Characterisation of CCaMK in symbiosis signalling

Many plants form important and beneficial symbioses with microbes including arbuscular mycorrhization and the legume-rhizobial interaction. The establishment of both these symbioses involves common genes which encode the Sym pathway proteins, of which calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is a central component. CCaMK has been genetically positioned downstream of a nuclear calcium spiking signal and is widely thought to detect and transduce this signal. In the presence of calcium CCaMK undergoes a conformational change, but the nature of this was previously unknown. Here I show that this change likely corresponds to an elongation of the visinin-like domain and this exposes a hydrophobic patch in the full-length protein. This hydrophobic patch could facilitate the binding of CCaMK to target proteins. Calcium-binding to the visinin-like domain stimulates autophosphorylation, in particular at T271 (in Medicago truncatula CCaMK). However, the molecular mechanism by which this occurs was not well-established. By contrast, the mechanism of autophosphorylation of CaMKII, a similar animal protein, has been determined to be intra-oligomeric and inter-subunit. Work presented here shows for the first time that MBP-CCaMK forms an oligomer of 16-18 subunits when purified from E. coli and experimental evidence is most consistent with an intra-oligomeric, inter-subunit mechanism of autophosphorylation. This is expected to facilitate the stabilisation of a robust “off-state” of the protein. Finally, CCaMK was assessed in planta. Preliminary data suggested the presence of potential alternative splice forms of CCaMK, and I undertook an investigation to determine if these were present during symbiosis at the RNA and protein level. Very low levels of splice variants were detected at the RNA level only, suggesting that they do not play a key role during symbiosis. A multi-faceted study is therefore presented, and this provides deeper insights into the function of CCaMK in the Sym pathway

London’s foundations protecting the geodiversity of the capital

This report describes a geodiversity audit of London commissioned by a partnership led by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which includes the British Geological Survey (BGS), Natural England, Government Office for London, London Biodiversity Partnership, London Borough of Lambeth, Harrow and Hillingdon Geological Society, South London London RIGS Groups, Hanson UK and Queen Mary College, University of London. The project was funded by an Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund grant from Natural England plus additional support from the GLA, BGS and Natural England London Region. The audit began with a review of the available geodiversity documentation for London including: BGS field maps, databases and publications; Regional Important Geological Sites (RIGS) Group information; Natural England Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Geological Conservation Review (GCR) documentation; and documentation and data from the GLA and London Boroughs. An initial list of around 470 sites with potential for geodiversity value was compiled from this information. This list was then narrowed down to 100 for further assessment by exporting site locations to a GIS and cross-checking against digital aerial photography backed up by BGS staff local geological expertise. Using the procedure set out in this report field auditing was carried out by BGS staff and the South London RIGS Group between November 2007 and April 2008. From the list of 100 sites, 35 sites were found to be suitable for detailed auditing. Harrow and Hillingdon Geological Society audited a further site in November 2008, bringing the total to 36 sites. Using the criteria set out in this report 14 of the 36 sites are recommended for designation as Regionally Important Geological/geomorphological Sites (RIGS) in borough Local Development Documents. Of the 33 London boroughs, RIGS are recommended in eight, with five in Bromley, three in Croydon and one each in Lewisham, Ealing, Greenwich, Harrow, Hillingdon and Bexley. Using the criteria set out in this report 15 of the 36 sites have the potential to be designated as Locally Important Geological Sites (LIGS). These sites are located in nine boroughs, three in Waltham Forest, two in Bromley, two in Islington and one each in Barnet, Lewisham, Redbridge, Wandsworth, Southwark and Sutton. Planning proposals should have regard to geodiversity in order to implement strategic and local policies. Sites should be protected, managed and enhanced and, where ppropriate, new development should provide improvements to the geodiversity value of a site. This can include measures that promote public access, study, interpretation and appreciation of geodiversity. In addition to individual sites of geodiversity interest, Greater London has distinctive natural landscapes shaped by geological processes, such as undulating chalk downlands with dry valleys in south London, and river terraces forming long flat areas separated by steeper areas of terrace front slopes. This natural topographic geodiversity underlying London should be understood, respected and only altered in that knowledge with full knowledge of it origin and form. Planners are encouraged to use authentic contouring in restoration work and new landscaping schemes, maintain the contributions of natural topography, rock outcrops, landscape features, and to maintain soil quality, quantity and function

A Rare Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder Presenting as a Metastatic Right Ventricular Mass

A 74-year-old woman presented with bilateral lower extremity swelling, worsening dyspnea on exertion, and mild hemoptysis. An echocardiogram at time of admission showed a mass in the right ventricle. The pathology of a sample obtained via transvenous biopsy was consistent with squamous cell carcinoma; no primary source could initially be identified. Severe thrombocytopenia, likely consumptive, precluded surgical intervention, so the patient underwent palliative radiation. Unfortunately, she developed fatal respiratory failure. Upon autopsy, the bladder was found to contain polyps of invasive squamous cell carcinoma, similar in morphology to the tumor mass in the heart. Her lungs contained multiple tumor emboli at different stages, which was likely the final cause of her death. Squamous cell carcinoma metastases to the endocardium are extremely rare and without defined treatment. Surgery can improve prognosis in those with primary tumors that are benign or without metastases. In those with symptomatic metastatic tumors, palliative debulking can done although generally will not improve prognosis. It is currently unknown whether radiation improves survival. In this case, irradiation did destroy a portion of the tumor as the final pathology showed extensive necrosis of the tumor; unfortunately, it did not change her symptoms and did not change the final outcome

Is a lower socio-economic position associated with poorer outcomes for end-of-life care?

Individuals living in the most deprived areas are more likely to access acute hospital services in the last three months of life and die in hospital rather than at home, compared to those living in the least deprived areas. Individuals living in a high area of deprivation or with a lower level of education are less likely to receive specialist palliative care. Further research should aim to improve access to appropriate end-of-life care for those identified within a lower socio-economic position

Measuring well-being in sport performers: where are we now and how do we progress?

The importance of optimal well-being and mental health in elite athletes has received increasing attention and debate in both the academic and public discourse. Despite the number of challenges and risk factors for mental health and well-being recognised within the performance lifestyle of elite athletes, the evidence base for intervention is limited by a number of methodological and conceptual issues. Notably, there exists an increasing emphasis on the development of appropriate sportspecifc measures of athlete well-being, which are required to underpin strategies targeted at the protection and enhancement of psychosocial functioning. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to review psychometric issues in well-being research and discuss the implications for the measurement of well-being in sport psychology research. Drawing on the broader literature in related disciplines of psychology, the narrative discusses four key areas in the scale development process: conceptual and theoretical issues, item development issues, measurement and scoring issues, and analytical and statistical issues. To conclude, a summary of the key implications for sport psychology researchers seeking to develop a measure of well-being is presented