G␤5 exists as two splice variants, G␤5-S and G␤5-L, which interact with and stabilize the R7 members of the regulators of G-protein signaling (RGSs): RGS6, RGS7, RGS9, and RGS11. Although the role of G␤5-L and RGS9-1 is established in photoreceptors, the physiological functions of G␤5-S and other R7 RGS proteins remain unclear. We found that the electroretinogram of G␤5 Ϫ/Ϫ mice lacks the b-wave component and that G␤5-S and RGS11 colocalize with Go␣ at the tips of the ON-bipolar cell dendrites. Unexpectedly, we found a significant reduction in the number of synaptic triads in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) of the G␤5 Ϫ/Ϫ mice, which is evident at postnatal day 14. Transgenic expression of G␤5-L in rods failed to rescue the b-wave or the OPL defects. These results indicate that G␤5-S is indispensable for OPL integrity and normal light responses of the retina.

Background Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) disproportionately affects young adults, including women of childbearing age; however, treatment of MDR-TB during pregnancy is still controversial. This study looks at the treatment and pregnancy outcomes of a ten-year cohort of women who were treated for MDR-TB during pregnancy. Methods A retrospective case series was performed using a standardized data collection form and data from three ranked sources of patient records. All 38 participants were treated with individualized regimes which included second-line tuberculosis medications during pregnancy. We examined the frequency of favorable and adverse outcomes in terms of disease and pregnancy. Results Upon completion of MDR-TB treatment, 61% of the women were cured, 13% died, 13% defaulted, 5% remain in treatment, and 5% failed. Four of the women experienced clinical deterioration of TB during pregnancy. Five of the pregnancies terminated in spontaneous abortions and one child was stillborn. Among the live births, 3 were born with low birth weight, one was premature, and one had fetal distress. Conclusions The rates of success in treating MDR-TB in our cohort are comparable to those of other MDR-TB treatment programs in Peru. The birth outcomes of our cohort are similar to data on the general Peru population. Therefore, we advocate that a woman should be given the option to continue treatment of MDR-TB rather than termination of pregnancy or discontinuation of MDR-TB treatment.

The data demonstrate the presence of a delayed ERG b-wave in SG711 mice and a functionally redundant role for RGS11 and -7 at the tips of ON-bipolar cell dendrites. These results suggest that RGS11 or -7 works as the major physiological GAP (GTPase acceleration protein) for Galphao1 in ON-bipolar cells.

Early ART is likely a key component of effective MDR-TB management in co-infected individuals.

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