Development and Effect Evaluation of an Action-Oriented Interdisciplinary Weaning Protocol for Cuffed Tracheostomy Tubes in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury.

The objective was to develop an interdisciplinary weaning protocol (IWP) for patients with tracheostomy tubes due to acquired brain injury, and to effect evaluate implementation of the IWP on decannulation rates and weaning duration. An expert panel completed a literature review in 2018 to identify essential criteria in the weaning process. Based on consensus and availability in clinical practice, criteria for guiding the weaning process were included in the protocol.

Facile generation of monoclonal antibodies suitable for conjugation.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are unique tools in therapeutics and immunodiagnostics applications but many of these applications rely on conjugated mAbs. Whether conjugating drugs or tracers, the conjugation process, frequently taking advantage of primary amines on lysine residues, may affect the binding activity of the antibodies. Furthermore, due to the sticky nature of many mAbs, unfavorable interactions may become eminent, with the result of high background signals.

Novel Monoclonal Antibodies Against Native Human Collectin L1, Using the Heteromeric Complex CL-LK as Immunogen.

Collectin LK (CL-LK) is a recently described collectin complex, which upon binding to microbial glycoconjugates, activates the lectin pathway of the complement system, and thereby contributes to the removal of invading microorganisms. The complex consists of the two collectins; Collectin K1 (kidney 1 alias CL-11) and Collectin L1 (liver 1 alias CL-10). At present, most efforts have been made on the characterization of CL-K1, and little is known about the function of CL-L1 and its association with diseases.

CL-L1 and CL-K1 Exhibit Widespread Tissue Distribution With High and Co-Localized Expression in Secretory Epithelia and Mucosa.

Collectin liver 1 (CL-L1, alias collectin 10) and collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1, alias collectin 11) are oligomeric pattern recognition molecules associated with the complement system, and mutations in either of their genes may lead to deficiency and developmental defects. The two collectins are reportedly localized and synthesized in the liver, kidneys, and adrenals, and can be found in the circulation as heteromeric complexes (CL-LK), which upon binding to microbial high mannose-like glycoconjugates activates the complement system the lectin activation pathway. The tissue distribution of homo- vs.

Influence of External Subglottic Air Flow on Dysphagic Tracheotomized Patients With Severe Brain Injury.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if external subglottic air flow (ESAF) influences swallowing frequency in severely dysphagic tracheotomized patients with brain injury.

Methods: Ten patients were recruited at the neurological intensive care unit. The ESAF intervention was provided through the standard cuffed suction aid tracheotomy tube, which primarily is used to suction residual secretion volume from the subglottic area.