Volumetric analysis methods continue to enjoy great popularity in the analysis of task-related functional MRI (fMRI) data. Among these methods, omnipresent throughout the field is the software tool FEAT, part of the FSL package (FMRIB, Oxford, UK). However, FEAT preprocessing involves multi-step interpolation (multiple sequential transformations), which at typical fMRI field strengths (i.e. 3T) has not been systematically compared with with alternative methods, in part due to lack of software tools compatible with FSL FEAT analysis. Here we developed the One-step General Registration and Extraction (OGRE) pipeline to combine FreeSurfer brain extraction, FSL FNIRT registration, one-step interpolation of preprocessing transformations, and output for FSL FEAT analysis. We compared OGRE with two alternative preprocessing methods (fMRIPrep and FSL) in a dataset wherein adult human volunteers ( N = 53) performed a precision drawing task during fMRI scanning. OGRE preprocessing led to lower inter-subject variability than FSL ( p = 7.3 × 10 ^− 9 ) or fMRIPrep ( p = 0.036); OGRE also led to the strongest detection of task-related magnitude in primary motor cortex contralateral to movement (OGRE > FSL p = 4.2 × 10 ^− 4 , other method pairs not significant). This pattern suggests that one-step interpolation (used by OGRE and fMRIPrep) reduces inter-individual variability during moderate-resolution (2 mm ³ ) volumetric analysis of task fMRI data.

Volumetric analysis methods continue to enjoy great popularity in the analysis of task-related functional MRI (fMRI) data. Among these methods, the software package FSL (FMRIB, Oxford, UK) is omnipresent throughout the field. However, it remains unknown what advantages might be gained by integrating FSL with alternative preprocessing tools. Here we developed the One-step General Registration and Extraction (OGRE) pipeline to apply FreeSurfer brain extraction for simultaneous registration and motion correction (“one-step resampling”), for FSL volumetric analysis of fMRI data. We compared three preprocessing approaches (OGRE, FSL, and fMRIPrep) in a dataset wherein adult human volunteers (N=39) performed a precision drawing task during fMRI scanning. The three approaches produced grossly similar results, but OGRE’s preprocessing led to lower inter-individual variability across the brain and greater detected activation in primary motor cortex contralateral to movement. This demonstrates that FreeSurfer tools and one-step resampling can improve FSL’s volumetric analysis of fMRI data. The OGRE pipeline provides an off-the-shelf method to apply FreeSurfer-based brain extraction and one-step resampling of motion correction and registration for FSL analysis of task fMRI data.

Background: Empiric antibiotic selection for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) is increasingly complex due to the rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare clinical efficacy and safety among existing empiric treatment options. Methods: We performed a frequentist random-effects NMA of randomized controlled trials evaluating single-agent empiric regimens for adults with cUTIs. The primary endpoints were clinical response (CR), microbiological response, and serious adverse events (AEs). Ceftriaxone served as the common comparator. Results: Forty-seven trials were identified through a systematic search. In the primary analysis of 17 studies published after the year 2000, evaluating agents currently accessible in the United States, in which baseline ceftriaxone non-susceptibility among Enterobacterales averaged approximately 15%. Ceftriaxone demonstrated CR rates comparable to broader-spectrum alternatives. Although some agents achieved higher microbiological eradication, these differences did not translate into superior clinical cure rates. Safety profiles were stable across antibiotic classes, with no significant differences in serious AEs compared to cephalosporins. Conclusions: Ceftriaxone remains an effective empiric option for hemodynamically stable adults with cUTIs in settings with comparable resistance prevalence. These findings provide evidence to support antimicrobial stewardship efforts that prioritize narrower-spectrum agents, preserving broader-spectrum therapies for patients at highest risk for resistant pathogens.