Expression of C4.4A in an in Vitro Human Tissue-Engineered Skin Model

A multi-LU-domain-containing protein denoted C4.4A exhibits a tightly regulated membrane-associated expression in the suprabasal layers of stratified squamous epithelia such as skin and the esophagus, and the expression of C4.4A is dysregulated in various pathological conditions. However, the biological function of C4.4A remains unknown. To enable further studies, we evaluated the expression of C4.4A in monolayer cultures of normal human keratinocytes and in tissue-engineered skin substitutes (TESs) produced by the self-assembly approach, which allow the formation of a fully differentiated epidermis tissue. Results showed that, in monolayer, C4.4A was highly expressed in the centre of keratinocyte colonies at cell-cell contacts areas, while some cells located at the periphery presented little C4.4A expression. In TES, emergence of C4.4A expression coincided with the formation of the stratum spinosum. After the creation of a wound within the TES, C4.4A expression was observed in the suprabasal keratinocytes of the migrating epithelium, with the exception of the foremost leading keratinocytes, which were negative for C4.4A. Our results are consistent with previous data in mouse embryogenesis and wound healing. Based on these findings, we conclude that this human TES model provides an excellent surrogate for studies of C4.4A and Haldisin expressions in human stratified epithelia

Interprofessional collaborative practice within cancer teams: Translating evidence into action. A mixed methods study protocol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A regional integrated cancer network has implemented a program (educational workshops, reflective and mentoring activities) designed to support the uptake of evidence-informed interprofessional collaborative practices (referred to in this text as EIPCP) within cancer teams. This research project, which relates to the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) Best Practice Guidelines and other sources of research evidence, represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the factors and processes involved in the translation of evidence-based recommendations into professional practices. The planned study seeks to address context-specific challenges and the concerns of nurses and other stakeholders regarding the uptake of evidence-based recommendations to effectively promote and support interprofessional collaborative practices.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>This study aims to examine the uptake of evidence-based recommendations from best practice guidelines intended to enhance interprofessional collaborative practices within cancer teams.</p> <p>Design</p> <p>The planned study constitutes a practical trial, defined as a trial designed to provide comprehensive information that is grounded in real-world healthcare dynamics. An exploratory mixed methods study design will be used. It will involve collecting quantitative data to assess professionals' knowledge and attitudes, as well as practice environment factors associated with effective uptake of evidence-based recommendations. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted concurrently with care providers to gather qualitative data for describing the processes involved in the translation of evidence into action from both the users' (n = 12) and providers' (n = 24) perspectives. The Graham <it>et al. </it>Ottawa Model of Research Use will serve to construct operational definitions of concepts, and to establish the initial coding labels to be used in the thematic analysis of the qualitative data. Quantitative and qualitative results will be merged during interpretation to provide complementary perspectives of interrelated contextual factors that enhance the uptake of EIPCP and changes in professional practices.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The information obtained from the study will produce new knowledge on the interventions and sources of support most conducive to the uptake of evidence and building of capacity to sustain new interprofessional collaborative practice patterns. It will provide new information on strategies for overcoming barriers to evidence-informed interventions. The findings will also pinpoint critical determinants of 'what works and why' taking into account the interplay between evidence, operational, relational micro-processes of care, uniqueness of patients' needs and preferences, and the local context.</p

A pterosaur from the Toarcian (Early Jurassic) of the Ardennes (northeastern France) [Un ptérosaure dans le Toarcien (Jurassique inférieur) des Ardennes (NE de la France)]

A pterosaur tibia-fibula is described from Toarcian shales ("Marne de Flize") near the city of Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes, northeastern France). The morphology of this element, especially the reduced fibula partially fused to the tibia, suggests that it belongs to the rhamphorhynchid Dorygnathus, which is well represented in the Toarcian Posidonienschiefer of Germany and has also been reported from the Toarcian of Nancy (eastern France)

Un ptérosaure dans le Toarcien (Jurassique inférieur) des Ardennes (NE de la France)

Un tibia-fibula de ptérosaure est décrit en provenance de schistes argileux toarciens ("Marne de Flize") à proximité de la ville de Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes, NE de la France). La morphologie de cet élément, en particulier la fibula réduite partiellement fusionnée au tibia, suggère qu'il appartient au rhamphorhynchidé Dorygnathus, bien représenté dans les Posidonienschiefer d'Allemagne et aussi signalé dans le Toarcien de Nancy (Est de la France).A pterosaur tibia-fibula is described from Toarcian shales ("Marne de Flize") near the city of Charleville-Mézières (Ardennes, northeastern France). The morphology of this element, especially the reduced fibula partially fused to the tibia, suggests that it belongs to the rhamphorhynchid Dorygnathus, which is well represented in the Toarcian Posidonienschiefer of Germany and has also been reported from the Toarcian of Nancy (eastern France)