Laparoscopic treatment of paraprostatic cyst in two dogs - complete resection, and partial resection with omentalization: a case report.

Two intact male dogs were evaluated for symptoms, including hematuria, prostatomegaly, anuria, lethargy, and abdominal mass. Presurgical evaluations, including complete physical examinations, blood examinations, abdominal radiography with contrast (only in Case 2), ultrasonography, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (only in Case 1), were performed. A paraprostatic cyst was diagnosed initially, and laparoscopic exploration and surgery were performed. Complete resection was performed in case 1, whereas partial resection with omentalization was performed in case 2. Histopathological examination of the tissue samples confirmed the presence of paraprostatic pseudocysts in both cases, with no evidence of an epithelial lining. These two cases represent the first documented instances of laparoscopic treatment for extraparenchymal prostatic cysts. The laparoscopic treatment proved feasible even in the case of a giant cyst causing anuria (Case 2). Paraprostatic cysts should be considered a potential differential diagnosis for abnormal urination accompanied by an abdominal mass, and long-term postoperative follow-up is necessary.

Surgical Correction of a Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defect with Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connections Using Cardiac Computed Tomography Imaging and a 3D-Printed Model.

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects (SVASDs), concurrent with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVCs), are a rare congenital heart disease in dogs. Surgical correction is essential when clinical signs or significant hemodynamic changes are present. We aimed to report on the successful surgical correction of an SVASD with PAPVCs, using a computed tomography (CT)-based customized 3D cardiac model. A 10-month-old male poodle was referred for corrective surgery for an ASD. Echocardiography confirmed a hemodynamically significant left-to-right shunting flow through an interatrial septal defect and severe right-sided heart volume overload. For a comprehensive diagnosis, a CT scan was performed, which confirmed an SVASD with PAPVCs. A customized 3D cardiac model was used for preoperative decision-making and surgical rehearsal. The defect was repaired using an autologous pericardial patch under a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Temporary pacing was applied for sinus bradycardia and third-degree atrioventricular block. The patient recovered from the anesthesia without further complications. The pacemaker was removed during hospitalization and the patient was discharged without complications 2 weeks post-surgery. At the three-month follow-up, there was no shunting flow in the interatrial septum and the right-sided volume overload had been resolved. The cardiac medications were discontinued, and there were no complications. This report indicates the validity of surgical correction under CPB for an SVASD with PAPVCs, and the advantages of utilizing a CT-based 3D cardiac model for preoperative planning to increase the surgical success rate.

Machine learning-based analysis for prediction of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants using perinatal factors: a nationwide cohort study.

Early prediction of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (sNEC) in preterm infants is important. However, owing to the complexity of the disease, identifying infants with NEC at a high risk for surgical intervention is difficult. We developed a machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict sNEC using perinatal factors obtained from the national cohort registry of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Data were collected from the medical records of 16,385 VLBW infants registered in the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN). Infants who underwent surgical intervention were identified with sNEC, and infants who received medical treatment, with medical NEC (mNEC). We used 38 variables, including maternal, prenatal, and postnatal factors that were obtained within 1 week of birth, for training. A total of 1085 patients had NEC (654 with sNEC and 431 with mNEC). VLBW infants showed a higher incidence of sNEC at a lower gestational age (GA) (p < 0.001). Our proposed ensemble model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.721 for sNEC prediction.    Conclusion: Proposed ensemble model may help predict which infants with NEC are likely to develop sNEC. Through early prediction and prompt intervention, prognosis of sNEC may be improved. What is Known: • Machine learning (ML)-based techniques have been employed in NEC research for prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis, with promising outcomes. • While most studies have utilized abdominal radiographs and clinical manifestations of NEC as data sources, and have demonstrated their usefulness, they may prove weak in terms of early prediction. What is New: • We analyzed the perinatal factors of VLBW infants acquired within 7 days of birth and used ML-based analysis to identify which infants with NEC are vulnerable to clinical deterioration and at high risk for surgical intervention using nationwide cohort data.

Secular Trends in Outcomes and Impact of Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation-Related Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are currently recommended for the secondary prevention of stroke in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) accompanied by atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of NOACs on clinical outcomes in real-world practice remains ambiguous. This study analyzes the trend of clinical events in patients with AF-related AIS and determines how much the introduction of NOACs has mediated this trend. METHODS: We identified patients with AIS and AF between January 2011 and December 2019 using a multicenter stroke registry. Annual rates of NOAC prescriptions and clinical events within 1 year were evaluated. The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality. To assess the mediation effect of NOACs on the relationship between the calendar year and these outcomes, we used natural effect models and conducted exposure-mediator, exposure-outcome, and mediator-outcome analyses using multivariable regression models or accelerated failure time models, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among the 12 977 patients with AF-related AIS, 12 500 (average age: 74.4 years; 51.3% male) were analyzed after excluding cases of valvular AF. Between 2011 and 2019, there was a significant decrease in the 1-year incidence of the primary composite outcome from 28.3% to 21.7%, while the NOAC prescription rate increased from 0% to 75.6%. A 1-year increase in the calendar year was independently associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 1.07-1.14]) and increased NOAC prescription (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20 [95% CI, 2.14-2.27]). Increased NOAC prescription was associated with delayed occurrence of the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 3.82 [95% CI, 3.17 to 4.61]). Upon controlling for NOAC prescription (mediator), the calendar year no longer influenced the primary outcome (adjusted time ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.94-1.00]). This suggests that NOAC prescription mediates the association between the calendar year and the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a temporal reduction in major clinical events or death in Korean patients with AF-related AIS, mediated by increased NOAC prescription, emphasizing NOAC use in this population.

Efficacy of Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion with Low PC-ASPECTS: A Nationwide Prospective Registry-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on the functional outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and low posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early computed tomography score (PC-ASPECTS). METHODS: We identified patients with acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion and PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less, presenting within 24 h between August 2008 and April 2022. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included an mRS score of 0-2, a favorable shift in the ordinal mRS scale, the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 90 days. We compared the outcome of patients treated with EVT and those without EVT, using the inverse probability of treatment weighting methods. RESULTS: Out of 566 patients, 55.5% received EVT. In the EVT group, 106 (33.8%) achieved favorable outcomes, compared to 56 patients (22.2%) in the conservative group. EVT significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome compared to conservative treatment (relative risk [RR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.74, p = 0.004). EVT was associated with a favorable shift in the mRS (RR 1.85, 95% CI, 1.49-2.29, p < 0.001) and reduced mortality without an increase in the risk of sICH. It did not have an impact on achieving an mRS score of 0-2. INTERPRETATION: Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and a PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less might benefit from EVT without an increasing sICH. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:788-799.

Adverse Effects of Avobenzone on Boar Sperm Function: Disruption of Protein Kinase A Activity and Tyrosine Phosphorylation.

Avobenzone (AVO), an ultraviolet (UV) filter, is frequently used as an ingredient in personal cosmetics. This UV filter has been found to be easily exposed in swimming pools and beaches, and it has been detected in human urine and blood. Moreover, numerous studies have demonstrated that AVO exhibits endocrine-disrupting properties. Nevertheless, the effects of AVO on male fertility have not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of AVO on various sperm functions during capacitation. First, boar spermatozoa were treated with various AVO concentrations. After treatment, sperm motility and kinetic characteristics, capacitation status, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, and sperm viability were evaluated. Moreover, Western blot analysis w.as conducted to evaluate protein kinase A (PKA) activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. As a result, AVO treatment significantly decreased total motility, progressive motility, and several kinetic characteristics at high concentrations (50 and 100 µM). Furthermore, the capacitation status dose-dependently decreased. Conversely, no significant differences in acrosome reaction, cell viability, and intracellular ATP levels were observed. However, the intracellular ATP level tended to decrease. In addition, AVO dose-dependently induced abnormal changes in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Although AVO did not directly exert a toxic effect on cell viability, it ultimately negatively affected sperm functions through abnormal alterations in PKA activity and tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, the potential implications on male fertility must be considered when contemplating the safe utilization of AVO.

Application of sperm motion kinematics and motility-related proteins for prediction of male fertility.

The selection of superior sires is paramount for enhancing the efficiency of animal production in the livestock industry. However, semen quality assessment still relies on conventional semen analysis techniques in both animals and humans. Despite extensive efforts to develop various biomarkers for more accurate and precise predictions of male fertility potential, more effective physiological indicators and advance potential biomarkers are needed. Herein, we aimed to develop new potential biomarkers related to sperm motion kinematics for male fertility prediction. We first evaluated sperm motion kinematic parameters and expression levels of sperm motility-related proteins of 30 Duroc boars. We then explored the correlation between litter size, sperm motion kinematics parameters, and sperm motility-related proteins. Progressive sperm motility (%), rapid sperm motility (%), slow sperm motility (%), straight-line velocity (µm/s), linearity (%), beat cross frequency (Hz), mean angular displacement (degree), wobble (%) were correlated with litter size. Furthermore, the expression of axonemal dynein light intermediate polypeptide 1 (DNALI1) and radial spoke head protein 9 homolog (RSPH9) correlated with litter size. The overall accuracy exceeded 60% for predicting litter size using these sperm motion parameters and proteins. Notably, our study observed an increase in litter size after predicting litter size using these parameters and proteins. Thus, sperm motion kinematic parameters and protein expression, particularly of DNALI1 and RSPH9, could serve as new biomarkers for male fertility. These results may contribute to improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying sperm motility.

The epidemiology of male lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: Results of 20 years of Korean community care and surveys.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia in a Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Korean Prostate & Voiding Health Association provided free prostate-related community health care and conducted surveys in all regions of Korea from 2001 to 2022 with the cooperation of local government public health centers. A total of 72,068 males older than 50 were surveyed and analyzed. History taking, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, uroflowmetry, and urine volume testing were performed. RESULTS: The mean prostate volumes in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 24.7 g, 27.7 g, 31 g, and 33.7 g, respectively. The proportion of males with high PSA greater than 3 ng/mL was 3.8% among males in their 50s, 7.7% among males in their 60s, 13.1% among males in their 70s, and 17.9% among males 80 years of age or older. The mean IPSS total scores in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 10.7, 12.7, 14.5, and 16, respectively. Severe symptoms were reported by 27.3% of males, whereas 51.7% reported moderate symptoms. The mean Qmax in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 20 mL/s, 17.4 mL/s, 15.4 mL/s, and 13.8 mL/s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study, mean prostate volume, IPSS, PSA, and Qmax were 30.6±15.1 g, 14.8±8.2, 1.9±4.7 ng/mL, and 15.6±6.5 mL/s, respectively. Aging was significantly associated with increased prostate volume, PSA levels, and IPSS scores, and with decreased Qmax and urine volume.

Differential impacts of admission LDL-cholesterol on early vascular outcomes by ischemic stroke subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Because ischemic stroke is heterogeneous, the associations between LDL-cholesterol levels and early vascular outcomes might be different according to the stroke subtype in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: This study was an analysis of a prospective, multicenter, stroke registry. Acute ischemic stroke patients previously not treated with statins were included. Admission LDL-cholesterol levels were divided into 7 groups at 20 mg/dl intervals for comparison. The primary early vascular outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and all-cause mortality within 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 38531 patients (age, 68.5 ± 12.8 yrs; male, 59.6%) were analyzed for this study. The 3-month cumulative incidences of the composite of stroke, MI, and all-cause mortality significantly differed among the LDL-cholesterol level groups, with the highest event rate (11.11%) in the lowest LDL-cholesterol group (<70 mg/dl). After adjustment, the U-shaped associations of LDL-cholesterol levels with primary outcome and all-cause mortality were observed. For the stroke subtypes, there were substantial interactions between the LDL-cholesterol groups and stroke subtype and all-cause mortality (Pinteraction=0.07). Different patterns, with higher risks of all-cause mortality in the lower LDL-cholesterol in the LAA subtype (aHR 1.29 [0.98-1.69]), but in the higher LDL-cholesterol in the CE subtype (aHR 1.71 [1.28-2.29]), were observed among stroke subtypes. CONCLUSION: We found that there were differential associations of admission LDL-cholesterol levels with all-cause mortality within 3 months among stroke subtypes. These results suggest that admission LDL-cholesterol and early vascular outcomes had complex relationships in patients with ischemic stroke according to the stroke subtypes.

Low-Cost Angle Sensor for Robotics Applications Using Plastic Optical Fiber Based on Optical Loss Mechanism.

Robotic systems and the human body consist of numerous joint structures, all of which require precise angle adjustments. At present, encoder, strain gauge, and electrical resistance-based sensors are commonly used for angle measurement. However, these sensors have limitations when used in underwater or in environments with strong electromagnetic waves. Therefore, we have developed an angle sensor based on step-index profile plastic optical fiber (SI-POF), which is cost-effective and highly durable, in this study in order to overcome the limitations of existing angle measurement sensors. To this end, the amount of light loss according to the gab and angle changes that occur when the POF angle sensor is applied to the robot arm was experimentally measured, and based on the results, a simulation of the amount of light loss when the two losses occurred at the same time was conducted. In addition, the performance of the POF angle sensor was evaluated by measuring sensitivity and resolution, and comparative verification with a commonly used encoder was conducted to verify the reliability of sensors in extreme environments, such as those with electromagnetic fields and those that are underwater. Through this, the reliability and practicality of the POF angle sensor were confirmed. The results obtained in this study suggest that POF-based angle sensors can contribute to the development of the biomimetic robot industry as well as ordinary robots, especially in environments where existing sensors are difficult to apply, such as areas with underwater or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Potentiating glymphatic drainage minimizes post-traumatic cerebral oedema.

Cerebral oedema is associated with morbidity and mortality after traumatic brain injury (TBI)1. Noradrenaline levels are increased after TBI2-4, and the amplitude of the increase in noradrenaline predicts both the extent of injury5 and the likelihood of mortality6. Glymphatic impairment is both a feature of and a contributor to brain injury7,8, but its relationship with the injury-associated surge in noradrenaline is unclear. Here we report that acute post-traumatic oedema results from a suppression of glymphatic and lymphatic fluid flow that occurs in response to excessive systemic release of noradrenaline. This post-TBI adrenergic storm was associated with reduced contractility of cervical lymphatic vessels, consistent with diminished return of glymphatic and lymphatic fluid to the systemic circulation. Accordingly, pan-adrenergic receptor inhibition normalized central venous pressure and partly restored glymphatic and cervical lymphatic flow in a mouse model of TBI, and these actions led to substantially reduced brain oedema and improved functional outcomes. Furthermore, post-traumatic inhibition of adrenergic signalling boosted lymphatic export of cellular debris from the traumatic lesion, substantially reducing secondary inflammation and accumulation of phosphorylated tau. These observations suggest that targeting the noradrenergic control of central glymphatic flow may offer a therapeutic approach for treating acute TBI.

Increased accuracy of estrus prediction using ruminoreticular biocapsule sensors in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows.

Visual estrus observation can only be confirmed at a rate of 50%-60%, which is lower than that obtained using a biosensor. Thus, the use of biosensors provides more opportunities for artificial insemination because it is easier to confirm estrus than by visual observation. This study determines the accuracy of estrus prediction using a ruminoreticular biosensor by analyzing ruminoreticular temperature during the estrus cycle and measuring changes in body activity. One hundred and twenty-five Hanwoo cows (64 with a ruminal biosensor in the test group and 61 without biosensors in the control group) were studied. Ruminoreticular temperatures and body activities were measured every 10 min. The first service of artificial insemination used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based fixed-time artificial insemination protocol in the control and test groups. The test group received artificial insemination based on the estrus prediction made by the biosensor, and the control group received artificial insemination according to visual estrus observation. Before artificial insemination, the ruminoreticular temperature was maintained at an average of 38.95 ± 0.05°C for 13 h (-21 to -9 h), 0.73°C higher than the average temperature observed at -48 h (38.22 ± 0.06°C). The body activity, measured using an indwelling 3-axis accelerometer, averaged 1502.57 ± 27.35 for approximately 21 h from -4 to -24 h before artificial insemination, showing 203 indexes higher body activity than -48 hours (1299 ± 9.72). Therefore, using an information and communication techonology (ICT)-based biosensor is highly effective because it can reduce the reproductive cost of a farm by accurately detecting estrus and increasing the rate of estrus confirmation in cattle.

Improvement in Delivery of Ischemic Stroke Treatments but Stagnation of Clinical Outcomes in Young Adults in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the delivery of acute stroke therapies and secondary preventive measures and clinical outcomes over time in young adults with acute ischemic stroke. This study investigated whether advances in these treatments improved outcomes in this population. METHODS: Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry in Korea, young adults (aged 18-50 years) with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized between 2008 and 2019 were identified. The observation period was divided into 4 epochs: 2008 to 2010, 2011 to 2013, 2014 to 2016, and 2017 to 2019. Secular trends for patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 7050 eligible patients (mean age, 43.1; men, 71.9%) were registered. The mean age decreased from 43.6 to 42.9 years (Ptrend=0.01). Current smoking decreased, whereas obesity increased. Other risk factors remained unchanged. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy rates increased over time from 2008 to 2010 to 2017 to 2019 (9.5%-13.8% and 3.2%-9.2%, respectively; Ptrend<0.01). Door-to-needle time improved (Ptrend <.001), but onset-to-door and door-to-puncture times remained constant. Secondary prevention, including dual antiplatelets for noncardioembolic minor stroke (26.7%-47.0%), direct oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation (0.0%-56.2%), and statins for large artery atherosclerosis (76.1%-95.3%) increased (Ptrend<0.01). Outcome data were available from 2011. One-year mortality (2.5% in 2011-2013 and 2.3% in 2017-2019) and 3-month modified Rankin Scale scores 0 to 1 (68.3%-69.1%) and 0 to 2 (87.6%-86.2%) remained unchanged. The 1-year stroke recurrence rate increased (4.1%-5.5%; Ptrend=0.04), although the difference was not significant after adjusting for sex and age. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements in the delivery of acute stroke treatments did not necessarily lead to better outcomes in young adults with acute ischemic stroke over the past decade, indicating a need for further progress.

Gait Pattern in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A According to Disease Severity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of gait patterns in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) patients according to disease severity. Twenty-two CMT1A patients were enrolled and classified into two groups, according to the disease severity. The healthy control group consisted of 22 subjects with no gait impairment. Full barefoot three-dimensional gait analysis with temporospatial, kinematic, and kinetic data was performed among the mild and moderate CMT1A group and the control group. Minimal hip abduction, maximal hip extension generation, peak knee flexion moment at stance, ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, maximal ankle plantarflexion at push-off and maximal ankle rotation moment at stance in the CMT1A group showed a significant difference compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the moderate group, there were greater maximal hip flexion angles in swing, and smaller dorsiflexion angles at initial contact compared to the control group and mild group. CMT patients had typical gait characteristics and their gait patterns were different according to severity. The analysis of gait patterns in patients with CMT1A will help to understand gait function and provide important information for the treatment of patients with CMT in the future.

Improving Cryopreservation Efficiency and Pregnancy Rate through Superovulation with Follicle-Stimulating Hormone in Korean Hanwoo Cows via Ovum Pick Up.

The aim of this study was to devise an efficient technique for generating embryos from high-quality bovine females. Oocytes were collected from 20 control and 15 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) females treated with the FSH. A combination of decreasing FSH doses (36, 36, 24, and 24 mg, 12 h apart), progesterone, estrogen, and prostaglandins were administered to synchronize and mildly stimulate the animals. The FSH-treated group (1125 oocytes) and control group (1022 oocytes) exhibited a higher proportion of grade A and B oocytes (88.2%) than the other grades (p < 0.05), with most at the germinal vesicle 2 stage (64.0%). Moreover, the FSH-treated group achieved a notably higher blastocyst rate (44.7%) compared to the control group (31.1%) (p < 0.05). After undergoing vitrification and in vitro culture (IVC) warming, embryos in the FSH group exhibited higher re-expansion rates (grade 1: 86.9%; grades 2 and 3: 57.9%) compared to those in the control (p < 0.05). This highlights the positive impact of FSH treatment on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) and the OPU rate.

Statin Treatment in Patients With Stroke With Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Below 70 mg/dL.

Background It is unclear whether statin treatment could reduce the risk of early vascular events when baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are already low, at <70 mg/dL, at the time of the index stroke. Methods and Results This study was an analysis of a prospective, multicenter, nationwide registry of consecutive patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke with baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <70 mg/dL and without statin pretreatment. An inverse probabilities of treatment weights method was applied to control for imbalances in baseline characteristics. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke (either hemorrhagic or ischemic), myocardial infarction, and all-cause death within 3 months. A total of 2850 patients (age, 69.5±13.4 years; men, 63.5%) were analyzed for this study. In-hospital statin treatment was used for 74.2% of patients. The primary composite outcome within 3 months occurred in 21.5% of patients in the nonstatin group and 6.7% of patients in the statin group (P<0.001), but the rates of stroke (2.65% versus 2.33%), hemorrhagic stroke (0.16% versus 0.10%), and myocardial infarction (0.73% versus 0.19%) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. After inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, the primary composite outcome was significantly reduced in patients with statin therapy (weighted hazard ratio [HR], 0.54 [95% CI, 0.42-0.69]). However, statin treatment did not increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (weighted HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.10-12.28]). Conclusions Approximately three-quarters of the patients with first-ever ischemic stroke with baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <70 mg/dL received in-hospital statin treatment. Statin treatment, compared with no statin treatment, was significantly associated with a reduced risk of the 3-month primary composite outcomes and all-cause death but did not alter the rate of stroke recurrence.

Partial Venous Inflow Occlusion under Mild Hypothermia for Membranectomy in a Dog with Cor Triatriatum Dexter.

Cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is an uncommon congenital cardiac anomaly in dogs. This case report describes successful membranectomy for CTD via partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia in a dog. A 7-month-old intact male mixed-breed dog weighing 20.5 kg presented with a history of abdominal distention, lethargy, and anorexia. Clinical examination, radiography, echocardiography, microbubble testing, and computed tomography revealed a remnant right atrium membrane obscuring the venous blood inflow from the vena cava. Considering the potential risk of re-stenosis following interventional treatment, curative resection involving surgical membranectomy via venous inflow occlusion was performed. By performing partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia (34.5 °C), sufficient time was obtained to explore the defect and resect the remnant membrane. The dog recovered without any complications, and the clinical signs were relieved. This case illustrates that partial venous inflow occlusion under mild hypothermia is feasible for achieving curative resection of cor triatriatum dexter in dogs.

Image Analysis Techniques for In Vivo Quantification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow.

Over the last decade, there has been a tremendously increased interest in understanding the neurophysiology of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, which plays a crucial role in clearing metabolic waste from the brain. This growing interest was largely initiated by two significant discoveries: the glymphatic system (a pathway for solute exchange between interstitial fluid deep within the brain and the CSF surrounding the brain) and meningeal lymphatic vessels (lymphatic vessels in the layer of tissue surrounding the brain that drain CSF). These two CSF systems work in unison, and their disruption has been implicated in several neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, stoke, and traumatic brain injury. Here, we present experimental techniques for in vivo quantification of CSF flow via direct imaging of fluorescent microspheres injected into the CSF. We discuss detailed image processing methods, including registration and masking of stagnant particles, to improve the quality of measurements. We provide guidance for quantifying CSF flow through particle tracking and offer tips for optimizing the process. Additionally, we describe techniques for measuring changes in arterial diameter, which is an hypothesized CSF pumping mechanism. Finally, we outline how these same techniques can be applied to cervical lymphatic vessels, which collect fluid downstream from meningeal lymphatic vessels. We anticipate that these fluid mechanical techniques will prove valuable for future quantitative studies aimed at understanding mechanisms of CSF transport and disruption, as well as for other complex biophysical systems.