Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the SNARE Complex Interacting with Synaptotagmin, Complexin, and Lipid Bilayers.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations enable in silico investigation of the dynamic behavior of proteins and protein complexes. Here, we describe MD simulations of the SNARE bundle forming the complex with the neuronal proteins Synaptotagmin-1 (Syt1) and Complexin (Cpx). Syt1 is the synaptic vesicle (SV) protein that serves as the neuronal calcium sensor and triggers synaptic fusion upon calcium binding, and this process is promoted and accelerated by Cpx.

Probabilistic nested model selection in pharmacokinetic analysis of DCE-MRI data in animal model of cerebral tumor.

Best current practice in the analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-MRI is to employ a voxel-by-voxel model selection from a hierarchy of nested models. This nested model selection (NMS) assumes that the observed time-trace of contrast-agent (CA) concentration within a voxel, corresponds to a singular physiologically nested model. However, admixtures of different models may exist within a voxel's CA time-trace.

Inter-Network Effective Connectivity During Emotional Working Memory Task in two independent samples of young adults.

Background: Effective connectivity (EC) analysis provides valuable insights into the directionality of neural interactions, crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional regulation in depressive and anxiety disorders. This study examined EC within key neural networks during working memory (WM) and emotional regulation (ER) tasks in young adults, both healthy and seeking help from mental health professionals for emotional distress.

Methods: Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) was employed to analyze EC in two independent samples (n=97 and n=94).

Assessing the efficacy of farnesoid X receptor agonists in the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy of Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists in Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Several randomized clinical trials have been conducted assessing the potential efficacy of Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). A comprehensive review and analysis were needed to evaluate the findings of these trials. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to study the association between FXR agonists and hepatic outcomes in patients with MASLD.

Efficacy of Split-Thickness Thin Amniotic Membrane Graft for Closure of Refractory or Large Macular Holes.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of split-thickness amniotic membrane (SAM) grafts in achieving closure of refractory or large macular holes (MH).

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data from patients who underwent surgical repair of MHs using SAM grafts between January 2019 and December 2023. Key parameters, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and MH size, were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively.

VISTA-induced tumor suppression by a four amino acid intracellular motif.

VISTA is a key immune checkpoint receptor under investigation for cancer immunotherapy; however, its signaling mechanisms remain unclear. Here we identify a conserved four amino acid (NPGF) intracellular motif in VISTA that suppresses cell proliferation by constraining cell-intrinsic growth receptor signaling. The NPGF motif binds to the adapter protein NUMB and recruits Rab11 endosomal recycling machinery.

The Association Between Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Microscopic Colitis: A Systematic Review.

The association between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and microscopic colitis (MC) has been explored in limited studies, suggesting potential shared pathophysiological mechanisms. This systematic review aimed to investigate this relationship by analyzing studies identified through comprehensive searches in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Two studies met the inclusion criteria: a case series of 12 patients and a case report, collectively analyzing 13 cases.

Left ventromedial prefrontal cortex inhibitory rTMS as an anti-stress intervention in opioid use disorder: Trial design.

Background: In people with substance use disorders (SUDs), stress-exposure can impair executive function, and increase craving and likelihood of drug-use recurrence. Research shows that acute stressors increase drug-seeking behavior; however, mechanisms underlying this effect are incompletely understood. The Competing Neurobehavioral Decisions System theory posits that persons with SUDs may have hyperactive limbic reward circuitry and hypoactive executive control circuitry.

Endoureteral ablation: A novel technique to occlude the ureter in patients with urinary tract fistulae.

Urinary fistulae are abnormal connections between the urinary system and adjacent body parts, often resulting from factors such as infection, radiation, malignancy, protracted labor, gynecologic surgery, and gastrointestinal tract surgery. These fistulae can lead to persistent urinary incontinence, skin breakdown, social humiliation, psychosocial trauma, and severe infections. Current treatments include surgical repair, urinary diversion, and ureteral embolization, though these can have complications and are not always successful or feasible for all patients.

Cannabis use and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease outcomes: A meta-analysis of multinational cohort data.

Background: While an association between cannabis use and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) has been reported numerous times, it remains inconclusive as to whether this link is causal in nature. We sought to consolidate data from observational studies to explore the association between ever use of cannabis and ASCVD outcomes, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and a combined measure of any adverse cardiovascular events in comparison to non-users or controls.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies from inception until April 2024.

Developmental exposure to legacy environmental contaminants, medial temporal lobe volumes and spatial navigation memory in late adolescents.

Exposure to lead, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been causally linked to spatial memory deficits and hippocampal changes in animal models. The Inuit community in Northern Canada is exposed to higher concentrations of these contaminants compared to the general population. This study aimed to 1) investigate associations between prenatal and current contaminant exposures and medial temporal brain volumes in Inuit late adolescents; 2) examine the relationship between these brain structures and spatial memory; and 3) assess the mediating role of brain structures in the association between contaminant exposure and spatial memory.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) as a cause of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE): Case report and review of literature.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a rare cause of NORSE. We describe the case of a young girl who presented with NORSE associated with MOGAD along with a systematic review of all cases of NORSE associated with MOGAD till date. Seizures associated with MOGAD are usually associated with good outcome but can occasionally be catastrophic and non-responsive to conventional therapies.

Ethical considerations for referral partnerships in clinical research.

Recruitment challenges in clinical research are widespread, particularly for traditionally under-represented groups. Referral relationships-in which research partners and clinical partners agree to collaborate on selected research studies or programmes, with the expectation that the clinical partners refer appropriate patients as potential participants-may help alleviate these challenges. Referral relationships allow research partners access to expanded and more diverse pools of participants by increasing the engagement of medical providers, leveraging providers' connections with patients and providing structural support for study participation.

Differential homing of monocytes and neutrophils in the epithelial layer of HSV-1 infected cornea regulates viral dissemination and wound healing.

Purpose: To ascertain the homing of monocytes and neutrophils in the epithelium versus stroma of HSV-1 infected corneas at different stages of infection and functional significance of their anatomical location in virus-infected corneas.

Methods: The corneas of C57BL/6J mice were infected with HSV-1 McKrae. Mice were euthanized on different days post-infection.

Evaluation of Multi-Lingual Simplifications of IR Procedural Reports Using GPT-4.

This study assesses the feasibility of Large Language Models like GPT-4 (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA, USA) to summarize interventional radiology (IR) procedural reports to improve layperson understanding and translate medical texts into multiple languages. 200 reports from eight categories were summarized using GPT-4. Readability was assessed with Flesch-Kincaid Reading Level (FKRL) and Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES).

Clubhouse Partnerships with Clinical Services: Current Status and Barriers to Integration.

The Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation has supported the recovery of people with serious mental illness for over 75 years, but many of the roughly 350 Clubhouses are not well-integrated into the larger health care system, limiting their reach. This article examines Clubhouses' and psychiatric providers' interactions and experiences to understand the nature of and barriers to partnerships. The directors of Clubhouses affiliated with Clubhouse International were surveyed, examining their attitudes and practices around collaboration with psychiatric providers.

Minichromosome Maintenance Proteins: From DNA Replication to the DNA Damage Response.

The DNA replication machinery is highly conserved from bacteria to eukaryotic cells. Faithful DNA replication is vital for cells to transmit accurate genetic information to the next generation. However, both internal and external DNA damages threaten the intricate DNA replication process, leading to the activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) system.

Bone Plug in the Bronchoscopic Management of Postoperative Bronchopleural Fistulas.

Background: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare and often difficult postoperative complication to manage. This case series describes a bronchoscopic technique using a bone plug for closure of BPFs.

Methods: Six patients at Henry Ford Hospital from 2014 to 2021, who had a postoperative BPF after lung resection with curative intent for non-small cell lung cancer, underwent bronchoscopic placement of a customized bone plug.

Study protocol for a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial of a team-based implementation strategy to support educators' use of a social engagement intervention.

Background: Remaking Recess (RR) is a school-based evidence-based peer social engagement intervention for autistic students. RR involves direct training and coaching with educators; however, educators face several barriers to implementation at both the individual- and organizational-levels. This protocol paper describes a multi-site study that will test whether an educator-level implementation strategy, coaching, with or without a school-level implementation strategy, school-based teams, will maximize educators' use (fidelity and sustainment) of RR for autistic students and their peers who are socially-isolated, rejected, or peripheral and may need additional support during recess.

Cancer-related health behaviors during the COVID 19 pandemic in geographically diverse samples across the US.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic involved business closures (e.g., gyms), social distancing policies, and prolonged stressful situations that may have impacted engagement in health behaviors.