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In mice, γδ-T lymphocytes that express the co-stimulatory molecule, CD27, are committed to the IFNγ-producing lineage during thymic development. In the periphery, these cells play a critical role in host defense and anti-tumor immunity. Unlike αβ-T cells that rely on MHC-presented peptides to drive their terminal differentiation, it is unclear whether MHC-unrestricted γδ-T cells undergo further functional maturation after exiting the thymus. Here, we provide evidence of phenotypic and functional diversity within peripheral IFNγ-producing γδ T cells. We found that CD27+ Ly6C− cells convert into CD27+Ly6C+ cells, and these CD27+Ly6C+ cells control cancer progression in mice, while the CD27+Ly6C− cells cannot. The gene signatures of these two subsets were highly analogous to human immature and mature γδ-T cells, indicative of conservation across species. We show that IL-27 supports the cytotoxic phenotype and function of mouse CD27+Ly6C+ cells and human Vδ2+ cells, while IL-27 is dispensable for mouse CD27+Ly6C− cell and human Vδ1+ cell functions. These data reveal increased complexity within IFNγ-producing γδ-T cells, comprising immature and terminally differentiated subsets, that offer new insights into unconventional T-cell biology. Synopsis: Mouse IFNγ-producing γδ-T cells are potent cancer-killing cells; however, their diversity and regulation by cytokines is poorly understood. This study shows that CD27+Ly6C+ γδ T cells are terminally differentiated cells responsive to IL-27 that originate from immature CD27+ Ly6C- γδ T cells. The cell surface marker, Ly6C, defines a cytotoxic and terminally differentiated CD27+ γδ T cell subset. Compared to CD27+Ly6C- γδ T cells, CD27+Ly6C+ γδ T cells are characterized by transcription factor T-bet, IFNγ, and CD44 expression as well as high levels of additional cytotoxic molecules. CD27+Ly6C+ γδ T cells are more proficient for killing cancer cells than CD27+Ly6C- γδ T cells and can slow tumor growth in vivo. The conversion of immature CD27+Ly6C- γδ T cells into CD27+Ly6C+ γδ T cells is concomitant with acquisition of their cytotoxic profile. IL-27 supports the cytotoxic phenotype of mouse CD27+Ly6C+ γδ T cells and human Vδ2+ γδ T cells. Mouse IFNγ-producing γδ T cells have functional diversity similar to humans, with IL-27 important for cytotoxic phenotype in more mature γδ T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computer assisted surgical navigation systems are designed to improve outcomes by providing clinicians with procedural guidance information. The use of new technologies, such as mixed reality, offers the potential for more intuitive, efficient, and accurate procedural guidance. The goal of this study is to assess the positional accuracy and consistency of a clinical mixed reality system that utilizes commercially available wireless head-mounted displays (HMDs), custom software, and localization instruments. Methods: Independent teams using the second-generation Microsoft HoloLens© hardware, Medivis SurgicalAR© software, and localization instruments, tested the accuracy of the combined system at different institutions, times, and locations. The ASTM F2554-18 consensus standard for computer-assisted surgical systems, as recognized by the U.S. FDA, was utilized to measure the performance. 288 tests were performed. Results: The system demonstrated consistent results, with an average accuracy performance that was better than one millimeter (.75 ± SD.37 mm). Conclusion: Independently acquired positional tracking accuracies exceed conventional in-market surgical navigation tracking systems and FDA standards. Importantly, the performance was achieved at two different institutions, using an international testing standard, and with a system that included a commercially available off-the-shelf wireless head mounted display and software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading fluency is a critical component of effective reading instruction for students of early elementary age. However, national data suggest that 40% of U.S. fourth-grade students are nonfluent readers. Implementing evidence-based, time-efficient, and procedurally standardized instructional strategies may help address this problem. This study evaluates the efficacy of two such programs designed to supplement a core reading curriculum for all emerging readers: the Great Leaps K-2 Reading Program, which is currently used in schools throughout the United States, and the Helping Early Literacy With Practice Strategies (HELPS) Program, which was developed for the purposes of this study. Each program was implemented with second grade participants, and each program was evaluated against a wait-list control group. Results indicated that students receiving the HELPS Program scored significantly better than students in the control group across several measures of early reading, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large. No other statistically significant differences were found. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of increasing the use of evidence-based reading practices in schools. (Contains 3 tables and 2 footnotes.)

We examined a model of parenting stress for abusive mothers (n = 80) and nonabusive mothers (n = 86) using linear regression analyses. Predictors in the model included (a) the degree to which mothers were bothered by child misbehavior, (b) mothers' general psychological functioning, and (c) observed child behavior during parent-child interactions. Whether abuse status moderated the relations between each predictor and parenting stress was also explored. Results indicated that mothers' psychological functioning significantly predicted parenting stress; however, neither mothers' intolerance for their children's misbehavior nor observed child behavior were significant predictors of parenting stress in the regression model. A test of moderation revealed a significant interaction between parental intolerance and abuse status such that intolerance predicted parenting stress level only for abusive mothers. A comparison of correlations indicated that abusive mothers' level of parenting stress was more closely related to their intolerance for child conduct problems than to the child's behavior during play with their mothers. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for interventions to reduce parenting stress experienced by nonabusive and abusive mothers.

Introduction: The purpose of this scoping review was to systematically evaluate literature addressing menstrual suppression in the military population and to identify gaps in the literature.Materials and Methods: A scoping review of the literature using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines was completed. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Evidence Level and Quality Guide.Results: Thirteen research articles and nine non-research articles were included. The themes identified were methods for menstrual suppression, barriers to menstrual suppression, and educational recommendations.Conclusions: Six gaps were identified: (1) readiness, (2) single branch of service, (3) options for suppression, (4) hesitance to suppress, (5) provider practices, and (6) stagnant research. Recommendations for future research, practice, and military health policy are provided. Expanding research on menstrual suppression in U.S. military service members will enhance the health of military service members, provider practices, and military health policy to promote military readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Context.--Recognizing the difficulty in applying the concept of critical values to anatomic pathology diagnoses, the College of American Pathologists and the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology have chosen to reevaluate the concept of critical diagnoses. Objective.--To promote effective communication of urgent and significant, unexpected diagnoses in surgical pathology and cytology. Design.--A comprehensive literature search was conducted and reviewed by an expert panel. Results.--A policy of effective communication of important results in surgical pathology and cytology is desirable to enhance patient safety and to address multiple regulatory requirements. Conclusions.--Each institution should create its own policy regarding urgent diagnoses and significant, unexpected diagnoses in anatomic pathology. This policy should be separate from critical results or panic-value policies in clinical pathology, with the expectation of a different time frame for communication. Urgent diagnosis is defined as a medical condition that, in most cases, should be addressed as soon as possible. Significant, unexpected diagnosis is defined as a medical condition that is clinically unusual or unforeseen and should be addressed at some point in the patient's course. Further details of this statement are provided. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2012; 136:148-154; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2011-0400-SA), To comply with regulatory and accreditation requirements, most institutions have adopted policies for communicating critical test results from clinical pathology laboratories, radiology departments, and other testing areas, such as the [...]

Cats have finally garnered the attention they deserve in veterinary medicine, however, there is still much to learn about this unique species and new challenges surface daily. For example, at the time of writing, avian influenza in cats is being closely monitored by world veterinary and health officials. Controversial topics, such as how to manage the homeless cat population, declawing, and cloning will continue to spark active debate. However, the future appears promising for cats as more veterinarians, researchers, and organizations increase their focus on felines.