Ciliary tip actin dynamics regulate photoreceptor outer segment integrity.

As signalling organelles, cilia regulate their G protein-coupled receptor content by ectocytosis, a process requiring localised actin dynamics to alter membrane shape. Photoreceptor outer segments comprise an expanse of folded membranes (discs) at the tip of highly-specialised connecting cilia, into which photosensitive GPCRs are concentrated. Discs are shed and remade daily.

Autoantibodies Which Bind to and Activate Keratinocytes in Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disease characterised by pathological processes involving autoimmunity, vasculopathy and resultant extensive skin and organ fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated activation and aberrant wound healing responses in the epithelial layer of the skin in this disease, implicating the epithelial keratinocytes as a source of pro-fibrotic and inflammatory mediators. In this paper, we investigated the role of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies directed against epithelial cells, as potential initiators and propagators of pathological keratocyte activation and the ensuing SSc fibrotic cascade.

Effects of customer relationship management (CRM) strategies and socio-cognitive constructs on the physical activity of individuals with arthritis over time.

Background: Regular physical activity is important for arthritis self-management and could be promoted through tailoring community leisure and fitness centers' customer-relationship management (CRM) strategies.

Objectives: This study investigates the influence of two CRM strategies on individuals with arthritis reaching or maintaining two moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) thresholds (≥150 and ≥45 minutes/week) from baseline-to-12 months and 12-to-24 months as well as mean changes in total minutes/week of MVPA. It also explores time-dependent variations in the influence of socio-cognitive variables on MVPA outcomes.

Educating Family Physician Residents for Anesthetic Preoperative Evaluation and Assessment.

Introduction: Encounters for preoperative assessments are common within primary care offices, so it is imperative that family medicine residents learn how to perform preoperative evaluations. We assessed family medicine residents' knowledge of preoperative evaluation in preparation for surgery by providing a pre- and post-test alongside a didactic seminar.

Methods: A didactic seminar on preoperative evaluations was presented at a family medicine resident didactics session by two senior anesthesiology residents.