Polyenergetic reconstruction mitigates streak artifacts by dual source imaging in chest photon counting detector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the efficacy of polyenergetic reconstruction methods in reducing streak artifacts caused by dual source imaging in Photon Counting Detector Computed Tomography (PCD-CT) imaging, thereby improving image quality and diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving 50 patients who underwent chest Computed Tomography Angiography with PCD-CT, focusing on those with streak artifacts. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed on images reconstructed using monoenergetic and polyenergetic techniques. Quantitative evaluations measured the attenuation of tracheal air density in regions affected by streak artifacts, while qualitative assessments employed a modified Likert scale to rate image quality. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon's signed-rank tests and Spearman's correlation, alongside assessments of inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: There was significantly lower attenuation of tracheal air density on the polyenergetic reconstructions (Median - 1010 ± 62 HU vs -930 ± 110 HU; P < 0.001), and significantly decreased variation on the polyenergetic reconstructions (Median 65.2 ± 79.5 HU vs 38.8 ± 33.9 HU; P < 0.001). The median modified-Likert scale were significantly better for the polyenergetic reconstructions (median modified-Likert 4 ± 0.5 vs 2.5 ± 1; P < 0.001). The inter-rater agreement was substantial and not significantly different between reconstructions (Gwet's ACPolyenergetic = 0.78 vs Gwet's ACVMI = 0.775). CONCLUSION: Polyenergetic reconstruction significantly mitigates streak artifacts in PCD-CT imaging, enhancing quantitative and qualitative image quality. This advancement addresses a known limitation of current PCD-CT reconstruction techniques, offering a promising approach to improving diagnostic reliability and accuracy in clinical practice. We demonstrate that future software implementations can resolve this artifact.

Rate of abnormalities in quantitative MR neuroimaging of persons with chronic traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can result in lasting brain damage that is often too subtle to detect by qualitative visual inspection on conventional MR imaging. Although a number of FDA-cleared MR neuroimaging tools have demonstrated changes associated with mTBI, they are still under-utilized in clinical practice. METHODS: We investigated a group of 65 individuals with predominantly mTBI (60 mTBI, 48 due to motor-vehicle collision, mean age 47 ± 13 years, 27 men and 38 women) with MR neuroimaging performed in a median of 37 months post-injury. We evaluated abnormalities in brain volumetry including analysis of left-right asymmetry by quantitative volumetric analysis, cerebral perfusion by pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL), white matter microstructure by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and neurometabolites via magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). RESULTS: All participants demonstrated atrophy in at least one lobar structure or increased lateral ventricular volume. The globus pallidi and cerebellar grey matter were most likely to demonstrate atrophy and asymmetry. Perfusion imaging revealed significant reductions of cerebral blood flow in both occipital and right frontoparietal regions. Diffusion abnormalities were relatively less common though a subset analysis of participants with higher resolution DTI demonstrated additional abnormalities. All participants showed abnormal levels on at least one brain metabolite, most commonly in choline and N-acetylaspartate. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the presence of coup-contrecoup perfusion injury patterns, widespread atrophy, regional brain volume asymmetry, and metabolic aberrations as sensitive markers of chronic mTBI sequelae. Our findings expand the historic focus on quantitative imaging of mTBI with DTI by highlighting the complementary importance of volumetry, arterial spin labeling perfusion and magnetic resonance spectroscopy neurometabolite analyses in the evaluation of chronic mTBI.

Individuals with Cleft Lip and/or Palate Demonstrated Improved Self-Reported Psychosocial Functioning Following the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychosocial functioning of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Methods: Patients with CL/P ≥ 6 years old were prospectively recruited from the Cleft and Craniofacial Clinic of a tertiary children's hospital. From July-October 2021, eligible patients (or their parent/guardian) were sent a survey regarding their psychosocial functioning before and after the start of the pandemic. Main Outcome Measure: The difference between prepandemic and intrapandemic patient-reported outcome scores. Results: Thirty-six patients (20 female, age: 15.9 ± 9.8 years) responded. Most had cleft lip and palate (77.8%), responded online (69.4%), interacted remotely via both voice- and video-conferencing (62.9%), and wore masks routinely (77.1%). Similar numbers of patients responded independently (27.8%), responded with the help of a parent/guardian (36.1%), or had a parent/guardian respond on their behalf (36.1%). General social-emotional well-being (p = 0.004, r rb = 0.659) and satisfaction with facial appearance (p = 0.044, r rb = 0.610) significantly improved after the start of the pandemic. Compared to their general intrapandemic social-emotional well-being scores, patients reported higher scores while wearing a mask (r rb = 0.827) and lower scores while interacting remotely (r rb = 0.605), although all were still significantly improved compared to their prepandemic scores (p ≤ 0.010). Patients also reported significant improvement in social functioning while wearing a mask (p = 0.036, r rb = 0.519), whereas they did not when considering their general intrapandemic feelings/experiences (p = 0.269, r rb = 0.211). Conclusion: Patients with CL/P demonstrated significant improvement in overall social-emotional well-being, satisfaction with facial appearance, and social functioning after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly when wearing a mask.

Evaluation of altered cell-cell communication between glia and neurons in the hippocampus of 3xTg-AD mice at two time points.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, affecting behavior, speech, and motor abilities. The neuropathology of AD includes the formation of extracellular amyloid-ß plaque and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of phosphorylated tau, along with neuronal loss. While neuronal loss is an AD hallmark, cell-cell communication between neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations maintains neuronal health and brain homeostasis. To study changes in cell-cell communication during disease progression, we performed snRNA-sequencing of the hippocampus from female 3xTg-AD and wild-type littermates at 6 and 12 months. We inferred differential cell-cell communication between 3xTg-AD and wild-type mice across time points and between senders (astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes, and OPCs) and receivers (excitatory and inhibitory neurons) of interest. We also assessed the downstream effects of altered glia-neuron communication using pseudobulk differential gene expression, functional enrichment, and gene regulatory analyses. We found that glia-neuron communication is increasingly dysregulated in 12-month 3xTg-AD mice. We also identified 23 AD-associated ligand-receptor pairs that are upregulated in the 12-month-old 3xTg-AD hippocampus. Our results suggest increased AD association of interactions originating from microglia. Signaling mediators were not significantly differentially expressed but showed altered gene regulation and TF activity. Our findings indicate that altered glia-neuron communication is increasingly dysregulated and affects the gene regulatory mechanisms in neurons of 12-month-old 3xTg-AD mice.

Nanobody engineering: computational modelling and design for biomedical and therapeutic applications.

Nanobodies, the smallest functional antibody fragment derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies, have emerged as powerful tools for diverse biomedical applications. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the structural characteristics, functional properties, and computational approaches driving the design and optimisation of synthetic nanobodies. We explore their unique antigen-binding domains, highlighting the critical role of complementarity-determining regions in target recognition and specificity. This review further underscores the advantages of nanobodies over conventional antibodies from a biosynthesis perspective, including their small size, stability, and solubility, which make them ideal candidates for economical antigen capture in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing. We discuss the recent advancements in computational methods for nanobody modelling, epitope prediction, and affinity maturation, shedding light on their intricate antigen-binding mechanisms and conformational dynamics. Finally, we examine a direct example of how computational design strategies were implemented for improving a nanobody-based immunosensor, known as a Quenchbody. Through combining experimental findings and computational insights, this review elucidates the transformative impact of nanobodies in biotechnology and biomedical research, offering a roadmap for future advancements and applications in healthcare and diagnostics.

Accelerated Aging after Traumatic Brain Injury: An ENIGMA Multi-Cohort Mega-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on brain structure remain uncertain. Given evidence that a single significant brain injury event increases the risk of dementia, brain-age estimation could provide a novel and efficient indexing of the long-term consequences of TBI. Brain-age procedures use predictive modeling to calculate brain-age scores for an individual using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Complicated mild, moderate, and severe TBI (cmsTBI) is associated with a higher predicted age difference (PAD), but the progression of PAD over time remains unclear. We sought to examine whether PAD increases as a function of time since injury (TSI) and if injury severity and sex interacted to influence this progression. METHODS: Through the ENIGMA Adult Moderate and Severe (AMS)-TBI working group, we examine the largest TBI sample to date (n = 343), along with controls, for a total sample size of n = 540, to replicate and extend prior findings in the study of TBI brain age. Cross-sectional T1w-MRI data were aggregated across 7 cohorts, and brain age was established using a similar brain age algorithm to prior work in TBI. RESULTS: Findings show that PAD widens with longer TSI, and there was evidence for differences between sexes in PAD, with men showing more advanced brain age. We did not find strong evidence supporting a link between PAD and cognitive performance. INTERPRETATION: This work provides evidence that changes in brain structure after cmsTBI are dynamic, with an initial period of change, followed by relative stability in brain morphometry, eventually leading to further changes in the decades after a single cmsTBI. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:365-377.

Females and Males Achieve Similar Improvement, Outcomes, and Survivorship Following Hip Arthroscopy with Labral and Capsular Repair for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome at Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of patient sex on 10-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and survivorship after hip arthroscopy (HA) for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). METHODS: Patients who underwent primary HA for FAIS with minimum 10-year follow-up from 1/2012-12/2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Female patients were propensity-matched to male patients in a 1:1 ratio by age and body mass index. PROs and rates of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) achievement were compared between cohorts. Rate of reoperation-free survivorship was compared between sexes. RESULTS: One-hundred and twenty-one- females (age: 36.2 ± 12.3 years) were matched to 121 males (age: 35.7 ± 11.3 years, p = 0.594) at average follow-up of 10.4 ± 0.4 years. There were no differences in any preoperative demographic characteristics between the groups (p ≥ 0.187). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in every PRO measure between the preoperative and 10-year postoperative time points (p < 0.001). The magnitude of improvement was similar between the groups for all PRO measures (p ≥ 0.139). At 10-years, female patients trended towards higher MCID achievement for the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL) than male patients (72.7% vs. 57.3%, p = 0.061), with otherwise similar MCID achievement rates. Females trended towards significantly lower HOS-Sports Subscale PASS achievement (65.4% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.121) with otherwise similar PASS achievement rates between the groups (p ≥ 0.170). CONCLUSION: Female and male patients experienced similar improvement in PROs at ten-year follow-up. MCID and PASS achievement rates were predominantly similar between sexes. Survivorship did not differ between groups. Long-term success can be expected for appropriately indicated patients undergoing HA for FAIS, regardless of sex. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Deceased Donors With HIV in the Era of the HOPE Act: Referrals and Procurement.

Background: The HIV Organ Policy Equity Act legalizes organ procurement from donors with HIV (HIV D+). A prior survey of Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) estimated >2000 HIV D+ referrals/year; however, only 30-35 HIV D+/year have had organs procured. Given this gap, we sought to understand HIV D+ referrals and procurements in practice. Methods: We prospectively collected data on all OPO-reported HIV D+ referrals, including reasons for nonprocurement. We evaluated trends and compared HIV D+ characteristics by procurement status using regression, chi-squared tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: From December 23, 2015 to May 31, 2021, there were 710 HIV D+ referrals from 49 OPOs, of which 171 (24%) had organs procured. HIV D+ referrals increased from 7 to 15 per month (P < 0.001), and the procurement rate increased from 10% to 39% (P < 0.001). Compared with HIV D+ without procurement, HIV D+ with procurement were younger (median age 36 versus 50 y), more commonly White (46% versus 36%), and more often had trauma-related deaths (29% versus 8%) (all P < 0.001). Nonprocurement was attributed to medical reasons in 63% of cases, of which 36% were AIDS-defining infections and 64% were HIV-unrelated, commonly due to organ failure (36%), high neurologic function (31%), and cancer (14%). Nonprocurement was attributed to nonmedical reasons in 26% of cases, commonly due to no authorization (42%), no waitlist candidates (21%), or no transplant center interest (20%). Conclusions: In the early years of the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, actual HIV D+ referrals were much lower than prior estimates; however, the numbers and procurement rates increased over time. Nonprocurement was attributed to both medical and nonmedical issues, and addressing these issues could increase organ availability.

Outcome Scores and Survivorship of Patients Undergoing Primary Hip Arthroscopy With Borderline Hip Dysplasia: A Propensity-Matched Study With Minimum 10-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Patients with borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) and concomitant femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) have demonstrated similar outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up compared with equivalent patients without dysplasia. However, comparisons between these groups at long-term follow-up have yet to be investigated. PURPOSE: To compare long-term clinical outcomes between patients with BHD undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS versus matched control patients without BHD. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with BHD (lateral center-edge angle, 18°-25°) who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS between January 2012 and February 2013. Patients were propensity matched in a 1:3 ratio by age, sex, and body mass index to control patients without BHD who underwent primary hip arthroscopy. Groups were compared in terms of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) preoperatively and at 10 years postoperatively, including the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL) and Sports subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Achievement rates for minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were assessed between groups. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 10.3 ± 0.3 years, 28 patients with BHD (20 women; age, 30.8 ± 10.8 years) were matched to 84 controls who underwent primary hip arthroscopy. Both groups significantly improved from preoperative assessment in all PRO measures at 10 years (P < .001 for all). PRO scores were similar between groups, aside from HOS-SS (BHD, 62.9 ± 31.9 vs controls, 80.1 ± 26.0; P = .030). Rates of MCID achievement were similar between groups for all PROs (HOS-ADL: BHD, 76.2% vs controls, 67.9%, P = .580; HOS-SS: BHD, 63.2% vs controls, 69.4%, P = .773; modified Harris Hip Score: BHD, 76.5% vs controls, 67.9%, P = .561; VAS pain: BHD, 75.0% vs controls, 91.7%, P = .110). Rates of PASS achievement were significantly lower in the BHD group for HOS-ADL (BHD, 39.1% vs controls, 77.4%; P = .002), HOS-SS (BHD, 45.5% vs controls, 84.7%; P = .001), and VAS pain (BHD, 50.0% vs controls, 78.5%; P = .015). No significant difference was found in the rate of subsequent reoperation on the index hip between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated comparable survivorship at long-term follow-up (P = .645). CONCLUSION: After primary hip arthroscopy, patients with BHD in the setting of FAIS had significantly improved PRO scores at 10-year follow-up, comparable with propensity-matched controls without BHD. Rates of MCID achievement were similar between groups, although patients with BHD had lower rates of PASS achievement. Patients with BHD had similar long-term hip arthroscopy survivorship compared with controls, with no significant difference in rates of revision hip arthroscopy or conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

Patient navigator's role in latent tuberculosis infection at a New York City Health Department Chest Clinic.

Background: Philippines is one of the top ten countries of birth among individuals with tuberculosis in New York City (NYC). The NYC Health Department (HD) screened Filipino-born New Yorkers for latent TB infection (LTBI), but few of those tested positive completed evaluation and treatment. Objective: To increase the proportion of Filipinos with a positive QuantiFeron-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) complete LTBI evaluation and treatment. Methods: Nine community-based LTBI screening events were conducted during September-December 2021. Patients with positive QFT-Plus results were offered no-cost LTBI evaluation and treatment at HD Chest Clinic. The HD engaged culturally- and linguistically-competent Filipino patient navigators (PN) to facilitate LTBI evaluation and treatment. Results: Of 77 Filipinos screened, 17 (22%) tested positive. Fourteen (82%) were evaluated for LTBI; eight of the 14 (57%) completed LTBI treatment. Conclusions: Pairing patients with culturally- and linguistically- competent Filipino PNs contributed to an increase in the proportion of Filipinos with a positive QFT-Plus who completed LTBI evaluation and treatment. TB prevention programs may wish to consider PNs in LTBI patient care.

Six-Month Outcomes Correlate With 10-Year Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To identify whether 6-month outcomes after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) correlate with outcomes at minimum 10-year follow-up. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS from 2012 to 2013 were reviewed and included if they had 6-month and minimum 10-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures included the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) subscale, Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific (HOS-SS) subscale, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and VAS for satisfaction. We compared 6-month and 10-year outcome scores and analyzed the relations between 6-month and 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year outcome scores using Pearson correlation coefficients (r). Six-month scores and clinically significant outcome achievement were then compared with 10-year clinically significant outcome achievement and reoperations, including revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), using logistic regressions and the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: This study included 60 patients (60.0% female sex; mean age, 36.0 ± 12.2 years). The mHHS, VAS pain score, and VAS satisfaction score significantly improved from 6-month to 10-year follow-up (P ≤ .021), whereas the HOS-ADL and HOS-SS did not (P ≥ .072). There were significant correlations between 6-month and 10-year scores for the HOS-ADL (r = 0.505), HOS-SS (r = 0.592), and mHHS (r = 0.362) (P ≤ .022 for all), as well as significant correlations between 6-month and 1-, 2-, and 5-year scores (P ≤ .014 for all). The 6-month HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, and mHHS were all significantly associated with their respective 10-year achievement of the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) (P ≤ .044). Furthermore, 6-month HOS-ADL and mHHS were significantly associated with THA conversion (P ≤ .041). Comparable 6-month and 10-year achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (96.5% vs 97.8%, P > .999) and PASS (85.2% vs 87.5%, P > .999) for any PRO was observed. CONCLUSIONS: After hip arthroscopy for FAIS, patients' 6-month HOS-ADL and mHHS were significantly associated with their 10-year PROs, PASS achievement, and THA conversion, although correlation strengths decreased with increasing time from surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Iodine quantification of renal lesions: Preliminary results using spectral-based material extraction on photon-counting CT.

Objectives: To assess the range of quantitative iodine values in renal cysts (RC) (with a few renal neoplasms [RNs] as a comparison) to develop an expected range of values for RC that can be used in future studies for their differentiation. Material and Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 140) with renal lesions who had undergone abdominal examination on a clinical photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) were retrospectively included. Automated iodine quantification maps were reconstructed, and region of interest (ROI) measurements of iodine concentration (IC) (mg/cm3) were performed on whole renal lesions. In addition, for heterogeneous lesions, a secondary ROI was placed on the area most suspicious for malignancy. The discriminatory values of minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation for IC were compared using simple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves (area under the curve [AUC]). Results: A total of 259 renal lesions (243 RC and 16 RN) were analyzed. There were significant differences between RC and RN for all IC measures with the best-performing metrics being mean and maximum IC of the entire lesion ROI (AUC 0.912 and 0.917, respectively) but also mean and minimum IC of the most suspicious area in heterogeneous lesions (AUC 0.983 and 0.992, respectively). Most RC fell within a range of low measured iodine values although a few had higher values. Conclusion: Automated iodine quantification maps reconstructed from clinical PCCT have a high diagnostic ability to differentiate RCs and neoplasms. The data from this pilot study can be used to help establish quantitative values for clinical differentiation of renal lesions.

Causal network localization of brain stimulation targets for trait anxiety.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) can treat some neuropsychiatric disorders, but there is no consensus approach for identifying new targets. We localized causal circuit-based targets for anxiety that converged across multiple natural experiments. Lesions (n=451) and TMS sites (n=111) that modify anxiety mapped to a common normative brain circuit (r=0.68, p=0.01). In an independent dataset (n=300), individualized TMS site connectivity to this circuit predicted anxiety change (p=0.02). Subthalamic DBS sites overlapping the circuit caused more anxiety (n=74, p=0.006), thus demonstrating a network-level effect, as the circuit was derived without any subthalamic sites. The circuit was specific to trait versus state anxiety in datasets that measured both (p=0.003). Broadly, this illustrates a pathway for discovering novel circuit-based targets across neuropsychiatric disorders.

Cellular atlas of the human ovary using morphologically guided spatial transcriptomics and single-cell sequencing.

The reproductive and endocrine functions of the ovary involve spatially defined interactions among specialized cell populations. Despite the ovary's importance in fertility and endocrine health, functional attributes of ovarian cells are largely uncharacterized. Here, we profiled >18,000 genes in 257 regions from the ovaries of two premenopausal donors to examine the functional units in the ovary. We also generated single-cell RNA sequencing data for 21,198 cells from three additional donors and identified four major cell types and four immune cell subtypes. Custom selection of sampling areas revealed distinct gene activities for oocytes, theca, and granulosa cells. These data contributed panels of oocyte-, theca-, and granulosa-specific genes, thus expanding the knowledge of molecular programs driving follicle development. Serial samples around oocytes and across the cortex and medulla uncovered previously unappreciated variation of hormone and extracellular matrix remodeling activities. This combined spatial and single-cell atlas serves as a resource for future studies of rare cells and pathological states in the ovary.

Niche conservatism and spread explain introgression between native and invasive fish.

Hybridisation can be an important driver of evolutionary change, but hybridisation with invasive species can have adverse effects on native biodiversity. While hybridisation has been documented across taxa, there is limited understanding of ecological factors promoting patterns of hybridisation and the spatial distribution of hybrid individuals. We combined the results of ecological niche modelling (ENM) and restriction site-associated DNA sequencing to test theories of niche conservatism and biotic resistance on the success of invasion, admixture, and extent of introgression between native and non-native fishes. We related Maxent predictions of habitat suitability based on the native ranges of invasive Eastern Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanus diaphanus Lesueur 1817) and native Western Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanus menona Jordan and Copeland 1877) to admixture indices of individual Banded Killifish. We found that Eastern Banded Killifish predominated at sites predicted as suitable from their ENM, consistent with niche conservatism. Admixed individuals were more common as Eastern Banded Killifish habitat suitability declined. We also found that Eastern Banded Killifish were most common at sites closest to the presumed source of this invasion, whereas the proportion of admixed individuals increased with distance from the source of invasion. Lastly, we found little evidence that habitat suitability for Western Banded Killifish provides biotic resistance from either displacement by, or admixture with, invasive Eastern Banded Killifish. Our study demonstrates that ENMs can inform conservation-relevant outcomes between native and invasive taxa while emphasising the importance of protecting isolated Western Banded Killifish populations from invasive conspecifics.

Computer-Assisted Arthroscopic Cam Resection.

Determining the appropriate femoral cam resection during hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome is both critical for the patient and challenging for the surgeon. Incomplete bone resection is a leading cause of failed hip arthroscopy, whereas over-resection may increase the risk of femoral neck fracture. The alpha angle is a validated 2-dimensional radiographic measurement used to both diagnose femoroacetabular impingement syndrome preoperatively and to determine resection adequacy postoperatively. Computer-assisted intraoperative guidance systems enhance the accuracy of femoral cam resection, although a preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography scan may be required. Other systems, such as the HipCheck software (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI), have been developed to provide intraoperative guidance with live feedback using simultaneous alpha angle measurements overlayed on fluoroscopic images without the requirement for routine preoperative computed tomography. Via intraoperative touchscreen navigation, the surgeon identifies the midpoint of the femoral neck and femoral head. A commercial software program provides real-time alpha angle measurements, as well as enhanced visualization of the femoral cam deformity with an adjustable resection curve. Before the surgeon performs the cam resection, the software provides a template for appropriate resection depth in 6 positions of the hip. Upon completion of the femoral cam resection, the hip is again assessed in the same 6 positions and the alpha angle is assessed to ensure a complete resection.

Patients With Lateral and Anterolateral Cam Morphology Have Greater Deformities Versus Typical Anterolateral Deformity Alone but No Differences in Postoperative Outcomes: A Propensity-Matched Analysis at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To compare pre- and postoperative findings between patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with lateral impingement versus those without lateral impingement METHODS: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between 2012 and 2017 with minimum 5-year follow-up were included. Alpha angle (AA) was measured on preoperative anteroposterior (AP) and 90° Dunn radiographs. Patients with AA >60° on Dunn view but not AP view (no lateral impingement) were propensity matched by sex, age, and body mass index in a 1:3 ratio to patients with AA >60° on both views (lateral impingement). Demographic characteristics, radiographic and intraoperative findings, reoperation rates, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between groups. Categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact testing and continuous variable using 2-tailed Student t tests. RESULTS: Sixty patients with lateral impingement (65.0% female, age: 35.3 ± 13.0 years) were matched to 180 patients without lateral impingement (65.0% female, age: 34.7 ± 12.5 years, P ≥ .279). Patients with lateral impingement had larger preoperative AAs on both Dunn (71.0° ± 8.8° vs 67.6° ± 6.1°, P = .001) and AP radiographs (79.0° ± 12.1° vs 48.2° ± 6.5°, P < .001). However, there were no differences in postoperative AAs on either view (Dunn: 39.0° ± 6.1° vs 40.5° ± 5.3°, AP: 45.8° ± 9.0° vs 44.9° ± 7.0°, P ≥ .074). Labral tears began more superiorly in patients with lateral impingement (12:00 ± 0:49 vs 12:17 ± 0:41, P = .030), and they demonstrated greater rates of acetabular and femoral cartilage damage (P = .030 for both); however, there were no differences in PROs or reoperation rates between the groups at 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although cam deformities located laterally and anterolaterally are larger than those located anterolaterally alone, both can be resected adequately, resulting in similar postoperative radiographic measurements, PROs, and survivorship. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The possible clinical utility of the alcohol biomarker phosphatidylethanol for managing suspected alcohol withdrawal in hospitalized patients: A case report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The decision to initiate pharmacotherapy for alcohol withdrawal is typically based on examining self-reported use of alcohol and symptoms of withdrawal. Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a biomarker that could aim in clinical decision-making in withdrawal management. METHODS: This report describes three cases highlighting the potential clinical utility of PEth in caring for individuals at risk for alcohol withdrawal. RESULTS: Two of the cases received phenobarbital when their PEth showed that the risk of withdrawal was low and one case where PEth could have shown this was needed. The results were only available in a delayed fashion, however, could have been useful in informing clinical care. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: PEth can be a useful tool if available without delay. PEth can be used to quickly rule out alcohol withdrawal and avoid misdiagnoses and prolonged hospital stays. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This is a clinical case study available looking at PEth and withdrawal in hospitalized patients. It proposes that PEth can be used as a way to quickly rule out alcohol withdrawal to avoid misdiagnoses and the possibility of a prolonged hospital stay.