Using the dCas9-KRAB system to repress gene expression in hiPSC-derived NGN2 neurons.

We describe a CRISPR inhibition (CRISPRi) protocol to repress endogenous gene expression (e.g., ATP6V1A) in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NGN2-induced glutamatergic neurons. CRISPRi enables efficient and precise gene repression of one or multiple target genes via delivering gRNA(s) to direct a dCas9-KRAB fusion protein to the gene(s) of interest. This protocol can also be adapted for gene activation and high-throughput gene manipulation, allowing assessment of the transcriptomic and phenotypic impact of candidate gene(s) associated with neurodevelopment or brain disease. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ho et al. (2017) and Wang et al. (2021).

National, Virtual Otolaryngology Training Day in the United Kingdom During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Pilot Survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an unprecedented worldwide change in our daily lives, particularly in healthcare. In response to the lockdown measure it has brought on, some deaneries cancelled planned teaching days, while others had delivered remote smaller scale teaching sessions electronically. Due to significant regional variation, the National Association of Program Directors in ENT (NAPDENT) set up a national educational program, matched to the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Program. This is delivered virtually and for free. This pilot survey evaluates participants' learning experience of the first NAPDENT National Otology Training Day, which was held on 20 April 2020 via Zoom. This is a pilot survey evaluating the first online, national educational program delivered by the NAPDENT in the United Kingdom. In the times of the COVID-19 pandemic, our program has rapidly learnt from this initial experience and continues to build on lessons learnt for future editions. It is feasible to augment the national ENT curriculum with a collaborative, online teaching program. Regional buy-in is required to make this work. This modality allows for access to subject experts across the country. Synchronous delivery allows for participant interaction, while an online repository allows for asynchronous viewing when work or personal commitments do not allow live attendance. The key to participant engagement is adequate structure, appropriate breaks and opportunities for interaction. Even once the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, this teaching modality will remain as an opportunity to educate ENT surgeons of the future.

Ancient schwannoma of the cervical sympathetic chain.

Ancient schwannomas exhibit characteristic histological features. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is of limited use. Radiological evidence demonstrating displacement of blood vessels may aid diagnosis of schwannoma. Malignant transformation of ancient schwannoma has been reported. Surgical excision carries a high risk of postoperative Horner's syndrome.

Presentation of Mycobacterium abscessus infection following rhytidectomy to a UK plastic surgery unit.

We report the presentation of a patient to a UK plastic surgery unit with Mycobacterium abscessus infection following a facelift surgery in Southern India. Treatment was protracted requiring surgical debridement and 6 months of antibiotics including a 3-week hospital admission for intravenous antibiotic therapy. We describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this unusual microorganism with reference to more familiar pyogenic infections.