Structure and function of the heart
Pearls • The basic form of the human heart and great vessels is complete 8 weeks after conception, after which the structures grow and mature. • Immediately after birth, there…
Burnout and resiliency
Pearls • Both individual and organizational measures can be used to mitigate burnout and build resilience. • Organizational strategies to promote a healthy work environment include team debriefings after critical…
Long-term outcomes following critical illness in children
Pearls • Development of specialized pediatric intensive care has contributed to substantially reduced mortality for critically ill children. • Research has identified physical, cognitive, health-related quality of life, and mental…
Innate Immunity
Key Points Innate immunity depends on recognition of conserved molecular patterns found in many microorganisms. Several families of pattern recognition receptors are responsible for triggering innate immune responses. Toll-like receptors…
The Immunologic Repercussions of Cell Death
Key Points Apoptosis is a discrete form of cell death induced by multiple stimuli and mediated by a group of cysteine proteases known as caspases. This type of cell death…
Principles of Signaling
Key Points Cells of the immune system sense environmental stimuli via receptors, which may be expressed on the cell surface or may be intra-cellular. Interaction of ligands with receptors initiates…
Platelets and Megakaryocytes
Key Points Platelets are small subcellular fragments that circulate in blood, where they promote hemostasis. Platelets express receptors and a multitude of mediators recognized as being active in inflammation. Inhibition…
Innate Lymphoid Cells and Natural Killer Cells
Key Points Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and natural killer (NK) cells are components of the innate immune system that protect against invading pathogens. ILCs and NK cells contribute to immune…
Mast Cells
Key Points Mast cells arise in the bone marrow, circulate as immature precursors, and develop into functional mast cells after entering peripheral tissues. The phenotype of mast cells is diverse,…
Fibroblasts and Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes
Key Points Fibroblasts are programmed epigenetically to determine the unique structure and function of different organs and tissues. These unique features might contribute to organ-specific disease. Tissue fibroblasts may be…
