Recent advances in neuroimaging of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

This review covers recent advances (2023-2024) in neuroimaging research into the pathophysiology, progression, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). Despite the rapid emergence of blood-based biomarkers, neuroimaging continues to be a vital area of research in ADRD. Here, we discuss neuroimaging as a powerful tool to topographically visualize and quantify amyloid, tau, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and vascular disease in the brain.

Demethoxycurcumin induces apoptosis and reduces cell migration by affecting AKT/mTOR-dependent autophagy in human glioma U87MG and T98G cell lines.

Background: Standard treatment for glioblastoma includes chemotherapy, alkylating agents such as temozolomide (TMZ); however, MGMT resistance leads to recurrence. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) has been reported to inhibit cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, and prevent metastasis in different cancer models. We investigated the DMC-induced apoptosis and autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway in human glioma U87MG and T98G cell lines.

Fingolimod as a Potential Cerebroprotectant Results From the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network.

Background: Fingolimod is an immunomodulatory drug that has shown promising effects in stroke treatment, including improvements in neurofunctional recovery and a reduction in infarct size. Fingolimod modulates the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors, which leads to the internalization of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors on T and B lymphocytes, thereby preventing their egress from secondary lymphoid organs. Here, we report a secondary analysis from the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network trial.

Persistent Tic Disorders Are Associated With 17q12 Duplications.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Persistent Tic Disorder (PTD) are childhood-onset neuropsychiatric conditions with high heritability. Due to current sample size limitations, identifying TS/PTD risk genes has been challenging. This study addressed this issue by conducting a meta-analysis of microarray copy number variant (CNV) studies from three TS/PTD genomics consortia, supplemented with new data from 3,291 cases.

Real-World Sex Differences in Response to Treatment with Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Analysis of Single-Center Outpatient Case Series.

: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health burden with increasing prevalence, necessitating effective management strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as beneficial therapies, promoting both glycemic control and weight loss, yet real-world data on sex differences in response are limited. This study aimed to investigate sex-based differences in glycemic and weight outcomes, as well as adverse effects, in T2D patients treated with GLP-1 RAs at a single diabetes center.

Regulating the Lipophilicity of an Acid-Base Bifunctional Catalyst to Enhance the Performance of Catalytic Synthesis of Ethyl Methyl Carbonate.

Ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) is the most extensively used solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. In recent years, the technology for producing EMC through the highly atom-economical transesterification of dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate has garnered widespread attention. However, the commonly used sodium alkoxide basic catalysts exhibit poor catalytic activity due to their insolubility in this nonpolar reaction system.

Whole-genome sequencing-based characterization of endometrial serous carcinoma.

Objective: To define the structural variants, mutational signatures, and DNA repair defects in serous endometrial carcinoma (EC) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Methods: Ten primary untreated classic serous ECs diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 were selected. Tumor and matched normal DNAs were subjected to WGS, and sequencing data were analyzed using state-of-the-art bioinformatics methods.

Percutaneous Osteotomy of the Tibial Tubercle: A Minimally Invasive Technique Assisted by Arthroscopy and Fluoroscopy.

The tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a versatile technique that has historically been utilized to treat several disorders of the patellofemoral joint, including patellar instability, focal chondral defects, patellofemoral dysfunction, and arthritic conditions. Traditionally, TTO has been performed in an open fashion, with variable rates of bone and wound-healing complications reported in the literature. The purpose of this article is to describe an arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive TTO that aims to reduce the bone and soft tissue healing complications of open surgery.

Germline landscape of high grade serous ovarian cancer across age groups: Is age just a number?

Objective: To characterize age-related variations in germline pathogenic variants (gPVs) in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC).

Methods: Patients with HGSOC who underwent clinical tumor-normal sequencing of ≥76 genes from 1/1/2015-11/15/2022, were included. Clinical variables including age at diagnosis were collected.

Diabetes and Sarcopenia: Metabolomic Signature of Pathogenic Pathways and Targeted Therapies.

Diabetes mellites (DM) is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide and multiple health implications. Among them, sarcopenia is a metabolic disorder characterized by loss of muscle mass and function. The two age-related diseases, DM and sarcopenia, share underlying pathophysiological pathways.

Impact of disease activity on quality of life and EQ-5D-3L score in myasthenia gravis: results from the Swedish MG registry.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease causing motor fatiguability. The impact of MG on quality of life (QoL) is incompletely studied. Here, we explore the impact of disease activity on QoL.

A structured lifestyle intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder: feasibility trial.

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. We developed a lifestyle intervention, named LIFT, aimed at improving lifestyle habits (physical activity, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, stress, sleep) and reducing cardiometabolic risk factors in OCD.

Aims: This study aimed to establish the feasibility and acceptability of LIFT, evaluate its preliminary efficacy and explore experiences of participation.

Obesity-Related Kidney Disease: A Growing Threat to Renal Health.

Obesity represents a serious and growing disease worldwide. The pathophysiological changes secondary to chronic inflammation lead to the development of diseases that increase the morbidity and mortality of individuals. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition with deleterious effects that acts bidirectionally with obesity.

Instant enzymes: Systems engineering approach to rapid low cost production of thermostable molecular biology enzymes.

Purified thermostable proteins are essential research reagents, yet their production often involves laborious, stepwise optimization and costly chromatographic methods. These barriers have historically limited in-house protein production to well-equipped labs with significant expertise. A systems engineering approach is presented for streamlined, low-cost production and chromatography-free purification of widely used DNA-modifying enzymes, including Taq DNA Polymerase, Fusion High-Fidelity Polymerase, Thermostable DNA Ligase, and Reverse Transcriptase.

2-Hydroxybenzylamine for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A First-in-Human Clinical Pilot Trial.

Background: Inflammation is a common mechanism for atrial fibrillation (AF). 2-Hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) is a novel therapeutic that scavenges isolevuglandins-a downstream mediator of inflammation and oxidative stress. 2-HOBA is safe and reduces AF in mice, prompting a first-in-human pilot clinical trial.

Polygenic prediction of body mass index and obesity through the life course and across ancestries.

Polygenic scores (PGSs) for body mass index (BMI) may guide early prevention and targeted treatment of obesity. Using genetic data from up to 5.1 million people (4.

Dimethyl carbonate as a green organic modifier in supercritical fluid extraction of pesticide residue analysis in apple samples.

In line with the Green Analytical Chemistry principles, the drive to replace conventional organic solvents with more sustainable alternatives is rapidly evolving. This study introduces dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a novel co-solvent in supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) for the multi-residue analysis of pesticides in apple samples. The extraction performance of DMC was systematically compared with that of acetonitrile (ACN) and bio-ethanol (EtOH) under optimized conditions (30% co-solvent, 150 bar, 70 °C, 1 mL min flow rate, and 21 min of total extraction time).

Cost-effectiveness of pramipexole in addition to mood stabilisers for patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression: Economic evaluation of the PAX-BD randomised controlled trial.

Background: People with bipolar disorders (BD) frequently experience depressive symptoms that do not respond to available treatment options. The resulting burden for people with BD and society is substantial. This study sought to explore the cost-effectiveness of pramipexole in combination with mood stabilisers for people with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder (TRBD).

Magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate between Crohn's disease-associated and cryptoglandular perianal fistula.

Background: The radiological features of Crohn's disease (CD)-associated and cryptoglandular perianal fistulae (PAF) are similar, but distinguishing them is crucial for treatment decisions. Delayed CD diagnosis in PAF can worsen long-term outcomes and accurate radiological differentiation may help identify CD-associated PAF.

Methods: In a retrospective single-center study, we analyzed the pelvic MRI images of the patients with PAF.

AAV-delivered PPT1 provides long-term neurological benefits in CLN1 mice and achieves therapeutic levels in sheep brain.

CLN1 disease is a fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by deficiency in palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), for which no disease-modifying therapy exists. The disease affects the entire central nervous system (CNS), necessitating widespread delivery of therapeutics to the brain and spinal cord. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based PPT1 gene therapy delivered intrathecally has been tested in mouse models but has shown limited efficacy due to inadequate brain bioavailability.

Histone H3 N-terminal recognition by the PHD finger of PHRF1 is required for proper DNA damage response.

Plant homeodomain (PHD) fingers are critical effectors of histone post-translational modifications (PTMs), regulating gene expression and genome integrity, and are frequently implicated in human disease. While most PHD fingers recognize unmodified and methylated states of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4), the specific functions of many of the over 100 human PHD finger-containing proteins are poorly understood. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of one such poorly characterized PHD finger-containing protein, PHRF1.

Developing and Implementing an Intervention to Increase Immunization Coverage Among Frontline Long-Term Care Staff.

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization coverage has declined among frontline post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) staff, such as nurses, certified nursing assistants, and kitchen staff. We took a novel approach to addressing these declines by engaging frontline staff in design of immunization-focused professional development by surveying a convenience sample of 200 frontline PALTC staff to understand their attitudes toward immunization and preferences for job-related education and training. Frontline staff reported being motivated to protect themselves and residents from illness but were skeptical about the ability of vaccines to do so.

ESCMID-EFISG Survey on Diagnostic and Therapeutic Capacity for Invasive Fungal Infections in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg: A Focus on High Azole Resistance.

Introduction: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a major clinical challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. With the increasing prevalence of immunosuppressive conditions and ageing populations, the incidence of IFI is rising globally.

Objective: This survey aims to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities for IFI in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux), a region of high azole-resistance among Aspergillus fumigatus isolates.

Dual-Sided Multidentate Coordination Strategy Enables Record Birefringence in UV-Transparent Antimony-Based Hybrid Crystals.

Achieving ultrahigh birefringence in UV-transparent materials remains fundamentally constrained by the trade-off between strong optical anisotropy and wide bandgap transparency. Herein, we report a dual-sided multidentate coordination (DMC) strategy to construct two butterfly-shaped UV organic-inorganic hybrid crystals-(CHNO)SbF (PCSF) and (CHNO)SbF (QCSF)-in which planar π-conjugated bidentate ligands symmetrically chelate stereochemically active lone pair (SCALP) Sb centers. This coordination architecture enforces coplanar alignment of optical functional units and promotes dense π-π stacking, thereby significantly enhancing macroscopic birefringence.