Dysregulated host immune responses contribute to disease severity and worsened prognosis in COVID-19 infection and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we observed that IL-33, a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule, is significantly increased in COVID-19 patients and in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Using IL-33 mice, we demonstrated that IL-33 deficiency resulted in significant decreases in bodyweight loss, tissue viral burdens, and lung pathology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of this study was to develop a patient-reported experience measure (PREM) for comparing the experience of care received by ambulatory patients with acute unexpected needs presenting in emergency departments (EDs), walk-in clinics, and primary care practices. The Ambulatory Patient EXperience (APEX) questionnaire was developed using a 5-phase mixed-methods approach. The questionnaire was pretested by asking potential users to rate its clarity, usefulness, redundancy, content and face validities, and discrimination on a 9-point scale (1 = strongly disagree to 9 = strongly agree).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment. Routine follow-up care as adults is therefore essential to their long-term health and quality of life. In order to successfully navigate to adult healthcare, it is recommended that youth develop transition readiness skills.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSecreted phospholipase A2-IIA (sPLA2-IIA) hydrolyzes phospholipids to liberate lysophospholipids and fatty acids. Given its poor activity toward eukaryotic cell membranes, its role in the generation of proinflammatory lipid mediators is unclear. Conversely, sPLA2-IIA efficiently hydrolyzes bacterial membranes.
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