AG1478 Elicits a Novel Anti-Influenza Function via an EGFR-Independent, GBF1-Dependent Pathway.

Current options for preventing or treating influenza are still limited, and new treatments for influenza viral infection are urgently needed. In the present study, we serendipitously found that a small-molecule inhibitor (AG1478), previously used for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, demonstrated a potent activity against influenza both in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, the antiviral effect of AG1478 was not mediated by its EGFR inhibitory activity, as influenza virus was insensitive to EGFR blockade by other EGFR inhibitors or by siRNA knockdown of EGFR.

Evaluating Technology-Mediated Collaborative Workflows for Telehealth.

Goals: This paper discusses the need for a predictable method to evaluate gains and gaps of collaborative technology-mediated workflows and introduces an evaluation framework to address this need.

Methods: The Collaborative Space - Analysis Framework (CS-AF), introduced in this research, is a cross-disciplinary evaluation method designed to evaluate technology-mediated collaborative workflows. The 5-step CS-AF meta-process includes: (1) current-state workflow definition, (2) current-state (baseline) workflow assessment, (3) technology-mediated workflow development and deployment, (4) technology-mediated workflow assessment, (5) analysis and conclusions.

Alternaria induces airway epithelial cytokine expression independent of protease-activated receptor.

Background And Objective: A novel fungal allergen, Alternaria (Alt), has been previously shown to associate with the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Airway epithelial cells are among the first to encounter Alt, and epithelial cytokine production and subsequent airway inflammation are early events in the response to Alt exposure. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

The Club Cell Marker SCGB1A1 Downstream of FOXA2 is Reduced in Asthma.

Human SCGB1A1 protein has been shown to be significantly reduced in BAL, sputum, and serum from humans with asthma as compared with healthy individuals. However, the mechanism of this reduction and its functional impact have not been entirely elucidated. By mining online datasets, we found that the mRNA of was significantly repressed in brushed human airway epithelial cells from individuals with asthma, and this repression appeared to be associated with reduced expression of FOXA2.

Whole-Exome Sequencing for Diagnosis of Turner Syndrome: Toward Next-Generation Sequencing and Newborn Screening.

Context: Turner syndrome (TS) is due to a complete or partial loss of an X chromosome in female patients and is not currently part of newborn screening (NBS). Diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in missed crucial diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities.

Objectives: This study sought to determine if whole-exome sequencing (WES) as part of a potential NBS program could be used to diagnose TS.