Arabidopsis leucine-rich repeat malectin receptor-like kinases regulate pollen-stigma interactions.

Flowering plants contain tightly controlled pollen-pistil interactions required for promoting intraspecific fertilization and preventing interspecific hybridizations. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), several receptor kinases (RKs) are known to regulate the later stages of intraspecific pollen tube growth and ovular reception in the pistil, but less is known about RK regulation of the earlier stages. The Arabidopsis RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE IN FLOWERS1 (RKF1)/RKF1-LIKE (RKFL) 1-3 cluster of 4 leucine-rich repeat malectin (LRR-MAL) RKs was previously found to function in the stigma to promote intraspecific pollen hydration. In this study, we tested additional combinations of up to 7 Arabidopsis LRR-MAL RK knockout mutants, including RKF1, RKFL1-3, LysM RLK1-INTERACTING KINASE1, REMORIN-INTERACTING RECEPTOR1, and NEMATODE-INDUCED LRR-RLK2. These LRR-MAL RKs were discovered to function in the female stigma to support intraspecific Arabidopsis pollen tube growth and to establish a prezygotic interspecific barrier against Capsella rubella pollen. Thus, this study uncovered additional biological functions for this poorly understood group of RKs in regulating the early stages of Arabidopsis sexual reproduction.

Evaluating the characteristics of the grieving process in people with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics associated with the grieving process among a population with intellectual disability and the influence of particular variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was composed of 380 participants with intellectual disability, on whose behalf 149 professionals completed a 20-item questionnaire with four Likert-type answer options, developed to evaluate the grieving process: Inventory of Grief and Coping Strategies in Intellectual Disability (IGCS-ID). RESULTS: The IGCS-ID shows adequate levels of reliability. It covers three dimensions: understanding of the concept of death, coping with the loss and post-bereavement reactions. The level of intellectual disability, the time elapsed since the loss and the residential setting gave rise to significant differences in the three dimensions based on the participants. CONCLUSION: An assessment of the grieving process would help to put in place effective resources to help people with intellectual disability overcome the loss and cope with the changes that it brings.

Finding new Arabidopsis receptor kinases that regulate compatible pollen-pistil interactions.

Successful fertilization of a flowering plant requires tightly controlled cell-to-cell communication between the male pollen grain and the female pistil. Throughout Arabidopsis pollen-pistil interactions, ligand-receptor kinase signaling is utilized to mediate various checkpoints to promote compatible interactions. In Arabidopsis, the later stages of pollen tube growth, ovular guidance and reception in the pistil have been intensively studied, and thus the receptor kinases and the respective ligands in these stages are quite well understood. However, the components of the earlier stages, responsible for recognizing compatible pollen grains and pollen tubes in the upper reproductive tract are less clear. Recently, predicted receptor kinases have been implicated in the initial stages of regulating pollen hydration and supporting pollen tube growth through the upper regions of the reproductive tract in the pistil. The discovery of these additional signaling proteins at the earlier stages of pollen-pistil interactions has further elucidated the mechanisms that Arabidopsis employs to support compatible pollen. Despite these advances, many questions remain regarding their specific functions. Here, we review the roles of the different receptor kinases, integrate their proposed functions into a model covering all stages of pollen-pistil interactions, and discuss what remains elusive with regard to their functions, respective binding partners and signaling pathways.

The structural conformation of the tachykinin domain drives the anti-tumoural activity of an octopus peptide in melanoma BRAFV600E.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Over past decades, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved survival and reduced the morbidity of patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma. However, drug resistance and relapse hinder overall success. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel compounds with therapeutic efficacy against BRAF-melanoma. This prompted us to investigate the antiproliferative profile of a tachykinin-peptide from the Octopus kaurna, Octpep-1 in melanoma. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We evaluated the cytotoxicity of Octpep-1 by MTT assay. Mechanistic insights on viability and cellular damage caused by Octpep-1 were gained via flow cytometry and bioenergetics. Structural and pharmacological characterization was conducted by molecular modelling, molecular biology, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, high-throughput mRNA and calcium flux analysis. In vivo efficacy was validated in two independent xerograph animal models (mice and zebrafish). KEY RESULTS: Octpep-1 selectively reduced the proliferative capacity of human melanoma BRAFV600E -mutated cells with minimal effects on fibroblasts. In melanoma-treated cells, Octpep-1 increased ROS with unaltered mitochondrial membrane potential and promoted non-mitochondrial and mitochondrial respiration with inefficient ATP coupling. Molecular modelling revealed that the cytotoxicity of Octpep-1 depends upon the α-helix and polyproline conformation in the C-terminal region of the peptide. A truncated form of the C-terminal end of Octpep-1 displayed enhanced potency and efficacy against melanoma. Octpep-1 reduced the progression of tumours in xenograft melanoma mice and zebrafish. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: We unravel the intrinsic anti-tumoural properties of a tachykinin peptide. This peptide mediates the selective cytotoxicity in BRAF-mutated melanoma in vitro and prevents tumour progression in vivo, providing a foundation for a therapy against melanoma.

Conservation of Zebrafish MicroRNA-145 and Its Role during Neural Crest Cell Development.

The neural crest is a multipotent cell population that develops from the dorsal neural fold of vertebrate embryos in order to migrate extensively and differentiate into a variety of tissues. A number of gene regulatory networks coordinating neural crest cell specification and differentiation have been extensively studied to date. Although several publications suggest a common role for microRNA-145 (miR-145) in molecular reprogramming for cell cycle regulation and/or cellular differentiation, little is known about its role during in vivo cranial neural crest development. By modifying miR-145 levels in zebrafish embryos, abnormal craniofacial development and aberrant pigmentation phenotypes were detected. By whole-mount in situ hybridization, changes in expression patterns of col2a1a and Sry-related HMG box (Sox) transcription factors sox9a and sox9b were observed in overexpressed miR-145 embryos. In agreement, zebrafish sox9b expression was downregulated by miR-145 overexpression. In silico and in vivo analysis of the sox9b 3'UTR revealed a conserved potential miR-145 binding site likely involved in its post-transcriptional regulation. Based on these findings, we speculate that miR-145 participates in the gene regulatory network governing zebrafish chondrocyte differentiation by controlling sox9b expression.

Do young people with Asperger syndrome or intellectual disability use social media and are they cyberbullied or cyberbullies in the same way as their peers?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to explore how youth with intellectual disability or Asperger syndrome use new technologies and social media in comparison with their peers without disability. METHOD: Participants were 181 adolescents with a mean age of 16 years old (SD=3.7) who completed the "Cyber-aggression Questionnaire for Adolescents", the "Cyber-victimization Questionnaire for Adolescents" and a questionnaire on social media and new technologies. RESULTS: Percentages of use of new technologies (61% tablets, 93% computers, 97% mobiles) are similar among groups but adolescents with Asperger syndrome or intellectual disability have been using them since more recent times and their uses are more limited. They also use social media less; the group with Asperger syndrome uses them the least. There are no significant differences in the frequency of cyberbullying. CONCLUSION: Despite using social media less, the frequency of cyberbullying is similar to their peers. Besides, the observed prevalence of cyberbullying is higher than that mentioned in previous studies in which informants were not the youths themselves.

Diagnósticos retrasados y administración de ondansetron en el tratamiento de los vómitos en urgencias pediátricas

Introducción : El ondasentrón es un agente farmacológico de uso frecuente para el tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos originados por gastroenteritis. Sin embargo, podría enmascarar patologías más graves que ameriten reconsultas y hospitalización. Objetivo: Indagar si la administración del ondansetrón como tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas (DEP) retrasó el diagnóstico de patologías graves. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transverso retrospectivo. Fueron elegibles pacientes que consultaron en el DEP, recibieron tratamiento con ondansetron, y reconsultaron dentro de las 24 horas. Los datos fueron recolectados de la base de datos de consultas del DEP, el comando reconsultas y entrevista telefónica a los padres. Las variables fueron edad, sexo, procedencia, motivo de la segunda consulta, diagnósticos finales en la segunda consulta. Los datos fueron analizados en SPSS utilizando estadística descriptiva. Resultados En el periodo de estudio consultaron por vómitos y recibieron ondasentrón 2018 pacientes. Reconsultaron dentro de las 24 horas 212, cumpliendo con los criterios de inclusión 205 pacientes. Se constató un 24,8% nuevos diagnósticos durante la reconsulta, de los cuales 35% requirieron hospitalización. Los diagnósticos fueron fiebre sin foco 2,9%, neumonía 2,4%, infección de vías urinarias 1%, sospecha de chikunguya 1,5%, adenitis mesentérica 0,5%, abdomen agudo quirúrgico 0,5%. Conclusión: Se identificó diagnósticos diferentes a la primera consulta en pacientes que recibieron ondansetrón como tratamiento sintomático de los vómitos en urgencias pediátricas, requiriendo hospitalización el 35% de los mismos.

Introduction: Ondansetron is a pharmacological agent frequently used for the symptomatic treatment of vomiting caused by gastroenteritis. However, it could mask more serious pathologies that require repeat consultations and hospitalization. Objective: To investigate whether the administration of ondansetron as a symptomatic treatment of vomiting in the pediatric emergency department (PED) delayed the diagnosis of serious pathologies. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, retrospective and cross-sectional study. Patients who consulted at the PED, received treatment with ondansetron, and returned for consultation within 24 hours were eligible. Data were collected from the PED consultation database, the follow-up consultation request, and a telephone interview with parents. The variables were age, sex, origin, reason for the second consultation, and final diagnoses in the second consultation. The data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics. Results: During the study period, 2018 patients consulted for vomiting and received ondansetron. 212 were consulted again within 24 hours, with 205 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. There were 24.8% new diagnoses during the follow-up consultation, of which 35% required hospitalization. The diagnoses were fever without source 2.9%, pneumonia 2.4%, urinary tract infection 1%, suspected chikunguya 1.5%, mesenteric adenitis 0.5%, and surgical acute abdomen 0.5%. Conclusion: Diagnoses different from the first consultation were identified in patients who received ondansetron for symptomatic treatment of vomiting in pediatric emergencies, with 35% requiring hospitalization.

Traumatismos en neonatos que acuden al departamento de emergencias pediátricas: frecuencia, mecanismos y formas de presentación

Introduccion: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) estima que aproximadamente 100 niños mueren cada hora a causa de lesiones traumáticas. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia, mecanismos y tipos de traumatismos en los neonatos en el departamento de emergencias pediátricas de un hospital. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, ambispectivo. Se incluyeron neonatos con diagnóstico de traumatismo que acudieron al departamento de emergencias pediátricas de un hospital desde enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2019. Variables: edad, sexo, procedencia, peso de nacimiento, edad gestacional, tipo de parto, mecanismo y tipo de traumatismo y evolución, Los datos se analizaron en SPSS. El protocolo fue aprobado por el comité de ética. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 90 neonatos, la frecuencia de traumatismo fue del 1,4%, la media de la edad fue de 14,6 ±7,7 días. El 92% nacieron por parto vaginal ,27% macrosómicos. El mecanismo del trauma fue obstétrico en 75,6%, accidentes en la casa 23,3 %y 1 caso de accidente de tránsito. Los tipos de lesiones fueron fracturas de huesos largos, en 47,8%, lesión del plexo braquial 15,5% y traumatismo cráneo encefálico 13,33%. Fueron hospitalizados el 10%. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de traumatismo neonatal en la urgencia pediátrica fue del 1,4%. La edad media fue 14,6 ±7,7dias. El 75,6% fue de origen obstétrico y 23,3% accidentes en la casa y 1 caso de accidente de tránsito. Los tipos de lesiones fueron fracturas de huesos largos, 47,8%, lesión del plexo braquial 15,5% y 13,3% traumatismo cráneo encefálico 13,3%.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 100 children die every hour from traumatic injuries. Objective: To describe the frequency, mechanisms and types of trauma in neonates in the pediatric emergency department of a hospital. Materials and methods: This was an observational, descriptive, transversal, and ambispective study. Neonates with a diagnosis of trauma who presented to the pediatric emergency department of a hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were included. Variables: age, sex, town of origin, birth weight, gestational age, type of delivery, mechanism and type of trauma and evolution, Data were analyzed in SPSS. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee. Results: 90 neonates were included, the frequency of trauma was 1.4%, the mean age was 14.6 ±7.7 days. 92% were born by vaginal delivery, 27% were macrosomic at birth. The mechanism of trauma was obstetric in 75.6%, accidents at home in 23.3% and there was 1 case of a traffic accident. The types of injuries were long bone fractures, seen in 47.8%, brachial plexus injury in 15.5%, and head trauma in 13.33%. 10% were hospitalized. Conclusions: The frequency of neonatal trauma in the pediatric emergency was 1.4%. The mean age was 14.6 ±7.7 days. 75.6% were obstetric in origin and 23.3% were accidents at home and 1 case of a traffic accident. The types of injuries were long bone fractures in 47.8%, brachial plexus injury in 15.5%, and head trauma in 13.3%.

A prospective study of childhood neurocognitive functioning in schizophrenic patients and their siblings.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated childhood cognitive functioning in individuals who later developed schizophrenia and in their unaffected siblings. METHOD: Through the National Collaborative Perinatal Project, seven subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were administered at age 7 to 32 individuals who developed schizophrenia in adulthood, 25 of their nonschizophrenic siblings, and 201 demographically similar nonpsychiatric comparison subjects. Mixed model analysis was used to examine between-group differences in standardized scores on the subtests. RESULTS: The probands and unaffected siblings had lower scores for picture arrangement, vocabulary, and coding than the comparison subjects but differed from each other only on the coding subtest. CONCLUSIONS: Children who later developed schizophrenia and their siblings showed similar patterns of deficits involving spatial reasoning, verbal knowledge, perceptual-motor speed, and speeded processes of working memory. However, the probands exhibited more severe deficits in perceptual-motor speed and speeded processes of working memory than their unaffected siblings.