No abstract

The Rel family of transcriptional activators form a large diverse group of proteins that are involved in the activation of genes involved in immunity, development, apoptosis and cancer. So far, none of the rel genes cloned in mammals appear to be required for embryonic development. We have cloned and characterized a cDNA from an embryonic cDNA library that encodes a novel Xenopus Rel protein, called Xrel3. Xrel3 is a member of the cRel subfamily and is most closely related to but distinct from other Xenopus Rel members. The expression of Xrel3 mRNA was investigated using Northern analysis, RNase protection assay, reverse transcriptaselinked polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Messages are present maternally and are slightly enriched in the equatorial region of the blastula stage embryo. At gastrulation, the accumulation of Xrel3 messages declines to undetectable levels but then increases after neurulation. In situ RNA hybridization was used to determine the spatial location of Xrel3 messenger RNA in embryos. Messages are localized to the developing forebrain, dorsal mid-hindbrain region, the inner ear primordium, or otocyst, and in the notochord. Overexpression by microinjection of Xrel3 RNA induced tumors in the developing embryo that appeared after gastrulation. The location of the tumors depended on the location of the injection site. These results suggest that Xrel3 might have a generalized role in regulation of cell differentiation in the embryo.The Rel family of transcriptional activators is a group of higher eukaryotic proteins that participate in cell differentiation (for reviews, see Refs. 1-7). The family includes the c-Rel oncoprotein, RelB, NF-B (both p65 or RelA, and p50 subunits), and the DORSAL patterning morphogen of Drosophila. They are expressed in a wide variety of tissues and transactivate genes that are involved in the immune response, apoptosis, cancer, and development. Rel transcription complexes exist as homo-or heterodimers, but only specific dimer pairs have been demonstrated in vivo.Although there are different levels of rel gene regulation in different cells, the activity of all of the proteins is determined by their subcellular localization. Thus, Rel proteins are active in the nucleus, but are retained in the cytoplasm in an inactive state. Depending on the cell type, Rel complexes activate transcription from target genes in either a constitutive or inducible manner. Inducible complexes are retained in the cytoplasm by a regulatory subunit (1-3). Upon induction, the regulatory subunit releases the Rel complex and allows it to translocate to the nucleus where it binds to target DNA sequences.Rel proteins share motifs required for their similar functions. The amino terminus contains the highly conserved Rel Homology Domain (RHD) 1 of about 300 amino acids, which is required for DNA binding, dimerization with other Rel proteins, and a nuclear localization signal. The remainder of the protein is variable and is necessary for transcriptional activation (8). In some cases...

In 1998 the Fremantle Regional Division of General Practice (FRDGP), Silver Chain and the Health Department of Western Australia (HDWA) initiated an eleven-month trial which aimed to increase clinical integration by establishing professional partnerships between GPs and nurses. The project placed nurse in four general practices where they consulted with patients and undertook other activities that helped clarify nurse and GP roles within these partnerships. In addition to exploring some of the processes underlying development of partnerships, the project reported direct benefits for all stakeholders. For patients these included improved access and better quality of care. At an organisational level Silver Chain and general practices reported increased service provision and efficiency, additional promotion and marketing opportunities, improved networks with other providers, and opportunities for new business developments in service provision. From the professional practitioner perspective, doctors and nurses reported improved knowledge about the other profession and that the trial was an opportunity to explore role developments in the general practice context. Implications for expansion and development of a nursing role in general practice were discussed. The results suggest that further development of effective nurse/GP partnerships requires collaborative planning, close monitoring, and ongoing support for the processes of improved teamwork.

Support for a number of strategies and policies for the prevention of alcohol related harm was ascertained as part of a larger survey of public attitudes and behaviours in a representative sample of the Perth metropolitan area. Support for these policies varied, but was generally positive, with young male drinkers the least supportive. The greatest degree of support was found for a variety of training strategies for licensees and barstaff, while a number of restrictive practices, such as reduced trading hours and the banning of the sale of beer in jugs, were less popular. Those who had recently worked in the alcohol trade were less likely than the general population to be supportive of these policies. This effect could not be completely explained by their generally being younger and drinkers. It is concluded that governments generally have a mandate to introduce certain policies and practices into the licensed drinking environment, but that the resistance of the alcohol trade to such measures may need to be overcome if they are to be successfully introduced.

Recent results by Richardson et al. (Mech. Dev., 52 (1995) 165-177) suggest that the Xenopus Rel gene XrelA may be involved in the formation of the head and tail of the early embryo. We present evidence to suggest that wild-type XrelA also has a role in dorsoventral development. XrelA overexpression in the dorsal side of embryos reduces dorsal development and attenuates in vitro dorsal morphogenetic movements. XrelA also strongly reduces axis duplication caused by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of Xenopus glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta. Our results indicate that XrelA may have a role in dorsoventral patterning in early embryos.