Granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles show increased expression of 11 -hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11 HSD1) at the time of ovulation. As ovulation may be an inflammatory process, this may be a mechanism of local enhancement of the activity of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids. In this study, we examined direct effects of LH, the proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1 ), and pharmacological activators of protein kinase A (PKA) (forskolin and dibutyryl (db) cAMP) and PKC (LHreleasing hormone and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)) signalling on the expression of 11 HSD1 mRNA in vitro. Granulosa cells from immature female rat ovaries were cultured (pretreatment) in serum-free medium 199 containing recombinant human (rh) FSH (1 ng/ml) for 48 h to induce responsiveness to LH. Cell monolayers were then washed and cultured (test treatment) for a further 12 h in the presence of rhLH (0-100 ng/ml), IL-1 (0-50 ng/ml), or both. Total RNA was extracted from granulosa cell monolayers and taken for quantitative ribonuclease protection analysis of 11 HSD1 mRNA. The low level of 11 HSD1 mRNA detectable in unstimulated (control) cultures was increased approximately twofold by the 48-h pretreatment with rhFSH. Subsequent exposure to rhLH (1-100 ng/ml) for a further 12 h dose-dependently increased 11 HSD1 mRNA expression by an additional two-to threefold. Forskolin (10 µM), db-cAMP (2 mM), LH-releasing hormone (LHRH; 1 µM) and PMA (200 nM) were also stimulatory. IL-1 (0·05-50 ng/ml) stimulated 11 HSD1 mRNA expression in a dose-related manner, both in the absence and in the presence of rhLH (3 ng/ml). The interaction between IL-1 (5 ng/ml) and rhLH (3 ng/ml) was additive. Cotreatment with a 50-fold excess of IL-1 receptor antagonist fully reversed the action of IL-1 . We conclude that 11 HSD1 mRNA expression in functionally mature granulosa cells is directly stimulated by gonadotrophins and IL-1 in vitro, potentially involving post-receptor signalling via PKA-and PKC-mediated pathways. Thus both LH and IL-1 may serve physiological roles in the upregulation of 11 HSD1 gene expression by granulosa cells in ovulatory follicles.

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Introduction: As students return to colleges and universities in the fall of 2020, it is important to understand their perception of risk and their desire for in person versus online learning, which may differ between undergraduate and graduate students. Methods: We anonymously surveyed 212 undergraduate and 134 graduate students in the College of Public Health, and 94 graduate students in the College of Education in late June, 2020. We asked them Likert style questions regarding their comfort returning to campus and their preferred learning strategies once back. We compared Strongly agree/Agree with Neutral/Disagree/Strongly disagree using a chi-square test. Results: Graduate students were significantly less likely to look forward to being on campus (38.3% doctoral vs 40.6% master's vs 77.7% undergraduate, p < 0.001), more likely to perceive themselves as high risk (43.3% doctoral vs 40.0% masters vs 17.5% undergraduate, p < 0.001), and were more likely to prefer all classwork online (66.7% doctoral vs 44.6% masters vs 20.8% undergraduate, p < 0.001). Graduate students were also less likely to prefer to be in the classroom as much as possible in the fall (59.2% doctoral vs 67.7% masters vs 74.5% undergraduate, p < 0.001). Most were not concerned about their ability to conduct research. Students generally supported wearing of facemasks indoors. Conclusions: There are important differences in perception of risk and desire for online versus in-person learning between undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty and administrators must acknowledge and address these differences as they prepare for return to campus in the fall.

Introduction. Given the limited number of positions in physical therapy (PT) residency programs, it is important to select individuals who are most likely to succeed. The purpose of the study is to obtain consensus from residency program directors regarding 1) the traits and/or characteristics that are likely to result in a successful residency experience, 2) how success in residency education is defined, and 3) what do programs aspire their residency graduates to accomplish professionally. Review of the Literature: Limited evidence exists that explores the qualities, skills, traits, or experiences that contribute to a successful PT resident or whether the current application process is able to identify these traits. Subjects: The residency directors of 246 American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education-accredited programs were invited via email. One hundred nine (44.67%) residency program directors participated. Methods: Using the Delphi study design, consensus was reached after round 3 of the survey. Results: Five traits/characteristics, 9 characteristics/achievements of a successful residency graduate, and 4 postresidency aspirations reached consensus as “absolutely essential,” and 1 outcome measure reached consensus as “very useful.” Discussion/Conclusion: Residency programs may look to modify 1) their application/selection processes to identify applicants who possess desirable traits/characteristics and 2) their criteria for successful completion. Entry-level PT programs may use this information to guide what skills/traits are needed to prepare graduates for postprofessional experiences.

ImportanceUniversities are unique settings with large populations, congregate housing, and frequent attendance of events in large groups. However, the prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 in university students, including symptomatic and asymptomatic disease, is unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of previous infection, risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of persistent symptoms following infection among university students.DesignThis was a cross-sectional study that surveyed students about demographics, risk factors, and symptoms, and simultaneously tested their saliva for IgA antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. To estimate the prevalence of previous infection we adjusted our intentional sample of a diverse student population for year in school and age to resemble the composition of the entire student body, and adjusted for the imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the antibody test. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for infection.SettingA large public university in Athens, Georgia between January 22 and March 22, 2021.ParticipantsUndergraduate and graduate students; 488 completed the survey, 432 had a valid antibody result. and 428 had both.ExposurePrevious infection with SARS-CoV-2 based on measurement of IgA antibodies in saliva and adjustment for sample characteristics and test accuracy.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the estimated prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2. Secondary outcomes were independent risk factors for infection, and the prevalence of persistent symptoms among persons reporting a previous symptomatic infection.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of previous infection for 432 participants with valid antibody results was between 41% and 42%. Independent risk factors for infection included male sex, having a roommate with a known symptomatic infection, and having 2 or fewer roommates. More frequent attendance of parties and bars was a univariate risk factor, but not in the multivariate analysis. Of 122 students reporting a previous symptomatic infection, 14 (11.4%) reported persistent symptoms a median of 132 days later.Conclusions and RelevancePrevious infection with SARS-CoV-2, both symptomatic and asymptomatic, was common at a large university. Measures that could prevent resurgence of the infection when students return to campus include mandatory vaccination policies, mass surveillance testing, and testing of sewage for antigen to SARS-CoV-2.Key PointsQuestionWhat is the prevalence of previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the prevalence of persistent symptoms in university students?FindingsIn this sample of 432 students who provided saliva for IgA antibodies, we estimate that 41% to 42% had evidence of previous infection. Of 122 reporting a previous symptomatic infection, 14 (11%) were still symptomatic a median of 132 days later.MeaningSymptomatic and asymptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 are common among university students, and a significant percentage had persistent symptoms over a long duration.