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Summary Throughout their lifetimes, plants must coordinate the regulation of various facets of growth and development. Previous evidence has suggested that the Arabidopsis thaliana R2R3‐MYB, AtMYB61, might function as a coordinate regulator of multiple aspects of plant resource allocation. Using a combination of cell biology, transcriptome analysis and biochemistry, in conjunction with gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function genetics, the role of AtMYB61 in conditioning resource allocation throughout the plant life cycle was explored. In keeping with its role as a regulator of resource allocation, AtMYB61 is expressed in sink tissues, notably xylem, roots and developing seeds. Loss of AtMYB61 function decreases xylem formation, induces qualitative changes in xylem cell structure and decreases lateral root formation; in contrast, gain of AtMYB61 function has the opposite effect on these traits. AtMYB61 coordinates a small network of downstream target genes, which contain a motif in their upstream regulatory regions that is bound by AtMYB61, and AtMYB61 activates transcription from this same motif. Loss‐of‐function analysis supports the hypothesis that AtMYB61 targets play roles in shaping subsets of AtMYB61‐related phenotypes. Taken together, these findings suggest that AtMYB61 links the transcriptional control of multiple aspects of plant resource allocation.

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A community-based maintenance exercise program is feasible and can successfully preserve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life following institutionally-based PR in patients with moderate to severe COPD. A more formal evaluation of this approach is warranted.

BackgroundWe have recently demonstrated the efficacy of balance training in addition to Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) at improving measures of balance associated with an increased risk of falls in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Few knowledge translation (KT) projects have been conducted in rehabilitation settings. The goal of this study was to translate lessons learnt from efficacy studies of balance training into a sustainable clinical service.MethodsHealth care professionals (HCPs) responsible for delivering PR were given an hour of instruction on the principles and practical application of balance training and the researchers offered advice regarding; prescription, progression and practical demonstrations during the first week. Balance training was incorporated three times a week into conventional PR programs. Following the program, HCPs participated in a focus group exploring their experiences of delivering balance training alongside PR. Service users completed satisfaction surveys as well as standardized measures of balance control. At six month follow-up, the sustainability of balance training was explored.ResultsHCPs considered the training to be effective at improving balance and the support provided by the researchers was viewed as helpful. HCPs identified a number of strategies to facilitate balance training within PR, including; training twice a week, incorporating an interval training program for everyone enrolled in PR, providing visual aids to training and promoting independence by; providing a set program, considering the environment and initiating a home-based exercise program early. Nineteen service users completed the balance training [ten male mean (SD) age 73 (6) y]. Sixteen patients (84 %) enjoyed balance training and reported that it helped them with everyday activities and 18 (95 %) indicated their wish to continue with it. Scores on balance measures improved following PR that included balance training (all p < 0.05). At six month follow-up balance training is being routinely assessed and delivered as part of standardised PR.ConclusionsImplementing balance training into PR programs, with support and training for HCPs, is feasible, effective and sustainable.Trail registrationClinical Trials ID: NCT02080442 (05/03/2014)Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12890-015-0067-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.