Relationship between the Dental Aesthetic Index and Discrepancy Index.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the association between malocclusion severity and orthodontic case complexity as assessed by the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the American Board of Orthodontics Discrepancy Index (ABO-DI), respectively. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Pre-treatment dental casts and radiographs from 500 individuals (294 women and 206 men; mean age = 26.06 ± 11.58 years) were randomly selected from the orthodontics department of a private university. METHODS: Malocclusion severity was assessed using DAI and case complexity was evaluated with ABO-DI. Three previously calibrated operators performed the measurements. Spearman's correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and a linear generalised model were used for statistical evaluation (P < 0.05 was considered significant). RESULTS: Although the correlation (r = 0.45; P < 0.0001) between malocclusion severity and case complexity was moderate, strong evidence of an association (P < 0.001) between dichotomised DAI and ABO-DI total scores was observed. The linear generalised model showed that for each point of increase in DAI score, the ABO-DI score increased an average of 0.3624 points (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: An association between malocclusion severity and case complexity is suggested. A linear generalised model could be used to predict the complexity of the case from the malocclusion severity (DAI score).

Relationship between skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions with vertical skeletal pattern.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the association between sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns and assess which cephalometric variables contribute to the possibility of developing skeletal Class II or Class III malocclusion. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. The sample included pre-treatment lateral cephalogram radiographs from 548 subjects (325 female, 223 male) aged 18 to 66 years. Sagittal skeletal pattern was established by three different classification parameters (ANB angle, Wits and App-Bpp) and vertical skeletal pattern by SN-Mandibular plane angle. Cephalometric variables were measured using Dolphin software (Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif, USA) by a previously calibrated operator. The statistical analysis was carried out with Chi-square test, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and an ordinal multinomial regression model. RESULTS: Evidence of association (p< 0.05) between sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns was found with a greater proportion of hyperdivergent skeletal pattern in Class II malocclusion using three parameters to assess the vertical pattern, and there was more prevalent hypodivergence in Class III malocclusion, considering ANB and App-Bpp measurements. Subjects with hyperdivergent skeletal pattern (odds ratio [OR]=1.85-3.65), maxillary prognathism (OR=2.67-24.88) and mandibular retrognathism (OR=2.57-22.65) had a significantly (p< 0.05) greater chance of developing skeletal Class II malocclusion. Meanwhile, subjects with maxillary retrognathism (OR=2.76-100.59) and mandibular prognathism (OR=5.92-21.50) had a significantly (p< 0.05) greater chance of developing skeletal Class III malocclusion. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship was found between Class II and Class III malocclusion with the vertical skeletal pattern. There is a tendency toward skeletal compensation with both vertical and sagittal malocclusions.

Can forces be applied directly to the root for correction of a palatally displaced central incisor with a dilacerated root?

This case report describes the interdisciplinary treatment of an ectopic horizontally placed maxillary right central incisor with severe root dilaceration. The root was distally angulated and entrapped by the root of the maxillary right lateral incisor. The initial force system was aimed at an occlusal displacement and applied to the crown. During the second phase, a button was cemented onto the apex of the impacted tooth. A force from the apex to a temporary anchorage device in the palate moved the root toward the midline. Finally, a root canal and an apectomy were performed and the central incisor could be moved to its ideal position. The treatment generated a normal height of the alveolar bone and an ideal occlusion with a healthy periodontium.

Relationship between skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusions with vertical skeletal pattern

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the association between sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns and assess which cephalometric variables contribute to the possibility of developing skeletal Class II or Class III malocclusion. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample included pre-treatment lateral cephalogram radiographs from 548 subjects (325 female, 223 male) aged 18 to 66 years. Sagittal skeletal pattern was established by three different classification parameters (ANB angle, Wits and App-Bpp) and vertical skeletal pattern by SN-Mandibular plane angle. Cephalometric variables were measured using Dolphin software (Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif, USA) by a previously calibrated operator. The statistical analysis was carried out with Chi-square test, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and an ordinal multinomial regression model. Results: Evidence of association (p< 0.05) between sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns was found with a greater proportion of hyperdivergent skeletal pattern in Class II malocclusion using three parameters to assess the vertical pattern, and there was more prevalent hypodivergence in Class III malocclusion, considering ANB and App-Bpp measurements. Subjects with hyperdivergent skeletal pattern (odds ratio [OR]=1.85-3.65), maxillary prognathism (OR=2.67-24.88) and mandibular retrognathism (OR=2.57-22.65) had a significantly (p< 0.05) greater chance of developing skeletal Class II malocclusion. Meanwhile, subjects with maxillary retrognathism (OR=2.76-100.59) and mandibular prognathism (OR=5.92-21.50) had a significantly (p< 0.05) greater chance of developing skeletal Class III malocclusion. Conclusions: A relationship was found between Class II and Class III malocclusion with the vertical skeletal pattern. There is a tendency toward skeletal compensation with both vertical and sagittal malocclusions.

RESUMO Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi estabelecer a relação entre os padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais, e avaliar quais variáveis esqueléticas podem influenciar na chance de desenvolver uma má oclusão de Classe II ou de Classe III esquelética. Métodos: foi feito um estudo transversal, cuja amostra incluiu radiografias cefalométricas laterais pré-tratamento de 548 pacientes (325 mulheres, 223 homens), com idades entre 18 e 66 anos. O padrão esquelético sagital foi estabelecido por meio de três parâmetros distintos de classificação (ângulo ANB, Wits, App-Bpp); e o padrão esquelético vertical, por meio do ângulo SN.Plano Mandibular. As variáveis cefalométricas foram aferidas utilizando-se o software Dolphin (Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif, EUA) por um avaliador previamente calibrado. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do teste qui-quadrado, teste ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis e modelo de regressão multinomial ordinal. Resultados: foram encontradas evidências de associação significativa (p< 0,05) entre os padrões esqueléticos sagitais e verticais, com maior proporção do padrão esquelético hiperdivergente nas más oclusões de Classe II, segundo os três parâmetros utilizados. Na Classe III, houve maior proporção do padrão esquelético hipodivergente, considerando-se os parâmetros ANB e App-Bpp. Pacientes com padrões esqueléticos hiperdivergentes (odds ratio [OR] = 1,85 - 3,65), prognatismo maxilar (OR=2,67 - 24,88) e retrognatismo mandibular (OR=2,57 - 22,65) apresentaram chance significativamente maior (p< 0,05) de desenvolver má oclusão esquelética de Classe II. Por outro lado, pacientes com retrognatismo maxilar (OR=2,76 - 100,59) e prognatismo mandibular (OR=5,92 - 21,50) apresentaram uma chance significativamente maior (p< 0,05) de desenvolver má oclusão esquelética de Classe III. Conclusões: Foi encontrada uma associação entre as más oclusões de Classe II e Classe III e o padrão esquelético vertical. Há uma tendência à compensação esquelética tanto nas más oclusões verticais quanto nas sagitais.

Incidental findings in pre-orthodontic treatment radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency, radiodensity characteristics, topographic location and number per patient of incidental findings observed in radiographs taken before orthodontic treatment and to evaluate the relationship of the findings with age and sex. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that investigated 1,887 panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiographs from 783 patients (23.31 ± 13.11 years of age; 453 women and 330 men) who were randomly selected from the orthodontics department of a private university. The images were systematically evaluated by an oral pathologist. A chi-square test was applied to evaluate the association between sex and the presence of pathology, radiodensity characteristics and topographic location. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to establish the association between age or number of findings per patient with other variables in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of incidental findings was 88.12%. The most frequent finding was maxillary sinus pneumatisation (25.80%). No significant association was detected between frequency or number of findings per patient and either sex or diagnostic hypothesis. A significant association was found between age and the presence of pathology and number of incidental findings per patient (P < 0.001), as well as between the type of radiographic image and incidental finding (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of incidental findings in the sample studied was high, and the structures most commonly involved were the maxillary sinuses. The results suggest that both the presence and the number of findings per patient increase with age but there is no association with sex.

Orthodontic traction of a transmigrated mandibular canine using mini-implant: a case report and review.

The patient in this case is an 11-year-old girl, whose mandibular left canine was transmigrated. The traction to the arch was assisted by using a temporary skeletal anchorage device. After 5 months of poor response to traction, the biomechanics were re-adjusted, obtaining effective traction in to the arch in 12 months. After this period, the treatment was completed with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Effects of the financial crisis and Troika austerity measures on health and health care access in Portugal.

Although Portugal has been deeply affected by the global financial crisis, the impact of the recession and subsequent austerity on health and to health care has attracted relatively little attention. We used several sources of data including the European Union Statistics for Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) which tracks unmet medical need during the recession and before and after the Troika's austerity package. Our results show that the odds of respondents reporting having an unmet medical need more than doubled between 2010 and 2012 (OR=2.41, 95% CI 2.01-2.89), with the greatest impact on those in employment, followed by the unemployed, retired, and other economically inactive groups. The reasons for not seeking care involved a combination of factors, with a 68% higher odds of citing financial barriers (OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.32-2.12), more than twice the odds of citing waiting times and inability to take time off work or family responsibilities (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.20-3.98), and a large increase of reporting delaying care in the hope that the problem would resolve on its own (OR=13.98, 95% CI 6.51-30.02). Individual-level studies from Portugal also suggest that co-payments at primary and hospital level are having a negative effect on the most vulnerable living in disadvantaged areas, and that health care professionals have concerns about the impact of recession and subsequent austerity measures on the quality of care provided. The Portuguese government no longer needs external assistance, but these findings suggest that measures are now needed to mitigate the damage incurred by the crisis and austerity.

Wounding of Arabidopsis halleri leaves enhances cadmium accumulation that acts as a defense against herbivory.

Approximately 0.2% of all angiosperms are classified as metal hyperaccumulators based on their extraordinarily high leaf metal contents, for example >1% zinc, >0.1% nickel or >0.01% cadmium (Cd) in dry biomass. So far, metal hyperaccumulation has been considered to be a taxon-wide, constitutively expressed trait, the extent of which depends solely on available metal concentrations in the soil. Here we show that in the facultative metallophyte Arabidopsis halleri, both insect herbivory and mechanical wounding of leaves trigger an increase specifically in leaf Cd accumulation. Moreover, the Cd concentrations accumulated in leaves can serve as an elemental defense against herbivory by larvae of the Brassicaceae specialist small white (Pieris rapae), thus allowing the plant to take advantage of this non-essential trace element and toxin. Metal homeostasis genes are overrepresented in the systemic transcriptional response of roots to the wounding of leaves in A. halleri, supporting that leaf Cd accumulation is preceded by systemic signaling events. A similar, but quantitatively less pronounced transcriptional response was observed in A. thaliana, suggesting that the systemically regulated modulation of metal homeostasis in response to leaf wounding also occurs in non-hyperaccumulator plants. This is the first report of an environmental stimulus influencing metal hyperaccumulation.

The value of grounded theory for disentangling inequalities in maternal-child healthcare in contexts of diversity: A psycho-sociopolitical approach / La importancia de la Teoría Fundamentada para la investigación sobre la desigualdad en salud materno-Infantil en contextos de diversidad: una aproximación psicosociopolítica

Adopting a psycho-sociopolitical approach, the present paper describes the results of a community-based participatory needs assessment focusing on the perceived needs of women of reproductive age as users of primary healthcare in contexts of migration-driven diversity and socioeconomic vulnerability in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon. The investigation comprised 64 in-depth interviews with women, including natives and immigrants to Portugal from the main origin countries in the context under study (Brazil, Cape Verde, and other Portuguese- speaking African countries) and a survey of 125 women, again natives and immigrants from these countries. The central role of qualitative methodology and grounded theory, in the framework of a multi-method research, allowed understanding the needs of women as embedded in contexts characterized by asymmetrical power relations, in terms of unequal opportunities and resources, at multiple interrelated ecological levels (personal, relational, organizational, community, socioeconomic, health system/policy, cultural/migration). The priority perceived needs of women were primarily related to socioeconomic disadvantage, severely aggravated in the current contexts of crisis; and factors at the health system level, mainly unequal access to family doctors, excessive waiting lists, and increases in the direct costs of healthcare. Results allow questioning the adequacy of cultural competence approaches for the reduction of inequalities in maternal-child healthcare in the context under study, showing the critical and innovative value of qualitative methodology and grounded theory in research on social justice and health in contexts of diversity characterized by unequal power dynamics

Adoptando una aproximación psico-sociopolítica, en el presente trabajo se describen los resultados de una evaluación de necesidades percibidas por las mujeres en edad reproductiva como usuarias de cuidados de salud primarios en contextos de diversidad asociada a la inmigración y vulnerabilidad socio-económica, en el área metropolitana de Lisboa. Se llevaron a cabo 64 entrevistas en profundidad a mujeres, tanto autóctonas como inmigrantes, de los principales países de origen en el contexto analizado (Brasil, Cabo Verde y otros países africanos de lengua oficial portuguesa) y una encuesta en la que participaron 125 mujeres, tanto autóctonas como inmigrantes, procedentes de los mencionados países. El papel central de la metodología cualitativa y la Teoría Fundamentada, en el marco de una investigación multimétodo, permitió comprender cómo las necesidades de las mujeres se insertan en contextos caracterizados por relaciones de poder asimétricas, basadas en el acceso desigual a los recursos y oportunidades, a múltiples niveles ecológicos, interrelacionados entre sí (personal, relacional, organizacional, comunitario, socioeconómico, sistema/políticas de salud, cultura/migración). Las necesidades prioritarias identificadas se relacionan principalmente con la situación de desventaja socio-económica en la que se encuentran las mujeres, agravada en el actual contexto de crisis, y con factores a nivel de sistema de salud, tales como el acceso desigual al médico defamilia,las elevadas listas de espera, o los costes cada vez mayores de la atención sanitaria. En este sentido,los resultados obtenidos permiten cuestionar la adecuación de la competencia cultural como estrategia para reducir las desigualdades en salud materno-infantil en el contexto objeto de estudio, mostrando elvalor de la metodología cualitativa y la teoría fundamentada en la investigación sobre justicia social y saluden contextos de diversidad y dinámicas de poder asimétricas

Mate value and self-esteem: evidence from eight cultural groups.

This paper explores self-perceived mate value (SPMV), and its association with self-esteem, in eight cultures. 1066 participants, from 8 cultural groups in 7 countries, rated themselves on 24 SPMVs and completed a measure of self-esteem. Consistent with evolutionary theory, women were more likely to emphasise their caring and passionate romantic nature. In line with previous cross-cultural research, characteristics indicating passion and romance and social attractiveness were stressed more by respondents from individualistic cultures, and those higher on self-expression (rather than survival) values; characteristics indicative of maturity and confidence were more likely to be mentioned by those from Traditional, rather than Secular, cultures. Contrary to gender role theory, societal equality had only limited interactions with sex and SPMV, with honesty of greater significance for male self-esteem in societies with unequal gender roles. These results point to the importance of cultural and environmental factors in influencing self-perceived mate qualities, and are discussed in relation to broader debates about the impact of gender role equality on sex differences in personality and mating strategies.

A liberation psychology approach to acculturative integration of migrant populations.

This paper describes an acculturative integration approach that stresses the contribution of liberation psychology. Immigrant integration is a challenge for receiving countries in the Western world due to the frequent asymmetrical and oppressive conditions suffered by newcomers in their new settlements. The cross-cultural perspective connects integration with psychological acculturation, emphasizing harmony between acquisitions of the new culture while maintaining cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for intergroup relationships. In turn, liberation psychology permits an understanding of the acculturative transition as an empowerment and self-construction process by which immigrants acquire a new vision of the world and of themselves, transforming both structural conditions and themselves. From this perspective we conceptualize acculturative integration as the process by which newcomers become an accepted part of the new society through a reflexive and evaluative process, changing their social references and position, rebuilding their social and personal resources, and achieving a new agency in coherence with their new challenges and goals. In this process, they acquire critical thinking about unequal conditions, gain capacities to respond to the inequalities, and take effective actions to confront them. We illustrate this process using the narratives of nine Moroccan women who are living in asymmetrical and oppressive local contexts in Andalusia, the southern-most region of Spain.

Variación de torque y angulación de brackets de prescripción MBTde cuatro casas comerciales / Variation of torque and angulation MBT brackets of prescriptionof four trade marks

Introducción y Objetivo: La exactitud de la información contenida en la ranura de los brackets preajustados permite obtener control y precisión de los movimientos dentarios; sin embargo losfabricantes no proveen el margen de error de los brackets. El objetivo fue determinar la variación enel torque y la angulación de brackets de la prescripción MBT de cuatro diferentes casas comerciales.Materiales y Métodos: Se midieron de 55 brackets de cuatro casas comerciales: 3M® Unitek, Monrovia, Calif: Gemini M.B.T; Dentaurum® Pforzheim, Germany: Equilibrium 2 M.B.T; Aditek® Grabilnhos, São Paulo Brazil: Vector M.B.T; Morelli® Perdizes São Paulo, SP: M.B.T system, entotal 220 brackets. El rango de tolerancia establecido fue de ±0.5º para el torque y de ±0.2º para la angulación. Para la medición se utilizó un proyector de perfiles Prazis® 50X. Resultados: Lospromedios de torque de las marcas Morelli® y Aditek® se desviaron del rango de tolerancia con diferencias estadisticamente significativas (p=0); Dentaurum® (p=0,31) y 3M Unitek® (p=0,30) estuvieron dentro del rango; las cuatro casas comerciales mostraron diferencias estadísticamentesignificativas entre sus promedios de torque (prueba ANOVA p<0.05). Los promedios de angulación sedesviaron del rango de tolerancia, excepto la marca Morelli® (p=0,11); 3M UNITEK® y DENTAURUM no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre sus promedios de angulación (pruebaANOVA p=0,98). Conclusiones: Se presenta variación en torque y angulación de los brackets delas cuatro casas comerciales. Esta variación es menor para los brackets DENTAURUM® y 3M.

Introduction and Objective: Although it is important for orthodontists to know the accuracy of information contained in the pre-adjusted slot brackets for control and precision of tooth movement,manufacturers do not provide the margin of error built in the different values in these brackets. Theobjective of this study was to compare the torque and angle means of brackets of four different commercial brands with the original MBT prescription. Materials and Methods: A sample of 55brackets of each brand was taken: 3M® Unitek, Monrovia, Calif. : line Gemini M. B. T - Dentaurum® Pforzheim, Germany: line Equilibrium 2 M. B. T - Aditek® Grabilnhos, Sao Paulo Brazil: line Vector M. B. T - Morelli® Perdizes Sao Paulo, SP: line M. B. T system, for a total of 220 brackets. Theestablished range of tolerance was nominal value ±0.5 to the torque and ±0.2° to the angle. Bracketmeasurement was done with a Prazis ® 50X optical comparator. Results: Torque average values for the brand marks Morelli and Aditek were distant from the nominal value; 3M Unitek valueswere found within the range with no statistically significant differences. All four brands showed statistically significant differences between torque average values (test ANOVA (p<0,05)). With regards to angulations averages all were outside the range of tolerance except for Morelli (p=0,11).3M, UNITEK® and DENTAURUM® brackets showed no statistically significant differences betweenangle average values (ANOVA (p=0,985)). Conclusions: A large variability for both the torque andangulations values for all four brands. This variability was less for Equilibrium 2 MBT (Dentaurum)and Gemini MBT (3MUnitek) brackets.

Contribuciones de la Psicología de la Liberación a la Integración de la Población Inmigrante / Contributions of Liberation Psychology to the Integration of the Immigrant Population

La migración es una dimensión inherente a la conducta humana desde el comienzo de la humanidad. Sin embargo, los éxodos actuales de personas empobrecidas hacia las zonas más opulentas del planeta representan nuevos desafíos que necesitan ser explorados con nuevas perspectivas y aproximaciones. La psicología de la liberación puede ayudar a dar respuesta a estos desafíos. Por un lado, permite explicar el sufrimiento de personas desplazadas e inmigrantes en términos de experiencias opresivas de vida impuestas por grupos que pretenden perpetuar y aumentar sus privilegios. Por otro, permite conocer cómo los inmigrantes confrontan y superan condiciones de injusticia, destruyen su posición de oprimidos, fortalecen lazos con otros grupos y llevan a cabo acciones colectivas para asegurar cohesión social y cooperación en los contextos de recepción y logran equitativas relaciones multiculturales. Este artículo describe las iniciativas que ha llevado a cabo CESPYD (Coalición para el Estudio de la Salud, el Poder y la Diversidad) para abordar en profundidad estos aspectos. Primero, discutimos las dificultades que la perspectiva dominante de la psicología de la aculturación tiene para abordar los desafíos de las nuevas migraciones. Complementariamente, proponemos la psicología de la liberación como un adecuado enfoque para completarla perspectiva tradicional. A continuación, redefinimos los conceptos de integración y competenciacultural como procesos de empoderamiento psicopolítico y las organizaciones de base comunitaria y las organizaciones sanitarias como escenarios comunitarios empoderadores. Finalmente, este artículo propone algunas direcciones de investigación que pueden ser abordadas desde este enfoque (AU)

Mobility is a human dimension that has been a part of human behaviour since humanity began. However, the actual exodus of impoverished people to the more opulent zones of the planet represents new challenges that need to be explored with new perspectives and approaches. Liberation psychology can assistin answering these challenges. On one hand, it permits an explanation of displaced people and poor immigrants’human suffering in terms of the life experiences oppressively imposed on them by other human groups as a means to maintain privileges. On the other hand, it allows knowing how immigrants confrontand overcome unjust conditions, destroy their position as oppressed, strengthen bonds with other groups,and carry out actions as a means to forge cohesion and cooperation in the contexts of reception and toachieve equitable multicultural international relations. This paper describes the initiatives that we have achieved in CESPYD for the purpose of studying these aspects in depth. First we discuss the difficulties that the dominant perspective of acculturation psychology poses in tackling the challenges that new migration represents. Additionally, we suggest liberation psychology as an adequate focus to complete a traditional perspective. Furthermore, we redefine concepts of integration and cultural competency as processes of psychopolitical empowerment and the community-based organizations and health organizations as empowering community settings. Finally, this paper proposes some research directions that can broaden its focus (AU)

Ectopic expression of Arabidopsis ABC transporter MRP7 modifies cadmium root-to-shoot transport and accumulation.

Arabidopsis MRPs/ABCCs have been shown to remove various organic and inorganic substrates from the cytosol to other subcellular compartments. Here we first demonstrate that heterologous expression of AtMRP7 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi) modifies cadmium accumulation, distribution and tolerance. Arabidopsis MRP7 was localized both in the tonoplast and in the plasma membrane when expressed in tobacco. Its overexpression increased tobacco Cd-tolerance and resulted in enhanced cadmium concentration in leaf vacuoles, indicating more efficient detoxification by means of vacuolar storage. Heterologous AtMRP7 expression also led to more efficient retention of Cd in roots, suggesting a contribution to the control of cadmium root-to-shoot translocation. The results underscore the use of AtMRP7 in plant genetic engineering to modify the heavy-metal accumulation pattern for a broad range of applications.

Comparative mutant analysis of Arabidopsis ABCC-type ABC transporters: AtMRP2 contributes to detoxification, vacuolar organic anion transport and chlorophyll degradation.

The enormous metabolic plasticity of plants allows detoxification of many harmful compounds that are generated during biosynthetic processes or are present as biotic or abiotic toxins in their environment. Derivatives of toxic compounds such as glutathione conjugates are moved into the central vacuole via ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-type transporters of the multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) subfamily. The Arabidopsis genome contains 15 AtMRP isogenes, four of which (AtMRP1, 2, 11 and 12) cluster together in one of two major phylogenetic clades. We isolated T-DNA knockout alleles in all four highly homologous AtMRP genes of this clade and subjected them to physiological analysis to assess the function of each AtMRP of this group. None of the single atmrp mutants displayed visible phenotypes under control conditions. In spite of the fact that AtMRP1 and AtMRP2 had been described as efficient ATP-dependent organic anion transporters in heterologous expression experiments, the contribution of three of the AtMRP genes (1, 11 and 12) to detoxification is marginal. Only knockouts in AtMRP2 exhibited a reduced sensitivity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, but not towards other herbicides. AtMRP2 but not AtMRP1, 11 and 12 is involved in chlorophyll degradation since ethylene-treated rosettes of atmrp2 showed reduced senescence, and AtMRP2 expression is induced during senescence. This suggests that AtMRP2 is involved in vacuolar transport of chlorophyll catabolites. Vacuolar uptake studies demonstrated that transport of typical MRP substrates was reduced in atmrp2. We conclude that within clade I, only AtMRP2 contributes significantly to overall organic anion pump activity in vivo.

Expression and functional analysis of metal transporter genes in two contrasting ecotypes of the hyperaccumulator Thlaspi caerulescens.

Zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulation is a constitutive property of Thlaspi caerulescens, whereas cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulation varies greatly among different ecotypes. The molecular basis of this variation is unknown. Ecotypic differences in the sequences and expression of four representative ZIP family transporter genes were investigated. Genome analysis indicated the presence of at least two closely related copies of the TcIRT1 gene in both Ganges (high Cd accumulating) and Prayon (low Cd accumulating) ecotypes, with different copies being expressed in each, and, furthermore, the two genes potentially encode different length transcripts. The predominant transcript in Prayon was truncated, missing sequence coding for the putative metal-binding site and the five C-terminal transmembrane helices. The two ecotypes were grown hydroponically +/-Fe and Cd, and mRNA abundance determined for four ZIP genes. The four ZIP genes studied (TcIRT1, TcIRT2, TcZNT1, and TcZNT5) were expressed in roots only. TcIRT1 expression (full-length in Ganges, TcIRT1-1G; truncated in Prayon, TcIRT1-2P) was enhanced by Fe deficiency or by exposure to Cd. TcIRT2 expression was induced by Fe deficiency, but was unaffected by Cd exposure. TcZNT5-G showed greater expression in Prayon compared with Ganges. The functions of TcIRT1 from Ganges and Prayon and the Arabidopsis homologue were analysed by heterologous expression in yeast. All three IRT1 genes were able to facilitate growth on low Fe concentrations. Cd sensitivity of yeast was conferred in the order AtIRT1>TcIRT1-1G>TcIRT1-2P (truncated). Cd uptake after 4 h was only detectable following complementation by AtIRT1. The results suggest that although TcIRT1-G may be involved in Cd hyperaccumulation in the Ganges ecotype of T. caerulescens, the transporter expressed in yeast does not have an enhanced ability to transport Cd compared with AtIRT1. Therefore, the unique Cd-accumulating ability of the T. caerulescens Ganges ecotype must be due to the levels of expression of the protein or to other factors such as interacting proteins.

Estructura y funciones del apoyo social en un colectivo de inmigrantes marroquíes / Structure and functions of social support in a group of Moroccan immigrants

Los principales objetivos de la presente investigación son conocer las características estructurales y funcionales del sistema de apoyo social y analizar su relación con el bienestar subjetivo en un colectivo de inmigrantes. La muestra del estudio está formada por 100 marroquíes que cumplimentaron la entrevista de apoyo social ASSIS (Barrera, 1980), la escala de satisfacción con la vida (Diener et al., 1985), y una medida sobre percepción de prejuicio étnico. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una escasa presencia de autóctonos en las redes sociales de los marroquíes, siendo los vínculos con otros inmigrantes la principal fuente de apoyo informativo, material y emocional para este grupo de población. Las variables predictoras del bienestar subjetivo son la satisfacción con el apoyo emocional proporcionado por los autóctonos, la satisfacción con el apoyo informativo y la suficiencia de la ayuda facilitada por otros inmigrantes, y la percepción de prejuicio étnico. De este modo, se constata que las dimensiones del apoyo social que inciden de manera positiva sobre el bienestar subjetivo de este colectivo son las de carácter funcional, variando en función del origen, autóctono vs. extranjero, del proveedor de ayuda

The aim of the present investigation is to describe the structural and functional characteristics of the social support system in a group of Moroccan immigrants, and to analyze their relation with subjective well-being. The sample of the study is composed of 100 Moroccan immigrants who answered the ASSIS social support interview (Barrera, 1980), the satisfaction with life scale (Diener et al., 1985) and a measure of ethnic prejudice perception. Results show that relationships with natives are scarce in Moroccans’ social networks. Interpersonal ties with other immigrants are the main source of informative, material and emotional support for this group. Satisfaction with emotional support provided by autochtonous people, satisfaction with informative support and sufficiency of support given by other immigrants, as well as ethnic prejudice perception are the predictor variables of Moroccans’ subjective well-being. These results therefore confirm that the specific social support dimensions with a positive effect on immigrants’ subjective well-being are the funcional ones, and vary depending on the origin, autochtonous vs. foreigner, of the support provider

Potentiometric sensor for the measurement of Cd2+ transport in yeast and plants.

Research on heavy metals, and especially on transport of Cd(2+), has attracted much interest during the past decade. An optimized Cd(2+)-selective electrode for the continuous potentiometric monitoring of Cd(2+) fluxes in biological systems is presented. The selectivity of the electrode for Cd(2+) was further improved, and it now has very good long-term stability. The utility of this simple and inexpensive method is demonstrated by studying the Cd(2+) transport with model organisms, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Arabidopsis cell cultures, frequently used in plant science. Its lower detection limits in the presence of commonly used growth media for yeast and plant cells are improved by approximately three orders of magnitude and are 10(-10) and 10(-8)M Cd(2+), respectively. Control experiments using atomic absorption spectrophotometry confirm that the decrease in Cd(2+) activities in the cell cultures is indeed due to the uptake of these metal ions by the cells. Both model systems can be easily transformed; therefore, in combination with the new electrode, they are very promising tools for the investigation of any protein of interest that might be involved in Cd(2+) transport.

Disruption of AtMRP4, a guard cell plasma membrane ABCC-type ABC transporter, leads to deregulation of stomatal opening and increased drought susceptibility.

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are membrane proteins responsible for cellular detoxification processes in plants and animals. Recent evidence shows that this class of transporters may also be involved in many other cellular processes. Because of their homology with human multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRP), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), some plant ABC transporters have been implicated in the regulation of ion channel activities. This paper describes an investigation of the AtMRP4 gene and its role in stomatal regulation. Reporter gene studies showed that AtMRP4 is highly expressed in stomata and that the protein is localized to the plasma membrane. Stomatal aperture in three independent atmrp4 mutant alleles was larger than in wild-type plants, both in the light and in the dark, resulting in increased water loss but no change in the photosynthetic rate. In baker's yeast, AtMRP4 shows ATP-dependent, vanadate-sensitive transport of methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate and a substrate of mammalian MRPs. Treatment with MTX reduced stomatal opening in wild-type plants, but had no effect in atmrp4 mutants. These results indicate the involvement of AtMRP4 in the complex regulation of stomatal aperture.

Arabidopsis immunophilin-like TWD1 functionally interacts with vacuolar ABC transporters.

Previously, the immunophilin-like protein TWD1 from Arabidopsis has been demonstrated to interact with the ABC transporters AtPGP1 and its closest homologue, AtPGP19. Physiological and biochemical investigation of pgp1/pgp19 and of twd1 plants suggested a regulatory role of TWD1 on AtPGP1/AtPGP19 transport activities. To further understand the dramatic pleiotropic phenotype that is caused by loss-of-function mutation of the TWD1 gene, we were interested in other TWD1 interacting proteins. AtMRP1, a multidrug resistance-associated (MRP/ABCC)-like ABC transporter, has been isolated in a yeast two-hybrid screen. We demonstrate molecular interaction between TWD1 and ABC transporters AtMRP1 and its closest homologue, AtMRP2. Unlike AtPGP1, AtMRP1 binds to the C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain of TWD1, which is well known to mediate protein-protein interactions. Domain mapping proved that TWD1 binds to a motif of AtMRP1 that resembles calmodulin-binding motifs; and calmodulin binding to the C-terminus of MRP1 was verified. By membrane fractionation and GFP-tagging, we localized AtMRP1 to the central vacuolar membrane and the TWD1-AtMRP1 complex was verified in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation. We were able to demonstrate that TWD1 binds to isolated vacuoles and has a significant impact on the uptake of metolachlor-GS and estradiol-beta-glucuronide, well-known substrates of vacuolar transporters AtMRP1 and AtMRP2.