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OBJECTIVES:To identify triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-like transcript-1 positive (TLT-1⁺) microparticles (MPs) and evaluate if their presence is associated with clinical outcomes and/or disease severity in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). DESIGN:Retrospective cohort study. SETTING:ARDS Network clinical trials. PATIENTS:A total of 564 patients were diagnosed with ARDS. INTERVENTIONS:None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated the presence of TLT-1⁺platelet-derived microparticles (PMP) that bind fibrinogen in plasma samples from fresh donors. We retrospectively quantified TLT-1, glycoprotein (Gp) 1b, or α_IIbβ_IIIaimmunopositive microparticles in plasma samples from patients with ARDS enrolled in the ARMA, KARMA, and LARMA (Studies 01 and 03 lower versus higher tidal volume, ketoconazole treatment, and lisofylline treatment Clincial Trials) ARDS Network clinical trials and evaluated the relationship between these measures and clinical outcomes. No associations were found between Gp1b⁺MPs and clinical outcomes for any of the cohorts. When stratified by quartile, associations were found for survival, ventilation-free breathing, and thrombocytopenia with α_IIbβ_IIIa⁺and TLT-1⁺MPs (χ²p< 0.001). Notably, 63 of 64 patients in this study who failed to achieve unassisted breathing had TLT⁺PMP in the 75th percentile. In all three cohorts, patients whose TLT⁺MP counts were higher than the median had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores, were more likely to present with thrombocytopenia and were 3.7 times (p< 0.001) more likely to die than patients with lower TLT⁺PMP after adjusting for other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:Although both α_IIbβ_IIIa⁺and TLT⁺microparticles (α_IIbβ_IIIa, TLT-1) were associated with mortality, TLT-1⁺MPs demonstrated stronger correlations with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III scores, unassisted breathing, and multiple system organ failure. These findings warrant further exploration of the mechanistic role of TLT-1⁺PMP in ARDS or acute lung injury progression. 

Consistent with national trends, only about ½ of students who intend to major in STEM disciplines at Maryville College (MC) complete bachelor’s degrees in these fields. The Scots Science Scholars (S3) program was funded through the National Science Foundation’s STEM Talent Extension Program to increase the number of students graduating with STEM degrees from MC. The S3 program enrolls college freshmen who have an interest in STEM majors and math ACT scores between 21 and 27, with emphasis on students from groups underrepresented in STEM and first-generation college students. The program consists of a summer bridge, a living-learning community, early engagement in STEM research, a seminar series that exposes students to STEM careers and research fields, academic support through a first-year seminar class, peer tutoring, and time-management counseling. The program has enrolled 6 cohorts of students (n = 97) since 2013, (54% female, 22% underrepresented minorities and 35% first-generation college students). From 2013-2017, S3 compared favorably to the general college population: 96% of all S3 completed the first year of college, 69% declared STEM majors, and 85% returned to the college for a second year (compared to 71%, p < 0.001). Overall, S 3 students persist at the college longer than non-S3 students (P<0.01). Compared to a matched control group, S 3 had significantly higher STEM major declaration rates (68% vs. 38%), higher rates of STEM retention through the junior year (41% vs. 20%), and improved overall college persistence (P< 0.01). Students report high levels of satisfaction with the summer program. At the end of the summer program, students report gains in skills and attitudes that are important for success in STEM. They also perform significantly better on math and chemistry assessments after completing the program. College-wide, the number of students enrolled in STEM majors at Maryville has increased by 52% since the inception of S3 , and STEM undergraduate research productivity has increased markedly. Our data suggest the S3 program is an important component of institutional changes that are increasing the STEM population and building a robust and productive STEM culture at a liberal arts college.