Growth of embryonic renal parenchyme at the interphase of a polyester artificial interstitium

The construction of an artificial kidney module by tissue engineering or the application of cell-based therapies for the treatment of renal failure requires exact information regarding the cellbiological mechanisms of parenchyme development in combination with different kinds of biomaterials. To learn more about these processes tissue cultures are frequently used experimental tools. However, apart from experiments with early kidney anlagen there is a lack of suitable in-vitro models regarding the generation and long-term maintenance of renal tubules. In the present paper we like to demonstrate an advanced culture technique, which allows to generate tubular elements derived from renal stem cells. For the growth of tubules it is essential to fine-tune the interface between the embryonic tissue and the dead fluid space within a perfusion culture container by offering a polyester artificial interstitium. Culture was performed in IMDM supplemented with hormones and growth factors but using serum-free conditions over 14 days. Formation of tissue was then analysed by immunohistochemistry and two-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis. Culture in pure IMDM leads to a complete loss of tissue formation. In contrast, application of aldosterone (A) induces the development of numerous polarised tubules. Surprisingly, addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a cocktail of insulin, transferrin and selenium (ITS), retinoic acid (RA), cholecalciferol (VitD3) or bovine pituitary extract (BPT) does not further improve development of tubules, but leads to intensive cell clustering and a decrease of tubule formation. 2D Western blots of developing tissue probed with soybean agglutinin (SBA) reveal a unique pattern of newly detected proteins. It is found that growth factors do not support but abolish protein spots upregulated by aldosterone. It remains to be investigated, which cellbiological effect stimulates the embryonic cells to develop tubules in competition to cell clusters at the interphase of an artificial interstitium

Cryptes médiévales et culte des saints en Île-de-France et en Picardie

Les cryptes médiévales constituent un patrimoine chargé de mystère dont la variété et les questions qu’elles suscitent restent méconnues. Trente chercheurs apportent leur contribution à la connaissance des cryptes de deux régions. L’Île-de-France et la Picardie présentent un corpus multiforme de cryptes, de l’époque carolingienne au xve siècle, et des plus connues comme Saint-Denis, Jouarre ou Saint-Médard de Soissons, aux plus secrètes. Une approche pluridisciplinaire en aborde tous les aspects, tant sur le plan architectural que sur celui de l’utilisation liturgique, ou sur leur rôle dans la dévotion aux corps saints, dont un chapitre fait l’inventaire. Une analyse historique et archéologique renouvelée lève bien des interrogations. Une partie est consacrée à des structures situées sous des églises, mais qui ne sont pas des cryptes : des critères précis permettent de mettre fin aux confusions. Un inventaire des cryptes existantes, disparues ou rejetées clôt l’ouvrage.Medieval crypts are a mystery-filled heritage whose variety and questions remain unknown. Thirty researchers contribute to the knowledge of crypts in two regions

Guidelines for Reporting Trial Protocols and Completed Trials Modified Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Extenuating Circumstances

Importance: Extenuating circumstances can trigger unplanned changes to randomized trials and introduce methodological, ethical, feasibility, and analytical challenges that can potentially compromise the validity of findings. Numerous randomized trials have required changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but guidance for reporting such modifications is incomplete. Objective: As a joint extension for the CONSORT and SPIRIT reporting guidelines, CONSERVE (CONSORT and SPIRIT Extension for RCTs Revised in Extenuating Circumstances) aims to improve reporting of trial protocols and completed trials that undergo important modifications in response to extenuating circumstances. Evidence: A panel of 37 international trial investigators, patient representatives, methodologists and statisticians, ethicists, funders, regulators, and journal editors convened to develop the guideline. The panel developed CONSERVE following an accelerated, iterative process between June 2020 and February 2021 involving (1) a rapid literature review of multiple databases (OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL) and gray literature sources from 2003 to March 2021; (2) consensus-based panelist meetings using a modified Delphi process and surveys; and (3) a global survey of trial stakeholders. Findings: The rapid review yielded 41 673 citations, of which 38 titles were relevant, including emerging guidance from regulatory and funding agencies for managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on trials. However, no generalizable guidance for all circumstances in which trials and trial protocols might face unanticipated modifications were identified. The CONSERVE panel used these findings to develop a consensus reporting guidelines following 4 rounds of meetings and surveys. Responses were received from 198 professionals from 34 countries, of whom 90% (n = 178) indicated that they understood the concept definitions and 85.4% (n = 169) indicated that they understood and could use the implementation tool. Feedback from survey respondents was used to finalize the guideline and confirm that the guideline's core concepts were applicable and had utility for the trial community. CONSERVE incorporates an implementation tool and checklists tailored to trial reports and trial protocols for which extenuating circumstances have resulted in important modifications to the intended study procedures. The checklists include 4 sections capturing extenuating circumstances, important modifications, responsible parties, and interim data analyses. Conclusions and Relevance: CONSERVE offers an extension to CONSORT and SPIRIT that could improve the transparency, quality, and completeness of reporting important modifications to trials in extenuating circumstances such as COVID-19