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Penetrant-induced plasticization has prevented the industrial deployment of many polymers for membrane-based gas separations. With the advent of microporous polymers, new structural design features and unprecedented property sets are now accessible under controlled laboratory conditions, but property sets can often deteriorate due to plasticization. Therefore, a critical understanding of the origins of plasticization in microporous polymers and the development of strategies to mitigate this effect are needed to advance this area of research. Herein, an integrative discussion is provided on seminal plasticization theory and gas transport models, and these theories and models are compared to an exhaustive database of plasticization characteristics of microporous polymers. Correlations between specific polymer properties and plasticization behavior are presented, including analyses of plasticization pressures from pure-gas permeation tests and mixed-gas permeation tests for pure polymers and composite films. Finally, an evaluation of common and current state-of-the-art strategies to mitigate plasticization is provided along with suggestions for future directions of fundamental and applied research on the topic.
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Nonaqueous fluidic transport and ion solvation properties under nanoscale confinement are poorly understood, especially in ion conduction for energy storage and conversion systems. Herein, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and aprotic electrolytes are studied as a robust platform for molecular-level insights into electrolyte behaviors in confined spaces. By employing computer simulations, along with spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, we demonstrate several phenomena that deviate from the bulk, including modulated solvent molecular configurations, aggregated solvation structures, and tunable transport mechanisms from quasi-solid to quasi-liquid in functionalized MOFs. Technologically, taking advantage of confinement effects may prove useful for addressing stability concerns associated with volatile organic electrolytes while simultaneously endowing ultrafast transport of solvates, resulting in improved battery performance, even at extreme temperatures. The molecular-level insights presented here further our understanding of structure-property relationships of complex fluids at the nanoscale, information that can be exploited for the predictive design of more efficient electrochemical systems.
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Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent the largest known class of porous crystalline materials ever synthesized. Their narrow pore windows and nearly unlimited structural and chemical features have made these materials of significant interest for membrane-based gas separations. In this comprehensive review, we discuss opportunities and challenges related to the formation of pure MOF films and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). Common and emerging separation applications are identified, and membrane transport theory for MOFs is described and contextualized relative to the governing principles that describe transport in polymers. Additionally, cross-cutting research opportunities using advanced metrologies and computational techniques are reviewed. To quantify membrane performance, we introduce a simple membrane performance score that has been tabulated for all of the literature data compiled in this review. These data are reported on upper bound plots, revealing classes of MOF materials that consistently demonstrate promising separation performance. Recommendations are provided with the intent of identifying the most promising materials and directions for the field in terms of fundamental science and eventual deployment of MOF materials for commercial membrane-based gas separations.
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Gas-separation polymer membranes display a characteristic permeability-selectivity trade-off that has limited their industrial use. The most comprehensive approach to improving performance is to devise strategies that simultaneously increase fractional free volume, narrow free volume distribution, and enhance sorption selectivity, but generalizable methods for such approaches are exceedingly rare. Here, we present an inâ situ crosslinking and solid-state deprotection method to access previously inaccessible sorption and diffusion characteristics in amine-functionalized polymers of intrinsic microporosity. Free volume element (FVE) size can be increased while preserving a narrow FVE distribution, enabling below-upper bound polymers to surpass the H2 /N2 , H2 /CH4 , and O2 /N2 upper bounds and improving CO2 -based selectivities by 200 %. This approach can transform polymers into chemical analogues with improved performance, thereby overcoming traditional permeability-selectivity trade-offs.
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BACKGROUND: Self-Management Support (SMS), refers to the actions taken by individuals to recognise and manage their own health. It is increasingly recognised that individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) require additional support with their Self-management. Emerging evidence suggests that the use of a social network intervention can improve health outcomes and increase quality of life. In order to understand the potential benefits of SMS in COPD, the GENIE (Generating Engagement in Network Support) SMS tool was implemented and evaluated in a COPD primary care context. The GENIE intervention is a social networking tool that consists of 3 parts; a concentric circle modelling to map existing social networks; a questions sections to elicit preferences for activities; a map of selected resources is then produced, aligned with the user's interests and suggestions for connections to existing network members and to new resources. METHODS: A pilot, parallel, single blind, block randomised controlled trial. Patients with COPD ranging from mild-very severe were recruited. Participants provided written consent and were then randomised to either the intervention or usual care. The primary aim was to understand the clinical benefit through the analysis of health status, symptom burden and quality of life. The secondary outcome measure was health utilisation. NHS cost differences were reported between groups using the GENIE intervention over usual care. RESULTS: The GENIE pilot results demonstrate maintenance in health status and clinical symptoms with a decrease in anxiety. An overall increase in quality of life was observed, these findings did not reach significance. A cost reduction was demonstrated in inpatient stay with no difference in primary care costs. Overall a cost reduction in NHS service utilisation was indicated in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicated that using a social network intervention can encourage the development of new social connections and extend existing support networks for COPD patients. Increasing network support in this population is of benefit to both patients and NHS providers in terms of cost reductions and enhancing wellbeing. This broadens the understanding of possible new approaches to SMS in community COPD patients, which could now be investigated in a larger population over a longer period. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov PRS National Library of Medicine. Protocol ID number: 19175, Clinical Trial ID: NCT02935452.
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Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica/terapia , Automanejo/métodos , Red Social , Apoyo Social , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Análisis Costo-Beneficio , Femenino , Estado de Salud , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Proyectos Piloto , Calidad de Vida , Método Simple Ciego , Reino UnidoRESUMEN
HYPOTHESIS: Phosphorus and vitamin D (calcitriol) supplementation in the Phex mouse, a murine model for endolymphatic hydrops (ELH), will improve otic capsule mineralization and secondarily ameliorate the postnatal development of ELH and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). BACKGROUND: Male Phex mice have X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), which includes osteomalacia of the otic capsule. The treatment for XLH is supplementation with phosphorus and calcitriol. The effect of this treatment has never been studied on otic capsule bone and it is unclear if improving the otic capsule bone could impact the mice's postnatal development of ELH and SNHL. METHODS: Four cohorts were studied: 1) wild-type control, 2) Phex control, 3) Phex prevention, and 4) Phex rescue. The control groups were not given any dietary supplementation. The Phex prevention group was supplemented with phosphorus added to its drinking water and intraperitoneal calcitriol from postnatal day (P) 7-P40. The Phex rescue group was also supplemented with phosphorus and calcium but only from P20 to P40. At P40, all mice underwent auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, serum analysis, and temporal bone histologic analysis. Primary outcome was otic capsule mineralization. Secondary outcomes were degree of SNHL and presence ELH. RESULTS: Both treatment groups had markedly improved otic capsule mineralization with less osteoid deposition. The improved otic capsule mineralized did not prevent the development of ELH or SNHL. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with phosphorus and calcitriol improves otic capsule bone morphology in the Phex male mouse but does not alter development of ELH or SNHL.
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Enfermedades Óseas/terapia , Suplementos Dietéticos , Enfermedades del Oído/terapia , Pérdida Auditiva Sensorineural/terapia , Hipofosfatemia Familiar/terapia , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Biopsia con Aguja , Enfermedades Óseas/diagnóstico , Calcitriol/farmacología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Enfermedades del Oído/diagnóstico , Hidropesía Endolinfática/diagnóstico , Hidropesía Endolinfática/terapia , Potenciales Evocados Auditivos del Tronco Encefálico , Pérdida Auditiva Sensorineural/diagnóstico , Humanos , Hipofosfatemia Familiar/diagnóstico , Inmunohistoquímica , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Mutantes , Fósforo/farmacología , Distribución Aleatoria , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Surgical site infection (SSI) with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious post-operative complication, with head and neck cancer patients at greater risk due to the nature of their disease. Infection with MRSA has been shown to be costly and impart worse outcomes on patients who are affected. This study investigates incidence and risks for MRSA SSIs at a tertiary medical institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed 577 head and neck procedures from 2008 to 2013. Twenty-one variables (i.e. tumor characteristics, patient demographics, operative course, cultures) were analyzed with SPSS to identify trends. A multivariate analysis controlled for confounders (age, BMI, ASA class, length of stay) was completed. RESULTS: We identified 113 SSIs of 577 procedures, 24 (21.23%) of which were MRSA. Of all analyzed variables, hospital exposure within the preceding year was a significant risk factor for MRSA SSI development (OR 2.665, 95% CI: 1.06-6.69, z statistic 2.086, p=0.0369). Immunosuppressed patients were more prone to MRSA infections (OR 14.1250, 95%CI: 3.8133-52.3217, p<0.001), and patients with a history of chemotherapy (OR 3.0268, 95% CI: 1.1750-7.7968, p=0.0218). Furthermore, MRSA SSI resulted in extended post-operative hospital stays (20.8±4.72days, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have a history of chemotherapy, immunosuppression, or recent hospital exposure prior to their surgery are at higher risk of developing MRSA-specific SSI and may benefit from prophylactic antibiotic therapy with appropriate coverage. Additionally, patients who develop MRSA SSIs are likely to have an extended postoperative inpatient stay.
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Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/cirugía , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/epidemiología , Infección de la Herida Quirúrgica/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/complicaciones , Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello/patología , Humanos , Incidencia , Tiempo de Internación , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Infección de la Herida Quirúrgica/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Antigen presenting cell (APC) gene delivery is a promising avenue for modulating immunological outcomes toward a desired state. Recently, our group developed a delivery methodology to elicit targeted and elevated levels of APC-mediated gene delivery. During these initial studies, we observed APC-specific structure-function relationships with the vectors used during gene delivery that differ from current non-APC cell lines, thus, emphasizing a need to re-evaluate vector-associated parameters in the context of APC gene transfer. Thus, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a second-generation mannosylated poly(ß-amino ester) library stratified by molecular weight. To better understand the APC-specific structure-function relationships governing polymeric gene delivery, the library was systematically characterized by (1) polymer molecular weight, (2) relative mannose content, (3) polyplex biophysical properties, and (4) gene delivery efficacy. In this library, polymers with the lowest molecular weight and highest relative mannose content possessed gene delivery transfection efficiencies as good as or better than commercial controls. Among this group, the most effective polymers formed the smallest polymer-plasmid DNA complexes (â¼300 nm) with moderate charge densities (<10 mV). This convergence in polymer structure and polyplex biophysical properties suggests a unique mode of action and provides a framework within which future APC-targeting polymers can be designed.
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Células Presentadoras de Antígenos/efectos de los fármacos , Técnicas de Transferencia de Gen , Terapia Genética , Polímeros/química , Células Presentadoras de Antígenos/inmunología , ADN/química , Humanos , Manosa/química , Plásmidos/química , Polímeros/síntesis química , Polímeros/uso terapéutico , Relación Estructura-ActividadRESUMEN
Serum response factor and its transcriptional cofactor MKL1 are critical for megakaryocyte maturation and platelet formation. We show that MKL2, a homologue of MKL1, is expressed in megakaryocytes and plays a role in megakaryocyte maturation. Using a megakaryocyte-specific Mkl2 knockout (KO) mouse on the conventional Mkl1 KO background to produce double KO (DKO) megakaryocytes and platelets, a critical role for MKL2 is revealed. The decrease in megakaryocyte ploidy and platelet counts of DKO mice is more severe than in Mkl1 KO mice. Platelet dysfunction in DKO mice is revealed by prolonged bleeding times and ineffective platelet activation in vitro in response to adenosine 5'-diphosphate. Electron microscopy and immunofluorescence of DKO megakaryocytes and platelets indicate abnormal cytoskeletal and membrane organization with decreased granule complexity. Surprisingly, the DKO mice have a more extreme thrombocytopenia than mice lacking serum response factor (SRF) expression in the megakaryocyte compartment. Comparison of gene expression reveals approximately 4400 genes whose expression is differentially affected in DKO compared with megakaryocytes deficient in SRF, strongly suggesting that MKL1 and MKL2 have both SRF-dependent and SRF-independent activity in megakaryocytopoiesis.
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Plaquetas/citología , Plaquetas/metabolismo , Hematopoyesis , Megacariocitos/citología , Megacariocitos/metabolismo , Transactivadores/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Adenosina Difosfato/metabolismo , Animales , Tiempo de Sangría , Plaquetas/ultraestructura , Células de la Médula Ósea/citología , Células de la Médula Ósea/metabolismo , Células Cultivadas , Cruzamientos Genéticos , Citoplasma/metabolismo , Citoplasma/ultraestructura , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Citoesqueleto/ultraestructura , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Megacariocitos/ultraestructura , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Análisis de Secuencia por Matrices de Oligonucleótidos , Activación Plaquetaria , Trombocitopenia/etiología , Transactivadores/genética , Factores de Transcripción/genéticaRESUMEN
Thyroid hormone induces tumor cell and blood vessel cell proliferation via a cell surface receptor on heterodimeric integrin αvß3. We investigated the role of thyroid hormone-induced internalization of nuclear integrin αv monomer. Physiological concentration of thyroxine (free T4, 10(-10) M), but not 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), induced cellular internalization and nuclear translocation of integrin αv monomer in human non-small-cell lung cancer (H522) and ovarian carcinoma (OVCAR-3) cells. T4 did not complex with integrin αv monomer during its internalization. The αv monomer was phosphorylated by activated ERK1/2 when it heterodimerized with integrin ß3 in vitro. Nuclear αv complexed with transcriptional coactivator proteins, p300 and STAT1, and with corepressor proteins, NCoR and SMRT. Nuclear αv monomer in T4-exposed cells, but not integrin ß3, bound to promoters of specific genes that have important roles in cancer cells, including estrogen receptor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and thyroid hormone receptor ß1 in chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. In summary, monomeric αv is a novel coactivator regulated from the cell surface by thyroid hormone for the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. This study also offers a mechanism for modulation of gene expression by thyroid hormone that is adjunctive to the nuclear hormone receptor (TR)-T3 pathway.
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Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Integrina alfa5/metabolismo , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas/genética , Hormonas Tiroideas/farmacología , Transporte Activo de Núcleo Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Endocitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/genética , Receptor alfa de Estrógeno/metabolismo , Humanos , Immunoblotting , Integrina alfa5/química , Integrina alfaVbeta3/química , Integrina alfaVbeta3/metabolismo , Integrina beta3/química , Integrina beta3/metabolismo , Proteína Quinasa 1 Activada por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteína Quinasa 3 Activada por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Neoplasias/genética , Neoplasias/metabolismo , Neoplasias/patología , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos , Unión Proteica , Multimerización de Proteína , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Factor de Transcripción STAT1/metabolismo , Tiroxina/farmacología , Triyodotironina/farmacología , Factores de Transcripción p300-CBP/metabolismoRESUMEN
Small RNA programmed Argonautes are sophisticated cellular effector platforms known to be involved in a diverse array of functions ranging from mRNA cleavage, translational inhibition, DNA elimination, epigenetic silencing, alternative splicing and even gene activation. First observed in human cells, small RNA-induced gene activation, also known as RNAa, involves the targeted recruitment of Argonaute proteins to specific promoter sequences followed by induction of stable epigenetic changes which promote transcription. The existence of RNAa remains contentious due to its elusive mechanism. A string of recent studies in C. elegans provides unequivocal evidence for RNAa's fundamental role in sculpting the epigenetic landscape and maintaining active transcription of endogenous genes and supports the presence of a functionally sophisticated network of small RNA-Argonaute pathways consisting of opposite yet complementary "yin and yang" regulatory elements. In this review, we summarize key findings from recent studies of endogenous RNAa in C. elegans, with an emphasis on the Argonaute protein CSR-1.
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Proteínas de Caenorhabditis elegans/genética , Caenorhabditis elegans/genética , Epigénesis Genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , MicroARNs/genética , ARN de Helminto/genética , ARN Mensajero/genética , ARN Interferente Pequeño/genética , Animales , Caenorhabditis elegans/crecimiento & desarrollo , Caenorhabditis elegans/metabolismo , HumanosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Advancements in mobile phone technology offer huge potential for enhancing the timely delivery of health behavior change interventions. The development of smartphone-based health interventions (apps) is a rapidly growing field of research, yet there have been few longitudinal examinations of how people experience and use these apps within their day-to-day routines, particularly within the context of a hybrid Web- and app-based intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study used an in-depth mixed-methods design to examine individual variation in (1) impact on self-reported goal engagement (ie, motivation, self-efficacy, awareness, effort, achievement) of access to a weight management app (POWeR Tracker) when provided alongside a Web-based weight management intervention (POWeR) and (2) usage and views of POWeR Tracker. METHODS: Thirteen adults were provided access to POWeR and were monitored over a 4-week period. Access to POWeR Tracker was provided in 2 alternate weeks (ie, weeks 1 and 3 or weeks 2 and 4). Participants' goal engagement was measured daily via self-report. Mixed effects models were used to examine change in goal engagement between the weeks when POWeR Tracker was and was not available and whether the extent of change in goal engagement varied between individual participants. Usage of POWeR and POWeR Tracker was automatically recorded for each participant. Telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis to further explore participants' experiences using POWeR and POWeR Tracker. RESULTS: Access to POWeR Tracker was associated with a significant increase in participants' awareness of their eating (ß1=0.31, P=.04) and physical activity goals (ß1=0.28, P=.03). The level of increase varied between individual participants. Usage data showed that participants used the POWeR website for similar amounts of time during the weeks when POWeR Tracker was (mean 29 minutes, SD 31 minutes) and was not available (mean 27 minutes, SD 33 minutes). POWeR Tracker was mostly accessed in short bursts (mean 3 minutes, SD 2 minutes) during convenient moments or moments when participants deemed the intervention content most relevant. The qualitative data indicated that nearly all participants agreed that it was more convenient to access information on-the-go via their mobiles compared to a computer. However, participants varied in their views and usage of the Web- versus app-based components and the informational versus tracking tools provided by POWeR Tracker. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that smartphones have the potential to improve individuals' engagement with their health-related goals when used as a supplement to an existing online intervention. The perceived convenience of mobile access to information does not appear to deter use of Web-based interventions or strengthen the impact of app access on goal engagement. A mixed-methods design enabled exploration of individual variation in daily usage of the app-based tools.
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Peso Corporal/fisiología , Teléfono Celular , Internet , Programas de Reducción de Peso/métodos , Adolescente , Adulto , Instrucción por Computador/métodos , Femenino , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Educación en Salud/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Monitoreo Fisiológico , Autoeficacia , Autoinforme , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Ceramide is a member of the sphingolipid family of bioactive molecules demonstrated to have profound, diverse biological activities. Ceramide is a potential chemotherapeutic agent via the induction of apoptosis. Exposure to ceramide activates extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2- and p38 kinase-dependent apoptosis in human ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 cells, concomitant with an increase in the expression of COX-2 and p53 phosphorylation. Blockade of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity by siRNA or NS398 correspondingly inhibited ceramide-induced p53 Ser-15 phosphorylation and apoptosis; thus COX-2 appears at the apex of the p38 kinase-mediated signaling cascade induced by ceramide. Induction of apoptosis by ceramide or resveratrol was inhibited by the endocytosis inhibitor, cytochalasin D (CytD); however, cells exposed to resveratrol showed greater sensitivity than ceramide-treated cells. Ceramide-treated cells underwent a dose-dependent reduction in trans-membrane potential. Although both ceramide and resveratrol induced the expressions of caspase-3 and -7, the effect of inducible COX-2 was different in caspase-7 expression induced by ceramide compared to resveratrol. In summary, resveratrol and ceramide converge on an endocytosis-requiring, ERK1/2-dependent signal transduction pathway and induction of COX-expression as an essential molecular antecedent for subsequent p53-dependent apoptosis. In addition, expressions of caspase-3 and -7 are observed. However, a p38 kinase-dependent signal transduction pathway and change in mitochondrial potential are also involved in ceramide-induced apoptosis.
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Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Ceramidas/farmacología , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Ováricas/metabolismo , Estilbenos/farmacología , Apoptosis/genética , Caspasa 3/genética , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Caspasa 7/genética , Caspasa 7/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ceramidas/genética , Ceramidas/metabolismo , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Femenino , Regulación Enzimológica de la Expresión Génica/genética , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica/genética , Humanos , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/efectos de los fármacos , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/genética , Nitrobencenos/farmacología , Neoplasias Ováricas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Ováricas/genética , Neoplasias Ováricas/patología , Fosforilación/efectos de los fármacos , Fosforilación/genética , ARN Interferente Pequeño , Resveratrol , Sulfonamidas/farmacología , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/genética , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/genética , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy offers promise for the development of new treatments for a variety of hematologic disorders. However, efficient in vivo modification of HSCs has proved challenging, thus imposing constraints on the therapeutic potential of this approach. Herein, we provide a gene-targeting strategy that allows site-specific in vivo gene modification in the HSCs of mice. Through conjugation of a triplex-forming peptide nucleic acid (PNA) to the transport peptide, antennapedia (Antp), we achieved successful in vivo chromosomal genomic modification of hematopoietic progenitor cells, while still retaining intact differentiation capabilities. Following systemic administration of PNA-Antp conjugates, sequence-specific gene modification was observed in multiple somatic tissues as well as within multiple compartments of the hematopoietic system, including erythroid, myeloid, and lymphoid cell lineages. As a true functional measure of gene targeting in a long-term renewable HSC, we also demonstrate preserved genomic modification in the bone marrow and spleen of primary recipient mice following transplantation of bone marrow from PNA-Antp-treated donor mice. Our approach offers a minimally invasive alternative to ex vivo gene therapy, by eliminating the need for the complex steps of stem cell mobilization and harvesting, ex vivo manipulation, and transplantation of stem cells. Therefore, our approach may provide new options for individualized therapies in the treatment of monogenic hematologic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
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Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/metabolismo , Ácidos Nucleicos de Péptidos/administración & dosificación , Animales , Células de la Médula Ósea/metabolismo , Diferenciación Celular , Línea Celular , Linaje de la Célula/genética , Femenino , Marcación de Gen , Técnicas de Transferencia de Gen , Terapia Genética , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas , Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/citología , Inyecciones Intraperitoneales , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos NOD , Ratones SCID , Ratones Transgénicos , Ácidos Nucleicos de Péptidos/química , Ácidos Nucleicos de Péptidos/metabolismoRESUMEN
It is widely acknowledged that social network support plays an important role in the quality of life and illness management of breast cancer survivors. However, the factors and processes that enable and sustain such support are less well understood. This paper reports baseline findings from a prospective UK national cohort of 1,202 women with breast cancer (aged <50 years at diagnosis), recruited before starting treatment, conducted in 2016-2019. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate regression analyses explored associations between the individual, and network member characteristics, and the type of support provided. Social network members provided a substantial level of illness-related, practical and emotional support. Highest contribution was provided by friends, followed by close family members. The social network members of women who did not have a partner provided a higher level of support than those in networks with a partner. Women without higher education were more reliant on close family members than those with higher education, and this was more so for women without a partner. Women with higher education without a partner were more reliant on friends and were overall best supported. Women without higher education who did not have a partner were overall least well supported. They had much smaller networks, were highly reliant on close family members, and on high level contributions from all network members. There is a need to develop network-based interventions to support people with a cancer diagnosis, prioritising support for the groups identified as most at risk. Interventions that support engagement with existing network members during treatment, and those that help extend such networks after treatment, are likely to be of benefit. A network perspective can help to develop tailored support and interventions by recognising the interactions between network and individual level processes.
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Neoplasias de la Mama , Automanejo , Humanos , Femenino , Neoplasias de la Mama/diagnóstico , Neoplasias de la Mama/terapia , Neoplasias de la Mama/psicología , Calidad de Vida/psicología , Estudios Prospectivos , Apoyo Social , Red SocialRESUMEN
Cell therapies such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy have shown promise in the treatment of patients with refractory solid tumors, with improvement in response rates and durability of responses nevertheless sought. To identify targets capable of enhancing the antitumor activity of T cell therapies, large-scale in vitro and in vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 screens were performed, with the SOCS1 gene identified as a top T cell-enhancing target. In murine CD8+ T cell-therapy models, SOCS1 served as a critical checkpoint in restraining the accumulation of central memory T cells in lymphoid organs as well as intermediate (Texint) and effector (Texeff) exhausted T cell subsets derived from progenitor exhausted T cells (Texprog) in tumors. A comprehensive CRISPR tiling screen of the SOCS1-coding region identified sgRNAs targeting the SH2 domain of SOCS1 as the most potent, with an sgRNA with minimal off-target cut sites used to manufacture KSQ-001, an engineered TIL therapy with SOCS1 inactivated by CRISPR/Cas9. KSQ-001 possessed increased responsiveness to cytokine signals and enhanced in vivo antitumor function in mouse models. These data demonstrate the use of CRISPR/Cas9 screens in the rational design of T cell therapies.
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Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Neoplasias , Humanos , Animales , Ratones , ARN Guía de Sistemas CRISPR-Cas , Linfocitos Infiltrantes de Tumor , Inmunoterapia Adoptiva , Neoplasias/genética , Edición Génica , Proteína 1 Supresora de la Señalización de Citocinas/genéticaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Simulation based team training provides an opportunity to develop interdisciplinary communication skills and address potential medical errors in a high fidelity, low stakes environment. We evaluated the implementation of a novel simulation based team training scenario and assessed the technical and nontechnical performance of urology and anesthesiology residents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urology residents were randomly paired with anesthesiology residents to participate in a simulation based team training scenario involving the management of 2 scripted critical events during laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, including the vasovagal response to pneumoperitoneum and renal vein injury during hilar dissection. A novel kidney surgical model and a high fidelity mannequin simulator were used for the simulation. A debriefing session followed each simulation based team training scenario. Assessments of technical and nontechnical performance were made using task specific checklists and global rating scales. RESULTS: A total of 16 residents participated, of whom 94% rated the simulation based team training scenario as useful for communication skill training. Also, 88% of urology residents believed that the kidney surgical model was useful for technical skill training. Urology resident training level correlated with technical performance (p=0.004) and blood loss during renal vein injury management (p=0.022) but not with nontechnical performance. Anesthesia resident training level correlated with nontechnical performance (p=0.036). Urology residents consistently rated themselves higher on nontechnical performance than did faculty (p=0.033). Anesthesia residents did not differ in the self-assessment of nontechnical performance compared to faculty assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Residents rated the simulation based team training scenario as useful for interdisciplinary communication skill training. Urology resident training level correlated with technical performance but not with nontechnical performance. Urology residents consistently overestimated their nontechnical performance.
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Anestesiología/educación , Competencia Clínica , Comunicación Interdisciplinaria , Internado y Residencia , Laparoscopía/efectos adversos , Laparoscopía/educación , Grupo de Atención al Paciente/normas , Urología/educación , Simulación de Paciente , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/prevención & controlRESUMEN
Serum response factor (Srf) is a MADS-box transcription factor that is critical for muscle differentiation. Its function in hematopoiesis has not yet been revealed. Mkl1, a cofactor of Srf, is part of the t(1;22) translocation in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, and plays a critical role in megakaryopoiesis. To test the role of Srf in megakaryocyte development, we crossed Pf4-Cre mice, which express Cre recombinase in cells committed to the megakaryocytic lineage, to Srf(F/F) mice in which functional Srf is no longer expressed after Cre-mediated excision. Pf4-Cre/Srf(F/F) knockout (KO) mice are born with normal Mendelian frequency, but have significant macrothrombocytopenia with approximately 50% reduction in platelet count. In contrast, the BM has increased number and percentage of CD41(+) megakaryocytes (WT: 0.41% ± 0.06%; KO: 1.92% ± 0.12%) with significantly reduced ploidy. KO mice show significantly increased megakaryocyte progenitors in the BM by FACS analysis and CFU-Mk. Megakaryocytes lacking Srf have abnormal stress fiber and demarcation membrane formation, and platelets lacking Srf have abnormal actin distribution. In vitro and in vivo assays reveal platelet function defects in KO mice. Critical actin cytoskeletal genes are down-regulated in KO megakaryocytes. Thus, Srf is required for normal megakaryocyte maturation and platelet production partly because of regulation of cytoskeletal genes.
Asunto(s)
Plaquetas/metabolismo , Megacariocitos/metabolismo , Factor de Respuesta Sérica/metabolismo , Factores de Transcripción/metabolismo , Animales , Tiempo de Sangría , Plaquetas/citología , Células de la Médula Ósea/citología , Células de la Médula Ósea/metabolismo , Diferenciación Celular , Linaje de la Célula , Células Cultivadas , Citoesqueleto/metabolismo , Citoesqueleto/ultraestructura , Femenino , Citometría de Flujo , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Proteínas Luminiscentes/genética , Proteínas Luminiscentes/metabolismo , Masculino , Megacariocitos/citología , Megacariocitos/ultraestructura , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Ratones Transgénicos , Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión , Recuento de Plaquetas , Factor Plaquetario 4/genética , Factor Plaquetario 4/metabolismo , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Factor de Respuesta Sérica/genética , Trombocitopenia/genética , Trombocitopenia/metabolismo , Trombocitopenia/patología , Factores de Transcripción/genéticaRESUMEN
Unmodified or as a poly[lactide-co-glycolide] nanoparticle, tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac) acts at the integrin αvß3 receptor on human cancer cells to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and xenograft growth. To study in vitro the pharmacodynamics of tetrac formulations in the absence of and in conjunction with other chemotherapeutic agents, we developed a perfusion bellows cell culture system. Cells were grown on polymer flakes and exposed to various concentrations of tetrac, nano-tetrac, resveratrol, cetuximab, or a combination for up to 18 days. Cells were harvested and counted every one or two days. Both NONMEM VI and the exact Monte Carlo parametric expectation maximization algorithm in S-ADAPT were utilized for mathematical modeling. Unmodified tetrac inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells and did so with differing potency in different cell lines. The developed mechanism-based model included two effects of tetrac on different parts of the cell cycle which could be distinguished. For human breast cancer cells, modeling suggested a higher sensitivity (lower IC50) to the effect on success rate of replication than the effect on rate of growth, whereas the capacity (Imax) was larger for the effect on growth rate. Nanoparticulate tetrac (nano-tetrac), which does not enter into cells, had a higher potency and a larger anti-proliferative effect than unmodified tetrac. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of harvested cells revealed tetrac and nano-tetrac induced concentration-dependent apoptosis that was correlated with expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, such as p53, p21, PIG3 and BAD for nano-tetrac, while unmodified tetrac showed a different profile. Approximately additive anti-proliferative effects were found for the combinations of tetrac and resveratrol, tetrac and cetuximab (Erbitux), and nano-tetrac and cetuximab. Our in vitro perfusion cancer cell system together with mathematical modeling successfully described the anti-proliferative effects over time of tetrac and nano-tetrac and may be useful for dose-finding and studying the pharmacodynamics of other chemotherapeutic agents or their combinations.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Modelos Biológicos , Tiroxina/análogos & derivados , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/administración & dosificación , Anticuerpos Monoclonales Humanizados , Antineoplásicos/administración & dosificación , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Técnicas de Cultivo de Célula/instrumentación , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Cetuximab , Neoplasias del Colon/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias del Colon/patología , Biología Computacional , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Humanos , Método de Montecarlo , Nanopartículas/administración & dosificación , Resveratrol , Estilbenos/administración & dosificación , Tiroxina/administración & dosificación , Tiroxina/farmacologíaRESUMEN
Lysozyme and insulin were encapsulated in alginate gel microspheres using impinging aerosols method. High loadings of around 50% weight/dry microspheres weight were obtained with encapsulation efficiencies of at least 48%. Environmental scanning electron microscopy revealed smooth spherical hydrated microspheres (30-60 µm) in diameter. No lysozyme or insulin release was measured in simulated gastric fluid (HCl, pH 1.2, 37°C). Total insulin release occurred in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF; phosphate buffer saline, pH 7.4, 37°C) in 8 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to retain 75% activity using the ARCHITECT® assay. Lysozyme was released completely in SIF in 10 h following 2 h incubation in SGF and was found to exhibit at least 80% bioactivity using the Micrococcus lysodeikticus assay. The absence of protein release in HCl and the retention of high levels of biological activity demonstrate the potential of alginate gel microspheres, for improving oral delivery of biopharmaceuticals.