Synthetic integrin antibodies discovered by yeast display reveal αV subunit pairing preferences with β subunits.

Integrins are cell surface receptors that mediate the interactions of cells with their surroundings and play essential roles in cell adhesion, migration, and homeostasis. Eight of the 24 integrins bind to the tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in their extracellular ligands, comprising the RGD-binding integrin subfamily. Despite similarity in recognizing the RGD motif and some redundancy, these integrins can selectively recognize RGD-containing ligands to fulfill specific functions in cellular processes.

Epstein Barr virus-directed T-cell therapy for refractory EBV-PTLD in a toddler post Orthotopic heart transplantation.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpes type virus that is associated with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). Usual management includes reduction or cessation of immunosuppression and in some cases chemotherapy including rituximab. However, limited therapies are available if PTLD is refractory to rituximab.

Synthetic integrin antibodies discovered by yeast display reveal αV subunit pairing preferences with β subunits.

Eight of the 24 integrin heterodimers bind to the tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif in their extracellular ligands, and play essential roles in cell adhesion, migration, and homeostasis. Despite similarity in recognizing the RGD motif and some redundancy, these integrins can selectively recognize RGD-containing ligands including fibronectin, vitronectin, fibrinogen, nephronectin and the prodomain of the transforming growth factors to fulfill specific functions in cellular processes. Subtype-specific antibodies against RGD-binding integrins are desirable for investigating their specific functions.

Elevated Aortic Stiffness after Pediatric Heart Transplantation.

In adults, arterial stiffness has been linked to the development of target end-organ damage, thought to be related to abnormal transmission of pulse pressure. Increased arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction have been hypothesized to contribute to the development of microvascular dysfunction and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV), an important comorbidity after heart transplantation. However, little data exists regarding arterial stiffness in pediatric heart transplantation and its influence on development of coronary allograft vasculopathy is not well understood.

Single-molecule characterization of subtype-specific β1 integrin mechanics.

Although integrins are known to be mechanosensitive and to possess many subtypes that have distinct physiological roles, single molecule studies of force exertion have thus far been limited to RGD-binding integrins. Here, we show that integrin α4β1 and RGD-binding integrins (αVβ1 and α5β1) require markedly different tension thresholds to support cell spreading. Furthermore, actin assembled downstream of α4β1 forms cross-linked networks in circularly spread cells, is in rapid retrograde flow, and exerts low forces from actin polymerization.

Molecular insights into antibody-mediated protection against the prototypic simian immunodeficiency virus.

SIVmac239 infection of macaques is a favored model of human HIV infection. However, the SIVmac239 envelope (Env) trimer structure, glycan occupancy, and the targets and ability of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to protect against SIVmac239 remain unknown. Here, we report the isolation of SIVmac239 nAbs that recognize a glycan hole and the V1/V4 loop.

Refractory and Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus in Nerve Agent-Poisoned Rats Following Application of Standard Clinical Treatment Guidelines.

Nerve agents (NAs) induce a severe cholinergic crisis that can lead to status epilepticus (SE). Current guidelines for treatment of NA-induced SE only include prehospital benzodiazepines, which may not fully resolve this life-threatening condition. This study examined the efficacy of general clinical protocols for treatment of SE in the specific context of NA poisoning in adult male rats.

17-Month-Old Girl With Severe, Prolonged Lethargy and Somnolence.

A 17-month-old girl arrived at the pediatric ED with decreased responsiveness. She was lethargic, localizing only to noxious stimuli with vital signs significant for fever of 103.8 °F, heart rate of 185 beats/min, respiratory rate of 12 breaths/min, blood pressure of 100/59 mmHg, and oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air.

A New Vaginal pH Regulator for Hormone-Free, On-Demand Contraception.

There are a variety of contraceptive methods that suit individuals' various lifestyles and needs. In the spring of 2020, the U.S.

"We're just two people in a relationship": A qualitative exploration of emotional bond and fairness experiences between transgender women and their cisgender partners.

Trans-including couples experience systemic marginalization impacting their relationships, yet studies on these relationships or narratives of strength are few. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore emotional bonding and perceptions of fairness between transgender women and their cisgender partners. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilized to answer the research question: What are the experiences of emotional bond and fairness between transgender women and their cisgender partners? This research was situated within frameworks of minority stress, romantic attachment, and contextual therapy.

Atrial fibrillation in adults with congenital heart disease following cardiac surgery in a single center: Analysis of incidence and risk factors.

Objective: The primary aim of our work is to determine the incidence of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery in adults with congenital heart disease. Secondary aims include identifying risk factors predictive of developing early postoperative atrial fibrillation and morbidities associated with early postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Design: Retrospective analysis.

Predictors of Universal Catheter Failure in Transradial Coronary Angiography.

Background: Use of a universal diagnostic catheter may decrease procedural time and catheter-exchange related spasm when compared with a dual-catheter strategy. The aim of this study was to identify preprocedural predictors of failure to complete a coronary angiogram with a universal catheter alone.

Methods: Consecutive patients (n = 782) who underwent a right transradial/transulnar coronary angiogram with a single operator were retrospectively reviewed.

Telehealth Intervention Programs for Seniors: An Observational Study of a Community-Embedded Health Monitoring Initiative.

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Distal transradial artery access in the anatomical snuffbox for coronary angiography as an alternative access site for faster hemostasis.

Objectives: This study investigated the feasibility, safety, and the potential benefit of faster hemostasis with the distal transradial artery access (TRA).

Background: TRA has been shown to be associated with lower bleeding and vascular complications. Limited data are available regarding the new technique of accessing the distal radial artery in the anatomical snuffbox.

Effects of fish oil supplementation on eicosanoid production in patients at higher risk for colorectal cancer.

Fish oil supplementation may represent a potential chemopreventive agent for reducing colorectal cancer risk. The mechanism of action of fish oil is unknown but presumed to be related to eicosanoid modification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil supplementation on the levels of urinary and rectal eicosanoids.

Most calbindin-immunoreactive neurons, but few calretinin-immunoreactive neurons, express the m1 acetylcholine receptor in the middle temporal visual area of the macaque monkey.

Introduction: Release of the neuromodulator acetylcholine into cortical circuits supports cognition, although its precise role and mechanisms of action are not well understood. Little is known about functional differences in cholinergic modulatory effects across cortical model systems, but anatomical evidence suggests that such differences likely exist because, for example, the expression of cholinergic receptors differs profoundly both within and between species.

Methods: In the primary visual cortex (V1) of macaque monkeys, cholinergic receptors are strongly expressed by inhibitory interneurons.

Transradial versus tibiopedal access approach for endovascular intervention of superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion.

Background: Improved equipment and techniques have resulted in transition from surgical bypass to endovascular intervention to treat superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusions (CTO). A change in access site to radial (TRA) or tibiopedal (TPA) artery for the treatment of these SFA CTO has been reported. The feasibility, efficacy and safety of these two access sites for treatment of SFA CTO have not been reported.

Neoadjuvant PF-05280014 (a potential trastuzumab biosimilar) versus trastuzumab for operable HER2+ breast cancer.

Background: This randomised, double-blind study compared pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of PF-05280014 (potential trastuzumab biosimilar) and trastuzumab reference product (Herceptin) sourced from the European Union (trastuzumab-EU) as neoadjuvant treatment for operable human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer.

Methods: Patients (N = 226), stratified by primary tumour size and hormone receptor status, were randomised 1:1 to PF-05280014 or trastuzumab-EU (8 mg/kg loading dose; 6 mg/kg thereafter), each with docetaxel and carboplatin, every 3 weeks for six treatment cycles. Primary endpoint was percentage of patients with trough plasma concentration (C) >20 μg/ml at Cycle 5 (Cycle 6 predose).

Talking to patients about biosimilars.

Biologic therapies target aberrant pathways in diseases including diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. Despite recent scientific advances, patient access to these agents can be limited. Biosimilars are designed to be highly similar to the originator biologic, targeting the same biological pathways, with comparable efficacy and safety.

A Contextual Perspective on Associations Between Reported Parental Infidelity and Relational Ethics of the Adult Children.

This study's aim was to apply a Contextual theory lens on exploring whether knowledge of parental infidelity affects the Relational Ethics (RE) of adult children. The Relational Ethics Scale (RES) was used to capture horizontal (partner) and vertical (family of origin) relational ethics in a clinical sample of 195 participants. A repeated measures ANOVA tested the differences in RES scores among the participants who reported knowledge of parental infidelity and the participants who did not.

Is There a Canonical Cortical Circuit for the Cholinergic System? Anatomical Differences Across Common Model Systems.

Acetylcholine (ACh) is believed to act as a neuromodulator in cortical circuits that support cognition, specifically in processes including learning, memory consolidation, vigilance, arousal and attention. The cholinergic modulation of cortical processes is studied in many model systems including rodents, cats and primates. Further, these studies are performed in cortical areas ranging from the primary visual cortex to the prefrontal cortex and using diverse methodologies.

Association Between Health Insurance Status and In-Hospital Outcomes After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Lack of health insurance is associated with adverse clinical outcomes; however, association between health insurance status and outcomes in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is unclear. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample data from 2003 to 2014, hospitalizations with STEMI in patients 18 years of age and older were extracted. Based on health insurance status, patients were categorized into insured and uninsured groups.

Comparison of Clinical and Electrocardiographic Predictors of Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy During the Initial Evaluation of Patients With Reduced (≤40%) Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

Invasive coronary angiography is routinely performed during the initial evaluation of patients with suspected cardiomyopathy with reduced left ventricular function. Clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) data may accurately predict ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC). Medical records of adults referred for coronary angiography for evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed.