A novel model of the small intestinal epithelium in co-culture with 'gut-like' dendritic cells.

Cross-talk between dendritic cells (DCs) and the intestinal epithelium is important in the decision to mount a protective immune response to a pathogen or to regulate potentially damaging responses to food antigens and the microbiota. Failures in this decision-making process contribute to the development of intestinal inflammation, making the molecular signals that pass between DCs and intestinal epithelial cells potential therapeutic targets. Until now, models with sufficient complexity to understand these interactions have been lacking.

Mummified embalmed head skin: SR-FTIR microspectroscopic exploration.

This case report details the examination of the skin of an Egyptian mummified head with a possible skin disorder. The head, thought to be dated in the first half of the 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom (1570-1400 BCE) belongs to the Museum of Forensic Anthropology, University of Madrid. Initial histological examination demonstrated evidence of chronic inflammation, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

An Open-Format Enteroid Culture System for Interrogation of Interactions Between and the Intestinal Epithelium.

When transmitted through the oral route, first interacts with its host at the small intestinal epithelium. This interaction is crucial to controlling initial invasion and replication, as well as shaping the quality of the systemic immune response. It is therefore an attractive target for the design of novel vaccines and adjuvants.

Developing a 3D intestinal epithelium model for livestock species.

The in vitro 3D culture of intestinal epithelium is a valuable resource in the study of its function. Organoid culture exploits stem cells' ability to regenerate and produce differentiated epithelium. Intestinal organoid models from rodent or human tissue are widely available whereas large animal models are not.

Advanced maternal age and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Advanced maternal age (AMA; ≥35 years) is an increasing trend and is reported to be associated with various pregnancy complications.

Objective: To determine the risk of stillbirth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in women of AMA.

Search Strategy: Embase, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.

A novel in vitro model of villitis of unknown etiology demonstrates altered placental hormone and cytokine profile.

Problem: Placental dysfunction is present over 50% of cases of stillbirth and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE), an inflammatory condition of the placenta characterized by maternal T cell infiltrates in the villous stroma and dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, is more frequent in FGR and stillbirth.

Method Of Study: A novel in vitro model of placental inflammation was developed to test the hypothesis that inflammatory cells seen in VUE and/or cytokines impair placental function.

Sampling and Definitions of Placental Lesions: Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement.

Context: -The value of placental examination in investigations of adverse pregnancy outcomes may be compromised by sampling and definition differences between laboratories.

Objective: -To establish an agreed-upon protocol for sampling the placenta, and for diagnostic criteria for placental lesions. Recommendations would cover reporting placentas in tertiary centers as well as in community hospitals and district general hospitals, and are also relevant to the scientific research community.

Characterizing Villitis of Unknown Etiology and Inflammation in Stillbirth.

Villitis of unknown etiology (VUE) is an enigmatic inflammatory condition of the placenta associated with fetal growth restriction and stillbirth. Greater understanding of this condition is essential to understand its contribution to adverse outcomes. Our aim was to identify and quantify the cells in VUE in cases of stillbirth and to characterize immune responses specific to this condition.

Circulating cytokines and alarmins associated with placental inflammation in high-risk pregnancies.

Problem: Inflammation during pregnancy has devastating consequences for the placenta and fetus. These events are incompletely understood, thereby hampering screening and treatment.

Method Of Study: The inflammatory profile of villous tissue was studied in pregnancies at high-risk of placental dysfunction and compared to uncomplicated pregnancies.

Intra-individual variations in the bifurcation of the radial nerve and the length of the posterior interosseous nerve.

Anatomical literature on the radial nerve predominantly features inter-individual variations, with comparatively few studies investigating intra-individual variations. The radial nerve has a complex and variable course, particularly in relation to the location at which the nerve bifurcates to form the superficial branch of the radial nerve and the posterior interosseous nerve. Variations of the radial nerve may change the way the nerve and its branches, their blood supply and nerve transmission respond to forces.