IκBα controls dormancy in hematopoietic stem cells via retinoic acid during embryonic development

Recent findings suggest that Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) and progenitors arise simultaneously and independently of each other already in the embryonic aorta-gonad mesonephros region, but it is still unknown how their different features are established. Here, we uncover IκBα (Nfkbia, the inhibitor of NF-κB) as a critical regulator of HSC proliferation throughout development. IκBα balances retinoic acid signaling levels together with the epigenetic silencer, PRC2, specifically in HSCs. Loss of IκBα decreases proliferation of HSC and induces a dormancy related gene expression signature instead. Also, IκBα deficient HSCs respond with superior activation to in vitro culture and in serial transplantation. At the molecular level, chromatin regions harboring binding motifs for retinoic acid signaling are hypo-methylated for the PRC2 dependent H3K27me3 mark in IκBα deficient HSCs. Overall, we show that the proliferation index in the developing HSCs is regulated by a IκBα-PRC2 axis, which controls retinoic acid signaling.

Are farmers motivated to select for heat tolerance? Linking attitudinal factors, perceived climate change impacts, and social trust to farmers' breeding desires

This study provides an understanding of dairy farmers' willingness to include heat tolerance in breeding goals and the modulating effect of sociopsychological factors and farm profile. A survey instrument including a choice experiment was designed to specifically address the trade-off between heat tolerance and milk production level. A total of 122 farmers across cattle, goat, and sheep farms were surveyed face-to-face. The results of the experiment show that most farmers perceive that heat stress and climate change are increasingly important problems, and that farming communities should invest more in generating knowledge and resources on mitigation strategies. However, we found limited initial support for selection for heat tolerance. This attitude changed when farmers were presented with objective information on the benefits and limitations of the different breeding choices, after which most farmers supported selection for heat tolerance, but only if doing so would compromise milk production gains to a small extent. Our results show that farmers' selection choices are driven by the interactions between heat stress risk perception, attitudes toward breeding tools, social trust, the species reared, and farm production level. In general, farmers willing to support selection of heat-tolerant animals are those with positive attitudes toward genetic values and genomic information and a strong perception of climate change and heat stress impacts on farms. On the contrary, negative support for selection for heat tolerance is found among farmers with high milk production levels; high trust in farming magazines, livestock farmers' associations, and veterinarians; and low trust in environmental and animalist groups.

Consistency between POLARS and LARS scores regarding the incidence of low anterior resection syndrome in a Chilean population undergoing rectal surgery secondary to cancer in a high-volume hospital

AIM

The aim of this work was to evaluate the concordance between the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and preoperative LARS (POLARS) scores regarding the incidence of LARS in a Chilean population undergoing rectal surgery for cancer in a high-volume hospital.

METHOD

The LARS score questionnaire, following telephone requests, was used to determine the presence and severity of LARS. The POLARS score was calculated based on variables described previously. Correlations and qualitative and quantitative concordance were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient, the kappa coefficient and the Bland-Altman plot with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients met the inclusion criteria: 37.5% underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 61% underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) and 51.6% underwent ostomy. A total of 49% of patients did not present with LARS, whereas 28% had major LARS. The correlation between scales was poor, with a fair qualitative concordance to determine the presence/absence of LARS and a slight qualitative concordance to determine the degree of the intensity. The quantitative concordance was poor.

CONCLUSION

In the Chilean population, concordance between the LARS and POLARS scores was qualitatively fair to determine the presence/absence of the disease and qualitatively slight to determine the degree of intensity. We do not suggest using the POLARS score in the perioperative period in the Chilean population deliberately, as the score may help to determine the presence/absence of LARS but cannot determine its degree of intensity. Additional evaluations are required to determine the factors contributing to the degree of agreement between the scales.

β-Catenin activity induces an RNA biosynthesis program promoting therapy resistance in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the appearance of chemotherapy resistant cell populations is necessary to improve cancer treatment. We have now investigated the role of β-catenin/CTNNB1 in the evolution of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) patients and its involvement in therapy resistance. We have identified a specific gene signature that is directly regulated by β-catenin, TCF/LEF factors and ZBTB33/Kaiso in T-ALL cell lines, which is highly and significantly represented in five out of six refractory patients from a cohort of 40 children with T-ALL. By subsequent refinement of this gene signature, we found that a subset of β-catenin target genes involved with RNA-processing function are sufficient to segregate T-ALL refractory patients in three independent cohorts. We demonstrate the implication of β-catenin in RNA and protein synthesis in T-ALL and provide in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence that β-catenin is crucial for the cellular response to chemotherapy, mainly in the cellular recovery phase after treatment. We propose that combination treatments involving chemotherapy plus β-catenin inhibitors will enhance chemotherapy response and prevent disease relapse in T-ALL patients.

Adapting viticulture to climate change in the Mediterranean region: Evaluations accounting for spatial differences in the producers-climate interactions

Effective adaptation of viticulture to climate change requires impact and response scenarios. Although climate and production impact scenarios are based on the evaluation of a spatially heterogeneous system, conventional response scenarios do not take into account the variation of the producers-climate interactions. These interactions are often extremely heterogeneous and unevenly distributed in space, leading to errors in the needs and adaptation plans, especially in large areas. Here we develop a novel framework for adaptation that considers the heterogeneity of the responses given by producers to climate, and applies the concept to adaptation of viticulture to climate change in the Mediterranean region. We use future climate scenarios at 0.5 ∘ resolution to estimate the adaptation of viticulture by the end of the 21st century. Results suggest that most of the Mediterranean region may urgently need adaptation plans, leading to potential opportunities. By incorporating spatially explicit information on the diversity of viticulture systems, management practices, and climate vulnerability, this approach may contribute to adaptation policy.

A novel anaerobic filter membrane bioreactor: prototype start-up and filtration assays

Anaerobic digestion allows efficient treatment of high loaded wastewater, and membrane technology allows obtaining high quality effluents with complete biomass retention. However, high biomass concentration interferes with membrane fouling. In the present work, a new bioreactor that integrates an attached biomass anaerobic culture on a fixed bed and a submerged membrane has been started up. The recirculation between the digestion and filtration chambers is coupled to the gas-lift effect of the bubbling employed for the scouring of the membranes, avoiding the use or electromechanical pumps that damage the suspended biomass. The support material retains the biomass in the digestion tank despite the downwards flow, avoiding the submerged membrane contacting with a high concentrated suspension. This novel system, called an anaerobic filter membrane bioreactor was immediately started up, achieving chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies of 96% at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 7 kg COD/m³·d. In order to select filtration flux, specific gas demand and filtration cycle duration, the results of 15 short term assays, eight hours for each one, is presented for fluxes between 15.7 and 17.7 L/m²·h, cycle duration between 10 and 30 minutes, and three levels of scouring. It was checked that reversible and irreversible fouling were directly related when dTMP/dt > 2.5 mbar/min.

Contribuição de fatores não-genéticos para o desempenho reprodutivo de vacas Mirandesa

Conhecer as características reprodutivas da raça bovina Mirandesa é fundamental para o melhoramento e conservação desta raça de carne, sobretudo pela sua baixa diversidade genética. A depressão por consanguinidade acompanha-se frequentemente de desempenhos individuais e maternais mais fracos, que podem agravar os efeitos ambientais. Neste trabalho utilizaram-se 7386 registos do Livro Genealógico para caracterizar alguns indicadores reprodutivos: a idade ao primeiro parto (AFC), a duração da gestação (PL), o intervalo entre partos (CI), a distribuição partos no ano (CD) e a longevidade produtiva (PLf). Testaram-se ainda efeitos não genéticos na sua expressão, através de métodos não-paramétricos, por não estarem cumpridos os pressupostos de normalidade. A mediana para a AFC aproximou-se dos 32 meses, variando com o sistema de produção, a exploração, e o ano e estação de nascimento. A média de PL (287±8.9 dias) foi afetada pela paridade e sexo da cria. A mediana do CI foi de 378 dias, e variou apenas com o programa de reprodução, paridade, ano e estação. Os partos, irregularmente distribuídos ao longo do ano, mostraram padrões distintos segundo o sistema de produção. A longevidade produtiva desta raça foi de 6,45 anos, e 20% da população apresentou uma PLf superior a dez anos. Este trabalho sugere serem a estratégia do agricultor e a nutrição os principais efeitos não genéticos limitando o desempenho reprodutivo nesta raça, a considerar para aumentar o número de vitelos produzidos anualmente em paralelo com uma cuidada seleção de reprodutores para reduzir o inbreeding da raça.

Diagnostic exome sequencing in children: A survey of parental understanding, experience and psychological impact

Clinical exome sequencing (CES) is increasingly being used as an effective diagnostic tool in the field of pediatric genetics. We sought to evaluate the parental experience, understanding and psychological impact of CES by conducting a survey study of English-speaking parents of children who had diagnostic CES. Parents of 192 unique patients participated. The parent's interpretation of the child's result agreed with the clinician's interpretation in 79% of cases, with more frequent discordance when the clinician's interpretation was uncertain. The majority (79%) reported no regret with the decision to have CES. Most (65%) reported complete satisfaction with the genetic counseling experience, and satisfaction was positively associated with years of genetic counselor (GC) experience. The psychological impact of CES was greatest for parents of children with positive results and for parents with anxiety or depression. The results of this study are important for helping clinicians to prepare families for the possible results and variable psychological impact of CES. The frequency of parental misinterpretation of test results indicates the need for additional clarity in the communication of results. Finally, while the majority of patients were satisfied with their genetic counseling, satisfaction was lower for new GCs, suggesting a need for targeted GC training for genomic testing.

Características de la canal de terneros de la Denominación de Origen Protegida Mirandesa

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar las características de la canal de la raza Mirandesa. Para llevar a cabo este estudio, un total de 20 animales de la raza Mirandesa fueron sacrificados a los 315 días. 24 horas tras el sacrificio, se determinó el peso canal y rendimiento canal, se realizaron las medidas morfométricas (longitud de la canal, longitud de la pierna, espesor de la pierna, profundidad interna del pecho y perímetro máximo de la pierna), se calcularon los siguientes índices: índice de compacidad de la canal e índice longitudinal transversal de la pierna y se realizó el despiece de los principales cortes comerciales. Los animales de la raza Mirandesa presentaron un peso vivo de 293,7 kg, un peso canal de 152 kg y un rendimiento canal de 60,5 %. En relación a las medidas morfométricas, la raza Mirandesa mostró una longitud de canal de 110 cm, una longitud de pierna de 69 cm y un perímetro de pierna de 89,8 cm. Los valores para el índice de compacidad de la canal y el índice longitudinal transversal de la pierna fueron de 1,4 y 3,7, respectivamente. Con respecto al quinto cuarto, la piel presentó los mayores porcentajes seguida de la cabeza y pies. Finalmente, la composición de las canales de la raza Mirandesa fue: 74,9 % de carne, 18,1 % de hueso y 7,0 % de grasa.

Fossil forests in the Austral Basin (Argentina) marking a Cenomanian heterogeneous forced regressive surface

The mid-Cretaceous greenhouse period in the southern Patagonia Argentina (Austral Basin) is represented by the Mata Amarilla Formation. It is composed of three informal sections which were deposited in littoral and continental environments. The boundary between the lower and middle sections of the Mata Amarilla Formation shows a drastic reduction in accommodation/sediment supply (A/S) ratio, interpreted as a forced regressive surface. This surface is characterized by a well-developed palaeosol, associated with the extensive preservation of a podocarp-dominated fossil forest over a vast area (more than 5400 km(2) ). Sedimentological and palaeopedological analyses, in conjunction with forest structure, tree density and growth ring analyses, indicate that the mid-Cenomanian forced regression can be distinguished as a non-uniform surface developed over a short period of time. This sequence boundary is recognized through a heterogeneous regional surface, delimited in the western part of the study area by an erosional surface generated by a large lateral channel migration recorded by sheet-like channel deposits with transported logs. By comparison, towards the eastern part of the study area, it appears as a paraconformity bounded by a very mature vertic Alfisol, which may have taken 40-100 ky to develop, and the preservation of a fossil forest in life position with a minimum age of 337 years. It is concluded that the extensive presence of these fossil forests at the same stratigraphic level in a vast region respond to changes in A/S ratio in a forced regressive surface at basin scale.

Management of agricultural soils for greenhouse gas mitigation: Learning from a case study in NE Spain

A portfolio of agricultural practices is now available that can contribute to reaching European mitigation targets. Among them, the management of agricultural soils has a large potential for reducing GHG emissions or sequestering carbon. Many of the practices are based on well tested agronomic and technical know-how, with proven benefits for farmers and the environment. A suite of practices has to be used since none of the practices can provide a unique solution. However, there are limitations in the process of policy development: (a) agricultural activities are based on biological processes and thus, these practices are location specific and climate, soils and crops determine their agronomic potential; (b) since agriculture sustains rural communities, the costs and potential for implementation have also to be regionally evaluated and (c) the aggregated regional potential of the combination of practices has to be defined in order to inform abatement targets. We believe that, when implementing mitigation practices, three questions are important: Are they cost-effective for farmers? Do they reduce GHG emissions? What policies favour their implementation? This study addressed these questions in three sequential steps. First, mapping the use of representative soil management practices in the European regions to provide a spatial context to upscale the local results. Second, using a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) in a Mediterranean case study (NE Spain) for ranking soil management practices in terms of their cost-effectiveness. Finally, using a wedge approach of the practices as a complementary tool to link science to mitigation policy. A set of soil management practices was found to be financially attractive for Mediterranean farmers, which in turn could achieve significant abatements (e.g., 1.34 MtCO2e in the case study region). The quantitative analysis was completed by a discussion of potential farming and policy choices to shape realistic mitigation policy at European regional level.

Newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in New York State: diagnostic protocol, surveillance protocol and treatment guidelines

PURPOSE

To describe a diagnostic protocol, surveillance and treatment guidelines, genetic counseling considerations and long-term follow-up data elements developed in preparation for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) newborn screening in New York State.

METHODS

A group including the director from each regional NYS inherited metabolic disorder center, personnel from the NYS Newborn Screening Program, and others prepared a follow-up plan for X-ALD NBS. Over the months preceding the start of screening, a series of conference calls took place to develop and refine a complete newborn screening system from initial positive screen results to long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

A diagnostic protocol was developed to determine for each newborn with a positive screen whether the final diagnosis is X-ALD, carrier of X-ALD, Zellweger spectrum disorder, acyl CoA oxidase deficiency or D-bifunctional protein deficiency. For asymptomatic males with X-ALD, surveillance protocols were developed for use at the time of diagnosis, during childhood and during adulthood. Considerations for timing of treatment of adrenal and cerebral disease were developed.

CONCLUSION

Because New York was the first newborn screening laboratory to include X-ALD on its panel, and symptoms may not develop for years, long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the presented guidelines.

Single fraction volumetric modulated arc radiosurgery of brain metastases

PURPOSE

To show the clinical results of the treatment of brain metastases via radiosurgery using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

52 patients having lung (62 %), breast (17 %), colorectal (8 %) and other cancers (13 %) with one to three brain metastases were treated with 5 non-coplanar VMAT arcs. The treatment dose varied from 12 to 20 Gy, administered in one single session. The volume of metastases ranged from 0.04 to 24.92 cc. Radiosurgery alone was used for 54 % of cases, while 19 % received whole brain radiotherapy due to relapse. Patients were classified according to the Disease-specific graded prognostic assessment (DS-GPA) index and survival was assessed via the Kaplan-Meier model.

RESULTS

The median survival time was 7.2 months from the date of radiosurgery. The Karnofsky and DS-GPA indices were the most significant with regard to survival. Patients with a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) over 70 had a longer survival time of 9.2 months, as opposed to those with a KPS below 70 of 3.5 months. No significant differences were found with regard to the type of cancer or the number of lesions. Local tumour control was achieved for 42 metastases (82 %), of which a complete response was achieved for 7 lesions, a partial response for 21; 15 lesions were stabilized. Local progression was observed in 8 lesions (15 %). The median treatment time per patient was 29 min.

CONCLUSIONS

The VMAT technique proves to be safe and effective for treating brain metastases via radiosurgery.

[Allergology in the public health service of the Community of Madrid: current situation and opportunities in the XXI century public health system]

The high prevalence of allergic diseases and the use of more complex diagnostic techniques and therapeutic options require allergists to be highly trained professionals and health-care organizations to be knowledgeable about available structural and human resources. Updated information is lacking in Spain, and current activity indicators do not reflect complexity. The present article analyzes the situation of allergology in Madrid and proposes improvements where necessary. The heads of the allergy departments of public hospitals in Madrid voluntarily completed a purpose-designed survey. Data on care activity (2010) and on teaching and research activity (2009-2010) were provided. A SWOT analysis was performed, and strategic lines and proposals for improvement were designed. One hundred and seventeen allergists (41% with a PhD) worked in 24 hospitals with an allergology department (4.6 physicians/center; ≤3 in 10 hospitals). All the institutions had an outpatient clinic (4,000 first consultations/hospital/year, 36% high-resolution rate; 6200 successive visits/hospital/year) performing complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, most of which were not taken into account by activity indicators. Two hospitals had their own hospitalization facilities and 10 were accredited teaching hospitals (2.78 medical residents/year). The survey revealed that, twice yearly, a typical allergology service participated in 4 research projects, 2 clinical trials, 16 publications and 17 communications at scientific meetings, with notable differences between hospitals. Allergists in Madrid are well prepared. The allergology care structure is adequate, although possibly insufficient. Quality and efficiency can be improved with new tools for recording activity and by increasing coordination and taking advantage of new technologies and geographical proximity.

Systemic bile acid sensing by G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1) promotes PYY and GLP-1 release

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nutrient sensing in the gut is believed to be accomplished through activation of GPCRs expressed on enteroendocrine cells. In particular, L-cells located predominantly in distal regions of the gut secrete glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine-tyrosine (PYY) upon stimulation by nutrients and bile acids (BA). The study was designed to address the mechanism of hormone secretion in L-cells stimulated by the BA receptor G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

A novel, selective, orally bioavailable, and potent GPBAR1 agonist, RO5527239, was synthesized in order to investigate L-cell secretion in vitro and in vivo in mice and monkey. In analogy to BA, RO5527239 was conjugated with taurine to reduce p.o. bioavailability yet retaining its potency. Using RO5527239 and tauro-RO5527239, the acute secretion effects on L-cells were addressed via different routes of administration.

KEY RESULTS

GPBAR1 signalling triggers the co-secretion of PYY and GLP-1, and leads to improved glucose tolerance. The strong correlation of plasma drug exposure and plasma PYY levels suggests activation of GPBAR1 from systemically accessible compartments. In contrast to the orally bioavailable agonist RO5527239, we show that tauro-RO5527239 triggers PYY release only when applied intravenously. Compared to mice, a slower and more sustained PYY secretion was observed in monkeys.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Selective GPBAR1 activation elicits a strong secretagogue effect on L-cells, which primarily requires systemic exposure. We suggest that GPBAR1 is a key player in the intestinal proximal-distal loop that mediates the early phase of nutrient-evoked L-cell secretion effects.