Political Perceptions of Modern Quantitative Easing A Qualitative Study Examining The Relationships Between Political Affiliation, The Perceived Institutional Legitimacy of Central Banks, and Monetary Policy

The variety of policy and philosophical positions that exist with respect to the legitimacy and functionality of central banking is vast, and this paper aims to address how these positions align with the traditional notions of the ‘left-right’ political spectrum. This research project aims to create a typology of monetary policy and central bank philosophies based on political ideology. The project will attempt to identify group differences in the perception of central bank legitimacy, central bank functionality, monetary policy, and the role of central banks in broader society

The Role of Adaptor Protein 3BP2 in CD36-mediated Modified Lipid Uptake and Macropinocytosis

Macrophages are defined by their ability to survey, sample and recognize pathogens within their environment. They can achieve this through several modes of internalization, including constitutive macropinocytosis. Constitutive macropinocytosis relies on a sequence of tightly regulated signalling events at the plasma membrane, ultimately culminating in a wave of actin polymerization, membrane ruffling, and bulk fluid-phase internalization of soluble ligands. Adaptor proteins are vital to facilitating the spatial and temporal organization of signaling modules that regulate membrane internalization pathways and membrane dynamics. Adaptor protein SH3-Domain Binding Protein 2 (3BP2) functions in this way and is capable of coordinating and amplifying signalling cascades in macrophages, affecting transcriptional regulation reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. In this dissertation, I explore how modulation of Src family kinase activity by 3BP2 regulates the macropinocytic internalization pathway in macrophages. In Chapter 1, I discuss the relevant background pertaining to immune surveillance, macrophage function and internalization pathways, as well as atherosclerotic progression. Chapter 2 outlines the rationale and aims of my work. In Chapter 3, I uncover the role of constitutive macropinocytosis in oxidized low-density lipoprotein internalization and foam cell formation. Additionally, I highlight the mode of scavenger receptor CD36 regulation at the plasma membrane. I document the novel role of 3BP2 as a tunable variable that regulates Src-family kinase (SFK) signalling and constitutive macropinocytosis that ultimately affects the progression of inflammation and atherosclerosis in vivo. Finally, in Chapter 4, I discuss the implications of these findings and future research that should be considered. Taken together, this dissertation highlights the ability for 3BP2 to act as a biochemical rheostat for SFK activation and the role of constitutive macropinocytosis in oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation in the progression of atherosclerosis. Macrophages are defined by their ability to survey, sample and recognize pathogens within their environment. They can achieve this through several modes of internalization, including constitutive macropinocytosis. Constitutive macropinocytosis relies on a sequence of tightly regulated signalling events at the plasma membrane, ultimately culminating in a wave of actin polymerization, membrane ruffling, and bulk fluid-phase internalization of soluble ligands. Adaptor proteins are vital to facilitating the spatial and temporal organization of signaling modules that regulate membrane internalization pathways and membrane dynamics. Adaptor protein SH3-Domain Binding Protein 2 (3BP2) functions in this way and is capable of coordinating and amplifying signalling cascades in macrophages, affecting transcriptional regulation reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton.Ph.D

Ultrasound diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysms: procedure with a handheld device and a video-illustrated case

Acute thoracic aortic dissection is an uncommon, although not rare, life-threatening condition. With protean signs and symptoms that often suggest more common cardiac or pulmonary conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose. Ultrasound has proven useful in making the correct diagnosis. This case demonstrates that training gained using standard ultrasound machines can be easily and successfully adapted to newer handheld ultrasound devices. The examination technique using the handheld device is illustrated with photos and a video. © The Author(s) 2021.This item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

A Rare Presentation of Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Distal RTA

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have opened a new era in treating advanced malignancies, resulting in a rapid increase in utilization, given the remarkable clinical outcomes. The incidence of immune-related adverse events increased due to the immunologic effects of these therapeutic agents. However, immune-related renal adverse events remain low, representing only a small incidence of reported cases. Common renal toxicity described includes acute interstitial nephritis, minimal change disease, and immune complex glomerulonephritis. Renal tubular acidosis has occasionally been reported but is highly uncommon. This report presents a case of a 68-year-old woman with a known history of metastatic melanoma undergoing treatment with ipilimumab+nivolumab, who developed distal renal tubular acidosis requiring stress dose steroids and sodium bicarbonate for treatment. We describe the clinical characteristics, potential mechanisms, and management of this case, highlighting the need among clinicians utilizing immune check inhibitors to be aware of this immune-related disease entity

Chemokine Signaling Enhances CD36 Responsiveness toward Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and Accelerates Foam Cell Formation

Excessive uptake of oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) by macrophages is a fundamental characteristic of atherosclerosis. However, signals regulating the engagement of these ligands remain elusive. Using single-molecule imaging, we discovered a mechanism whereby chemokine signaling enhanced binding of oxLDL to the scavenger receptor, CD36. By activating the Rap1-GTPase, chemokines promoted integrin-mediated adhesion of macrophages to the substratum. As a result, cells exhibited pronounced remodeling of the cortical actin cytoskeleton that increased CD36 clustering. Remarkably, CD36 clusters formed predominantly within actin-poor regions of the cortex, and these regions were primed to engage oxLDL. In accordance with enhanced ligand engagement, prolonged exposure of macrophages to chemokines amplified the accumulation of esterified cholesterol, thereby accentuating the foam cell phenotype. These findings imply that the activation of integrins by chemokine signaling exerts feedforward control over receptor clustering and effectively alters the threshold for cells to engage ligands