Interprofessional Near-Peer Mentoring Teams Enhance Cancer Research Training: Sustainable Approaches for Biomedical Workforce Development of Historically Underrepresented Students.

A cancer research training program explored different approaches for staffing their in-person and virtual programs for high school students. The inclusion of undergraduate near-peer mentors had a universal benefit when implemented across in-person and virtual training programs of one- and ten-week durations. Benefits are described for four stakeholder groups: the high school trainees, program staff, scientist partners, and peer mentors themselves. Peer mentors described that their involvement enhanced their own professional development and, for some, drove a new interest in cancer research. Scientist partners described that peer mentors helped translate their work in the virtual environment for high school students. High school trainees reported their sessions with peer mentors to be one of their favorite parts of the program. Interprofessional peer mentors were highly relatable to students and modeled communication and paths in biomedical research. Staff reported that peer mentors supported student engagement during community shadowing sessions, allowing staff to focus on developing the shadowing experiences with partners. The benefit of including peer mentors was substantial from all viewpoints explored. Their intensive inclusion in cancer research training programs supports sustainability and capacity building in biomedical workforce development.

La Interoperabilidad como base de la Historia Clínica Digital en el Sistema Nacional de Salud / Interoperability as the basis of digital medical records in the National Health System

La utilización de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (TIC) en nuestras organizaciones sanitarias ha sido muy notoria en la última década. Ello ha sido especialmente relevante en e tratamiento de la Historia Clínica dando lugar en el Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS) a la implantanción de soluciones e Historia Clínica Electrónica (HCE) distintas en los diferentes servicios de salu, tanto en lo funcional, como en lo tecnológico. La movilidad de lso ciudadanos, impne la necesidad de que estas diferentes soluciones operen entre si transmitiéndose información resecto del mismo paciente y, en este momento, la tecnología está madura para hacerl y ya existen instrumentos semánticos para poder trabajar en su desarrollo. El Sistema Nacional de Salu bajo a coordinación del Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, junto a todas las Comunidades Autónomas y las Ciudades Autónomas del territorio español está desarrollando las estrategias que hagan posible la interoperabilidad técnica, semántica y organizacional de las historias clínicas de los pacientes (AU)

This paper aims to describe certain strategies, outlining the background, working methods, advances achieved and future projection within the National Health System (AU)

Age-related morphometric changes in the pineal gland. A comparative study between C57BL/6J and CBA mice.

Relatively little is known about the effects of melatonin on the aging of the pineal, the organ which is the main place for synthesis of this hormone. Using simple morphometric methods, some parameters of the pineal gland, such as total volume, number of pinealocytes and pinealocyte volume were estimated in two mice strains: normal CBA and melatonin-deficient C57BL/6J. Two age groups, 6 weeks and 10 months, were studied in order to evaluate possible differential age-related changes between both strains. Pineals of both strains have similar morphometric and morphological features at 6 weeks of age. This suggests that pineal development, which has already concluded at 6 weeks of age, is not affected by the absence of melatonin synthesis in the pinealocytes. Later on, CBA pineal showed an increase in size caused by cellular hypertrophy. In contrast, the C57BL/6J pineal volume decreased by loss of pinealocytes in the same period of time. Semithin sections analysed by light microscopy did not show that this cell death was evident in the C57BL/6J strain at any of the ages studied. Thus, a gradual loss of pinealocytes could be hypothesised in these pineals. These results suggest that pineal melatonin could have a role in the maintenance of pinealocyte viability and the increase of pineal size which takes place after development. The abnormal pattern observed in the C57BL/6J pineal should be taken into account in future studies on this gland.

Ontogeny of a photic response in the retina and suprachiasmatic nucleus in the mouse.

The ontogeny of photic responsiveness in the retina and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of C57BL/6J mouse was studied using the enhanced expression of the immediate early gene c-fos as a marker of neuronal activation. c-fos expression was assessed by immunocytochemical localisation of its protein product. Light induction of Fos-like protein in the retina and SCN occurred first at postnatal day four (PD 4). At this stage of development, some cells in the inner part of the neuroblastic layer and in the ganglion cell layer showed positive immunoreaction; the number of Fos-like positive cells increased with age until it reached adult levels by PD 15. Induction of Fos-like expression at PD 4 in the SCN mainly occurred in the ventrolateral region, the region that receives the greatest density of retinal innervation. These results indicate that retinal input can activate cells in the SCN even before eyelids open, and the SCN can be stimulated by photic inputs as early as day 4 after birth.

Spatio-temporal analysis of light-induced Fos expression in the retina of rd mutant mice.

Rd mutant mice are visually blind but they maintain the ability of synchronising their circadian rhythms to the external light-dark cycles. We used immunocytochemical procedures to detect light-induced Fos expression in the rd mice retina. We found that Fos is expressed in the rd retina in an unattenuated pattern through the entire life of the animal. Furthermore, we have found that cells expressing Fos are distributed throughout the whole retina, while opsin expression takes place only in the dorsal half of the retina in the 1-year old rd mice. Finally, we found that light induces Fos expression in the rd retina at the same levels during the subjective day as during the subjective night, whereas in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), Fos is stimulated by light only during the subjective night. Our results support the hypothesis that new, undiscovered photoreceptors are implicated in light perception for the circadian system.

Fos expression in the retina of rd/rd mice during the light/dark cycle.

An anti-Fos protein antiserum was used to elucidate the diurnal expression of Fos protein in the normal and degenerate rd/rd mice retina. We have found that Fos expression is stimulated in cells of both inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) at the onset of light period and reaches its maximum after 2 h. After which, the number of stained nuclei decreases along the light/dark cycle until almost no reaction is observed at the end of dark period. This expression pattern was similar in both normal and rd/rd mice although degenerate retinas showed a much lower number of stained nuclei. Aged rd animals also show Fos expression in GCL and INL in response to light stimuli suggesting that severely degenerate retinas are still able to transduce light stimulus.

Differential expression of microtubule associated protein MAP-2 in developing cochleovestibular neurons and its modulation by neurotrophin-3.

Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) are essential cytoskeletal proteins in developing neurons. The present study was undertaken to analyze the expression of MAP2 and its isoforms (a,b,c) during the embryonal and early post-hatching development of chicken cochleovestibular ganglion (CVG) neurons. Moreover, we have investigated MAP2 expression in primary cultures of CVG neurons, and whether it is regulated by neurotrophin-3 (NT3). The expression of MAP2 immunoreactivity (IR) was studied using both Western blot and immunohistochemistry on tissue sections and primary cultures. In vivo MAP2c was expressed from incubation day 4 (E4) to E10, and MAP2b was found in all embryonal stages studied and at post-hatching day 10 (P10), whereas MAP2a was restricted to the post-hatching periods. The cellular localization of IR was in the neuronal perikarya and their peripheral processes (dendrites) but not in axons. Primary cultures matched the in vivo pattern of MAP2 expression, and IR was localized in neuronal cell bodies and the initial segment of the neuronal processes. Exogenous NT3 regulated the expression of MAP2 isoforms in a dose dependent manner. At the survival dose of 0.5 ng/ml NT3, the main MAP2 expression was MAP2c. Conversely, at the neuritogenic dose of 5 ng/ml NT3 increased MAP2b and MAP2a expression, but not MAP2c. The present results demonstrate that MAP2 isoforms are developmentally regulated, thus suggesting that each isoform is specifically involved in CVG neuron maturation. Furthermore, we provide evidence of MAP2 regulation in culture by the neurotrophic factor NT3.

Neurotrophin receptors expression in the developing mouse retina: an immunohistochemical study.

Neurotrophins and their receptors (p75 and Trk family of receptors) play an important role in the survival of different populations of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system. Expression of p75, TrkA, TrkB and TrkC was examined in mouse retinas by means immunohistochemistry in the postnatal development of normal and rd/rd mice (C57BL/6J). The rd/rd mice suffer a degeneration that causes a massive lost of photoreceptor cells. Results showed immunoreactivity to all three Trk proteins in both normal and rd/rd mice during the first 21 postnatal days, but some variations in intensity and localization were found. p75 immunoreaction was only present in rd/rd mice at the end of the degeneration process. These results could indicate a role of neurotrophins and their receptors in both the postnatal development of mouse retina and the degeneration process of rd/rd mice.

TrkA neutrophin receptor protein in the rat and human thymus.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that nerve growth factor (NGF), and probably other neurotrophins, are involved in the control of lymphoid organs and immunocompetent cells that express neurotrophins and/or their receptors. In the rat thymus, mRNA for TrkA (an essential component of the NGF signal transducing receptor) has been found primarily in stromal cells. The present study was undertaken to analyze the occurrence and localization of TrkA in the rat and human thymus, using Western blot and immunohistochemical techniques. METHODS: Thymuses from human fetuses (estimated gestational ages of 29 and 32 weeks) and newborns (3 and 4 weeks old), as well as from 3-month-old rats were used. Human and rat samples were fixed in buffered 10% formaldehyde, paraffin-embedded, and processed for immunohistochemistry. Moreover, rat thymus samples were processed for Western blot analysis. RESULTS: A protein band consistent with full-length TrkA (approximately 140 kDa) was detected in the rat thymus. Immunoreactivity (IR) for TrkA was exclusively found in thymic epithelial cells of both rat and human, identified because they also displayed cytokeratin IR. Interestingly, species-specific differences were noted for the expression of TrkA in different subtypes of thymic epithelial cells. Apparently, no immunolabelling was observed in other stromal cells or in lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TrkA ligands may be involved in the control of thymic epithelial cells. This could be of potential importance because of the involvement of these cells in providing an appropriate microenvironment for maturation and selection of T lymphocytes.

Study of human cutaneous sensory corpuscles using double immunolabelling and confocal laser scanning microscopy.

BACKGROUND: The main constituents of sensory corpuscles, i.e., the central axon, the periaxonic Schwann-related, cells, and the perineurial-related cells, can be identified light microscopically by simple immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of double immunolabelling for light and confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) in the study of human cutaneous sensory corpuscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antibodies directed against neurofilament proteins (NFPs) and S-100 protein were used to label the central axon and the lamellar cells of Meissner corpuscles or the inner-core lamellae of digital cutaneous Pacinian corpuscles, respectively. Samples were obtained from subjects with normal sensitivity and from patients with paresthesia or absence of clinical sensitivity. Single and double immunolabelling was performed, and the sections were studied by light or CLSM microscopy. RESULTS: Double immunolabelling was effective for simultaneous observation of the central axon (NFP-positive) and periaxonic Schwann-related (S-100 protein-positive) cells in sensory corpuscles from normal human digital skin. The images that were obtained with both methods were comparable, but the axonic profiles were sharper with diaminobenzidine (DAB) used as a chromogen rather than with Texas-red used as a fluorochrome. Nevertheless, the ability to manipulate the focal plane by using CLSM permits one to better analyze the intracorpuscular relationships of the axon. Double immunolabelling in sensory corpuscles from the skin of patients with nerve compression showed the presence of a central axon in the corpuscles, whereas it was absent in the sensory corpuscles of clinically denervated skin. CONCLUSIONS: Double immunolabelling is a useful method with which to analyze simultaneously two of the corpuscular constituents, and it may be used in the study of denervated and reinnervated sensory corpuscles.

Calretinin immunoreactivity in human sympathetic ganglia.

Calretinin is an "EF-hand" calcium-binding protein involved in the maintenance of intracellular calcium ion homeostasis. This study was undertaken to investigate the presence of calretinin in human lumbar paravertebral sympathetic ganglia from subjects of different ages (26-85 years) using immunohistochemical and immunoblotting methods. Calretinin-like immunoreactivity was found in a subpopulation of postganglionic sympathetic neurons, whose percentage decreased progressively with aging by about 50% (63% of immunoreactive neurons at < or = 40 years; 29% at > or = 81 years) whereas the neuronal density remained basically unchanged. Calretinin-like immunoreactivity showed a granular pattern of cytoplasmic distribution suggesting preferential localization of this protein associated with intracellular membranes. Occasionally diffuse cytosolic labelling was also observed. The immunoblotting demonstrated a protein band with an estimated molecular weight of 30 kDa, approximately. Present results provide, for the first time, evidence for the presence of calretinin in human paravertebral sympathetic ganglia. Since the number of calretinin-like immunoreactive neurons decreased significantly with aging our findings suggest an involvement of this protein in the age-dependent impairment of sympathetic function.

Localization of Trk neurotrophin receptor-like proteins in avian primary lymphoid organs (thymus and bursa of Fabricius).

The avian thymus and bursa of Fabricius are the specific organs where the maturation and differentiation of T- and B-lymphocytes, respectively, take place. In the mammalian lymphoid organs mRNAs of the neurotrophins and their receptors have been identified but their localization at the protein level remains still unknown. This study was undertaken to analyze the localization of the Trk family of tyrosine kinase receptors in the avian primary lymphoid organs (thymus and bursa of Fabricius) during the posthatching development using immunohistochemistry. These proteins serve as essential constituents of the high affinity receptors for neurotrophins. In the thymus of all groups of age specific immunoreactivity (IR) was observed for all three Trks: TrkA-like IR was found labelling medullary epithelial cells and a subpopulation of cortical epithelial cells; TrkB-like IR was found in the medullar dendritic cells and cortical macrophages; TrkC-like IR labelled the cortical epithelial cells and scattered medullar clusters of epithelial cells (including Hassal's corpuscles). Quantitative analysis revealed age-dependent decrease in the area occupied by TrkA-like IR in the cortex, and age-dependent increase in the medulla; no changes were detected in the area occupied by TrkB-like IR; the TrkC-like immunoreactive cells increase from 7 to 30 days and then decrease. Regarding to the bursa of Fabricius, TrkA-and TrkC-like IR were exclusively found in the epithelial cells of the follicle associated and the interfollicular epithelia, as well as TrkC-like IR in some medullary reticular epithelial cells of adult animals. Nevertheless, TrkB-like IR labelled extrafollicular unidentified cells in 7 days old animals, and the follicular secretory dendritic cells at 30 and 60 post-hatching. The area occupied by the medullary TrkB-like IR cells increased between 30 and 60 days. No immunostaining of lymphocytes was observed for any of the assessed antigens. The blood vessels of both the thymus and the bursa of Fabricius were immunoreactive for TrkA- and TrkC-like proteins. The present results provide evidence for the localization of Trks in the non-lymphoid cells (epithelial and dendritic) of the avian primary lymphoid organs, suggesting a role for neurotrophins in these cells. Moreover, the selective cell localization of each Trk protein, and the absence of apparent overlapping, claims for a differential role of the specific Trk ligands. Whether or not these findings have functional relevance for T- and B-lymphocytes processing in avian primary lymphoid organs is discussed.

Epidermal growth factor receptor in adult human dorsal root ganglia.

Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) enhances neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth in cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons. It binds a membrane protein, denominated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr). EGFr has been localized in developing and adult human DRG. However, it remains to be elucidated whether all DRG neurons express EGFr or whether differences exist among neuronal subtypes. This study was undertaken to investigate these topics in adult human DRG using immunoblotting, and combined immunohistochemistry and image analysis techniques. A mouse monoclonal antibody (clone F4) mapping within the intracytoplasmic domain of EGFr was used. Immunoblotting revealed two main proteins with estimated molecular masses of approximately/equal to 65 kDa and 170 kDa, and thus consistent with the full-length EGFr. Additional protein bands were also encountered. Light immunohistochemistry revealed specific immunoreactivity (IR) for EGFr-like proteins in most (86%) primary sensory neurons, the intensity of immunostaining being stronger in the small- and intermediate-sized ones. Furthermore, EGFr-like IR was also observed in the satellite glial cells of the ganglia as well as in the intraganglionic and dorsal root Schwann cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that EGFr, and other related proteins containing the epitope labeled with the antibody F4, are responsible for the EGFr IR reported in DRG. Furthermore, we demonstrated heterogeneity in the expression of EGFr-like IR in adult human primary sensory neurons, which suggests different responsiveness to their ligands.

Distribution of immunoreactivity for cytoskeletal (microtubule, microtubule-associated, and neurofilament) proteins in adult human dorsal root ganglia.

BACKGROUND: The cytoskeleton of mature neurons consists of three main types of filamentous structures: microtubules (or neurotubules) neurofilaments and microfilaments, and of the so-called associated proteins. Neurotubules are formed by alpha- and beta-tubulin; neurofilaments are comprised of three protein subunits (68, 160, and 200 kDa of molecular weight), referred to here as neurofilament proteins (NFPs). The microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) and tau-proteins form cross bridges between microtubules and other cytoskeletal constituents, as well as cellular organelles. This study analyzes the distribution of several cytoskeletal proteins in adult human dorsal root ganglia (DRG). METHODS: Sections of formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded adult human DRG were processed for PAP immunohistochemistry. Mouse monoclonal antibodies against specific epitopes of alpha- and beta-tubulin, MAP-1, MAP-2, MAP-5, tau-protein, and NFPs (68, 160, and 200 kDa) were used. Furthermore, a quantitative image analysis (optic microdensitometry) was performed to establish the relationship between neuronal size and intensity of immunostaining. RESULTS: Most of DRG neuron cell bodies displayed immunoreactivity for all assessed antibodies, with the exception of MAP2, which was absent. Nevertheless, the neuronal perikarya showed an heterogeneous pattern of immunoreactivity, which was not related to neuronal profile size. Positive immunolabelling was also observed in satellite cells and Schwann cells for microtubule and MAP1 proteins, and for tau-protein in Schwann cells. CONCLUSIONS: Adult human primary sensory neurons in DRG express immunoreactivity for neurotubule and neurofilament proteins, as well as for some microtubule-associated proteins. However, since large heterogeneity was observed in the expression of those proteins, we conclude that the expression of cytoskeletal proteins is not a criterion to establish DRG neuronal subtypes.