Interleukin 25 regulates type 2 cytokine-dependent immunity and limits chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract

The cytokine interleukin (IL) 25 has been implicated in the initiation of type 2 immunity by driving the expression of type 2 cytokines such as IL-5 and IL-13, although its role in the regulation of immunity and infection-induced inflammation is unknown. Here, we identify a dual function for IL-25: first, in promoting type 2 cytokine-dependent immunity to gastrointestinal helminth infection and, second, in limiting proinflammatory cytokine production and chronic intestinal inflammation. Treatment of genetically susceptible mice with exogenous IL-25 promoted type 2 cytokine responses and immunity to Trichuris. IL-25 was constitutively expressed by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the gut of mouse strains that are resistant to Trichuris, and IL-25–deficient mice on a genetically resistant background failed to develop a type 2 immune response or eradicate infection. Furthermore, chronically infected IL-25(−/−) mice developed severe infection-induced intestinal inflammation associated with heightened expression of interferon-γ and IL-17, identifying a role for IL-25 in limiting pathologic inflammation at mucosal sites. Therefore, IL-25 is not only a critical mediator of type 2 immunity, but is also required for the regulation of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract

Wheat germ cell-free expression system as a pathway to improve protein yield and solubility for the SSGCID pipeline

A set of 44 protein targets was used to test expression in the wheat germ cell-free system, the vast majority of which were expressed and soluble in this system; further increases in solubility were achieved by addition of the NVoy polymer

Changing classroom behavior : an assessment of an elementary school counselling program

An elementary school counselling program in a school district in the lower mainland of British Columbia was assessed. A teacher questionnaire was used to rate the quality and effectiveness of the counselling program. Goal attainment scales, the Piers-Harris Children's Self Concept Scale (PHCSCS), the Pupil Behavior Rating Scale (PBRS), and behavioral observations were used as outcome measure to evaluate the effectiveness of counselling intervention on changing student behavior. Two types of behavioral observations were used: (a) off-task behavior, and (b) clinical observations of peer and teacher interactions. A description of the program and of the counsellor's role was presented. The program consisted of one counsellor working in three schools with a yearly caseload of 51 students. The counsellor was found to spend time consulting with teachers and parents, and counselling students and parents. Both program goals and the counsellor role description were found to be lacking in clarity. The program was found to be effective as perceived by the teachers. The classroom behavior of the six students who were receiving services from the counsellor improved as measured by the goal attaiment scales and the behavioral observations. The PBRS and the PHCSCS did not detect a general trend of change in the students' behavior.Education, Faculty ofEducational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department ofGraduat

A Comprehensive Analysis of Macroinvertebrate Diversity on the Susquehanna River at the Byers Island Transect From 2009 to 2012

The Susquehanna River ecosystem has been monitored for macroinvertebrate composition during the summer months of 2009, 2010, and 2012. Macroinvertebrates are signi?cant determinants of stream health based on how sensitive they are to pollution. Our stud

Minimally Invasive Surgery vs Open Approach to First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Other Introduction/Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is becoming increasingly popular among foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons, as it has been shown to have limited complication rates and faster recovery times. Although there is robust data on MIS to treat hallux valgus, few studies have evaluated the role of MIS for 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) fusion to treat hallux rigidus - the most common arthritis of the foot. Hallux rigidus affects 2.5% of the U.S. population over age 50. Given this disease prevalence, it is important to characterize outcomes following MTP fusion procedures to optimize surgical approaches. In this retrospective cohort study, we aim to compare (1) patient-reported pain, (2) rate of successful fusion, and (3) rate of complications between groups who underwent open or MIS 1st MTP arthrodesis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted by evaluating clinical metrics, surgical outcomes, and radiographic data through chart review of 78 patients (25 male, 53 female), who underwent a 1st MTP fusion procedure at a large urban academic medical center from July 2015 through January 2023. 71 patients had a diagnosis of hallux rigidus, with other common diagnoses including hammertoe (24), hallux valgus (24), additional arthritides (11), and metatarsalgia (11). Two patients were excluded from our analysis due to lack of sufficient orthopaedic follow-up preventing evaluation of joint fusion. Pre- and post-operative pain scores were recorded on a 0-10 scale, though some notes documented subjective experience of pain (e.g., “minimal”). Complications were identified using post-operative clinic notes. The following radiographic data were included: hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, Coughlin classification, presence of arthritis, pre-operative sesamoid position, fusion construct materials, and success of fusion. Results: Of the 80 1st MTP fusion surgeries (two patients received both left and right foot operations), 51 were open and 29 were minimally invasive. There was no significant difference in the change in pre- to post-operative pain between the two groups (p=0.39). MIS patients had a higher successful fusion rate (100.0%) when compared to open surgery patients (94.1%), though this difference was insignificant (p=0.55). There was no significant difference in overall complication rates between MIS and open surgery groups (p=0.79). However, the MIS patients did not have any cases of deep infection or wound dehiscence and all (5/5) of their complications were related to hardware removal after fusion, whereas half of the complications (5/10) for the open surgery patients were related to infection and wounds. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis of 78 patients treated for hallux rigidus with 1st MTP fusion surgery showed no significant difference in rates of successful fusion and complications among patients who received an MIS procedure compared to an open surgery. There was no difference in patient-reported pain improvement between the two groups. Our main limitation is provider specialization, as only one surgeon in this study performed the MIS cases. Further studies should be done to obtain higher-level evidence to elucidate potential benefits of MIS over open surgery for 1st MTP arthrodesis