Imagineering (Japan)

Despite their importance for visual perception, functional connectivity between ocular dominance columns in human primary visual cortex remains largely unknown. Using high-resolution functional MRI, we localize ocular dominance columns and assess their resting-state functional connectivity in 12 human adults. Consistent with anatomical studies in animals, we find stronger connectivity in middle compared to deep and superficial cortical depths and selectively stronger connectivity between columns with alike compared to unalike ocular polarity. Beyond what was known from animal models, and consistent with human perceptual biases, intra- and interhemispheric connectivity is stronger in peripheral (compared to central) and in dorsal (compared to ventral) subregions. Lastly, connectivity patterns correlate with ocular dominance column maps, suggesting that they can be predicted from connectivity patterns within primary visual cortex. These results highlight the heterogeneity in functional connectivity between ocular dominance columns across cortical depths and visual field representations, underscoring their likely association with perceptual features.

Abstract Gene therapy has emerged as a promising curative treatment for β-hemoglobinopathies, the most common genetic disorders worldwide. However, current approved approaches still have some limitations in terms of safety and efficacy. Here, we used highly processive adenine base editors (ABE) variants to precisely correct some of the most prevalent and severe β-thalassemia-causing mutations in the β-globin gene. Efficient editing of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) led to potent β-globin expression in their erythroid progeny and persistent correction of both β-thalassemia and sickle cell-β-thalassemia phenotypes. Safety of this strategy was confirmed in HSPCs in vitro and in vivo by the absence of gene dysregulation or any meaningful impact on the DNA mutational burden, the RNA deamination level, the β-globin gene locus integrity and the clonality of the HSPC graft. Overall, base editing-mediated gene correction is a safe and effective strategy for treating β-hemoglobinopathies. One sentence summary Preclinical safety and efficacy studies of a new gene therapy approach for patients with severe β-hemoglobinopathies.

We are planning to launch a 50kg-class satellite named INSPIRE, equipped with a small, high-performance Hybrid Compton Camera (HCC) for MeV gamma-ray astronomy.Since the launch of the COMPTEL satellite in 1991, there have been limited observations in the MeV gamma-ray band. However, this energy range is crucial for studying nucleosynthesis processes. INSPIRE aims to conduct a wide-area survey of nuclear gamma rays from the galactic plane and includes gamma-ray observations of solar flares as one of its objectives. Equipped with a hybrid Compton camera (HCC) system, INSPIRE can perform simultaneous X-ray and gamma-ray imaging. This is achieved by integrating the features of both Compton and pinhole cameras within a single detector system. The system includes two sensor layers of large-area Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays, optically coupled with GAGG scintillators. This configuration enables simultaneous imaging of gamma rays from 30 to 200 keV in pinhole mode and from 200 to 3000 keV in Compton mode. Its intrinsic efficiency and angular resolution are comparable to those of COMPTEL.The INSPIRE satellite is being developed as the successor to PETREL, which is currently being prepared for launch, with a planned launch in 2027.

El presente ensayo se encarga de pensar la realización escénica a la luz de las mutaciones producidas por las imágenes corporales, en dos montajes mendocinos recientes: Paraíso elemental (Ginevro, 2020) y Anagnórisis (Gorosterrazú y Ginevro, 2017). El enfoque se dirige a mostrar una zona de indeterminación entre lo teatral y lo performático, que separa la realización escénica de la mera representación. En este sentido, se considera que este quiebre produce la teatralidad en clave de imagen, por lo cual es posible hablar de imagen teatral para designar esta cara no representacional del teatro. El análisis ensayístico muestra qué tipo de imágenes teatrales aparecen en cada una de estas producciones, la dislocación del dispositivo representacional y la emergencia de cuerpos que operan como imágenes.

In medical research, the traditional way to collect data, i.e. browsing patient files, has been proven to induce bias, errors, human labor and costs. We propose a semi-automated system able to extract every type of data, including notes. The Smart Data Extractor pre-populates clinic research forms by following rules. We performed a cross-testing experiment to compare semi-automated to manual data collection. 20 target items had to be collected for 79 patients. The average time to complete one form was 6'81'' for manual data collection and 3'22'' with the Smart Data Extractor. There were also more mistakes during manual data collection (163 for the whole cohort) than with the Smart Data Extractor (46 for the whole cohort). We present an easy to use, understandable and agile solution to fill out clinical research forms. It reduces human effort and provides higher quality data, avoiding data re-entry and fatigue induced errors.

Objectives: Children and adolescents with medical complexity benefit from care coordination and specialized pediatric care, but many access barriers exist. We implemented a virtual wraparound model to support patients with medical complexity and their families and used an economic framework to measure outcomes. Methods: Children with medical complexity were identified and enrolled in a virtual complex care program with a dedicated multidisciplinary team, which provided care coordination, education, parental support, acute care triage, and virtual visits. A retrospective pre- and postanalysis of data obtained from the Hospital Industry Data Institute (HIDI) database measured inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department (ED) utilization and charges before implementation and during the 2-year program. Results: Eighty (n = 80) children were included in the economic evaluation, and 75 had sufficient data for analysis. Compared to the 12 months before enrollment, patients had a 35.3% reduction in hospitalizations (p = 0.0268), a 43.9% reduction in emergency visits (p = 0.0005), and a 16.9% reduction in overall charges (p = 0.1449). Parents expressed a high degree of satisfaction, with a 70% response rate and 90% satisfaction rate. Conclusions: We implemented a virtual care model to provide in-home support and care coordination for medically complex children and adolescents and used an economic framework to assess changes in utilization and cost. The program had high engagement rates and parent satisfaction, and a pre/postanalysis demonstrated statistically significant reduction in hospitalizations and ED visits for this high-cost population. Further economic evaluation is needed to determine sustainability of this model in a value-based payment system.

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