Using giant scarlet runner bean embryos to uncover regulatory networks controlling suspensor gene activity.

One of the major unsolved issues in plant development is understanding the regulatory networks that control the differential gene activity that is required for the specification and development of the two major embryonic regions, the embryo proper and suspensor. Historically, the giant embryo of scarlet runner bean (SRB), Phaseolus coccineus, has been used as a model system to investigate the physiological events that occur early in embryogenesis-focusing on the question of what role the suspensor region plays. A major feature distinguishing SRB embryos from those of other plants is a highly enlarged suspensor containing at least 200 cells that synthesize growth regulators required for subsequent embryonic development. Recent studies have exploited the giant size of the SRB embryo to micro-dissect the embryo proper and suspensor regions in order to use genomics-based approaches to identify regulatory genes that may be involved in controlling suspensor and embryo proper differentiation, as well as the cellular processes that may be unique to each embryonic region. Here we review the current genomics resources that make SRB embryos a compelling model system for studying the early events required to program embryo development

A shared cis-regulatory module activates transcription in the suspensor of plant embryos.

The mechanisms controlling the transcription of gene sets in specific regions of a plant embryo shortly after fertilization remain unknown. Previously, we showed that G564 mRNA, encoding a protein of unknown function, accumulates to high levels in the giant suspensor of both Scarlet Runner Bean (SRB) and Common Bean embryos, and a cis-regulatory module containing three unique DNA sequences, designated as the 10-bp, Region 2, and Fifth motifs, is required for G564 suspensor-specific transcription [Henry KF, et al. (2015) Plant Mol Biol 88:207-217; Kawashima T, et al. (2009) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106:3627-3632]. We tested the hypothesis that these motifs are also required for transcription of the SRB GA 20-oxidase gene, which encodes a gibberellic acid hormone biosynthesis enzyme and is coexpressed with G564 at a high level in giant bean suspensors. We used deletion and gain-of-function experiments in transgenic tobacco embryos to show that two GA 20-oxidase DNA regions are required for suspensor-specific transcription, one in the 5' UTR (+119 to +205) and another in the 5' upstream region (-341 to -316). Mutagenesis of sequences in these two regions determined that the cis-regulatory motifs required for G564 suspensor transcription are also required for GA 20-oxidase transcription within the suspensor, although the motif arrangement differs. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of motif positioning within a cis-regulatory module that activates gene transcription within giant bean suspensors and suggest that G564 and GA 20-oxidase comprise part of a suspensor gene regulatory network

The Echogenic Appearance of the Diabetic Deltoid Muscle on Shoulder Ultrasound: Is This Simply from Adipose Tissue Infiltration, Can This Appearance Predict Type 2 Diabetes and Be Used to Detect Pre-Diabetes?

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess whether radiologists can detect type 2 diabetes in patients based the on the appearance of the deltoid muscle on shoulder ultrasound from other populations, such as obese non-diabetics. Materials and Methods: This study includes retrospective review of 137 shoulder ultrasounds from type 2 diabetic patients, confirmed by hemoglobin A1c levels and medication review. It also includes 49 shoulder ultrasounds from non-diabetic obese patients based on body mass index. Images of the deltoid muscle from these 186 ultrasounds are blindly reviewed by three musculoskeletal radiologists as to whether the appearance is normal, suspected diabetic or definite diabetic. These results along with the patient’s age, sex, race, hemoglobin A1c level, body mass index, and the presence of insulin use are analyzed. Results: A consensus diagnosis of ‘definite diabetic’ by 3 musculoskeletal radiologists based on increased echogenicity of the deltoid muscle on ultrasound is a powerful predictor of diabetic status. The positive predictive value for the accurate designation of ‘definite diabetic’ is 89% (70 out of 79 diabetic patients). Increased echogenicity of the deltoid muscle is a similarly powerful predictor of pre-diabetes. Of 13 pre-diabetic ultrasounds reviewed, 13 were assigned either ‘suspected diabetic’ (3 of 13, 23%) or ‘definite diabetic’ (10 of 13, 77%) (P= 0.062). Obesity alone [causing adipose infiltration of the deltoid muscle] cannot solely explain the increased echogenicity of the deltoid muscle of diabetic patients. Non-obese diabetics were diagnosed ‘definite diabetic’ with 30% sensitivity (11 of 37 non-obese diabetics). Diabetic patients with higher BMI, though, were more often diagnosed ‘definite diabetic’. Of 137 diabetic patient ultrasounds reviewed, 31(22.6%) were designated ‘normal’ (BMI 30.9 ± 7.3), 36 (26.2%) were designated ‘suspected diabetic’ (BMI 32.6 ± 6.9), and 70 (51.2%) were designated ‘definite diabetic’ (BMI 37.5 ± 8). Conclusion: The more echogenic appearance of the deltoid muscle in type 2 diabetics on shoulder ultrasound is a strong predictor of type 2 diabetes. The more echogenic (bright) deltoid muscle of type 2 diabetics can be differentiated from deltoid muscle of obese non-diabetics. We, therefore, suggest that the brightness of the deltoid muscle in type 2 diabetics is not related to adipose infiltration into the muscle, as is the case for obese individuals. Another mechanism, perhaps decreased intramuscular glycogen secondary to insulin resistance, may be the cause. Importantly, we also conclude that this distinct appearance on shoulder ultrasound may be used to detect early insulin resistance in pre-diabetics and identify under-treated or undiagnosed type 2 diabetics presenting with shoulder pain. This could present a unique opportunity for many physicians across many specialties to improve patient care.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2019hvc/1004/thumbnail.jp

An Investigation of Parents’ and Children’s Perceptions about Their Participation in a Community-Based Swim Team Program

Why are young swimmers smiling after two hours of intense, daily swim team practices filled with swimming countless laps and focusing on improving their various swimming strokes? What drives parents to willingly transport their children to and from their local YMCAs for swim team practices? Why are swim team participants willing, and even eager, to sit in steamy, hot swimming pool areas and watch or swim in competitive events that last for hours and hours? These are simply a few questions one might have when considering the amount of time, involvement, and commitment required while participating in a community-based YMCA swim team program. This study investigated the perceptions of parents and children about their participation in such a program

Behavioral Problems Among Sexually Abused and Nonabused Children

This study investigates the level of social competency and presence of behavioral problems associated with young sexually abused children ages 4 to 8, as compared to those among a comparable sample of nonabused young children. Thirty-two parents or guardians, 16 in each group, completed the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist for each child. Characteristics of the abuse were addressed on an additional questionnaire. Data was collected on 12 female and 4 male children in each group. The results indicated that the amount and severity of behavior problems was greater and social competency levels were lower among the sexually abused children than that of the nonabused sample. However, sexually abused children were perceived to exhibit significantly higher levels of each problem than nonabused children with the exception of the problem identified as somatic complaints. Nonsignificant results were found when comparisons were made of the behavior problem level and characteristics of the abuse. These findings are consistent with previous research and further support the existence of problem behaviors among young sexually abused children. Suggestions for future research in this area and the clinical utility of the current findings are discussed

A Shared \u3cem\u3eCis\u3c/em\u3e-Regulatory Module Activates Transcription in the Suspensor of Plant Embryos

The mechanisms controlling the transcription of gene sets in specific regions of a plant embryo shortly after fertilization remain unknown. Previously, we showed that G564 mRNA, encoding a protein of unknown function, accumulates to high levels in the giant suspensor of both Scarlet Runner Bean (SRB) and Common Bean embryos, and a cis-regulatory module containing three unique DNA sequences, designated as the 10-bp, Region 2, and Fifth motifs, is required for G564 suspensor-specific transcription [Henry KF, et al. (2015) Plant Mol Biol 88:207–217; Kawashima T, et al. (2009) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106:3627–3632]. We tested the hypothesis that these motifs are also required for transcription of the SRB GA 20-oxidase gene, which encodes a gibberellic acid hormone biosynthesis enzyme and is coexpressed with G564 at a high level in giant bean suspensors. We used deletion and gain-of-function experiments in transgenic tobacco embryos to show that two GA 20-oxidase DNA regions are required for suspensor-specific transcription, one in the 5′ UTR (+119 to +205) and another in the 5′ upstream region (−341 to −316). Mutagenesis of sequences in these two regions determined that the cis-regulatory motifs required for G564 suspensor transcription are also required for GA 20-oxidase transcription within the suspensor, although the motif arrangement differs. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of motif positioning within a cis-regulatory module that activates gene transcription within giant bean suspensors and suggest that G564 and GA 20-oxidase comprise part of a suspensor gene regulatory network

Reduction in hospital-wide mortality after implementation of a rapidresponse team: a long-term cohort study

Introduction: Rapid response teams (RRTs) have been shown to reduce cardiopulmonary arrests outside the intensive care unit (ICU). Yet the utility of RRTs remains in question, as most large studies have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in hospital-wide mortality after RRT implementation. Methods: A cohort design with historical controls was used to determine the effect on hospital-wide mortality of an RRT in which clinical judgment, in addition to vital-signs criteria, was widely promoted as a key trigger for activation. All nonprisoner patients admitted to a tertiary referral public teaching hospital from 2003 through 2008 were included. In total, 77, 021 admissions before RRT implementation (2003 through 2005) and 79, 013 admissions after RRT implementation (2006 through 2008) were evaluated. The a priori primary outcome was unadjusted hospital-wide mortality. A Poisson regression model was then used to adjust for hospital-wide mortality trends over time. Secondary outcomes defined a priori were unadjusted out-of-ICU mortality and out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary-arrest codes. Results: In total, 855 inpatient RRTs (10.8 per 1, 000 hospital-wide discharges) were activated during the 3-year postintervention period. Forty-seven percent of RRTs were activated for reasons of clinical judgment. Hospital-wide mortality decreased from 15.50 to 13.74 deaths per 1, 000 discharges after RRT implementation (relative risk, 0.887; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.817 to 0.963; P = 0.004). After adjusting for inpatient mortality trends over time, the reduction in hospital-wide mortality remained statistically significant (relative risk, 0.825; 95% CI, 0.694 to 0.981; P = 0.029). Out-of-ICU mortality decreased from 7.08 to 4.61 deaths per 1, 000 discharges (relative risk, 0.651; 95% CI, 0.570 to 0.743; P < 0.001). Out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary-arrest codes decreased from 3.28 to 1.62 codes per 1, 000 discharges (relative risk, 0.493; 95% CI, 0.399 to 0.610; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Implementation of an RRT in which clinical judgment, in addition to vital-signs criteria, was widely cited as a rationale for activation, was associated with a significant reduction in hospital-wide mortality, out-of-ICU mortality, and out-of-ICU cardiopulmonary-arrest codes. The frequent use of clinical judgment as a criterion for RRT activation was associated with high RRT utilization

Evaluation of well designs to improve access to safe and clean water in rural Tanzania

The objective of this study was to examine three well designs: drilled wells (20–30 m deep), closed dug wells (\u3e5 m deep), and hand-dug open wells (\u3c5 m deep), to determine the water quality for improving access to safe and clean water in rural communities. Heterotrophic plate count (HPC), total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and turbidity, were used to assess the water quality of 97 wells. Additionally, the study looked at the microflora diversity of the water, focusing on potential pathogens using outgrowth, PCR, and genome sequencing for 10 wells. Concentrations of TC for the open dug wells (4 × 104 CFU/100 mL) were higher than the drilled (2 × 103 CFU/100 mL) and closed dug wells (3 × 103 CFU/100 mL). E. coli concentration for drilled and closed dug wells was \u3c22 MPN (most probable number)/100 mL, but higher for open wells (\u3e154 MPN/100 mL). The drilled well turbidity (11 NTU) was within the standard deviation of the closed well (28 NTU) compared to open dug wells (49 NTU). Drilled and closed wells had similar microbial diversity. There were no significant differences between drilled and closed dug wells. The covering and lining of hand-dug wells should be considered as an alternative to improve access to safe and clean water in rural communities