Human iPSC-derived glia models for the study of neuroinflammation

Abstract Neuroinflammation is a complex biological process that plays a significant role in various brain disorders. Microglia and astrocytes are the key cell types involved in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. Neuroinflammation results in increased levels of secreted inflammatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. To model neuroinflammation in vitro, various human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based models have been utilized, including monocultures, transfer of conditioned media between cell types, co-culturing multiple cell types, neural organoids, and xenotransplantation of cells into the mouse brain. To induce neuroinflammatory responses in vitro, several stimuli have been established that can induce responses in either microglia, astrocytes, or both. Here, we describe and critically evaluate the different types of iPSC models that can be used to study neuroinflammation and highlight how neuroinflammation has been induced and measured in these cultures

Snap-through instability of graphene on substrates

We determine the graphene morphology regulated by substrates with herringbone and checkerboard surface corrugations. As the graphene/substrate interfacial bonding energy and the substrate surface roughness vary, the graphene morphology snaps between two distinct states: 1) closely conforming to the substrate and 2) remaining nearly flat on the substrate. Such a snapthrough instability of graphene can potentially lead to desirable electronic properties to enable graphene-based devices.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures; Nanoscale Research Letters, in press, 200

Night-to-night variability of obstructive sleep apnoea

In current clinical practice, diagnosis and exclusion of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is based on a single sleep study. The aim of this study was to assess night-to-night variability of OSA to evaluate the current practice. 77 patients previously diagnosed with OSA randomised to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) withdrawal within four trials performed nightly pulse oximetry over two weeks off CPAP. The main outcome of interest was the coefficient of variation (CV) of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) as marker of night-to-night variability in OSA. OSA was categorised according to conventional thresholds using ODI (no OSA: &lt;5/h, mild 5-15/h, moderate 15-30/h and severe OSA &gt;30/h). High night-to-night variability of OSA was evidenced by a CV of ODI of 31.1% (SD16.5). Differences in ODI &gt;10/h between nights were found in 84.4% and shifts in OSA severity stages in 77.9% of patients. The probability of missing moderate OSA in a random night was up to 60%. Variability was higher in less severe OSA. High night-to-night variability of OSA was evidenced by a CV of ODI of 31.1% (SD16.5). Differences in ODI &gt;10/h between nights were found in 84.4% and shifts in OSA severity stages in 77.9% of patients. The probability of missing moderate OSA in a random night was up to 60%. Variability was higher in less severe OSA.</p

Individual issues in industrial relations: an examination of discipline, and an agenda for research

Argues that because of a number of significant changes in the last ten years, individual issues such as grievance and discipline should now become more prominent concerns of industrial relations research. Some important differences which distinguish discipline and grievance are identified, and a conceptual model of the potentially complex internal dynamics of discipline is given. This is used to highlight a number of important implications for the formulation of disciplinary policies, and for the training of those responsible for handling procedures. Finally, the model is used to develop a research agenda which identifies some of the more pressing topics on which information is required to help to unravel the complex nature of discipline