Contextual Factors-Enriched Standard Care on mechanical neck pain (ContextualizAR trial): Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Understanding the influence of contextual factors (CFs) on interventions for mechanical neck pain (MNP) is essential for evidence-based practice in physical therapy. However, the specific effects and synergies of combining different CFs remain unclear.

Objective: The primary purpose of this study will be to determine if a CFs-Enriched Standard Care (SC) approach is an effective treatment for MNP in terms of reducing pain and improving function.

Matrix Fourier optics enables a compact full-Stokes polarization camera.

Recent developments have enabled the practical realization of optical elements in which the polarization of light may vary spatially. We present an extension of Fourier optics-matrix Fourier optics-for understanding these devices and apply it to the design and realization of metasurface gratings implementing arbitrary, parallel polarization analysis. We show how these gratings enable a compact, full-Stokes polarization camera without standard polarization optics.

Visual outcomes, efficacy, and surgical complications associated with intracameral phenylephrine 1.0%/ketorolac 0.3% administered during cataract surgery.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare visual outcomes, surgical time, and perioperative surgical complications after intracameral use of either phenylephrine/ketorolac (P/K) or epinephrine (Epi) during cataract surgery.

Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective case review of patients undergoing cataract surgery from August to November 2015. Of the 641 eyes of 389 patients who underwent cataract surgery, 260 eyes were administered phenylephrine 1.

Herpes Simplex Virus-Type1 (HSV-1) Impairs DNA Repair in Cortical Neurons.

Several findings suggest that Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection plays a role in the neurodegenerative processes that characterize Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. Here we show that HSV-1 productive infection in cortical neurons causes the accumulation of DNA lesions that include both single (SSBs) and double strand breaks (DSBs), which are reported to be implicated in the neuronal loss observed in neurodegenerative diseases. We demonstrate that HSV-1 downregulates the expression level of Ku80, one of the main components of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), a major pathway for the repair of DSBs.

Putting translational science on to a global stage.

Global collaboration in translational science promises to accelerate the discovery, development and dissemination of new medical interventions. Here, we introduce a new international collaboration of translational science organizations and highlight our initial strategy to reduce or remove bottlenecks in translation.

Role of human topoisomerase IB on ionizing radiation induced damage.

Ionizing radiation can induce DNA strand breaks' formation both through direct ionization and through induction of oxidative stress. The resistance to radiation is mostly associated with the efficacy of DNA repair system. The ionizing radiation damage response of human topoisomerase IB, that is the selective target of camptothecin and derivatives widely used for various cancers often in association of radiotherapy, has been investigated treating with 30 Gy of X-rays a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain in which the endogenous topoisomerase IB, not essential in this organism, has been deleted and a similar strain which overexpresses the human enzyme.

Intraocular pressure elevations with loteprednol etabonate: a retrospective chart review.

Purpose: Ocular corticosteroids can cause elevations in intraocular pressure (IOP). The purpose of this study was to characterize the timing and severity of IOP elevations in patients receiving loteprednol etabonate 0.5% or loteprednol etabonate 0.

The effect of decreasing the dosage of cyclosporine A 0.05% on dry eye disease after 1 year of twice-daily therapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of decreasing topical cyclosporine 0.05% (tCSA) (Restasis; Allergan, Irvine, CA) from twice-daily dosing to once-daily dosing in patients who have already completed 12 months of twice-daily therapy for dry eye disease.

Design: Prospective, randomized, single-masked, parallel group comparison.

Correlating patient-reported response to hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (LACRISERT®) therapy with clinical outcomes: tools for predicting response.

Background/aims: To determine whether patient-reported improvement in symptoms of dry eye syndrome, activities of daily living, and other quality-of-life measures after treatment with hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts correlates significantly with physician assessment of clinical outcomes.

Methods: Patient registry of those treated for 1 month with inserts as monotherapy or in combination with existing treatments for moderate-to-severe dry eye syndrome. A total of 520 participants were enrolled.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts (lacrisert) reduce the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome and improve patient quality of life.

Purpose: A multicenter, 2-visit, open-label, 4-week study was conducted to determine the acceptability of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts in adult patients with a history of dry eye syndrome (DES).

Methods: At visit 1, patients (N = 520) were evaluated, screened by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a validated measure of quality of life. Patients were trained in the proper placement and use of hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic inserts and were contacted by telephone on day 3 of the study.

The mythic function of narcissism.

The paper makes some critical comments on the use Freud makes of myth and examines some of the inconsistencies and contradictions in his conceptualization of narcissism. Using some of the ideas of Bachelard and Hillman on the role of the imaginary, the authors theorize a function of myth that is independent of and not subordinated to the reality function. They suggest that narcissism must be seen not only in terms of individual history but that it has a mythic function; narcissism facilitates the creation of a relationship between the ego and the Self through the mediation of the imaginal world and through the prospective value of images.

A novel role for p21-activated protein kinase 2 in T cell activation.

To identify novel components of the TCR signaling pathway, a large-scale retroviral-based functional screen was performed using CD69 expression as a marker for T cell activation. In addition to known regulators, two truncated forms of p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), PAK2DeltaL(1-224) and PAK2DeltaS(1-113), both lacking the kinase domain, were isolated in the T cell screen. The PAK2 truncation, PAK2DeltaL, blocked Ag receptor-induced NFAT activation and TCR-mediated calcium flux in Jurkat T cells.

Interleukin 10 regulates cell surface and soluble LIR-2 (CD85d) expression on dendritic cells resulting in T cell hyporesponsiveness in vitro.

Dendritic cells (DC) are unique in their ability to stimulate naive T cells to proliferate and to differentiate into effector T cells. DC, however, can also inhibit T cell activation and play a role in central and peripheral tolerance. IL-10 has been shown to render DC tolerogenic by unknown mechanisms.

Systematic identification of regulatory proteins critical for T-cell activation.

Background: The activation of T cells, mediated by the T-cell receptor (TCR), activates a battery of specific membrane-associated, cytosolic and nuclear proteins. Identifying the signaling proteins downstream of TCR activation will help us to understand the regulation of immune responses and will contribute to developing therapeutic agents that target immune regulation.

Results: In an effort to identify novel signaling molecules specific for T-cell activation we undertook a large-scale dominant effector genetic screen using retroviral technology.

IL-10 alters DC function via modulation of cell surface molecules resulting in impaired T-cell responses.

IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of T-cell activation and has tolerizing effects on these cells. These effects are primarily mediated via modulation of antigen presenting cell function. Here, it is demonstrated that IL-10 completely inhibits LPS-induced DC maturation, resulting in altered DC-T-cell interactions and reduced T-cell responses.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule expression and regulation in human intracellular infection correlate with Th1 cytokine patterns.

Induction of Th1 cytokines, those associated with cell-mediated immunity, is critical for host defense against infection by intracellular pathogens, including mycobacteria. Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM, CD150) is a transmembrane protein expressed on lymphocytes that promotes T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production. The expression and role of SLAM in human infectious disease were investigated using leprosy as a model.

Functional cloning of Src-like adapter protein-2 (SLAP-2), a novel inhibitor of antigen receptor signaling.

In an effort to identify novel therapeutic targets for autoimmunity and transplant rejection, we developed and performed a large-scale retroviral-based functional screen to select for proteins that inhibit antigen receptor-mediated activation of lymphocytes. In addition to known regulators of antigen receptor signaling, we identified a novel adaptor protein, SLAP-2 which shares 36% sequence similarity with the known Src-like adaptor protein, SLAP. Similar to SLAP, SLAP-2 is predominantly expressed in hematopoietic cells.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) regulates T cellular cytotoxicity.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) is a CD2-related surface receptor expressed by activated T cells and B cells. SLAM is a self ligand and enhances T cellular proliferation and IFN-gamma production. A defective SLAM associated protein (SAP) causes X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), a frequently lethal mononucleosis based on the inability to control EBV.

Transmembrane-sequence-dependent overexpression and secretion of glycoproteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Protein expression using the secretory pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can lead to high amounts of overexpressed and secreted proteins in culture supernatants in a short period of time. These post-translational modified expression products can be purified up to >90% in a single step. The overexpression and secretion of the transmembrane glycoprotein signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) was studied.

Molecular and functional characterization of mouse signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM): differential expression and responsiveness in Th1 and Th2 cells.

Optimal T cell activation and expansion require engagement of the TCR plus costimulatory signals delivered through accessory molecules. SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule), a 70-kDa costimulatory molecule belonging to the Ig superfamily, was defined as a human cell surface molecule that mediated CD28-independent proliferation of human T cells and IFN-gamma production by human Th1 and Th2 clones. In this study, we describe the cloning of mouse SLAM and the production of mAb against it which reveal its expression on primary mouse T and B cells.

Altered signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) expression in HIV infection and redirection of HIV-specific responses via SLAM triggering.

Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) is a transmembrane lymphocytic receptor which gets rapidly upregulated following cell activation. SLAM engagement augments T cell expansion and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production independently of CD28. SLAM signaling is regulated by the SLAM-associated protein.

Receptors and cytokines involved in allergic TH2 cell responses.

Cytokines produced by allergen-specific TH2 cells play a central role in the induction and maintenance of allergic responses. Therefore antagonizing TH2 differentiation and TH2 effector functions will provide an effective way to intervene in allergic diseases. This article discusses that antagonizing the effects of IL-4 and IL-13 by IL-4Ralpha antagonists inhibits human TH2 development and IgE synthesis.

IFN-gamma is only partially restored by co-stimulation with IL-12, IL-2, IL-15, IL-18 or engagement of CD28.

Background: Although it is well established that T cells derived from patients with atopic diseases produce low levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are poorly understood.

Objectives: To elucidate whether IFN-gamma production may be restored by co-stimulatory molecules known to increase IFN-gamma production in vitro. Further, to investigate whether deficient IFN-gamma production is associated with disease activity.

Subconjunctival mitomycin C for the treatment of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

Purpose: The authors performed a prospective evaluation of the efficacy of treating ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) with subconjunctival mitomycin C.

Design: Unmasked, prospective, internally controlled case series.

Methods: Patients were eligible for treatment with subconjunctival mitomycin C under three criteria: (1) significant complications of systemic immunosuppressant therapy; (2) markedly asymmetric conjunctival disease; and (3) end-stage OCP.