Immune Activation Profiles Elicited by Distinct, Repeated TLR Agonist Infusions in Rhesus Macaques.

TLR agonists are a promising class of immune system stimulants investigated for immunomodulatory applications in cancer immunotherapy and viral diseases. In this study, we sought to characterize the safety and immune activation achieved by different TLR agonists in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a useful preclinical model of complex immune interactions. Macaques received one of three TLR agonists, followed by plasma cytokine, immune cell subset representation, and blood cell activation measurements.

Delayed cord clamping in infants born less than 35 weeks: A retrospective study.

Background: Evidence supports delayed cord clamping (DCC) in preterm infants. However, practice variation exists, and many preterm infants do not receive DCC despite multiple benefits and lack of harm. We aim to 1) study the rate of DCC in preterm infants, 2) compare the difference between infants who received DCC and those who did not receive DCC and 3) investigate the reasons for not performing DCC.

MLH1-rheMac hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome in rhesus macaques.

Over the past two decades, 33 cases of colonic adenocarcinomas have been diagnosed in rhesus macaques () at the nonhuman primate colony of the Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The distinctive feature in these cases, based on PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging, was the presence of two or three tumor lesions in different locations, including proximal to the ileocecal juncture, proximal to the hepatic flexure, and/or in the sigmoid colon. These colon carcinoma lesions selectively accumulated [F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([F]FDG) and [F]fluoroacetate ([F]FACE) at high levels, reflecting elevated carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism in these tumors.

Comparison of Indoor Air Quality between 2 Ventilation Strategies in a Facility Housing Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Adequate indoor-air quality (IAQ)--defined by the temperature, relative humidity, and the levels of carbon dioxide, small particles, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)--is crucial in laboratory animal facilities. The ventilation standards for controlling these parameters are not well defined. This study assessed the effect of 2 ventilation strategies on IAQ in 2 rooms housing rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).

Dependence of DCE-MRI biomarker values on analysis algorithm.

Background: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) biomarkers have proven utility in tumors in evaluating microvascular perfusion and permeability, but it is unclear whether measurements made in different centers are comparable due to methodological differences.

Purpose: To evaluate how commonly utilized analytical methods for DCE-MRI biomarkers affect both the absolute parameter values and repeatability.

Materials And Methods: DCE-MRI was performed on three consecutive days in twelve rats bearing C6 xenografts.