Anti-SYNM (aa 790-889) polyclonal antibody

Diseases of striated muscle linked to intermediate filament (IF) proteins are associated with defects in the organization of the contractile apparatus and its links to costameres, which connect the sarcomeres to the cell membrane. Here we study the role in skeletal muscle of synemin, a type IV IF protein, by examining mice null for synemin (synm-null). Synm-null mice have a mild skeletal muscle phenotype. Tibialis anterior (TA) muscles show a significant decrease in mean fiber diameter, a decrease in twitch and tetanic force, and an increase in susceptibility to injury caused by lengthening contractions. Organization of proteins associated with the contractile apparatus and costameres is not significantly altered in the synm-null. Elastimetry of the sarcolemma and associated contractile apparatus in extensor digitorum longus myofibers reveals a reduction in tension consistent with an increase in sarcolemmal deformability. Although fatigue after repeated isometric contractions is more marked in TA muscles of synm-null mice, the ability of the mice to run uphill on a treadmill is similar to controls. Our results suggest that synemin contributes to linkage between costameres and the contractile apparatus and that the absence of synemin results in decreased fiber size and increased sarcolemmal deformability and susceptibility to injury. Thus synemin plays a moderate but distinct role in fast twitch skeletal muscle.

The Enhancing Quality Using the Inspection Program (EQUIP) augments the FDA/MQSA program to ensure image quality review and implementation of corrective processes. In our screening mammography program, we compared technical recalls between digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM). This HIPAA-compliant study was exempt from IRB review. In consecutive screening mammograms (October 2013 through December 2017), prospectively recorded technical recalls were compared for imaging modality (FFDM, DBT+FFDM, DBT+synthesized mammography (SynM)), images requested, and indication(s) for technical recall (motion, positioning, technical/artifact). Chi-squared tests evaluated statistical significance between proportions. Of 48,324 screening mammograms, 277 (0.57%) patients were recalled for 360 indications with 371 repeated views. There were significantly less recalls among DBT exams compared to FFDM (X-2 = 25.239; p = 0<0.001). Overall 98 (27.2%) technical recalls were for motion, 192 (53.3%) positioning, and 70 (19.4%) technique/artifacts. Of these, 91 (31.1%) FFDM indications were for motion, 138 (47.1%) positioning, and 64 (21.8%) technique/artifacts. For DBT+FFDM there were 7 (15.6%) for motion, 35 (77.8%) positioning, and 3 (6.7%) technique/artifacts, compared to DBT+SynM with 0 (0%) indications for motion, 19 (86.4%) positioning, and 3 (13.6%) technique/artifacts. There were significant differences in the indications for technical recall prior to and after implementing DBT+SynM (X-2 = 18.719; p<0.001). Technical recalls declined significantly with the inclusion of DBT (SynM/FFDM) as compared to FFDM alone; with recalls for motion demonstrating the greatest decrease. Positioning remains a dominant factor for technical recall regardless of modality, supporting the opportunity for continued technologist education in positioning to decrease technical recalls.