Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa

Background Human gastrointestinal mucosa regenerates vigorously throughout life, but the factors controlling cell fate in mature mucosa are poorly understood. GATA transcription factors direct cell proliferation and differentiation in many organs, and are implicated in tumorigenesis. GATA-4 and GATA-6 are considered crucial for the formation of murine gastrointestinal mucosa, but their role in human gastrointestinal tract remains unexplored. We studied in detail the expression patterns of these two GATA factors and a GATA-6 down-stream target, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), in normal human gastrointestinal mucosa. Since these factors are considered important for proliferation and differentiation, we also explored the possible alterations in their expression in gastrointestinal neoplasias. The expression of the carcinogenesis-related protein Indian hedgehog was also investigated in comparison to GATA factors. Methods Samples of normal and neoplastic gastrointestinal tract from children and adults were subjected to RNA in situ hybridization with 33P labelled probes and immunohistochemistry, using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase system. The pathological tissues examined included samples of chronic and atrophic gastritis as well as adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the colon and rectum. Results GATA-4 was abundant in the differentiated epithelial cells of the proximal parts of the gastrointestinal tract but was absent from the distal parts. In contrast, GATA-6 was expressed throughout the gastrointestinal epithelium, and in the distal gut its expression was most intense at the bottom of the crypts, i.e. cells with proliferative capacity. Both factors were also present in Barrett's esophagus and metaplasia of the stomach. GATA-6 expression was reduced in colon carcinoma. Ihh expression overlapped with that of GATA-6 especially in benign gastrointestinal neoplasias. Conclusion The results suggest differential but overlapping functions for GATA-4 and GATA-6 in the normal gastrointestinal mucosa. Furthermore, GATA-4, GATA-6 and Ihh expression is altered in premalignant dysplastic lesions and reduced in overt cancer.BioMed Central Open acces

Företagande och företagsamhet

Företagande och företagsamhet Innehållsförteckning – Berättelserna: skärgårdslivets salt och socker av Nina Söderlund – En analys av företagandet i skärgården av Mats Nurmio – Kvarkens skärgård är Marias och Joakims passion av Kirsi Tikkanen – Kökarborna visade att det är möjligt – ny butik på fem månader! av Ester Laurell – Frisbeegolf gav blomstrande talkoanda på Kumlinge av Satu Numminen – Finlands sista butiksbåt har kort men intensiv säsong av Thure Malmberg – Oväntat stor potential inom skärgårdens besöksnäring Annastina Sarlin – Skärgårdssmaken finns i de små gårdsbutikerna Pia Prost – InSPIRAtion och konkret hjälp – med studerande som unik resurs av Hanna Guseff – SPIRA inspirerade skärgårdsföretagare av Ulla Mattsson-Wiklén – Ingen dag är den andra lik för skärgårdsföretagaren av Mia Henriksson – Företagarna på Erkasgården gör Jumos egen ost av Pia Prost – En bit av skärgården i varje plagg av Mia Henriksson – Gränsöverskridande samverkan i Tre Skärgårdar av Staffan Ljung – Kronehags donerade sitt livsverk på Björkholm av Pia Prost – Att segla var nödvändigt för Göran Schildt av Kjell Andersson – Ombord på Daphne av Nalle Valtiala – Notiser – Skärinytt – Sista bilde

Quality evaluation of height determination using GNSS technology : Analysis of variance of single station-RTK and network-RTK

GNSS-teknik ersätter i allt högre grad terrester mätteknik, dels på grund av sin enkelhet och dels på grund av att den är mindre kostsam än traditionella metoder. En vanlig förekommande GNSS-teknik är RTK (Real Time Kinematic) som är en teknik som beräknar en position i realtid genom bärvågsmätning. Inom RTK-mätning finns det olika tekniker att utöva; enkelstations-RTK (ERTK) och nätverks-RTK (NRTK). I studien undersöktes kvaliteten och lägesosäkerhet på höjdbestämningsdata erhållen från dessa metoder. En envägs variansanalys (ANOVA) användes för att undersöka om det fanns en signifikant skillnad mellan de genomsnittliga avvikelser som erhölls från mätmetoderna. Mätmetoderna utfördes över två punkter med känd höjd som fastställdes tidigare med ett dubbelavvägningståg. ERTK och NRTK varvades med en observationstid på 20 minuter med positioneringsintervall på 3 sekunder. Tidseparationen mellan mätningarna varade i 30 minuter och sammanlagt utfördes 5 mätserier med 400 observationer i varje serie. Grova fel eliminerades genom att kassera värden som föll utanför 3σ-gränsen. Resultaten från ERTK-mätningarna visade att punkten kunde höjdbestämmas med en lägesosäkerhet på 22 mm och en mätosäkerhet på 32 mm (2σ) för samtliga mätserier tillsammans. Internt varierade lägesosäkerheten 13–28 mm mellan serierna. NRTK mätningarna erhöll en total lägesosäkerhet på 14 mm och en mätosäkerhet på 24 mm (2σ). Från enskilda mätserier erhöll serie 3 den lägsta lägesosäkerheten på 9 mm, och serie 4 den högsta med 18 mm. Generellt visade NRTK-metoden lägre och jämnare avvikelser från referensdata än ERTK, resultatet kan dock ha blivit påverkat av basens läge i relation till ett närliggande träd. ANOVA-testet visade att det fanns en signifikant skillnad mellan mätserierna (p =0,00) per enskild metod, men skillnaden av medelavvikelserna mellan dessa metoder var inte signifikanta (p =0,115). Resultatet från denna studie är viktig med avseende på kvalitetsutvärdering av olika GNSS-metoder och kan användas som underlag för beslut om tillämpad metod för andra mätuppdrag.A quality survey was performed on the position accuracy of two GNSS-methods (single station-RTK and network-RTK) for height determination, and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical investigation of differences in the spread of height deviations. The GNSS-methods were applied on a reference point, which was determined prior with leveling, and measured with 20 minutes observation time and 30 minutes time separation, resulting in 5 series containing 400 observations each from respective method. The ANOVA test was performed by grouping the height deviations with respect to the measurement series, as well as the mean deviations with respect to the methods. Height determination with the ERTK method showed a total positional uncertainty of 22 mm (13-28 mm between the series) and a measurement uncertainty of 32 mm (2σ). Results obtained with NRTK showed a total positional uncertainty of 14 mm (9-14 between the series) and a total measurement uncertainty of 24 mm (2σ). The statistical tests showed that the differences between the measurement series for individual methods were significant (p = 0,000) but that the mean deviations between the methods were not (p = 0,115). NRTK obtained a lower positional uncertainty than ERTK measurements in this study, and the ANOVA test showed that there was no significant difference in the distribution of the mean deviations between the measurement methods. This study is important with regard to quality evaluation of different GNSS-methods and can be used as a basis for deciding on the applied measurement method

Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa-2

') was used to detect neuroendocrine cells and staining for H+/K+-ATPase α (HK) (blue-greyish cytoplasmic staining in B and B' to detect parietal cells. The samples were double-stained for GATA-4 (G4) or GATA-6 (G6) (brown nuclear staining). The GATA proteins are not expressed in the neuroendocrine cells of the stomach, duodenum, or colon (A, A', C, C', F and F' respectively; arrowheads). GATA-4 is detected in the H+/K+-ATPase α presenting parietal cells (B). GATA-6 is positive in approximately two thirds of the parietal cells positive for H+/K+-ATPase α (B', arrowheads). Some duodenal goblet cells, stained deep blue by the Alcian blue method (Alc) (D'), and most Paneth cells are positive for GATA-6 (E', arrowhead) showing no immunoreactivity for GATA-4 (D and E, arrowheads). Scale bar = 50 μm.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/8/9</p><p>BMC Gastroenterology 2008;8():9-9.</p><p>Published online 11 Apr 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2323380.</p><p></p

Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa-3

And A", respectively). The insets in A, A' and A" represent magnifications of cardiac glands. GATA-4 and GATA-6 are strongly expressed in neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (B and B', respectively) in contrast to no or little expression of Ihh (B"). GATA-4 is detected neither in colon adenomas (C) nor carcinomas (D). The expressions of GATA-6 and Ihh are weak in adenomas, but enhanced in high grade dysplasias (C' and C" with insets). Little GATA-6 is found in the carcinoma tissue (D'). Ihh is not present in colon carcinoma (D"). Scale bar = 50 μm.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/8/9</p><p>BMC Gastroenterology 2008;8():9-9.</p><p>Published online 11 Apr 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2323380.</p><p></p

Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa-0

TA-4 mRNA expression is strongest in the middle and superficial layers (A-A'), while GATA-6 mRNA expression is most abundant in the basal two thirds of the mucosa (B-B'). In the duodenum, the enterocytes lining the villi are strongly positive for GATA-4 (C-C'), whereas the GATA-6 signal is more diffuse (D and D'). GATA-4 is no longer detected in the ileum (E and E') and colon (G and G'); the bright lining on the surface of the mucosa is due to tissue autofluorescence (E-E' and G-G'). In contrast, GATA-6 expression is prominent both in the small (D, D', F, and F') and large intestine (H and H') presenting positivity in the surface and crypt enterocytes, and the cells of the lamina propria (D-D', F-F', and H-H'). Scale bar = 50 μm. Abbreviations: STO = stomach, DUO = duodenum, ILE = ileum, COL = colon.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/8/9</p><p>BMC Gastroenterology 2008;8():9-9.</p><p>Published online 11 Apr 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2323380.</p><p></p

Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa-4

TA-4 mRNA expression is strongest in the middle and superficial layers (A-A'), while GATA-6 mRNA expression is most abundant in the basal two thirds of the mucosa (B-B'). In the duodenum, the enterocytes lining the villi are strongly positive for GATA-4 (C-C'), whereas the GATA-6 signal is more diffuse (D and D'). GATA-4 is no longer detected in the ileum (E and E') and colon (G and G'); the bright lining on the surface of the mucosa is due to tissue autofluorescence (E-E' and G-G'). In contrast, GATA-6 expression is prominent both in the small (D, D', F, and F') and large intestine (H and H') presenting positivity in the surface and crypt enterocytes, and the cells of the lamina propria (D-D', F-F', and H-H'). Scale bar = 50 μm. Abbreviations: STO = stomach, DUO = duodenum, ILE = ileum, COL = colon.<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Transcription factors GATA-4 and GATA-6 in normal and neoplastic human gastrointestinal mucosa"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-230X/8/9</p><p>BMC Gastroenterology 2008;8():9-9.</p><p>Published online 11 Apr 2008</p><p>PMCID:PMC2323380.</p><p></p

SARS-CoV-2 exposure, symptoms and seroprevalence in healthcare workers in Sweden

SARS-CoV-2 may pose an occupational health risk to healthcare workers. Here, we report the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, self-reported symptoms and occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers at a large acute care hospital in Sweden. The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 19.1% among the 2149 healthcare workers recruited between April 14th and May 8th 2020, which was higher than the reported regional seroprevalence during the same time period. Symptoms associated with seroprevalence were anosmia (odds ratio (OR) 28.4, 95% CI 20.6-39.5) and ageusia (OR 19.2, 95% CI 14.3-26.1). Seroprevalence was also associated with patient contact (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-4.5) and covid-19 patient contact (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.2-5.3). These findings imply an occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers. Continued measures are warranted to assure healthcare workers safety and reduce transmission from healthcare workers to patients and to the community. Healthcare workers may be at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than the general population. Here, the authors report 19% seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among 2,149 employees in a Swedish hospital. Seroprevalence was associated with patient contact and higher than the seroprevalence in the community in same time period

SARS-CoV-2 induces a durable and antigen specific humoral immunity after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 infection

Current SARS-CoV-2 serological assays generate discrepant results, and the longitudinal characteristics of antibodies targeting various antigens after asymptomatic to mild COVID-19 are yet to be established. This longitudinal cohort study including 1965 healthcare workers, of which 381 participants exhibited antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen at study inclusion, reveal that these antibodies remain detectable in most participants, 96%, at least four months post infection, despite having had no or mild symptoms. Virus neutralization capacity was confirmed by microneutralization assay in 91% of study participants at least four months post infection. Contrary to antibodies targeting the spike protein, antibodies against the nucleocapsid protein were only detected in 80% of previously anti-nucleocapsid IgG positive healthcare workers. Both anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid IgG levels were significantly higher in previously hospitalized COVID-19 patients four months post infection than in healthcare workers four months post infection (p = 2*10(-23) and 2*10(-13) respectively). Although the magnitude of humoral response was associated with disease severity, our findings support a durable and functional humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 infection even after no or mild symptoms. We further demonstrate differences in antibody kinetics depending on the antigen, arguing against the use of the nucleocapsid protein as target antigen in population-based SARS-CoV-2 serological surveys

Robust humoral and cellular immune responses and low risk for reinfection at least 8 months following asymptomatic to mild COVID-19

Background: Emerging data support detectable immune responses for months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and vaccination, but it is not yet established to what degree and for how long protection against reinfection lasts. Methods: We investigated SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular immune responses more than 8 months post-asymptomatic, mild and severe infection in a cohort of 1884 healthcare workers (HCW) and 51 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Possible protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was analyzed by a weekly 3-month polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of 252 HCW that had seroconverted 7 months prior to start of screening and 48 HCW that had remained seronegative at multiple time points. Results: All COVID-19 patients and 96% (355/370) of HCW who were anti-spike IgG positive at inclusion remained anti-spike IgG positive at the 8-month follow-up. Circulating SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T cell responses were detected in 88% (45/51) of COVID-19 patients and in 63% (233/370) of seropositive HCW. The cumulative incidence of PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1% (3/252) among anti-spike IgG positive HCW (0.13 cases per 100 weeks at risk) compared to 23% (11/48) among anti-spike IgG negative HCW (2.78 cases per 100 weeks at risk), resulting in a protective effect of 95.2% (95% CI 81.9%-99.1%). Conclusions: The vast majority of anti-spike IgG positive individuals remain anti-spike IgG positive for at least 8 months regardless of initial COVID-19 disease severity. The presence of anti-spike IgG antibodies is associated with a substantially reduced risk of reinfection up to 9 months following asymptomatic to mild COVID-19