The UBP5 histone H2A deubiquitinase counteracts PRCs-mediated repression to regulate Arabidopsis development

Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs) control gene expression through the incorporation of H2Aub and H3K27me3. In recent years, there is increasing evidence of the complexity of PRCs' interaction networks and the interplay of these interactors with PRCs in epigenome reshaping, which is fundamental to understand gene regulatory mechanisms. Here, we identified UBIQUITIN SPECIFIC PROTEASE 5 (UBP5) as a chromatin player able to counteract the deposition of the two PRCs' epigenetic hallmarks in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrated that UBP5 is a plant developmental regulator based on functional analyses of ubp5-CRISPR Cas9 mutant plants. UBP5 promotes H2A monoubiquitination erasure, leading to transcriptional de-repression. Furthermore, preferential association of UBP5 at PRC2 recruiting motifs and local H3K27me3 gaining in ubp5 mutant plants suggest the existence of functional interplays between UBP5 and PRC2 in regulating epigenome dynamics. In summary, acting as an antagonist of the pivotal epigenetic repressive marks H2Aub and H3K27me3, UBP5 provides novel insights to disentangle the complex regulation of PRCs' activities.

Plant Deubiquitinases and Their Role in the Control of Gene Expression Through Modification of Histones

Selective degradation of proteins in the cell occurs through ubiquitination, which consists of post-translational deposition of ubiquitin on proteins to target them for degradation by proteases. However, ubiquitination does not only impact on protein stability, but promotes changes in their functions. Whereas the deposition of ubiquitin has been amply studied and discussed, the antagonistic activity, deubiquitination, is just emerging and the full model and players involved in this mechanism are far from being completely understood. Nevertheless, it is the dynamic balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination that is essential for the development and homeostasis of organisms. In this review, we present a detailed analysis of the members of the deubiquitinase (DUB) superfamily in plants and its division in different clades. We describe current knowledge in the molecular and functional characterisation of DUB proteins, focusing primarily on Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, the striking function of the duality between ubiquitination and deubiquitination in the control of gene expression through the modification of chromatin is discussed and, using the available information of the activities of the DUB superfamily in yeast and animals as scaffold, we propose possible scenarios for the role of these proteins in plants.

Lean techniques to improve the flow of critically ill patients in a health region with its epicenter in the intensive care unit of a reference hospital

OBJECTIVE

To analyze whether the application of Lean techniques to improve the flow of critically ill patients in a health region with its epicenter in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a reference hospital.

DESIGN

Observational study with pre and post intervention analysis.

SETTING

ICU of a reference hospital.

PATIENTS

We design projects and a value stream map of flow and compared pre and post intervention.

INTERVENTIONS

We recorded demographic data, patient transfers by EMS for lack of beds and delay times in the discharge from ICU to ward. Multidisciplinary meetings and perform daily visual panel, with high priority ICU discharge. We promote temporary relocation of critically ill patients in other special areas of the hospital. We performed a professional satisfaction questionnaire with pre and post implementation of process. We make a statistical analysis of pre and post-intervention comparisons.

RESULTS

We planned for 2013 and progressively implemented in 2014. Analysis of patients entering the critical process flow 1) evaluate patients who must transfer for lack of beds, focusing on a diagnosis: pre 10/22 vs. 3/21 post (P=.045); 2) analysis of time delay in the discharge from the ICU to ward: 360.8±163.9minutes in the first period vs. 276.7±149.5 in the second (P=.036); and 3) personal professional satisfaction questionnaire, with 6.6±1.5 points pre vs. 7.5±1.1 in post (P=.001). Analysis of indicators such as the ICU acquired infections, length of ICU stay, the rate of re-admissions and mortality, with no significant differences between the two periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of Lean techniques in the critically ill process had a positive impact on improving patient flow within the health region, noting a decrease of transfers outside the region due to lack of beds, reduced delayed discharge from ICU to conventional ward and increased satisfaction of ICU professionals.

Testing of central nervous system shunt devices

This paper presents the results of a study performed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) under the Conformance Assessment to Voluntary Standards program. The ASTM voluntary standard F647-85 (American Society for Testing and Materials: Standard Practice for Evaluating and Specifying Implantable Shunt Assemblies for Neurological Applications) was evaluated as to the adequacy of its test methods and the reasonableness of its application to currently marketed shunt devices. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ASTM: F647-85 on the safety and effectiveness of shunt devices and thereby assist the FDA in setting priorities for its mandatory standards development activities. By searching the FDA's postmarketing surveillance database and by testing seventeen shunt devices and three catheters from six manufacturers, it was determined that these devices conform with most of the ASTM standard requirements. However, no single device conformed to all of the requirements of the standard. Suggestions for improving the voluntary standard's impact on the safety of shunt devices are presented.

[Value of the isovolumetric index in the diagnosis of ischemic cardiopathy with normal left ventricular volume and ejection fraction]

Purpose of this study was to assess if the isovolumic index (IVI%) was able to detect the presence of critical coronary artery disease (CAD) in a group of 43 patients with anginal chest pain and normal left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. The left ventricular function was before evaluated with invasive method and then the IVI% was allowed in every patient. The IVI% was able to recognize early abnormalities of isovolumetric phases of the left ventricle and differentiated normal subjects (IVI% = 40.07 +/- 2.82) from patients with CAD (IVI% = 60.87 +/- 12.49; p less than 0.01). The only parameter of left ventricular function invasively calculated able to separate normal patients from patients with significant CAD were the muscular stiffness of the left ventricle (p less than 0.01).