Tunable Terpolymer Series for the Systematic Investigation of Membrane Proteins.

Membrane proteins (MPs) are critical to cellular processes and serve as essential therapeutic targets. However, their isolation and characterization are often impeded by traditional detergent-based methods, which can compromise their native states, and retention of their native lipid environment. Amphiphilic polymers have emerged as effective alternatives, enabling the formation of nanoscale discs that preserve MPs' structural and functional integrity.

The VALTIVE1 study protocol: a study for the validation of Tie2 as the first tumour vascular response biomarker for VEGF inhibitors.

Background: Anti-angiogenic, VEGF inhibitors (VEGFi) increase progression-free survival (PFS) and, in some cases, overall survival in many solid tumours. However, their use has been compromised by a lack of informative biomarkers. We have shown that plasma Tie2 is the first tumour vascular response biomarker for VEGFi in ovarian, colorectal and gall bladder cancer: If plasma Tie2 concentrations do not change after 9 weeks of treatment with a VEGFi, the patient does not benefit, whereas a confirmed reduction of at least 10% plasma Tie2 defines a vascular response with a hazard ratio (HR) for PFS of 0.

Prehatch Calls and Coordinated Birth in Turtles.

Hatching synchronisation is widespread in oviparous taxa. It has been demonstrated that many species use sounds to coordinate synchronous hatching, being widespread among archosaurs (birds and crocodilians). Recent studies have shown that some turtle species produce vocalisations from within the egg, but the role of this behaviour in synchronising hatch is untested.

Development of a Polymer Ultrasound Contrast Agent Incorporating Nested Carbon Nanodots.

Polymer microbubbles have garnered broad interest as potential theranostic agents. However, the capabilities of polymer MBs can be greatly enhanced, particularly regarding the imaging performance and functional versatility of the platform. This study investigates integrating fluorescent carbon nanodots within polylactic acid (PLA) microbubbles.

Accessing opioid agonist treatment in prison in England and Scotland remains problematic - the views of people with lived experience.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine lived experiences of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) during and immediately following release from detention in prisons in England and Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach: Surveys were completed by serving prisoners in both countries and by those recently released from prison (England only). The survey findings were discussed in focus groups of people with lived experience.