Association of Angiopoetin-2 and TNF-α With Bleeding During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: Analysis From the PREVENT Biorepository.

The purpose of this study was to describe the changes in plasma levels of angiogenic and inflammatory biomarkers, specifically Ang-2 and TNF-α, in patients receiving HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and correlate them with nonsurgical bleeding. It has been shown that angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) may be linked to bleeding in LVAD patients. This study utilized biobanked samples prospectively collected from the PREVENT study, a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, nonrandomized study of patients implanted with HMII.

KLF5 and p53 comprise an incoherent feed-forward loop directing cell-fate decisions following stress.

In response to stress, cells make a critical decision to arrest or undergo apoptosis, mediated in large part by the tumor suppressor p53. Yet the mechanisms of these cell fate decisions remain largely unknown, particularly in normal cells. Here, we define an incoherent feed-forward loop in non-transformed human squamous epithelial cells involving p53 and the zinc-finger transcription factor KLF5 that dictates responses to differing levels of cellular stress from UV irradiation or oxidative stress.

Response to intra-articular cortisone injections in knee osteoarthritis patients with and without effusion on ultrasound: A pilot study.

Objective: Inflammation, manifesting as effusion and synovitis, is thought to contribute to pain in knee osteoarthritis (OA). We conducted a pilot study to investigate recruitment feasibility and assess whether effusion on ultrasound of the knee was associated with greater reduction in knee pain after corticosteroid injection.

Methods: A pilot study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 including patients ≥40 years with knee OA undergoing clinically indicated corticosteroid injections.

Novel Surfactant Compatibility with Downstream Protein Bioprocesses.

Downstream processing of antibodies consists of a series of steps aimed at purifying the product and ensuring it is delivered to formulators structurally and functionally intact. The process can be complex and time-consuming, involving multiple filtrations, chromatography, and buffer exchange steps that can interfere with product integrity. This study explores the possibility and benefits of adding N-myristoyl phenylalanine polyether amine diamide (FM1000) as a process aid.

Coping during COVID-19: how attitudinal, efficacy, and personality differences drive adherence to protective measures.

Introduction: COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on people's lives since its initial outbreak and global spread in 2020. While the U.S.

Inverse Bremsstrahlung Absorption.

Inverse bremsstrahlung absorption was measured based on transmission through a finite-length plasma that was thoroughly characterized using spatially resolved Thomson scattering. Expected absorption was then calculated using the diagnosed plasma conditions while varying the absorption model components. To match data, it is necessary to account for (i) the Langdon effect; (ii) laser-frequency (rather than plasma-frequency) dependence in the Coulomb logarithm, as is typical of bremsstrahlung theories but not transport theories; and (iii) a correction due to ion screening.

Generation of B-cell-based cellular vaccine for cancer in murine models.

A B-cell-based cellular vaccine (B), produced from 4-1BBL B cells, can select tumor-specific B cells that, upon ex vivo culture, can generate tumor-specific antibodies and activate T cells. Here, we present a protocol to generate a B-cell-based vaccine in a CT2A orthotopic glioma murine model. We describe steps for B production involving glioma cell implantation, tissue harvesting, 4-1BBL B cell isolation, and activation.

All-Trans Retinoic Acid Promotes a Tumor Suppressive OTUD6B-β-TrCP-SNAIL Axis in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Enhances Immunotherapy.

β-TrCP is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays important roles in multiple human cancers including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Analysis of ESCC patient samples reveal that only protein level but not transcript level of β-TrCP associated with patient prognosis, suggesting regulators of β-TrCP protein stability play an essential role in ESCC progression and may be novel targets to develop ESCC therapies. Although β-TrCP stability is known to be mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system, it is unclear which enzymes play a major role to determine β-TrCP stability in the context of ESCC.

Therapeutic drug monitoring in cystic fibrosis and associations with pulmonary exacerbations and lung function.

Background: Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy have resulted in longer life expectancies, yet pulmonary exacerbations remain a leading cause of morbidity. Intravenous antibiotics is the mainstay treatment, however achieving adequate concentrations remains challenging. The effect of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of beta-lactams on exacerbations and lung function has not been studied.

Causes of neonatal mortality using verbal autopsies in rural Southern Nepal, 2010-2017.

The burden of neonatal mortality remains high worldwide, particularly in South Asia. Verbal Autopsy is a method used to identify cause of death (COD) where vital registration capabilities are lacking. This study examines the causes of neonatal mortality in a large study population in rural Southern Nepal.

High Burden of Obesity and Low Rates of Weight Loss Pharmacotherapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: 10-Year Trend.

Background: The prevalence of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased in the last decade. There is a paucity of data on the recent trend of obesity and the utilization of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in IBD. We aimed to use a population-level database to analyze their trends.

Subset-specific and temporal control of effector and memory CD4+ T cell survival.

Following their proliferative expansion and differentiation into effector cells like Th1, Tfh, and T central memory precursors (Tcmp), most effector CD4+ T cells die, while some survive and become memory cells. Here, we explored how Bcl-2 family members controlled the survival of CD4+ T cells during distinct phases of mouse acute LCMV infection. During expansion, we found that Th1 cells dominated the response, downregulated expression of Bcl-2, and did not require Bcl-2 for survival.

CAB versus ABC approach for resuscitation of patients following traumatic injury: Toward improving patient safety and survival.

Introduction: Though a circulation-airway-breathing (CAB) resuscitation sequence is now widely accepted in administering CPR over the airway-breathing-circulation (ABC) sequence following cardiac arrest, current evidence and guidelines vary considerably for complex polytraumas, with some prioritizing management of the airway and others advocating for initial treatment of hemorrhage. This review aims to evaluate existing literature comparing ABC and CAB resuscitation sequences in adult trauma patients in-hospital to direct future research and guide evidence-based recommendations for management.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar until September 29, 2022.

Trends and Outcomes in Cardiac Arrest Among Heart Failure Admissions.

There is limited large, national data investigating the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of cardiac arrest (CA) in patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). The goal of this study was to examine the characteristics, trends, and outcomes of HF hospitalizations complicated by in-hospital CA. We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify all primary HF admissions from 2016 to 2019.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Disease Among Predominantly Black Gout Patients.

Introduction: Although the association between gout and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied, scarce data are available for the Black population. We aimed to assess the association between gout and CVD in a predominantly Black urban population with gout.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed between a gout cohort and an age-/sex-matched control group.

Grading Systems of Lumbar Facet Joint Inflammatory Changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Scoping Review.

Study Design: A scoping review.

Objective: We aimed to identify and characterize grading systems of the inflammatory features of the lumbar facet joints (FJs) noted on magnetic resonance imaging and summarize their reliability.

Summary Of Background Data: Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide and is frequently accompanied by FJ osteoarthritis.

Psychosocial predictors in upper-extremity vascularized composite allotransplantation: A qualitative study of multidimensional experiences including patients, healthcare professionals, and close relatives.

Background: The impact of patient-specific psychosocial factors on functional outcomes after upper-extremity (UE) vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify relevant psychosocial predictors for success or failure of UE VCA in an Austrian cohort.

Methods: A qualitative study was undertaken consisting of semi-structured interviews with UE VCA staff, transplanted patients, and close relatives.

An approach to virtual clinical trial site visits: Lessons from the MeTeOR trial.

Objective: To provide a framework for conducting clinical trial site visits virtually over videoconference, and to report on our experience doing so during the twelve-year follow-up of the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research (MeTeOR) trial.

Design: Using published FDA guidance and prior literature, we created a structure for virtual site visits that prioritized monitoring for protocol compliance, safety, and data integrity. We conducted site visits in three stages: preparation for the visit, the virtual meeting itself, and follow-up.

Evaluation of sputum cultures in children with spinal Muscular atrophy.

Background: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a severe neuromuscular disorder. Despite increased survival due to novel therapies, morbidity from respiratory complications still persists. We aim to describe these patients' sputum cultures as an expression of chronic infectious airway disease.

Bilateral Effect of OC-01 (Varenicline Solution) Nasal Spray for Treatment of Signs and Symptoms in Individuals with Mild, Moderate, and Severe Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: This study compares outcomes of therapy with OC-01 (varenicline solution) for dry eye disease in study eyes and nonstudy fellow eyes of participants in 2 pivotal clinical trials.

Methods: All 891 patients randomized to receive OC-01 (varenicline solution) 0.03 mg, OC-01 (varenicline solution) 0.