Concert recording 2017-09-06

[Track 1]. String quartet in F major, op. 18, no. 1. Allegro con brio [Track 2]. Adagio affetuoso ed appassionato [Track 3]. Scherzo: allegro molto [Track 4]. Allegro. [Track 5]. String quartet in G major, op. 18, no. 2. Allegro [Track 6]. Adagio cantabile, allegro, tempo I [Track 7]. Scherzo: allegro [Track 8]. Allegro molto quasi presto / Ludwig van Beethoven

A Novel Element Upstream of the Vγ2 Gene in the Murine T Cell Receptor γ Locus Cooperates with the 3′ Enhancer to Act as a Locus Control Region

Transgenic expression constructs were employed to identify a cis-acting transcription element in the T cell receptor (TCR)-γ locus, called HsA, between the Vγ5 and Vγ2 genes. In constructs lacking the previously defined enhancer (3′ECγ1), HsA supports transcription in mature but not immature T cells in a largely position-independent fashion. 3′ECγ1, without HsA, supports transcription in immature and mature T cells but is subject to severe position effects. Together, the two elements support expression in immature and mature T cells in a copy number–dependent, position-independent fashion. Furthermore, HsA was necessary for consistent rearrangement of transgenic recombination substrates. These data suggest that HsA provides chromatin-opening activity and, together with 3′ECγ1, constitutes a T cell–specific locus control region for the TCR-γ locus

Does human endometrial LGR5 gene expression suggest the existence of another hormonally regulated epithelial stem cell niche?

STUDY QUESTION Is human endometrial leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) gene expression limited to the postulated epithelial stem cell niche, stratum basalis glands, and is it hormonally regulated? SUMMARY ANSWER LGR5 expressing cells are not limited to the postulated stem cell niche but LGR5 expression is hormonally regulated. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The human endometrium is a highly regenerative tissue; however, endometrial epithelial stem cell markers are yet to be confirmed. LGR5 is a marker of stem cells in various epithelia. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was conducted at a University Research Institute. Endometrial samples from 50 healthy women undergoing benign gynaecological surgery with no endometrial pathology at the Liverpool Women’s hospital were included and analysed in the following six sub-categories; proliferative, secretory phases of menstrual cycle, postmenopausal, those using oral and local progestagens and samples for in vitro explant culture. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, we used the gold standard method, in situ hybridisation (ISH) along with qPCR and a systems biology approach to study the location of LGR5 gene expression in full thickness human endometrium and Fallopian tubes. The progesterone regulation of endometrial LGR5 was examined in vivo and in short-term cultured endometrial tissue explants in vitro. LGR5 expression was correlated with epithelial proliferation (Ki67), and expression of previously reported epithelia progenitor markers (SOX9 and SSEA-1) immunohistochemistry (IHC). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE LGR5 gene expression was significantly higher in the endometrial luminal epithelium than in all other epithelial compartments in the healthy human endometrium, including the endometrial stratum basalis (P < 0.05). The strongest SSEA-1 and SOX9 staining was observed in the stratum basalis glands, but the general trend of SOX9 and SSEA-1 expression followed the same cyclical pattern of expression as LGR5. Stratum functionalis epithelial Ki67-LI and LGR5 expression levels correlated significantly (r = 0.74, P = 0.01), however, they did not correlate in luminal and stratum basalis epithelium (r = 0.5 and 0.13, respectively). Endometrial LGR5 demonstrates a dynamic spatiotemporal expression pattern, suggesting hormonal regulation. Oral and local progestogens significantly reduced endometrial LGR5 mRNA levels compared with women not on hormonal treatment (P < 0.01). Our data were in agreement with in silico analysis of published endometrial microarrays. LARGE SCALE DATA We did not generate our own large scale data but interrogated publically available large scale data sets. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In the absence of reliable antibodies for human LGR5 protein and validated lineage markers for the various epithelial populations that potentially exist within the endometrium, our study does not formally characterise or examine the functional ability of the resident LGR5+ cells as multipotent. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These data will facilitate future lineage tracing studies in the human endometrial epithelium; to identify the location of stem cells and further complement the in vitro functional studies, to confirm if the LGR5 expressing epithelial cells indeed represent the epithelial stem cell population. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by funding from the Wellbeing of Women project grant (RTF510) and Cancer Research UK (A14895). None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose

Histological 3D reconstruction and in vivo lineage tracing of the human endometrium

Regular menstrual shedding and repair of the endometrial functionalis is unique to humans and higher‐order primates. The current consensus postulates endometrial glands to have a single‐tubular architecture, where multi‐potential stem cells reside in the blind‐ending glandular‐bases. Utilising fixed samples from patients, we have studied the three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐architecture of the human endometrium. We demonstrate that some non‐branching, single, vertical functionalis glands originate from a complex horizontally interconnecting network of basalis glands. The existence of a multipotent endometrial epithelial stem cell capable of regenerating the entire complement of glandular lineages was demonstrated by in vivo lineage tracing, using naturally occurring somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations as clonal markers. Vertical tracking of mutated clones showed that at least one stem‐cell population resides in the basalis glands. These novel findings provide insight into the efficient and scar‐less regenerative potential of the human endometrium

Histological 3D reconstruction and in vivo lineage tracing of the human endometrium

Regular menstrual shedding and repair of the endometrial functionalis is unique to humans and higher‐order primates. The current consensus postulates endometrial glands to have a single‐tubular architecture, where multi‐potential stem cells reside in the blind‐ending glandular‐bases. Utilising fixed samples from patients, we have studied the three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐architecture of the human endometrium. We demonstrate that some non‐branching, single, vertical functionalis glands originate from a complex horizontally interconnecting network of basalis glands. The existence of a multipotent endometrial epithelial stem cell capable of regenerating the entire complement of glandular lineages was demonstrated by in vivo lineage tracing, using naturally occurring somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations as clonal markers. Vertical tracking of mutated clones showed that at least one stem‐cell population resides in the basalis glands. These novel findings provide insight into the efficient and scar‐less regenerative potential of the human endometrium

Genetic Background Can Result in a Marked or Minimal Effect of Gene Knockout (GPR55 and CB2 Receptor) in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Models of Multiple Sclerosis

PMCID: PMC379391

Macular Infarction Associated with Reactive Arthritis

A 53-year-old woman visited the Department of Rheumatology with a chief complaint of a 3-day history of fever and chills and also presented with pain occuring in both knees at the time of outpatient visit. Based on rheumatologic and hematological lab studies, ultrasonography, and a needle aspiration biopsy of the articular cavity, the patient was diagnosed with reactive arthritis. On hospitalization day 3, consultation with the Department of Ophthalmology was requested regarding decreased visual acuity lasting for 3 days. Upon ophthalmologic examination, the corrected visual acuity was 0.1 in the right eye and 0.05 in the left eye. Upon slit lamp microscopy, there were no abnormal findings in the anterior segment. Upon fundus examination, however, there were yellow-white lesions in the macular area of both eyes. Fluorescein angiographywas performed to assess the macular lesions, and the findings were suggestive of macular infarction in both eyes. Due to a lack of other underlying disease, a past surgical history, and a past history of drug administration, the patient was diagnosed with macular infarction in both eyes associated with reactive arthritis. To date, there have been no other such cases reported. In a patient with reactive arthritis, we experienced a case of macular infarction in both eyes, which occurred without association with a past history of specific drug use or underlying disease. Herein, we report our case, with a review of the literature

Elevated Paracellular Glucose Flux across Cystic Fibrosis Airway Epithelial Monolayers Is an Important Factor for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Growth.

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) who develop related diabetes (CFRD) have accelerated pulmonary decline, increased infection with antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increased pulmonary exacerbations. We have previously shown that glucose concentrations are elevated in airway surface liquid (ASL) of people with CF, particularly in those with CFRD. We therefore explored the hypotheses that glucose homeostasis is altered in CF airway epithelia and that elevation of glucose flux into ASL drives increased bacterial growth, with an effect over and above other cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-related ASL abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanisms governing airway glucose homeostasis in CF and non-CF primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) monolayers, under normal conditions and in the presence of Ps. aeruginosa filtrate. HBE-bacterial co-cultures were performed in the presence of 5 mM or 15 mM basolateral glucose to investigate how changes in blood glucose, such as those seen in CFRD, affects luminal Ps. aeruginosa growth. Calu-3 cell monolayers were used to evaluate the potential importance of glucose on Ps. aeruginosa growth, in comparison to other hallmarks of the CF ASL, namely mucus hyperviscosity and impaired CFTR-dependent fluid secretions. We show that elevation of basolateral glucose promotes the apical growth of Ps. aeruginosa on CF airway epithelial monolayers more than non-CF monolayers. Ps. aeruginosa secretions elicited more glucose flux across CF airway epithelial monolayers compared to non-CF monolayers which we propose increases glucose availability in ASL for bacterial growth. In addition, elevating basolateral glucose increased Ps. aeruginosa growth over and above any CFTR-dependent effects and the presence or absence of mucus in Calu-3 airway epithelia-bacteria co-cultures. Together these studies highlight the importance of glucose as an additional factor in promoting Ps. aeruginosa growth and respiratory infection in CF disease

Sledding injuries: is safety in this winter pastime overlooked? A three-year survey in South-Tyrol

which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Background: Sledding is a popular traditional pastime in northern countries. However it is only rarely thought as a potentially dangerous activity even though serious injuries and deaths do occur. The purpose of this study was to calculate the incidence, the severity and the pattern of sleddingrelated injuries in our area, in order to set up possible preventive measures. Results: In three consecutive winter seasons (Dec.–Apr.,2002–2005). 356 patients (182 males, 174 females, mean age 26.9 years, range 2 to 81) were referred directly to our ED after a sledding injury. One patient (male, age 21 years) was transferred from a community hospital and died on the following day. Two patients (males, age 47 and 28 years) were declared dead on the scene. In the majority of the cases the accident was due to a fall and collision with the ground or a standing object. The number of injuries showed a progressive increase during the observed seasons and all deadly accidents were observed in the last season. Injuries were divided into three severity classes: minor (ISS ≤ 3), intermediate (ISS ≥ 4 &lt; 15), severe (ISS ≥ 15). Minor and intermediate injuries were equally distributed between males and females, whereas all severe and deadly accidents occurre