits and Self-Care"), B ("Waiting for the Result of Your Biopsy"), and C ("Supporting You After Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis").

Evaluation of artificial intelligence-based autosegmentation for a high-performance cone-beam computed tomography imaging system in the pelvic region.

Background And Purpose: A novel ring-gantry cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging system shows improved image quality compared to its conventional version, but its effect on autosegmentation is unknown. This study evaluates the impact of this high-performance CBCT on autosegmentation performance, inter-observer variability, contour correction times and delineation confidence, compared to the conventional CBCT.

Materials And Methods: Twenty prostate cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective clinical study.

Activated CD27PD-1 CD8 T Cells and CD4 T Regulatory Cells Dominate the Tumor Microenvironment in Refractory Celiac Disease Type II.

Background And Aims: Refractory celiac disease type II (RCDII) is characterized by a clonally expanded aberrant cell population in the small intestine. The role of other tissue-resident immune subsets in RCDII is unknown. Here, we characterized CD8 and CD4 T cells in RCDII duodenum at the single-cell level and .

River co-learning arenas: principles and practices for transdisciplinary knowledge co-creation and multi-scalar (inter)action.

This paper develops the methodological concept of river co-learning arenas (RCAs) and explores their potential to strengthen innovative grassroots river initiatives, enliven river commons, regenerate river ecologies, and foster greater socio-ecological justice. The integrity of river systems has been threatened in profound ways over the last century. Pollution, damming, canalisation, and water grabbing are some examples of pressures threatening the entwined lifeworlds of human and non-human communities that depend on riverine systems.

Quest for the ideal assessment of electrical ventricular dyssynchrony in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

This paper reviews the literature on assessing electrical dyssynchrony for patient selection in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The guideline-recommended electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria for CRT are QRS duration and morphology, established through inclusion criteria in large CRT trials. However, both QRS duration and LBBB morphology have their shortcomings.

Selecting repetitive focal and rotational activation patterns with the highest probability of being a source of atrial fibrillation.

Introduction: Repetitive focal and rotational activation patterns are currently used as additional ablation targets for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is no evidence that all these detected targets are actual sources of AF. In this paper, we present an approach that detects and ranks AF activation patterns not only based on the degree of pattern repetitiveness but also on the extent to which they are able to entrain their vicinity.

A novel sequential endocardial mapping strategy for locating atrial fibrillation sources based on repetitive conduction patterns: An in-silico study.

Background: In persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), localized extra-pulmonary vein sources may contribute to arrhythmia recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation. This in-silico study proposes a high-density sequential mapping strategy to localize such sources.

Method: Catheter repositioning was guided by repetitive conduction patterns, moving against the prevailing conduction direction (upstream) toward the sources.

A new data science trajectory for analysing multiple studies: a case study in physical activity research.

The analysis of complex mechanisms within population data, and within sub-populations, can be empowered by combining datasets, for example to gain more understanding of change processes of health-related behaviours. Because of the complexity of this kind of research, it is valuable to provide more specific guidelines for such analyses than given in standard data science methodologies. Thereto, we propose a generic procedure for applied data science research in which the data from multiple studies are included.