Platelet-derived growth factor-AB improves scar mechanics and vascularity after myocardial infarction.

Therapies that target scar formation after myocardial infarction (MI) could prevent ensuing heart failure or death from ventricular arrhythmias. We have previously shown that recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-AB (rhPDGF-AB) improves cardiac function in a rodent model of MI. To progress clinical translation, we evaluated rhPDGF-AB treatment in a clinically relevant porcine model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Psychometric evaluation of the Russian version of the flourishing scale in a sample of older adults living in Siberia.

Background: The development of measures of psychological functioning has received less attention in Russia compared to other countries. Moreover, despite the growing interest in the psychological well-being of older adults, there is a lack of research on this segment of the population in Siberia. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Russian version of the Flourishing Scale (FS) and to measure psychological functioning in a sample of older adults living in Siberia.

Exploring predictors of life satisfaction and happiness among Siberian older adults living in Tomsk Region.

Despite the growing interest in studying factors affecting subjective well-being of older adults, little research has been conducted on vast territory of Siberia (Russia) with large population. To address this lack of evidence, we explored the relationship between subjective well-being and social aspects (social and emotional support, social network, and social activities), living conditions (standards of living and residence area), self-reported health, and demographic characteristics in older adults living in Tomsk Region, Siberia. Subjective well-being was measured by life satisfaction and happiness (each measured with one 11-point question).

The focal adhesion targeting domain of p130Cas confers a mechanosensing function.

Members of the Cas family of focal adhesion proteins contain a highly conserved C-terminal focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain. To determine the role of the FAT domain in these proteins, we compared wild-type exogenous NEDD9 with a hybrid construct in which the NEDD9 FAT domain had been exchanged for the p130Cas (also known as BCAR1) FAT domain. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) revealed significantly slowed exchange of the fusion protein at focal adhesions and significantly slower two-dimensional migration.

Hydrogels with Lotus Leaf Topography: Investigating Surface Properties and Cell Adhesion.

The interactions of cells with the surface of materials is known to be influenced by a range of factors that include chemistry and roughness; however, it is often difficult to probe these factors individually without also changing the others. Here we investigate the role of roughness on cell adhesion while maintaining the same underlying chemistry. This was achieved by using a polymerization in mold technique to prepare poly(hydroxymethyl methacrylate) hydrogels with either a flat topography or a topography that replicated the microscale features of lotus leaves.