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Wilkinson AN, Chen R, Coleborn E, Neilson T, Le K, Bhavsar C, Wang Y, Atluri S, Irgam G, Wong K, Yang D, Steptoe R, Wu SY. Let-7i enhances anti-tumour immunity and suppresses ovarian tumour growth. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:80. [PMID: 38554167 PMCID: PMC10981620 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has seen significant success in the last decade for cancer management by enhancing endogenous cancer immunity. However, immunotherapies developed thus far have seen limited success in the majority of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) ovarian cancer patients. This is largely due to the highly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of HGSC and late-stage identification. Thus, novel treatment interventions are needed to overcome this immunosuppression and complement existing immunotherapies. Here, we have identified through analysis of > 600 human HGSC tumours a critical role for Let-7i in modulating the tumoural immune network. Tumoural expression of Let-7i had high positive correlation with anti-cancer immune signatures in HGSC patients. Confirming this role, enforced Let-7i expression in murine HGSC tumours resulted in a significant decrease in tumour burden with a significant increase in tumour T cell numbers in tumours. In concert with the improved tumoural immunity, Let-7i treatment also significantly increased CD86 expression in antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the draining lymph nodes, indicating enhanced APC activity. Collectively, our findings highlight an important role of Let-7i in anti-tumour immunity and its potential use for inducing an anti-tumour effect in HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Wilkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Elaina Coleborn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Trent Neilson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Khang Le
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Chintan Bhavsar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Sharat Atluri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gowri Irgam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Kiefer Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Da Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Raymond Steptoe
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Sherry Y Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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Chen R, Coleborn E, Bhavsar C, Wang Y, Alim L, Wilkinson AN, Tran MA, Irgam G, Atluri S, Wong K, Shim JJ, Adityan S, Lee JS, Overwijk WW, Steptoe R, Yang D, Wu SY. miR-146a inhibits ovarian tumor growth in vivo via targeting immunosuppressive neutrophils and enhancing CD8 + T cell infiltration. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 31:100725. [PMID: 37781339 PMCID: PMC10539880 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have emerged as promising strategies for cancer treatment. However, existing immunotherapies have poor activity in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) due to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and the associated low tumoral CD8+ T cell (CTL) infiltration. Through multiple lines of evidence, including integrative analyses of human HGSC tumors, we have identified miR-146a as a master regulator of CTL infiltration in HGSC. Tumoral miR-146a expression is positively correlated with anti-cancer immune signatures in human HGSC tumors, and delivery of miR-146a to tumors resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth in both ID8-p53-/- and IG10 murine HGSC models. Increasing miR-146a expression in tumors improved anti-tumor immune responses by decreasing immune suppressive neutrophils and increasing CTL infiltration. Mechanistically, miR-146a targets IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 adaptor molecules of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB signaling pathway in ID8-p53-/- cells and decreases production of the downstream neutrophil chemoattractant, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1. In addition to HGSC, tumoral miR-146a expression also correlates strongly with CTL infiltration in other cancer types including thyroid, prostate, breast, and adrenocortical cancers. Altogether, our findings highlight the ability of miR-146a to overcome immune suppression and improve CTL infiltration in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Elaina Coleborn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chintan Bhavsar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Louisa Alim
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew N. Wilkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Gowri Irgam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sharat Atluri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kiefer Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Siddharth Adityan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ju-Seog Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Willem W. Overwijk
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Raymond Steptoe
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Da Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sherry Y. Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Tanaka K, Gilroy D, Subramaniam S, Lakshmi P, Bhadravathi Lokeshappa M, Wallace LM, Atluri S, Schmidt B, Ganter P, Baartz D, Smith M, Mortlock S, Henders A, Khalil A, Montgomery G, McKinnon B, Amoako A. Protocol for the Endometriosis Research Queensland Study (ERQS): an integrated cohort study approach to improve diagnosis and stratify treatment. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064073. [PMID: 36241351 PMCID: PMC9577890 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease associated with pelvic pain and subfertility. There are no non-invasive diagnostic tests, medical management requires suppression of oestrogens and surgical removal is associated with risk. Endometriosis is a complex genetic disease with variants in at least 27 genetic regions associated with susceptibility. Previous research has implicated a variety of biological mechanisms in multiple cell types. Endometrial and endometriotic epithelial cells acquire somatic mutations at frequency higher than expected in normal tissue. Stromal cells have altered adhesive capacity and immune cells show altered cytotoxicity. Understanding the functional consequences of these genetic variants on each cell type requires the collection of patient symptoms, clinical and genetic data and disease-relevant tissue in an integrated program. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The aims of this study are to collect tissue associated with endometriosis, chart the genetic architecture related to endometriosis in this tissue, isolate and propagate patient-specific cellular models, understand the functional consequence of these genetic variants and how they interact with environmental factors in pathogenesis and treatment response.We will collect patient information from online questionnaires prior to surgery and at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. Treating physicians will document detailed surgical data. During surgery, we will collect blood, peritoneal fluid, endometrium and endometriotic tissue. Tissue will be used to isolate and propagate in vitro models of individual cells. Genome wide genotyping and gene expression data will be generated. Somatic mutations will be identified via whole genome sequencing. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved and will be monitored by the Metro North Human Research Ethics committee (HREC) and research activities at the University of Queensland (UQ) will be overseen by the UQ HREC with annual reports submitted. Research results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences were appropriate. This study involves human participants and was approved by RBWH Human Research Ethics Committee; HREC/2019/QRBW/56763.The University of Queensland; 2017002744. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Deborah Gilroy
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sugarniya Subramaniam
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Preethi Lakshmi
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Leanne M Wallace
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sharat Atluri
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bart Schmidt
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Ganter
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Baartz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sally Mortlock
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anjali Henders
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Akram Khalil
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant Montgomery
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett McKinnon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Akwasi Amoako
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Bai Y, Atluri S, Zhang Z, Gidley MJ, Li E, Gilbert RG. Structural reasons for inhibitory effects of pectin on α-amylase enzyme activity and in-vitro digestibility of starch. Food Hydrocoll 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Thompson A, Price K, Atluri S, Yee D, Hsiao J, Shi V. 657 Characteristics and merits of NIH award recipients of dermatology research. J Invest Dermatol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.02.687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Dhami P, Atluri S, Lee J, Knyahntska Y, Courtney D, Shim S, Voineskos A, Croarkin P, Blumberger D, Daskalakis Z, Farzan F. Youth treatment resistant depression and TMS-EEG: insight into neurophysiological alterations of inhibition, excitability, and connectivity in depressed youth prior to rTMS therapy. Brain Stimul 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Stanley M, Villas P, Brown J, Atluri S. CT and MRI imaging findings following recent hepatic radioembolization: avoiding confusion interpreting benign findings versus pathologic findings. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2014.12.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Atluri S, Richard H, Kyere S, Chen J, Shanmuganathan K, Seth R. Abstract No. 253 EE: Blunt Splenic Injury: Review of Current Imaging Techniques, Grading Systems, and Endovascular Treatments. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2008.12.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Richard H, Atluri S, Shanmuganathan K, Stein D, Widlus D, Iliescu B, Kim M. Abstract No. 150: Non Operative Management of Blunt Trauma to the Liver by Transcatheter Embolization: Risk Factors for Late Rebleeding. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2008.12.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Black EP, Wei J, Atluri S, Cortezzo DE, Koziol-Dube K, Hoover DG, Setlow P. Analysis of factors influencing the rate of germination of spores of Bacillus subtilis by very high pressure. J Appl Microbiol 2007; 102:65-76. [PMID: 17184321 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03062.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To elucidate the factors that determine the rate of germination of Bacillus subtilis spores with very high pressure (VHP) and the mechanism of VHP germination. METHODS AND RESULTS Spores of B. subtilis were germinated rapidly with a VHP of 500 MPa at 50 degrees C. This VHP germination did not require the spore's nutrient-germinant receptors, as found previously, and did not require diacylglycerylation of membrane proteins. However, the spore's pool of dipicolinic acid (DPA) was essential. Either of the two redundant enzymes that degrade the spore's peptidoglycan cortex, and thus allow completion of spore germination, was essential for completion of VHP germination. However, neither of these enzymes was needed for DPA release triggered by VHP treatment. Completion of spore germination as well as DPA release with VHP had an optimum temperature of approx. 60 degrees C, in contrast to an optimum temperature of 40 degrees C for germination with the moderately high pressure of 150 MPa. The rate of spore germination by VHP decreased approx. fourfold when the sporulation temperature increased from 23 degrees C to 44 degrees C, and decreased twofold when 1 mol l(-1) salt was present in sporulation. However, large variations in levels of unsaturated fatty acids in the spore's inner membranes did not affect rates of VHP germination. Complete germination of spores by VHP was not inhibited significantly by killing of spores with several oxidizing agents, and was not inhibited by ethanol, octanol or o-chlorophenol at concentrations that abolish nutrient germination. Completion of spore germination by VHP was also inhibited by Hg(2+), but this ion did not inhibit DPA release caused by VHP. In contrast, dodecylamine, a surfactant that can trigger spore germination, strongly inhibited DPA release caused by VHP treatment. CONCLUSIONS VHP does not cause spore germination by acting upon the spore's nutrient-germinant receptors, but by directly causing DPA release. This DPA release then leads to subsequent completion of germination. VHP likely acts on the spore's inner membrane to cause DPA release, targeting either a membrane protein or the membrane itself. However, the precise identity of this target is not yet clear. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY There is significant interest in the use of VHP to eliminate or reduce levels of bacterial spores in foods. As at least partial spore germination by pressure is almost certainly essential for subsequent spore killing, knowledge of factors involved and the mechanism of VHP germination are crucial to the understanding of spore killing by VHP. This work provides new insight into factors that can affect the rate of B. subtilis spore germination by VHP, and into the mechanism of VHP germination itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Black
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 06030, USA
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Abstract
AIMS To determine the mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis spore resistance to and killing by a novel sporicide, dimethyldioxirane (DMDO) that was generated in situ from acetone and potassium peroxymonosulfate at neutral pH. METHODS AND RESULTS Spores of B. subtilis were effectively killed by DMDO. Rates of killing by DMDO of spores lacking most DNA protective alpha/beta-type small, acid-soluble spore proteins (alpha- beta- spores) or the major DNA repair protein, RecA, were very similar to that of wild-type spore killing. Survivors of wild-type and alpha- beta- spores treated with DMDO also exhibited no increase in mutations. Spores lacking much coat protein due either to mutation or chemical decoating were much more sensitive to DMDO than were wild-type spores, but were more resistant than growing cells. Wild-type spores killed with this reagent retained their large pool of dipicolinic acid (DPA), and the survivors of spores treated with DMDO were sensitized to wet heat. The DMDO-killed spores germinated with nutrients, albeit more slowly than untreated spores, but germinated faster than untreated spores with dodecylamine. The killed spores were also germinated by very high pressures and by lysozyme treatment in hypertonic medium, but many of these spores lysed shortly after their germination, and none of these treatments were able to revive the DMDO-killed spores. CONCLUSIONS DMDO is an effective reagent for killing B. subtilis spores. The spore coat is a major factor in spore resistance to DMDO, which does not kill spores by DNA damage or by inactivating some component needed for spore germination. Rather, this reagent appears to kill spores by damaging the spore's inner membrane in some fashion. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This work demonstrates that DMDO is an effective decontaminant for spores of Bacillus species that can work under mild conditions, and the killed spores cannot be revived. Evidence has also been obtained on the mechanisms of spore resistance to and killing by this reagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paul
- Department of Molecular, Microbial and Structural Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-3305, USA
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Tekin D, Xi L, Zhao T, Tejero-Taldo MI, Atluri S, Kukreja RC. Mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate heat shock-induced delayed protection in mouse heart. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 281:H523-32. [PMID: 11454553 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.281.2.h523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We determined the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), 72-kDa heat shock protein (HSP72), and antioxidant enzymes in whole body heat stress (HS)-induced cardioprotection in mouse hearts. Adult male mice were treated with either HS or anesthesia only. At 0.5, 48, 72, or 120 h later, the hearts were subjected to 20 min of global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion in Langendorff mode. A significant protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury was observed 48 h after HS as demonstrated by: 1) reduction in infarct size; 2) decrease in leakage of lactate dehydrogenase; and 3) enhanced postischemic ventricular contractile function. No such protection was observed at other post-HS time points. HS caused an ~25% increase in phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) but not p38 MAPK in the heart during the first 2-h post-HS time period. Cardioprotection was abolished by the MAPK inhibitor SB-203580, which also partially suppressed the HS-induced JNK phosphorylation. The protective effect was associated with a two- to threefold increase in HSP72 protein accumulation, but not antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and Cu/Zn and Mn SOD) in the myocardium. Although HSP72 levels remained high 72 h after HS, the cardioprotection had already disappeared. We conclude that HS induces a transient delayed cardioprotection at 48 h after thermal stress in mice which appears to be mediated via a MAPK-signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Tekin
- Division of Cardiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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Kim T, Steadman D, Hanagud SV, Atluri S. Active control of interlaminar stresses in laminated composites by through-thickness thermal gradients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1117/12.208876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe cases of violence related to weapons in a university hospital and urban county ED and to provide related recommendations for ED staff security. METHODS Descriptive analysis and case examples of weapons-related assaults in one urban ED for the period 1979-1993. RESULTS Over a 14-year period, 115 "incidents" of weapons-related violence were identified during the management of approximately 980,000 patients. Examples of ED violence are described. CONCLUSION Emergency department staff should prepare for the possibility of violence by 1) recognizing the danger, 2) rehearsing response mechanisms, and 3) debriefing after incidents. In particular, plans must be made and practiced for the time when external violence follows the surviving victims of gang activity through the "sacrosanct" hospital doors. Protection of patients and ED personnel must be ensured. In many urban settings, appropriately armed security guards must be immediately accessible to the ED staff. Other suggestions for ED protection are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Ordog
- King/Drew-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles 90059, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the occurrence of weapon carriage by major trauma patients at a university/county hospital ED. METHODS Retrospective observational study of major trauma patients seen in the ED of a major urban trauma center in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1993. All major trauma patients were searched routinely for weapons by the security police. Cases of violence in the ED caused by these weapons were reviewed. RESULTS Over the 14-year period, 26.7% of the victims of major trauma presenting to ED were armed with lethal weapons. The occurrence of automatic weapon seizure increased significantly from an annual rate of only 0.2 in the first five years to an average of 17 over the last five years (p < 0.001). A total of 115 "incidents" of violence involving weapons in the ED were recorded during this period; 1.7% of the weapons brought to the ED led to violence and injury. There were four fatalities of armed and dangerous patients, but only six minor injuries to the staff. No other (unarmed) patient in the ED at the time of these incidents was injured. CONCLUSION ED major trauma patients at one urban trauma center in Los Angeles frequently carry weapons, including automatic military weapons. In addition to violence prevention measures such as weapon confiscation, plans must be made and practiced for the management of violence within the "sacrosanct" hospital doors to protect both patients and ED personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- G J Ordog
- King/Drew-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Los Angeles 90059, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Clark
- Division of Cardiology, State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn 11203
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