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Hydrogels based on natural polymers have aroused interest from the scientific community. The aim of this investigation was to obtain natural extracts from mango peels and to evaluate their addition (1, 3, and 5%) on the rheological behavior of mango starch hydrogels. The total phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and phenolic acid profile of the natural extracts were evaluated. The viscoelastic and thixotropic behavior of hydrogels with the addition of natural extracts was evaluated. The total phenol content and antioxidant activity of the extracts increased significantly (p<0.05) with the variation of the ethanol-water ratio; the phenolic acid profile showed the contain of p-coumaric, ellagic, ferulic, chlorogenic acids, epicatechein, catechin, querecetin, and mangiferin. The viscoelastic behavior of the hydrogels showed that the storage modulus G' is larger than the loss modulus G'' indicating a viscoelastic solid behavior. The addition of extract improved the thermal stability of the hydrogels. 1% of the extracts increase viscoelastic and thixotropic properties, while concentrations of 3 to 5% decreased. The recovery percentage (%Re) decreases at concentrations from 0% to 1% of natural extracts, however, at concentrations from 3% to 5% increased.

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Fractional laser therapy improves skin texture, range of motion, and quality of life for patients with traumatic scars. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence suggests declining insurance coverage for laser therapy. We aimed to characterize the landscape of insurance coverage for fractional laser therapy present our six-year reimbursement trends. We cross-sectionally analyzed the 60 largest American health insurers by enrollee size and market share. For each, we identified their laser therapy policy for scar revision and extracted their documentation, prior, and continuing authorization requirements and treatment guidelines. We also collected retrospective institutional claims data from 2017 to 2022 to investigate trends in reimbursement. Of the 60 largest health insurers, we identified 11 (18.3%) policies on scar revision and 40 policies (66.7%) on reconstructive surgery, including scar revision. Nineteen policies considered laser therapy medically necessary with evidence of functional impairment refractory to prior treatment. Three insurers denied laser coverage under any circumstance. Of the 1,531 claims submitted by our institution for burn scar laser therapy, 13.8% were denied. Patients with Medicare (ORadj, 3.78) or Medicaid (ORadj, 2.80) had significantly greater odds of coverage than privately insured patients (p<0.01). There was a 14.5% annual reduction in the odds of reimbursement during the study period (ORadj, 0.86, p < 0.01). Laser therapy is a powerful treatment that is not widely available to patients with traumatic scars. Our institutional data suggest this access may be further eclipsed by decreasing trends in coverage since 2017. Strategies are needed to protect patient access to this life-changing treatment.

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BACKGROUND: Vulnerable plaque presents prognostic implications in addition to functional significance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify relevant features of vulnerable plaque in functionally significant lesions. METHODS: In this multicenter, prospective study conducted across 5 countries, including patients who had invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤0.80, a total of 95 patients with available pullback pressure gradient (PPG) and plaque analysis on coronary computed tomographic angiography and optical coherence tomography were analyzed. Vulnerable plaque was defined as the presence of plaque rupture or thin-cap fibroatheroma on optical coherence tomography. Among the 25 clinical characteristics, invasive angiographic findings, physiological indexes, and coronary computed tomographic angiographic findings, significant predictors of vulnerable plaque were identified. RESULTS: Mean percentage diameter stenosis, FFR, and PPG were 77.8% ± 14.6%, 0.66 ± 0.13, and 0.65 ± 0.13, respectively. Vulnerable plaque was present in 53 lesions (55.8%). PPG and FFR were identified as significant predictors of vulnerable plaque (P < 0.05 for all). PPG >0.65 and FFR ≤0.70 were significantly related to a higher probability of vulnerable plaque after adjustment for each other (OR: 6.75 [95% CI: 2.39-19.1]; P < 0.001] for PPG >0.65; OR: 4.61 [95% CI: 1.66-12.8]; P = 0.003 for FFR ≤0.70). When categorizing lesions according to combined PPG >0.65 and FFR ≤0.70, the prevalence of vulnerable plaque was 20.0%, 57.1%, 66.7%, and 88.2% in the order of PPG ≤0.65 and FFR >0.70, PPG ≤0.65 and FFR ≤0.70, PPG >0.65 and FFR >0.70, and PPG >0.65 and FFR ≤0.70 (P for trend < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among low-FFR lesions, the presence of vulnerable plaque can be predicted by PPG combined with FFR without additional anatomical or plaque characteristics. (Precise Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Plan [P3] Study; NCT03782688).

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The arid region of northwest China (ARNC) is the most ecologically fragile region in China, and is characterized by harsh natural conditions, severe soil erosion, and poor soil fertility. Understanding long-term vegetation changes in this region is critical for effective environmental monitoring and climate change adaptation. Fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) is a key parameter for characterizing the ecological conditions of the ARNC. However, the reliance on low-resolution FVC and NDVI data due to the lack of medium-resolution data has limited our understanding of the environmental dynamics in this region. Therefore, this study addressed this gap by utilizing Landsat data to generate FVC data, enabling a detailed investigation of the spatial-temporal variations and driving factors of vegetation in the ARNC from 2000 to 2020. The results indicated the following: (1) The FVC was generally low, with an average of 0.191. The FVC was greater in the northwest and lower in the southeast in terms of spatial distribution features. The trend of FVC change in ARNC showed significant spatial variability, with degradation outweighing improvement. (2) The coefficient of variation of FVC was 0.377, indicating significant temporal fluctuations, with more stable conditions in the northwest than in the southeast. (3) The spatial differentiation of the FVC in ARNC was primarily driven by land cover types, evapotranspiration, and precipitation, with explanatory powers exceeding 30 % each. This study is significant because it provides a comprehensive understanding of vegetation dynamics in one of China's most vulnerable regions, offering critical insights for ecological restoration, desertification control, and sustainable development. The findings underscore the importance of targeted ecological governance to address the challenges posed by environmental degradation in the ARNC.

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Background: Nitroglycerin administration prior to examination improves stenosis assessment of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA). However, whether nitroglycerin influences CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR, CT-FFR) evaluation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nitroglycerin on diagnostic performance of CT-FFR. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, 107 consecutive patients suspected of coronary artery disease (CAD) with nitroglycerin administration prior to CCTA in 2019 were matched to 107 patients without nitroglycerin in 2016 from Fuwai Hospital. All patients underwent CCTA and invasive FFR in a month. Vessel-based and patient-based accuracy and diagnostic performance of CT-FFR were compared between the two groups, as well as image quality, coronary artery diameter and evaluability. Quantitative variables were compared by Kruskal-Wallis H test. Categorical variables and rates were compared by χ2 test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 214 patients (56.1±8.9 years, 155 male) with 237 target lesion vessels were analyzed, including 120 vessels in nitroglycerin and 117 vessels in non-nitroglycerin group. Per-vessel based accuracy of CT-FFR was higher in nitroglycerin group {80.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 71.7-86.7%] vs. 68.4% (59.1-76.7%), P=0.041}. On a per-patient basis, nitroglycerin administration improved the accuracy [83.2% (74.7-89.7%) vs. 68.2% (58.5-76.9%), P=0.01], specificity [82.7% (69.7-91.8%) vs. 61.9% (48.8-73.9%), P=0.01], positive predictive value (PPV) [83.6% (73.6-90.4%) vs. 58.6% (50.0-66.9%), P=0.004], and area under the curve (AUC) [0.83 (0.75-0.89) vs. 0.71 (0.61-0.79), P=0.03] of CT-FFR. Vessel diameters (left main arteries: 4.3 vs. 3.8 mm, P<0.001; left anterior descending arteries: 3.1 vs. 2.9 mm, P=0.001; left circumflex arteries: 2.9 vs. 2.7 mm, P=0.01; right coronary arteries: 3.7 vs. 3.4 mm, P=0.001) and number of evaluable coronary arteries (11.0 vs. 8.0, P<0.001) were larger in nitroglycerin group. Conclusions: Nitroglycerin administration prior to CCTA has positive effects on diagnostic performance of CT-FFR.

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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Environmental Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on lung airway inflammation by assessing the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in students studying in schools located in or away from air-polluted areas. Methods: This matched case-control cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from August 2022 to July 2023. In this study, two schools were selected, one was located near a traffic-polluted area (School #1), and the second was located away from the traffic-polluted area (School #2). A total of 300 students were recruited, 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from the school located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from the school located away from a traffic-polluted area. Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2, were recorded. The Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) was measured using a Niox Mino. Results: The mean concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were 35.00±0.65 significantly higher in a school located in motor vehicle polluted area compared to a school located away from a motor vehicle-polluted area (29.95±0.32) (p=0.001). The mean values for FeNO were significantly higher (18.75±0.90) among students studying in a school located in the motor vehicle-polluted area compared to students studying in a school located away from the motor vehicle-polluted area (11.26±0.56) (p=0.001). Conclusions: Environmental pollution can cause lung inflammation among students in schools located in traffic-polluted areas.

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The article examines sequential fractional-order differential equations composed of monomial coefficients defined as nonlinear boundary problems. The original problem is converted into an integral equation in an equivalent form. The contraction mapping principle and Krasnoselskii's fixed-point theorem are implemented to obtain two existence conditions. The problem of Ulam-Hyers stability is also investigated. An illustration is presented to showcase practical application of the obtained results.

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The main purpose of this article is to study the generalized Kudryashov's equation with truncated M-fractional derivative, which is commonly used to describe the propagation of wide pulses in nonlinear optical fibers. By employing the complete discriminant system of fourth-order polynomials, various types of explicit solutions are systematically classified, which include periodic solutions, the trigonometric functions, the double-period solutions, and the elliptic function solutions. Additionally, a series of 2D, 3D, and contour plots are generated to visually depict the spatial distribution and evolution of various solutions. This not only advances the development of nonlinear equations in theory but also provides valuable guidance in practical applications.

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In this article, we explore exact solitary wave solutions to the van der Waals equation which is crucial for numerous applications involving a variety of physical occurrences. This system is used to define the behavior of real gases taking into consideration finite size of molecules and also has some applications in industry for granular materials. The model is studied under the effect of fractional derivatives by employing two different definitions: ß , and M-truncated. Further, new extended direct algebraic method is employed to construct the solitary wave solutions for the model. The solutions transmit several novel solutions, such as dark-singular, dark-bright, singular-periodic and dark solutions, and this method establishes the conditions required for the formation of these structures. To show the comparative analysis between two different fractional operators, results are graphically represented in the form of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional visualizations.

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Aim: To assess the cost-effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors as first-line treatments for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC).Methods: This pharmacoeconomic evaluation employed the fractional polynomial network meta-analysis and partitioned survival model. Costs and utilities were collected from the literature and databases. Sensitivity analyses were used to examine uncertainties.Results: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of first-line treatment strategies were $761,371.37 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) or $206,222.53/QALY in the US and $354,678.79 /QALY or $213,874.22/QALY in China, respectively. The sensitivity analysis results were largely consistent with the base case.Conclusion: From the US and Chinese payer perspectives, adding durvalumab or pembrolizumab to chemotherapy is unlikely to be cost effective in the first-line setting for advanced BTC.

[Box: see text].

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Polyamide 6 (PA6) film as a typical viscoelastic material, satisfies the time-temperature superposition (TTS), and demonstrates obvious dynamic strain amplitude and frequency correlation under dynamic load. The investigation of the dynamic mechanical behavior of PA6 film is essential to ensure the safety of these materials in practical applications. In addition, dynamic mechanical property testing under conventional experimental conditions generally focuses on the short-term mechanical performance of materials. Therefore, the dynamic viscoelasticity of PA6 film was tested using a dynamic thermo-mechanical analyzer (DMA) in this study, and the complex modulus master curve was constructed based on time-temperature superposition (TTS) to realize the accelerated characterization of long-term mechanical properties. Furthermore, according to experimentally obtained asymmetric characteristics of the Cole-Cole diagram and the loss modulus master curve of the PA6 film, the parameter distribution of the fractional Zener model and the modified fractional Zener model were compared, and the asymmetric dynamic viscoelastic response of PA6 film under different conditions was systematically investigated using these models. The results indicate that the modified fractional Zener model can truly describe the dynamic asymmetric characteristics of PA6 film, verify the feasibility and advantages of the modified fractional rheological model, and provide some theoretical guidance for exploring the tensile rheological mechanism of PA6 film.

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BACKGROUND: The therapeutic effectiveness of dupilumab for severe asthma in real-world settings is yet to be prospectively investigated across multiple institutions, and uncertainties persist regarding predictive factors for its effectiveness. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of dupilumab and identify predictors of its effectiveness in real-world settings using two type-2 biomarkers: FeNO concentration and blood eosinophil count. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study included 103 patients with severe asthma. Exacerbations and respiratory functions were monitored for 24 weeks. Asthma control was evaluated using the Asthma Control Questionnaire-5. Clinical symptoms and their impact on cough and sputum were assessed using the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q). Subgroup analyses of type-2 biomarkers were conducted based on FeNO levels and blood eosinophil counts at baseline. RESULTS: Treatment with dupilumab led to a reduction in exacerbations and enhancement in asthma control, FEV1, and CASA-Q scores. FEV1 improvement was correlated with enhancement in the sputum domain of the CASA-Q. Patients exhibiting elevated FeNO levels and blood eosinophil counts demonstrated more significant enhancements in FEV1. CASA-Q sputum domain scores were significantly higher in the group with elevated eosinophil counts. Regression analysis revealed that FeNO levels and blood eosinophil counts are significant predictors of FEV1 improvement, with blood eosinophil counts also predicting sputum improvement in patients treated with dupilumab. CONCLUSIONS: Type-2 biomarkers may act as indicators of improvement in FEV1 and sputum outcomes among patients with severe asthma undergoing dupilumab treatment in real-world settings.

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We present analytical results of fundamental properties of one-dimensional (1D) Hubbard model with a repulsive interaction. New results of the model with arbitrary external fields include: I) Using the exact solutions of the Bethe Ansatz equations of the Hubbard model, we first rigorously calculate the gapless spin and charge excitations, exhibiting exotic features of fractionalized spinons and holons. We then investigate the gapped excitations in terms of the spin string and the $k-\Lambda$ string bound states at arbitrary driving fields, showing subtle differences of spin magnons and charge $\eta$-pair excitations. II) For a high density and high spin magnetization region, i.e. near the quadruple critical point, we further analytically obtain the thermodynamical properties, dimensionless ratios and scaling functions near quantum phase transitions. III) Importantly, we give the general scaling functions at quantum criticality for arbitrary filling and interaction strength. These can directly apply to other integrable models. IV) Based on the fractional excitations and the scaling laws, the spin-incoherent Luttinger liquid (SILL) with only the charge propagation mode is elucidated by the asymptotic of the two-point correlation functions with the help of the conformal field theory. We also for the first time obtain the analytical result of the thermodynamics for the SILL. V) Finally, in order to capture deeper insight into the Mott insulator and interaction-driven criticality, we further study the double occupancy and propose its associated Contact and Contact susceptibilities through which an adiabatic cooling scheme based upon quantum criticality is proposed. In this scenario, we build up general relations among arbitrary external and internal potential driven quantum phase transitions, providing a comprehensive understanding of quantum criticality. Our methods offer rich perspectives of quantum integrability and offer promising guidance to future experiments with interacting electrons and ultracold atoms both with and without a lattice.

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Emotional disorders inflict an enormous burden on society. Research on brain abnormalities implicated in emotional disorders has witnessed great progress over the past decades. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal designs, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and its analytic approaches have been applied to characterize the local properties of patients with emotional disorders. Additionally, brain activity alterations of emotional disorders have shown frequency-specific. Despite the gains in understanding the roles of brain abnormalities in emotional disorders, the limitation of the small sample size needs to be highlighted. Lastly, we proposed that evidence from the positive psychology research stream presents it as a viable discipline, whose suggestions could be developed in future emotional disorders research. Such interdisciplinary research may produce novel treatments and intervention options. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Brain Function and Dysfunction.

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OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term clinical outcomes and factors associated with target vessel revascularisation in patients with deferred revascularisation based on negative fractional flow reserve and negative instantaneous wave-free ratio. METHODS: The longitudinal, retrospective study was conducted from July 1, 2020, to January 1, 2022, at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records from January 2012 to January 2020 of patients with deferred revascularisation having intermediate to severe coronary lesions on coronary angiogram and had negative fractional flow reserve >0.80 or instantaneous wave-free ratio >0.89 and had not undergone immediate or planned revascularisation on the basis of negative physiological assessment. Data was collected from the institutional records, while final follow-up was taken by reviewing the medical records or telephonic interviews regarding any major adverse cardiac event after the index procedure. Data was analysed using Stata 14.2. RESULTS: Of the 345 patients, 245(71%) were males. The overall mean age was 62±11 years. There were 194(56%) patients who presented with stable angina and 151(44%) presented with acute coronary syndrome. Mean fractional flow reserve was 0.87±0.04 and mean instantaneous wave-free ratio was 0.93±0.03. Multivessel disease was present in 223(65%) patients. Median follow-up period was 29 months (IQR: 24-36 months). Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 22(6%) patients, and target vessel revascularisation was required in 11(3%). Diabetes and percentage of stenosis were found to be independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Deferral of revascularisation and opting for medical treatment for coronary artery stenosis with higher fractional flow reserve or instantaneous wave-free ratio could be considered a safe and reasonable strategy.

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OBJECTIVES: Non-ablative fractional lasers (NAFL) have increased in demand compared to ablative laser treatments as they provide lesser down time, fewer side-effects, and are safer to use. Non-ablative fractional treatment with lasers ranging from 1320 to 1927-nm have been shown to be safe and effective for skin resurfacing procedures. The objective of this study is to investigate healing of the 1940-nm NAFL-induced microthermal treatment zones (MTZs) in human skin from a histologic perspective. METHODS: Three subjects received 1940-nm NAFL treatment to test areas on the abdomen at various timepoints during the study. The minimum 5 mJ/MTZ and maximum 20 mJ/MTZ energy settings were used at 20% coverage. Biopsies were taken coinciding with immediately posttreatment, 1, 3, 7 days, and 6 weeks posttreatment. Blinded analysis of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides was performed to measure the width and depth of the MTZs and evaluate the inflammatory and healing response of the skin over time (immediately to 6 weeks posttreatment). Safety was evaluated by assessing local skin responses and adverse events immediately after treatment and at all study visits. RESULTS: Histological analysis of tissue following NAFL 1940-nm treatments showed mild early inflammatory response (presence of lymphotic infiltrate) in some test areas and zones of necrosis and coagulation having widths and depths (immediately-3 days posttreatment) that scaled with the 1940-nm pulse energy. Signs of healing such as presence of dermal mucin, evidence of fibrosis, and absence of necrosis were observed long-term (7 days to 6 weeks posttreatment). Evidence of the MTZ persisted beyond the 6-week study and was predicted to last for 100 days. All local clinical skin responses healed within 6 weeks and were limited to mild, transient erythema and edema which resolved in less than 12-24 h following treatment. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS: NAFL 1940-nm treatments are safe for inducing small fractional coagulation and necrosis zones in abdominal skin. NAFL 1940-nm laser creates fractional columns of injury with sufficient depth and coverage that suggest effective skin resurfacing, like other non-ablative fractional lasers.

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Symmetry-breaking orders can not only compete with each other, but also be intertwined, and the intertwined topological and symmetry-breaking orders make the situation more intriguing. This work examines the archetypal correlated flat band model on a checkerboard lattice at fillingν=2/3and we find that the unique interplay between smectic charge order and topological order gives rise to two novel quantum states. As the interaction strength increases, the system first transitions from a Fermi liquid (FL) into FQAH smectic (FQAHS) state, where the topological order coexists cooperatively with smectic charge order with enlarged ground-state degeneracy and interestingly, the Hall conductivity isσxy=ν=2/3, different from the band-folding or doping scenarios. Further increasing the interaction strength, the system undergoes another quantum phase transition and evolves into a polar smectic metal (PSM) state. This emergent PSM is an anisotropic non-Fermi liquid, whose interstripe tunneling is irrelevant while it is metallic inside each stripe. Different from the FQAHS and conventional smectic orders, this PSM spontaneously breaks the two-fold rotational symmetry, resulting in a nonzero electric dipole moment and ferroelectric order. In addition to the exotic ground states, large-scale numerical simulations are also used to study low-energy excitations and thermodynamic characteristics. We find that the onset temperature of the incompressible FQAHS state, which also coincides with the onset of non-polar smectic order, is dictated by the magneto-roton modes. Above this onset temperature, the PSM state exists at an intermediate-temperature regime. Although theT = 0 quantum phase transition between PSM and FQAHS is first order, the thermal FQAHS-PSM transition could be continuous. We expect the features of the exotic states and thermal phase transitions could be accessed in future experiments.

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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) impairment is common both intraoperatively and in the early postoperative period of major surgeries, even elective ones. In some patients, such impairment is subtle and short-lasting, not even detected by increases in serum creatinine (sCr) and, consequently, not of sufficient magnitude to fulfill acute kidney injury (AKI) sCr-based criteria. In patients with a GFR decrease of greater magnitude, significant increases in sCr will occur but, unfortunately, usually at a late time in its progression. Both urinary and serum biomarkers have been proposed to be capable of anticipating AKI development but they are not widely available nor cost-effective in most centers. In this context, a urine biochemical approach using urinary sodium concentration (NaU) and the fractional excretion of potassium (FeK) has been proposed, anticipating the level of renal microcirculatory stress and decreases in GFR. An educational postoperative case example is presented highlighting the relevance that this approach can have in the correct interpretation of sCr values, bringing more dynamism to renal function monitoring. How to cite this article: Maciel AT. Optimizing Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury Monitoring Using a Urine Biochemical Approach-Time to Bring More Dynamism to Serum Creatinine Evaluation! Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(8):729-733.

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Significant evidence links obesity and schizophrenia (SZ), but the brain associations are still largely unclear. 48 people with SZ were divided into two subgroups: patients with lower waist circumference (SZ-LWC: n = 24) and patients with higher waist circumference (SZ-HWC: n = 24). Healthy controls (HC) were included for comparison (HC: n = 27). Using tract-based spatial statistics, we compared fractional anisotropy (FA) of the whole-brain white matter skeleton between these three groups (SZ-LWC, SZ-HWC, HC). Using Free Surfer, we compared whole-brain cortical thickness and the selected subcortical volumes between the three groups. FA of widespread white matter and the mean cortical thickness in the right temporal lobe and insular cortex were significantly lower in the SZ-HWC group than in the HC group. The FA of regional white matter was significantly lower in the SZ-LWC group than in the HC group. There were no significant differences in mean subcortical volumes between the groups. Additionally, the cognitive performances were worse in the SZ-HWC group, who had more severe triglycerides elevation. This study provides evidence for microstructural abnormalities of white matter, cortical thickness and neurocognitive deficits in SZ patients with excessive abdominal obesity.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by structural alteration within white matter tissues of cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical, temporal and occipital circuits. However, the presence of microstructural changes in the white matter tracts of unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with OCD as a vulnerability marker remains unclear. Therefore, here, diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) data were obtained from 29 first-degree relatives of patients with OCD and 59 healthy controls. We investigated the group differences in FA using whole-brain analysis (DTI analysis). For additional regions of interest (ROI) analysis, we focused on the posterior thalamic radiation and sagittal stratum, shown in recent meta-analysis of patients with OCD. In both whole-brain and ROI analyses, using a strict statistical threshold (family-wise error rate [FWE] corrected p<.05 for whole-brain analyses, and p<.0125 (0.05/4) with Bonferroni correction for ROI analyses), we found no significant group differences in FA. Subtle reductions were observed in the anterior corona radiata, forceps minor, cingulum bundle, and corpus callosum only when a lenient statistical was applied (FWE corrected p<.20). These findings suggest that alterations in the white matter microstructure of first-degree relatives, as potential vulnerability markers for OCD, are likely subtle.

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