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Timely and efficient contractions of the smooth muscle of the uterus – the myometrium – are crucial to a successful pregnancy outcome. These episodic contractions are regulated by spontaneous action potentials changing cell and tissue electrical excitability. In this short review we will document and discuss current knowledge of these processes. Those seeking a conclusive account of myometrial pacemaking mechanisms, or indeed a definitive description of the anatomical site of uterine pacemaking, may be disappointed. Rather, after almost a century of investigation, and in spite of promising studies in the last decade or so, there remain many gaps in our knowledge. We review the progress that has been made using recent technologies including in vivo and ex vivo imaging and electrophysiology and computational modelling, taking evidence from studies of animal and human myometrium, with particular emphasis on what may occur in the latter. We have prioritized physiological studies that bring us closer to understanding function. From our analyses we suggest that in human myometrium there is no fixed pacemaking site, but rather mobile, initiation sites produce the connectivity for synchronizing electrical and contractile activity. We call for more studies and funding, as physiological understanding of pacemaking gives hope to being better able to treat clinical conditions such as preterm and dysfunctional labours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine if patients with piperacillin-tazobactam allergy labels could tolerate other beta-lactam antibiotics without prior skin testing. The study found that almost all patients with piperacillin-tazobactam allergy labels were able to tolerate alternative beta-lactams, including those with immediate-type reactions. The study also highlighted the limitations of piperacillin-tazobactam skin testing in accurately identifying true allergies. The findings suggest that most patients with non-severe piperacillin-tazobactam allergies can safely receive other beta-lactam antibiotics without the need for skin testing. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Here we present the Transcription Factor Encyclopedia (TFe), a new web-based compendium of mini review articles on transcription factors (TFs) that is founded on the principles of open access and collaboration. Our consortium of over 100 researchers has collectively contributed over 130 mini review articles on pertinent human, mouse and rat TFs. Notable features of the TFe website include a high-quality PDF generator and web API for programmatic data retrieval. TFe aims to rapidly educate scientists about the TFs they encounter through the delivery of succinct summaries written and vetted by experts in the field. TFe is available at http://www.cisreg.ca/tfe.

Understanding the interactions between belowground and aboveground process and how they respond to annual climatic variability remains a challenging task. In this study, we combined molecular techniques with high frequency images from automated minirhizotrons to determine the identity and temporal variability of fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi in a mixed-conifer forest in Southern California. We also examined how changes in fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi are related to leaf phenology and water dynamics over the course of the growing season. Throughout the study, there was considerable variation in ectomycorrhizal roots, with greater ectomycorrhizal roots during the dry summer months compared to early spring. Although the total number of ectomycorrhizal fungi did not change, there was a significant change in the ectomycorrhizal fungal community over the course of the growing season. Arbuscular mycorrhizal roots, on the other hand, showed little variation during the growing season. Sap flow peaked in mid-June, and corresponded well to the formation of new leaves and a period of relatively high soil moisture. Soil respiration varied between 1 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 and 3.5 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1 during the year, with greater rates corresponding to periods of relatively high soil moisture and high soil temperature. By integrating data from a wide range of sensors, we can better understand the biophysical factors influencing the flux of carbon and water through an ecosystem.