Characterization of GATA/GACA-related sequences on proximal chromosome 17 of the mouse

Autosomal loci have long been thouht to have a role in sex determination of mice. We studied the localization of GATA/GACA repeats on chromosome 17 in regard to the possibility of their involvement in sex determination. We performed in situ hybridizations on chromosome 17s carrying the Hairpain tail ( T hp ) deletion of the T locus since this deletion has been associated with sex reversal and hermaphroditism. We did not detect a significant decrease in the amount of hybridization of GATA/GACA repeats to the T hp deletion. In addition, three Bkm-positive cosmids from proximal chromosome 17 did not contain sequences deleted in T hp or T orl and a fetal testes cDNA probe did not hybridize to the cosmid sequences. Although we confirmed the localization of Bkm-related sequences on chromosome 17, we were not able to relate GATA/GACA sequences on chromosome 17 to sex determination in mice.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/47363/1/412_2004_Article_BF00371970.pd

Is the inflammasome a potential therapeutic target in renal disease?

The inflammasome is a large, multiprotein complex that drives proinflammatory cytokine production in response to infection and tissue injury. Pattern recognition receptors that are either membrane bound or cytoplasmic trigger inflammasome assembly. These receptors sense danger signals including damage-associated molecular patterns and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS and PAMPS respectively). The best-characterized inflammasome is the NLRP3 inflammasome. On assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, post-translational processing and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 occurs; in addition, cell death may be mediated via caspase-1. Intrinsic renal cells express components of the inflammasome pathway. This is most prominent in tubular epithelial cells and, to a lesser degree, in glomeruli. Several primary renal diseases and systemic diseases affecting the kidney are associated with NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β/IL-18 axis activation. Most of the disorders studied have been acute inflammatory diseases. The disease spectrum includes ureteric obstruction, ischaemia reperfusion injury, glomerulonephritis, sepsis, hypoxia, glycerol-induced renal failure, and crystal nephropathy. In addition to mediating renal disease, the IL-1/ IL-18 axis may also be responsible for development of CKD itself and its related complications, including vascular calcification and sepsis. Experimental models using genetic deletions and/or receptor antagonists/antiserum against the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway have shown decreased severity of disease. As such, the inflammasome is an attractive potential therapeutic target in a variety of renal diseases

Sex reversal in XY mice caused by dominant mutation on chromosome 17.

A Y-linked gene(s) is undoubtedly a prerequisite for testicular development in mammals. However, exceptional cases suggest that the mere presence of the Y chromosome or the Y-linked testis-determining gene does not totally control the fate of the bipotential gonad. For example, in the mouse, a major as yet unmapped autosomal locus is necessary for normal testicular development and at least one additional autosomal locus is implicated. We present here a third autosomal sex-determining locus. This dominantly inherited trait, tentatively named T-associated sex reversal (gene symbol Tas), is closely linked to or a part of the T/t complex on chromosome 17 of the mouse. Gonads of chromosomally XY individuals who inherit Tas on the C57BL/6J inbred strain background differentiate as ovaries or ovotestes

Robotic assisted total hip arthroplasty using the MAKO platform

Surgeons want to perform a perfect total hip replacement (THR) with every operation. Human performance has limitations, especially when performing a mechanical operation in a biological environment. Recent suggested changes to improve outcomes have been large femoral heads and anterior incisions, but unfortunately neither has resulted in any scientific data that change has been effected. The scientific data does tell us that poor component positions and impingement are the source of increasing mechanical complications. Therefore, attempts to improve the surgeon’s performance by precise quantitative knowledge in the operating room have been used. We discuss robotic guided navigation as a solution. This technology provides predictable and reproducible results

Correlation of pelvic incidence with radiographical parameters for acetabular retroversion: a retrospective radiological study

BACKGROUND Pelvic incidence (PI) has been linked to several degenerative processes within the spinopelvic system. Acetabular retroversion is a recognised risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hip. We therefore hypothesised that these two factors might be part of a specific anatomical variant associated with degenerative changes. This study was performed to clarify this issue. METHODS The pelvic incidence was measured on 589 computertomographical data sets acquired between 2008 and 2010. For 220 patients a 2D rendering in an antero-posterior view of the CT data set was performed to evaluate the parameters of acetabular retroversion. Those included the prominence of the ischial spine sign (PRISS), the cross-over sign (COS) and the posterior wall sign (PWS). Between 477 and 478 hips were evaluated depending on the parameter of retroversion. RESULTS The mean pelvic incidence was significantly lower in hips positive for the PRISS and the PWS. However, there were no significant differences between hips positive or negative for the COS. DISCUSSION As hypothesised, the lower PI values in PWS and PRISS positive hips suggest a link between PI and retroversion of the acetabulum. Whether this is of any clinical relevance remains, however, unknown. CONCLUSION Acetabular retroversion is linked to PI. In hips where the prominence of the ischial spine sign and/or the posterior wall sign was present, the mean pelvic incidence value was lower

Clasped position for measurement of sagittal spinal alignment

Lateral whole-spine radiography is a useful tool in the management of spinal deformity, but the most appropriate arm position during radiography has yet to be determined. In this prospective study, we evaluated 26 adult volunteers and 22 patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis. Lateral whole-spine radiographs were acquired in the most stable and relaxed position while the subjects were standing with their arms extended and their hand gently clasped in front of the trunk (clasped position). The following parameters were measured: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), pelvic angle (PA), pelvic lordosis angle (PRS1), pelvic tilt (PT), and pelvic incidence (PI). The reliability of measurements was assessed by interclass correlation coefficients. The SVA was slightly positive in volunteers. LLA, PA, PRS1, PT, and PI were compatible with standard normal values. The results showed “almost perfect agreement” with regard to intra- and interobserver reliability. The clasped position can be used effectively and reliably for measurement of sagittal spinal alignment for the lumbar region in adults