Cone-beam CT-based Navigation With Augmented Fluoroscopy of the Airways for Image-guided Bronchoscopic Biopsy of Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and augmented fluoroscopy (AF), in which intraprocedural CBCT data is fused with fluoroscopy, have been utilized as a novel image-guidance technique for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions. The aim of this clinical study is to determine the safety and diagnostic performance of CBCT-guided bronchoscopy with advanced software tools for procedural planning and navigational guidance with AF of the airways for biopsy of peripheral pulmonary nodules.

Methods: Fifty-two consecutive subjects were prospectively enrolled in the AIRWAZE study (December 2018 to October 2019).

Instruments to measure the ability to self-reflect: A systematic review of evidence from workplace and educational settings including health care.

Introduction: Self-reflection has become recognised as a core skill in dental education, although the ability to self-reflect is valued and measured within several professions. This review appraises the evidence for instruments available to measure the self-reflective ability of adults studying or working within any setting, not just health care.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review was conducted of 20 electronic databases (including Medline, ERIC, CINAHL and Business Source Complete) from 1975 to 2017, supplemented by citation searches.

Soluble CD14, CD163, and CD27 biomarkers distinguish ART-suppressed youth living with HIV from healthy controls.

Objective: To define inflammatory pathways in youth living with HIV infection (YLWH), assessments of biomarkers associated with lymphocyte and macrophage activation, vascular injury, or bone metabolism were performed in YLWH in comparison with healthy controls (HC).

Design: Longitudinal multicenter study comparing biomarkers in YLWH suppressed on antiretroviral therapy (ART), those with ongoing viral replication, and HC were compared using single blood samples obtained at end of study.

Methods: Twenty-three plasma proteins were measured by ELISA or multiplex assays.

Chewing gum vs. ibuprofen in the management of orthodontic pain, a multi-centre randomised controlled trial - the effect of anxiety.

Objectives: Pain is a common side effect of orthodontic treatment. An objective of this study, part of a large previously reported RCT on pain and analgesic use, was to determine the effect of anxiety on perceived pain and use of analgesia.

Methods: 1000 patients aged 11-17 years, undergoing upper and lower fixed appliance treatment in nine hospital departments were recruited into this two-arm parallel design randomised controlled trial.

What is the truth behind the smile?

A number of arguments surround orthodontics and orthodontic treatment and this article aims to discuss the current thinking and evidence base associated with these controversies.

Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Enhances Poly I:C Induction of the Antiviral Response in Macrophages and Mice.

The coagulation cascade is activated during viral infections as part of the host defense system. Coagulation proteases activate cells by cleavage of protease-activated receptors (PARs). Recently, we reported that the activation of PAR-1 enhanced interferon (IFN)β and CXCL10 expression in cardiac fibroblasts and in the hearts of mice infected with Coxsackievirus B3.

Which professional (non-technical) competencies are most important to the success of graduate veterinarians? A Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) systematic review: BEME Guide No. 38.

Background: Despite the growing prominence of professional (non-technical) competencies in veterinary education, the evidence to support their importance to veterinary graduates is unclear.

Aim: To summarize current evidence within the veterinary literature for the importance of professional competencies to graduate success.

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Australian and British Education Index, Dissertations & Theses) from 1988 to 2015 and limited to the veterinary discipline (veterinar* term required).

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) enhances lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tissue factor in human monocytes and monocyte-derived microvesicles.

Background: Immunomodulatory effects in humans of Δ(9-)Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana are controversial. Tissue factor (TF), the activator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade, is increased on circulating activated monocytes and is expressed on microvesicles released from activated monocytes during inflammatory conditions, which perpetuate coagulopathies in a number of diseases. In view of the increased medicinal use of marijuana, effects of THC on human monocytes and monocyte-derived microvesicles activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were investigated.

Δ(9)-Tetrahydrocannabinol treatment during human monocyte differentiation reduces macrophage susceptibility to HIV-1 infection.

The major psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also acts to suppress inflammatory responses. Receptors for THC, CB1, CB2, and GPR55, are differentially expressed on multiple cell types including monocytes and macrophages, which are important modulators of inflammation in vivo and target cells for HIV-1 infection. Use of recreational and medicinal marijuana is increasing, but the consequences of marijuana exposure on HIV-1 infection are unclear.

The HIV-1 protease inhibitor nelfinavir activates PP2 and inhibits MAPK signaling in macrophages: a pathway to reduce inflammation.

The HIV-1 PI NFV has off-target effects upon host enzymes, including inhibition of the 20S proteasome, resulting in activation of PP1. HIV-1-associated monocyte/macrophage activation, in part a result of systemically elevated levels of microbial products including LPS, is associated with risk of mortality, independent of viremia or CD4 T cell loss. This study tested the hypothesis that activation of protein phosphatases by NFV would reduce activation of monocytes/macrophages through dephosphorylation of signal transduction proteins.

Tumor-derived tissue factor activates coagulation and enhances thrombosis in a mouse xenograft model of human pancreatic cancer.

Cancer patients often have an activated clotting system and are at increased risk for venous thrombosis. In the present study, we analyzed tissue factor (TF) expression in 4 different human pancreatic tumor cell lines for the purpose of producing derivative tumors in vivo. We found that 2 of the lines expressed TF and released TF-positive microparticles (MPs) into the culture medium.

Monocyte tissue factor-dependent activation of coagulation in hypercholesterolemic mice and monkeys is inhibited by simvastatin.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. It also is associated with platelet hyperactivity, which increases morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms by which hypercholesterolemia produces a procoagulant state remain undefined.

Tissue factor in health and disease.

Tissue Factor (TF) is a crucial initiator of the extrinsic coagulation cascade. TF is expressed on cells which are normally sequestered from blood. However, upon injury TF is exposed to the blood resulting in activation of the coagulation cascade.

Effect of PAR-2 Deficiency in Mice on KC Expression after Intratracheal LPS Administration.

Protease activated receptors (PAR) have been shown to play a role in inflammation. PAR-2 is expressed by numerous cells in the lung and has either proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, or no effect depending on the model. Here, we examined the role of PAR-2 in a model of LPS-induced lung inflammation.

Anthracycline treatment of the human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 increases phosphatidylserine exposure and tissue factor activity.

Introduction: Cancer associated thrombosis is a well-recognized phenomenon that results in considerable patient morbidity and mortality. Malignancy conveys an increased risk for thrombosis and chemotherapy further elevates this risk. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly defined.

Monocytic microparticles activate endothelial cells in an IL-1β-dependent manner.

Microparticles (MPs) are shed from activated and dying cells. They can transmit signals from cell to cell, locally or at a distance through the circulation. Monocytic MPs are elevated in different diseases, including bacterial infections.

MPs or ICs?

In this issue of Blood, György and colleagues used multiple methods to characterize cell-derived microparticles (MPs) in the plasma and synovial fluid of arthritis patients and discovered that MPs and immune complexes (ICs) have overlapping biophysical properties.

Increased hematopoietic cells in the mertk-/- mouse peritoneal cavity: a result of augmented migration.

The peritoneal cavity is recognized as an important site for autoreactive B cells prior to their transit to other immune tissues; however, little is known of the genes that may regulate this process. Mice lacking the receptor tyrosine kinase, Mertk, display a lupus-like autoimmune phenotype with splenomegaly and high autoantibodies titers. In this study, we investigate whether Mertk regulates the composition of peritoneal cells that favor an autoimmune phenotype.

TAM receptors are dispensable in the phagocytosis and killing of bacteria.

Many receptors that are employed for the engulfment of apoptotic cells are also used for the recognition and phagocytosis of bacteria. Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) are important in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages. Animals lacking these receptors are hypersensitive to bacterial products.