The DOF Transcription Factors in Seed and Seedling Development

The DOF (DNA binding with one finger) family of plant-specific transcription factors (TF) was first identified in maize in 1995. Since then, DOF proteins have been shown to be present in the whole plant kingdom, including the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The DOF TF family is characterised by a highly conserved DNA binding domain (DOF domain), consisting of a CX2C-X21-CX2C motif, which is able to form a zinc finger structure. Early in the study of DOF proteins, their relevance for seed biology became clear. Indeed, the PROLAMIN BINDING FACTOR (PBF), one of the first DOF proteins characterised, controls the endosperm-specific expression of the zein genes in maize. Subsequently, several DOF proteins from both monocots and dicots have been shown to be primarily involved in seed development, dormancy and germination, as well as in seedling development and other light-mediated processes. In the last two decades, the molecular network underlying these processes have been outlined, and the main molecular players and their interactions have been identified. In this review, we will focus on the DOF TFs involved in these molecular networks, and on their interaction with other proteins

Sensory inflow manipulation induces learning-like phenomena in motor behavior

© 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Purpose: Perceptual and goal-directed behaviors may be improved by repetitive sensory stimulations without practice-based training. Focal muscle vibration (f-MV) modulating the spatiotemporal properties of proprioceptive inflow is well-suited to investigate the effectiveness of sensory stimulation in influencing motor outcomes. Thus, in this study, we verified whether optimized f-MV stimulation patterns might affect motor control of upper limb movements. Methods: To answer this question, we vibrated the slightly tonically contracted anterior deltoid (AD), posterior deltoid (PD), and pectoralis major muscles in different combinations in forty healthy subjects at a frequency of 100 Hz for 10 min in single or repetitive administrations. We evaluated the vibration effect immediately after f-MV application on upper limb targeted movements tasks, and one week later. We assessed target accuracy, movement mean and peak speed, and normalized Jerk using a 3D optoelectronic motion capture system. Besides, we evaluated AD and PD activity during the tasks using wireless electromyography. Results: We found that f-MV may induce increases (p \u3c 0.05) in movement accuracy, mean speed and smoothness, and changes (p \u3c 0.05) in the electromyographic activity. The main effects of f-MV occurred overtime after repetitive vibration of the AD and PD muscles. Conclusion: Thus, in healthy subjects, optimized f-MV stimulation patterns might over time affect the motor control of the upper limb movement. This finding implies that f-MV may improve the individual’s ability to produce expected motor outcomes and suggests that it may be used to boost motor skills and learning during training and to support functional recovery in rehabilitation

Quality of life in ulcerative colitis patients treated medically versus patients undergoing surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Approximately one third of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) require surgery. AIM: Aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of UC patients who have undergone surgery with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) compared to UC patients not operated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive UC patients for each group observed between 1988-2010 were included. To all patients was administered a self completed questionnaire with four different scores: intestinal symptoms (IS), systemic symptoms (SS), emotional function (EF), social function (SF) and an overall QoL score. RESULTS: Overall QoL score and three dimensions (SS, EF, SF) resulted not significantly different in the three groups, except for IS that resulted worst in the IRA-Group. According to the activity of disease it appeared that UC and IRA patients with mild activity had an overall QoL score similar to patients with complicated IPAA. A higher statistically different score of overall QoL was observed in patients with UC and IRA with moderate/severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study demonstrate that overall QoL score is poorer in patients with UC and IRA with mild activity and in patients with complicated IPAA and is worst in patients with UC and IRA with moderate/severe activity

Severe gastrointestinal bleeding due to erlotinib and celecoxib therapy: additional effect?

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related dead worldwide and accounts for over 85% of all lung cancers. Furthermore, the majority of patients with NSCLC present with advanced, metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. For most patients with non-small cell lung cancer, current treatments do not cure the cancer. Therefore, there is a great need for development of more effective therapies. The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) like erlotinib and gefitinib have been recognized as an important molecular target in cancer therapy and they are approved for the treatment of refractory advanced NSCLC patients. EGFR TKIs are generally well tolerated. The two most common toxicities include dermatologic and gastrointestinal side effects. Cases of gastrointestinal perforation, some of which were fatal, have also been reported in patients receiving erlotinib. Patients at increased risk include those taking concomitant anti-angiogenic agents, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or taxane-based chemotherapy, or who have prior history of peptic ulceration or diverticular disease