Modulation of Tmem135 Leads to Retinal Pigmented Epithelium Pathologies in Mice.

Purpose: Aging is a critical risk factor for the development of retinal diseases, but how aging perturbs ocular homeostasis and contributes to disease is unknown. We identified transmembrane protein 135 (Tmem135) as a gene important for regulating retinal aging and mitochondrial dynamics in mice. Overexpression of Tmem135 causes mitochondrial fragmentation and pathologies in the hearts of mice.

Capnography standards for outside the operating room.

Purpose Of Review: Standards for capnography inside operating theatres in high and middle-income countries are well recognized and implemented. This review examines recent standards and recommendations for the use of capnography outside the operating room and their rationale and development.

Recent Findings: The landmark publication of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and Difficult Airway Society's National Audit Project 4 report provided compelling evidence of airway deaths and a significant patient harm occurring outside the operating room, particularly in ICUs and to a lesser extent in emergency departments.

Protease-triggered siRNA delivery vehicles.

The safe and efficacious delivery of membrane impermeable therapeutics requires cytoplasmic access without the toxicity of nonspecific cytoplasmic membrane lysis. We have developed a mechanism for control of cytoplasmic release which utilizes endogenous proteases as a trigger and results in functional delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The delivery approach is based on reversible inhibition of membrane disruptive polymers with protease-sensitive substrates.

Clinical relevance of intra-abdominal hypertension in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Objectives: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) contributes to organ failure in patients with abdominal trauma and sepsis and leads to the development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). This study aims to investigate the clinical significance of IAH in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods: Patients admitted to intensive care with SAP underwent daily measurement of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), recording of the clinical data, and calculation of 4 organ dysfunction scores.