Preclinical Development of T Cells Engineered to Express a T-Cell Antigen Coupler Targeting Claudin 18.2-Positive Solid Tumors.

The T-cell antigen coupler (TAC) is a chimeric receptor that facilitates tumor antigen-specific activation of T cells by co-opting the endogenous T-cell receptor complex in the absence of tonic signaling. Previous data demonstrate that the TAC affords T cells with the ability to induce durable and safe antitumor responses in preclinical models of hematologic and solid tumors. In this study, we describe the preclinical pharmacology and safety of an autologous Claudin 18.

Morphological and dietary changes encoded in the genome of , a ctenophore-eating ctenophore.

As the sister group to all other animals, ctenophores (comb jellies) are important for understanding the emergence and diversification of numerous animal traits. Efforts to explore the evolutionary processes that promoted diversification within Ctenophora are hindered by undersampling genomic diversity within this clade. To address this gap, we present the sequence, assembly and initial annotation of the genome of .

Outcomes of a same day discharge protocol in patients undergoing mastectomy and implant reconstruction.

Background: Finite hospital resources has required a closer look at resource allocation. This has prompted a shift toward same day surgeries and a focus on reducing hospital readmissions. Following the institution of a same day discharge protocol for mastectomy and mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, we sought to assess differences in the length of stay and readmission rates.

T-cell engineered with a fully humanized B-cell maturation antigen-specific T-cell antigen coupler receptor effectively target multiple myeloma.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a clinically validated target for multiple myeloma. T-cell engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) directed against BCMA have demonstrated robust therapeutic activity in clinical trials, but toxicities remain a significant concern for a subset of patients, supporting continued investigation of other engineered T-cell platforms that may offer equal efficacy with an improved toxicity profile. The authors recently described a BCMA-specific, T-cell-centric synthetic antigen receptor, the T-cell antigen coupler (TAC) receptor, that can be used to engineer T-cell with robust anti-myeloma activity.

Mentoplasty with Cancellous Bone Chip Scaffolding: An Innovative Technique for Chin Aesthetics.

Summary: The facial skeleton is foundational for facial aesthetics. The authors describe an alternative technique for cosmetic chin augmentation that does not require alloplastic implants, osseous genioplasty, or autologous bone harvesting. In this new and innovative technique for chin augmentation, tissue bank allograft cancellous bone chips serve as a scaffold for bony ingrowth.

A multi-institutional approach for decreasing narcotic prescriptions after laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Appendicitis is a common indication for surgical hospital admission. Uncomplicated appendicitis is typically treated with surgical intervention, most commonly a laparoscopic appendectomy. As with many procedures, narcotic utilization is highly varied among surgeons for postoperative pain control.

Objective Improvement in Cognitive Function following Aortic Coarctation Repair in an Adult.

Coarctation of the aorta is a rare finding in adults and can present with vague symptoms. We report a case of a 64-year-old cognitively impaired female who presented with fatigue and tinnitus. After extensive workup, she was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta and subsequently underwent repair.

Is interval appendectomy really needed? A closer look at neoplasm rates in adult patients undergoing interval appendectomy after complicated appendicitis.

Background: The treatment algorithm for appendicitis is evolving, with recent interest in non-operative management. However, the safety of non-operative management for patients with complicated appendicitis has been questioned due to concern for increased risk of occult appendiceal neoplasm in this patient population. Our study aims to determine the rate of neoplasms discovered during interval appendectomy for patients with complicated appendicitis and determine the necessity of interval appendectomy.

Endoscopic transpapillary stenting for the management of acute cholecystitis.

Introduction: Cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment of acute cholecystitis. Patients who are considered not to be candidates for cholecystectomy are commonly recommended to undergo percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) tube placement; however, external drainage is undesirable for many patients. Endoscopic transpapillary stent placement (ETSP) has been described as an alternative method for decompression of the gallbladder.

Outcomes following early versus delayed cholecystectomy performed for acute cholangitis.

Background: Early cholecystectomy following an episode of gallstone pancreatitis is data supported, however, there is minimal literature regarding the optimal timing for cholecystectomy following an episode of acute cholangitis. Our study aims to determine the ideal timing for laparoscopic cholecystectomy following an episode of acute cholangitis.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was done on cholecystectomies performed for cholangitis at our institution from 2008 to 2015.

Endovascular Coil Migration Into the Intestinal Lumen: Two Cases of Successful Nonoperative Management.

Endovascular embolization of visceral arteries is commonly performed as treatment for aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, and emboloradiation of liver tumors; while considered relatively safe, it is not without complications. We are reporting 2 cases of coil migration into the gastrointestinal tract. Patients were successfully managed without endoscopic or surgical coil removal.

The chimeric TAC receptor co-opts the T cell receptor yielding robust anti-tumor activity without toxicity.

Engineering T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) is an effective method for directing T cells to attack tumors, but may cause adverse side effects such as the potentially lethal cytokine release syndrome. Here the authors show that the T cell antigen coupler (TAC), a chimeric receptor that co-opts the endogenous TCR, induces more efficient anti-tumor responses and reduced toxicity when compared with past-generation CARs. TAC-engineered T cells induce robust and antigen-specific cytokine production and cytotoxicity in vitro, and strong anti-tumor activity in a variety of xenograft models including solid and liquid tumors.