Skeletal muscle differentiation drives a dramatic downregulation of RNA polymerase III activity and differential expression of Polr3g isoforms

Gene regulatory networks underpinning skeletal muscle determination and differentiation have been extensively investigated, providing molecular insights into how cell lineages are established during development. These studies have exclusively focused on the transcriptome downstream of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). RNA polymerase III (Pol III) drives the production of tRNAs and other small RNAs essential for the flow of genetic information from gene to protein and we have found that a specific isoform of a subunit unique to Pol III is expressed early in the myogenic lineage. This points to the possibility that additional regulatory networks exist to control the production of Pol III transcripts during skeletal muscle differentiation. We describe the differential expression of Polr3g and its alternate isoform Polr3gL during embryonic development and using a custom tRNA microarray, we demonstrate their distinct activity on the synthesis of tRNA isoacceptors. We show that Pol III dependent transcripts are dramatically down-regulated during the differentiation of skeletal muscle, as are mRNAs coding for Pol III associated proteins Brf1 and Brf2, while Polr3gL is up-regulated alongside contractile protein genes. Forcing Polr3g expression in this context results in a partial reversal of myogenic differentiatio

Skeletal muscle differentiation drives a dramatic downregulation of RNA polymerase III activity and differential expression of Polr3g isoforms

Gene regulatory networks underpinning skeletal muscle determination and differentiation have been extensively investigated, providing molecular insights into how cell lineages are established during development. These studies have exclusively focused on the transcriptome downstream of RNA polymerase II (Pol II). RNA polymerase III (Pol III) drives the production of tRNAs and other small RNAs essential for the flow of genetic information from gene to protein and we have found that a specific isoform of a subunit unique to Pol III is expressed early in the myogenic lineage. This points to the possibility that additional regulatory networks exist to control the production of Pol III transcripts during skeletal muscle differentiation. We describe the differential expression of Polr3g and its alternate isoform Polr3gL during embryonic development and using a custom tRNA microarray, we demonstrate their distinct activity on the synthesis of tRNA isoacceptors. We show that Pol III dependent transcripts are dramatically down-regulated during the differentiation of skeletal muscle, as are mRNAs coding for Pol III associated proteins Brf1 and Brf2, while Polr3gL is up-regulated alongside contractile protein genes. Forcing Polr3g expression in this context results in a partial reversal of myogenic differentiation

Using Participatory Action Research in the Development of an Innovative Cottage Hospice Model of Care in the United Kingdom

Title Using Participatory Action Research in the development of an innovative Cottage Hospice model of care in the United Kingdom Objectives a) To contribute to the development of the Cottage Hospice programme and its constituent components. b) To ascertain barriers to and facilitators of Cottage Hospice using action cycles to address identified challenges. Methods Our three-phase Participatory Action Research (PAR) study comprised: 1) A situational analysis using documents (n=150) and stakeholder qualitative interviews (n=28). 2) A Core Action Group oversaw action cycles designed to address challenges identified from the situational data. Local stakeholders participated in a deliberative workshop where study results were presented and refined. 3) An end of study conference is planned in order to disseminate learning to a wider stakeholder audience Results Results presented here align with the objectives in terms of identifying challenges and contributing to the development of the Cottage Hospice programme. Our situational analysis revealed growing support and enthusiasm for the model among hospice staff and volunteers, over time. However, anxieties regarding the viability, reach and conceptual clarity of Cottage Hospice were identified, as were concerns about communication systems and staff feedback to the planning team. Early results demonstrated a need to gather the views of a wider range of health and social care providers regarding the local impact of the initiative. Action cycles included a focus on determining who might use Cottage Hospice; what support family caregivers may need; and conceptual explorations of ‘family’. The deliberative workshop enabled findings to be refined in discussion with those most invested in Cottage Hospice, feeding into the final report and dissemination plans. Conclusions Using PAR democratises the research process and provided an opportunity for all interested parties to contribute to the development of Cottage Hospice. It enabled ‘ground up’ development and ownership of the model and led to contextualised solutions to identified challenges. Despite the locally situated setting, we believe the lessons learned are widely applicable

Researching an innovative Cottage Hospice model of care:An academic and hospice partnership

Background: Exploring innovative models of hospice, palliative and end of life care is imperative to meet contemporary demands in caring for those approaching the end of life. To this end, a new Cottage Hospice model is being developed in the south of England. The hospice concerned commissioned a concurrent two-year research study to track the programme development. This addresses the call for hospices to work with academics in determining which types of care work best.1 Aim: To evaluate the development of Cottage Hospice using a research approach where solutions to challenges are developed collaboratively with a range of stakeholders. Results from this work will assist decision making as the programme proceeds. Methods: Participatory Action Research is being used to evaluate the programme. A situational analysis using documents (n=26) and interviews (n=30) explored the programmes foundations. Action cycles (n=6-10) in which issues are worked on in small groups to agreed solutions follows the initial phase. Findings will be fed back to stakeholders in workshops to share and refine results. Results: Initial results demonstrate a need for conceptual clarity about the model to be sought between staff, volunteers, service users and external stakeholders in order to achieve a shared vision and support for the programme. Action cycles to address conceptual understandings and practical issues including staffing and community engagement are planned. It is anticipated that these may highlight areas for further action cycles. Conclusions: The early involvement of an academic research team in evaluating a new model of hospice care represents an embedded and enlightened approach in which research is not an afterthought. We believe this strengthens the basis for this new initiative. Gaining an in-depth, evidence based understanding of how challenges were resolved in the implementation of Cottage Hospice will be of use to others in the sector planning similar initiatives. 1. Payne S, Preston N, Turner M, Rolls L (2013). Research in palliative care: Can hospices afford not to be involved? London, Hospice UK

Alumnae Association Bulletin of the School of Nursing, 1972

Alumnae Calendar The President\u27s Message Officers and Chairmen of Committees Financial Report Address by President Herbut School of Nursing Report School of Practical Nursing Report Report by Dr. Mary Louise Soentgen, M.D., F.A.A.P. Report of Patient Services Department Report of Staff Nurses\u27 Association Progress Report of Hospital Activities Scholarship Committee Report - Clerk-Typist Annual Luncheon - Head Table Social Events for 1971-1972 Missing Alumnae Members Jefferson Today Ways and Means Committee Report Constitution and By-Laws Report Sick and Welfare Committee Women\u27s Board Report Baccalaureate Degree Program Luncheon Pictures Resume of Minutes of Alumnae Association Meeting Class News Poem by Rosa Diseroad - 1923 Marriages Births - Hello World In Memoriam Notice

"Now he walks and walks, as if he didn't have a home where he could eat": food, healing, and hunger in Quechua narratives of madness

In the Quechua-speaking peasant communities of southern Peru, mental disorder is understood less as individualized pathology and more as a disturbance in family and social relationships. For many Andeans, food and feeding are ontologically fundamental to such relationships. This paper uses data from interviews and participant observation in a rural province of Cuzco to explore the significance of food and hunger in local discussions of madness. Carers’ narratives, explanatory models, and theories of healing all draw heavily from idioms of food sharing and consumption in making sense of affliction, and these concepts structure understandings of madness that differ significantly from those assumed by formal mental health services. Greater awareness of the salience of these themes could strengthen the input of psychiatric and psychological care with this population and enhance knowledge of the alternative treatments that they use. Moreover, this case provides lessons for the global mental health movement on the importance of openness to the ways in which indigenous cultures may construct health, madness, and sociality. Such local meanings should be considered by mental health workers delivering services in order to provide care that can adjust to the alternative ontologies of sufferers and carers

A study to determine the effect of summer vacation on reading achievement in grades three, four and five,

Thesis (M.A.)--Boston Universit

Maternal obesity programs mitochondrial and lipid metabolism gene expression in infant umbilical vein endothelial cells

Background/Objectives Maternal obesity increases risk for childhood obesity, but molecular mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesized that primary umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from infants of overweight and obese mothers would harbor transcriptional patterns reflecting offspring obesity risk. Subjects/Methods In this observational cohort study, we recruited 13 lean (pre-pregnancy BMI <25.0 kg/m2) and 24 overweight-obese (‘ov-ob’, BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2) women. We isolated primary HUVEC, and analyzed both gene expression (Primeview, Affymetrix) and cord blood levels of hormones and adipokines. Results: 142 transcripts were differentially expressed in HUVEC from infants of overweight-obese mothers (false discovery rate, FDR <0.05). Pathway analysis revealed that genes involved in mitochondrial and lipid metabolism were negatively correlated with maternal BMI (FDR <0.05). To test whether these transcriptomic patterns were associated with distinct nutrient exposures in the setting of maternal obesity, we analyzed the cord blood lipidome and noted significant increases in levels of total free fatty acids (lean: 95.5 ± 37.1 ug/ml, ov-ob: 124.1 ± 46.0 ug/ml, P=0.049), palmitate (lean: 34.5 ± 12.7 ug/ml, ov-ob: 46.3 ± 18.4 ug/ml, P=0.03) and stearate (lean: 20.8 ± 8.2 ug/ml, ov-ob: 29.7 ± 17.2 ug/ml, P=0.04), in infants of overweight-obese mothers. Conclusion: Prenatal exposure to maternal obesity alters HUVEC expression of genes involved in mitochondrial and lipid metabolism, potentially reflecting developmentally-programmed differences in oxidative and lipid metabolism

De Plenderleith a Al Gore: o ideário vigente na conservação de bens culturais móveis no século XXI

O texto discute idéias predominantes, hoje, nas práticas de conservação de bens culturais móveis no Ocidente. São apontadas, também, algumas tendências de pensamento em diferentes contextos de trabalho, identificando-se eventuais mudanças e semelhanças entre as idéias anteriormente vigentes e aquelas que muito provavelmente sejam, já, um legado para este novo século.This article discusses the prevailing concepts referring to the conservation of cultural heritage collections. Some trends such as some lines of thought are also indicated, identifying occasional changes and similarities among the ideas previously in force and those that, probably, are already a legacy for this new century

Improving early childhood development in the context of the nurturing care framework in Kenya: A policy review and qualitative exploration of emerging issues with policy makers

Introduction: The Nurturing Care Framework (NCF) describes “nurturing care” as the ability of nations and communities to support caregivers and provide an environment that ensures children's good health and nutrition, protects them from threats, and provides opportunities for early learning through responsive and emotionally supportive interaction. We assessed the extent to which Kenyan government policies address the components of the NCF and explored policy/decision makers' views on policy gaps and emerging issues.Methods: A search strategy was formulated to identify policy documents focusing on early childhood development (ECD), health and nutrition, responsive caregiving, opportunities for early learning and security and safety, which are key components of the NCF. We limited the search to policy documents published since 2010 when the Kenya constitution was promulgated and ECD functions devolved to county governments. Policy/decision-maker interviews were also conducted to clarify emerging gaps from policy data. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed based on the components of the NCF. Framework analysis was used for interview data with NCF being the main framework of analysis. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient was used to assess similarities between the themes being compared to further understand the challenges, successes and future plans of policy and implementation under each of the NCF domains.Results: 127 policy documents were retrieved from government e-repository and county websites. Of these, n = 91 were assessed against the inclusion criteria, and n = 66 were included in final analysis. The 66 documents included 47 County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) and 19 national policy documents. Twenty policy/decision-maker interviews were conducted. Analysis of both policy and interview data reveal that, while areas of health and nutrition have been considered in policies and county level plans (coefficients >0.5), the domains of early learning, responsive caregiving and safety and security face significant policy and implementation gaps (coefficients ≤ 0.5), particularly for the 0–3 year age group. Inconsistencies were noted between county level implementation plans and national policies in areas such as support for children with disabilities and allocation of budget to early learning and nutrition domains.Conclusion: Findings indicate a strong focus on nutrition and health with limited coverage of responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning domains. Therefore, if nurturing care goals are to be achieved in Kenya, policies are needed to support current gaps identified with urgent need for policies of minimum standards that provide support for improvements across all Nurturing Care Framework domains