Response of capillaries and small arterioles to full-field flicker is not dependent on local ganglion cell thickness.

To measure the influence of ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness on the changes in size and red blood cell (RBC) flow in small retinal vessels evoked by full-field flicker. We used a dual-beam adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope to image 11 healthy young controls in two retinal areas with significantly different GCL thicknesses. All capillaries and arterioles of the superficial vascular plexus were responsive to the flicker stimulation.

Dynamics-aware deep predictive adaptive scanning optical coherence tomography.

Conventional scanned optical coherence tomography (OCT) suffers from the frame rate/resolution tradeoff, whereby increasing image resolution leads to decreases in the maximum achievable frame rate. To overcome this limitation, we propose two variants of machine learning (ML)-based adaptive scanning approaches: one using a ConvLSTM-based sequential prediction model and another leveraging a temporal attention unit (TAU)-based parallel prediction model for scene dynamics prediction. These models are integrated with a kinodynamic path planner based on the clustered traveling salesperson problem to create two versions of ML-based adaptive scanning pipelines.

Quantifying UV-induced photodamage for longitudinal live-cell imaging applications of deep-UV microscopy.

Deep-UV microscopy enables high-resolution, label-free molecular imaging by leveraging biomolecular absorption properties in the UV spectrum. Recent advances in UV-imaging hardware have renewed interest in this technique for quantitative live cell imaging applications. However, UV-induced photodamage remains a concern for longitudinal dynamic imaging studies.

Non-contact confocal calcium imaging of murine corneal nerves.

Abnormal corneal nerve function and associated disease is a significant public health concern. It is associated with prevalent ocular surface diseases, including dry eye disease. Corneal nerve dysfunction is also a common side effect of refractive surgeries, as well as a symptom of diseases that cause peripheral neuropathies.

Volumetric imaging of trabecular meshwork dynamic motion using 600 kHz swept source optical coherence tomography.

The motion of the trabecular meshwork (TM) facilitates the aqueous drainage from the anterior chamber to the venous system, thereby maintaining normal intraocular pressure. As such, characterizing the TM motion is valuable for assessing the functionality of the aqueous outflow system, as demonstrated by previous phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies. Current methods typically acquire motion from a single cross-sectional plane along the circumference of the anterior chamber.

Design concepts for advanced-technology intraocular lenses [Invited].

An intraocular lens (IOL) replaces the natural crystalline lens during cataract surgery, and although the vast majority of implants have simple optics, "advanced technology" IOLs have multifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) properties. Optical concepts are evaluated here, with image contrast, focal range, and unwanted visual phenomena being the primary concerns. Visual phenomena with earlier bifocal diffractive lenses led to alternative diffractive designs (trifocals, etc.

Revealing the dance of NLRP3: spatiotemporal patterns in inflammasome activation.

The nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing-protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex that plays a critical role in the innate immune response to both infections and sterile stressors. Dysregulated NLRP3 activation has been implicated in a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndromes, diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and cancer. Consequently, fine-tuning NLRP3 activity holds significant therapeutic potential.

Navigating a complex dance: the interplay between RNA-binding proteins and T cells in oral epithelial plasticity.

The oral epithelium, a dynamic interface constantly facing environmental challenges, relies on intricate molecular pathways to maintain its homeostasis. This comprehensive review delves into the nuanced interplay between T-lymphocytic cells (T cells) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) within the oral epithelium, elucidating their roles in orchestrating immune responses and influencing tissue plasticity. By synthesizing current knowledge, we aim to unravel the molecular intricacies that govern this interplay, with a focus on potential therapeutic implications for oral health and diseases.

Epidemiology and population-based incidence of influenza in two communities, Bandung district, West Java, Indonesia, 2008-2011.

Influenza surveillance is important for monitoring influenza virus circulation and disease burden to inform influenza prevention and control measures. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology and to estimate the incidence of influenza in two communities in West Java, Indonesia, before and after the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. A population-based surveillance study in the community health care setting was conducted to estimate the annual incidence of influenza.

Inflammatory pseudotumor-like extranodal classic Hodgkin lymphoma manifesting as bowel perforation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient with disseminated leishmaniasis: a case report and approach to differential diagnosis.

Background: Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) is an extremely common non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining malignancy and its incidence is rising. CHL is usually present in the lymph node and extranodal involvement is rare. Primary CHL of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is exceedingly rare.

Multimodal transesophageal echocardiography in the surgical resection of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus.

Background: The incidence and mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are increasing globally. HCC with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus (HCCIVCTT) represents an advanced stage of the disease. Research suggests that for patients with advanced HCCIVCTT, liver resection combined with thrombectomy is a safe and feasible option that can provide moderate survival benefit.

Assessing the value of computed tomography (CT) of the chest in the follow-up of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Following tumor resection, imaging recommendation for the follow-up of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCCA) include frequent chest, abdomen and pelvis computed tomography (CT) imaging. The appropriateness of additional imaging studies is usually derived from their clinical utility. The purpose of this work is to determine the value of chest CT imaging in the follow-up of patients with IHCCA.

Colorectal cancer: local results and significance in Hungary.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes substantial morbidity and mortality internationally. In Hungary, the incidence and mortality of CRC are among the world's highest. Fortunately, CRC is a highly preventable disease, since there is a long asymptomatic phase before neoplastic transformation.

Regional trends in colorectal cancer mortality in people aged 45-84 years in the US, 1999-2022.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening via colonoscopy is now advised for most adults beginning at age 45 years, an update from the earlier recommendation of age 50 years. With the increase in CRC screening rates, it is crucial to examine how mortality rates have changed over time. The aim of this study is to identify trends and regional differences in CRC mortality over the last two decades, specifically in individuals within the CRC recommended screening age group.

The potential role of tumor deposits in the prognosis and TNM staging for colorectal cancer.

Background: Tumor deposits (TDs) can impact proper staging of cancer, which is crucial for discussing prognosis and determining the appropriate treatment plan. Our study aimed to correlate how TDs influence prognosis of resected colorectal cancer (CRC) and how to optimize tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging with respect to TDs for clinical decision-making.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 611 patients with CRC treated in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2020 among whom 197 had TDs.

Mismatch repair deficiency confers worse survival in stage IV colon cancer.

Background: Metastatic colon cancer (MCC) is a debilitating condition with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is limited data that investigates MCC in relation to mismatch repair (MMR) status. The aims of this study are to compare sociodemographic and clinicopathologic features and mortality between patients with MMR-proficient (MMR-P) and MMR-deficient (MMR-D) MCC.

Balancing anticancer therapy efficacy and safety in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant health problem associated with several risk factors, increasingly driven by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome. This association poses a challenge for the primary treatments of HCC, which may include immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, due to their potential cardiotoxic effect. Therefore, it is imperative to balance the therapeutic effects of these agents with their potential cardiovascular adverse events.

Integrating T-cell inflammation features for prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel predictive model.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death globally and accounts for 75% to 90% of primary liver cancer cases. The high mortality rate of HCC, coupled with the absence of reliable prognostic biomarkers, makes its treatment and prognosis evaluation challenging. The features of the T cell-inflamed microenvironment include active interferon (IFN)-γ signaling and the presence of cytotoxic effector molecules, antigen presentation, and T-cell activating cytokines.

Comparison of various liver cancer staging systems in predicting prognosis after initial transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: a retrospective study from China.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes approximately 75-85% of primary liver cancers and is a heavy burden on public health. Many innovative prediction systems have integrated radiomics, artificial intelligence, pathological information, or even genetic information for the stratification and prognosis prediction of patients with HCC. However, these systems still lack practical and clinical applications.

Patent review of novel compounds targeting opioid use disorder (2018-2024).

Introduction: Opioids have served as a cornerstone in pain management for decades. However, the emergence of increasingly potent synthetic analogs brings forth a range of side effects, including respiratory depression, tolerance, dependence, constipation, and, more importantly, the development of severe and debilitating opioid use disorder (OUD). Search for therapeutics to mitigate OUD has been challenging and this has called for novel approaches that include design of small molecules targeting neuronal circuits involved in addiction (opioid, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate receptors, etc.

The Disease and Economic Burden of HBV and HCV in Ethiopia.

As the second most populated country in Africa, Ethiopia needs public health measures to control diseases that impact its population. The goal of this study is to analyse disease burdens of HBV and HCV, while also highlighting their estimated associated costs for the country. A literature review and a Delphi process reflecting input of Ethiopian experts and the National Viral Hepatitis Technical Working Group were used to complement mathematical modelling to estimate HBV and HCV disease and economic burdens.