An Anti-VEGF-B Antibody Reduces Abnormal Tumor Vasculature and Enhances the Effects of Chemotherapy.

The vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are key regulators of blood vessel formation, including in tumors, where their deregulated function can promote the production of aberrant, leaky blood vessels, supporting tumor development. Here we investigated the VEGFR1 ligand VEGF-B, which we demonstrate to be expressed in tumor cells and in tumor stroma and vasculature across a range of tumor types. We examined the anti-VEGF-B-specific monoclonal antibody 2H10 in preclinical xenograft models of breast and colorectal cancer, in comparison with the anti-VEGF-A antibody bevacizumab.

'Face time' for the first time: Video communication between relatives and junior doctors in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Working on a COVID-19 ward presents a number of challenges to staff, with communication between families, patients and staff being highlighted as a key challenge. Novel methods are needed to overcome the barriers presented by COVID-19, with many turning to technology to offer solutions. Recognising these challenges as an area for improvement on our own ward, we sought to introduce new methods of communication to improve patient, relative and staff understanding and wellbeing.

To scan or not to scan - D-dimers and computed tomography pulmonary angiography in the era of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had many ramifications on healthcare delivery and practice. As part of this, utilising biomarkers to risk stratify patients has become increasingly popular. During the COVID-19 pandemic the use of D-dimer has increased due to the evidence of COVID-19 induced thrombo-embolic disease.

Outcome of combined orthodontic-surgical treatment in a United Kingdom university dental institute.

Introduction: This retrospective observational cohort study evaluated effectiveness of combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment in a UK University Dental Institute.

Methods: Patients were identified from a database maintained prospectively throughout a 5-year period of observation. Demographic and clinical data included age, malocclusion, Index of Treatment Need, Index of Orthognathic Functional Treatment Need, orthodontist, surgeon, surgical procedure and treatment-time.

The Fungal Cell-Wall Integrity MAPK Cascade Is Crucial for Hyphal Network Formation and Maintenance of Restrictive Growth of Epichloë festucae in Symbiosis With Lolium perenne.

Epichloë festucae is a mutualistic symbiont that systemically colonizes the intercellular spaces of Lolium perenne leaves to form a highly structured and interconnected hyphal network. In an Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA forward genetic screen, we identified a mutant TM1066 that had a severe host interaction phenotype, causing stunting and premature senescence of the host. Molecular analysis revealed that the mutation responsible for this phenotype was in the cell-wall integrity (CWI) mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK), mkkA.