Neurod1 Suppresses Hair Cell Differentiation in Ear Ganglia and Regulates Hair Cell Subtype Development in the Cochlea

Background: At least five bHLH genes regulate cell fate determination and differentiation of sensory neurons, hair cells and supporting cells in the mammalian inner ear. Cross-regulation of Atoh1 and Neurog1 results in hair cell changes in Neurog1 null mice although the nature and mechanism of the cross-regulation has not yet been determined. Neurod1, regulated by both Neurog1 and Atoh1, could be the mediator of this cross-regulation. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used Tg(Pax2-Cre) to conditionally delete Neurod1 in the inner ear. Our data demonstrate for the first time that the absence of Neurod1 results in formation of hair cells within the inner ear sensory ganglia. Three cell types, neural crest derived Schwann cells and mesenchyme derived fibroblasts (neither expresses Neurod1) and inner ear derived neurons (which express Neurod1) constitute inner ear ganglia. The most parsimonious explanation is that Neurod1 suppresses the alternative fate of sensory neurons to develop as hair cells. In the absence of Neurod1, Atoh1 is expressed and differentiates cells within the ganglion into hair cells. We followed up on this effect in ganglia by demonstrating that Neurod1 also regulates differentiation of subtypes of hair cells in the organ of Corti. We show that in Neurod1 conditional null mice there is a premature expression of several genes in the apex of the developing cochlea and outer hair cells are transformed into inner hair cells. Conclusions/Significance: Our data suggest that the long noted cross-regulation of Atoh1 expression by Neurog1 migh

Chronic kidney disease after liver, cardiac, lung, heart–lung, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Patient survival after cardiac, liver, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is improving; however, this survival is limited by substantial pretransplant and treatment-related toxicities. A major cause of morbidity and mortality after transplant is chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although the majority of CKD after transplant is attributed to the use of calcineurin inhibitors, various other conditions such as thrombotic microangiopathy, nephrotic syndrome, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis have been described. Though the immunosuppression used for each of the transplant types, cardiac, liver and HSCT is similar, the risk factors for developing CKD and the CKD severity described in patients after transplant vary. As the indications for transplant and the long-term survival improves for these children, so will the burden of CKD. Nephrologists should be involved early in the pretransplant workup of these patients. Transplant physicians and nephrologists will need to work together to identify those patients at risk of developing CKD early to prevent its development and progression to end-stage renal disease

Slips, Trips and Falls among the workers in a garment industry in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Introduction: Slips, trips and falls (STFs) lead to considerable accidents and injuries with a large financial consequence. In garment industries, occupational accidents and injuries are not uncommon and slips, trips and falls are the major contributory factors. It aimed to find out the contributing factors of slips, trips and falls among the garment workers in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a garment industry to find out the factors responsible for slips, trips and falls among the workers. The study participants were garment workers with one year of experience, regardless of age and sex.  A total of 208 workers was selected by simple random sampling.  The study was conducted from July 2018 to June 2019. Results: Among the total 208 respondents, 130 (62.5%) were female and the mean age was 27.49±7.18 years. The majority of the respondents (57.2%) had a primary level of education and had work experience up to five years (71.6%). Of the total respondents, 62 (29.8%) had the experience of slips, trips and falls (STFs) in the last six months. Among them, slips were experienced by 34(16.3%), trips by 43(20.7%) and falls by 40(19.2%) respondents. Poor housekeeping 23(53.6%), mopped wet floor 18(52.9%), slopped and slippery floors 14(35.0%), improper storage 14(32.6%), uneven floor 12(30.0%) and spilling of drinks 9(26.5%) in a higher proportion were responsible for slips, trips and falls. The ergonomic factors which were reported to contribute to slips, trips and falls in a higher proportion were working posture 30(69.8%) and load-bearing 24 (60%). Workplace stress, on the other hand, was found to be the most common 37(92.5%) contributing factor to slips, trips and falls. Conclusion:   Almost two-thirds of garment workers experienced slips, trips and falls in their workplace. To prevent slips, trips and falls, steps should be taken to reduce the contributing factors, especially the workplace stress among the workers.&nbsp