bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The procoagulant molecule plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 is associated with injury severity and shock in patients with and without traumatic brain injury
Authors: Condron Mary , Rowell Susan , Dewey Elizabeth , Anderson Taylor , Lealiiee Lelani , Farrell David , Hinson Holly
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Traumatic injury is associated with an increased risk of coagulopathy and venous thrombosis. plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is a procoagulant molecule that inhibits tPA/uPA, thrombomodulin, and activated protein C. We hypothesized that elevated PAI-1 levels would be associated with increased Injury Severity Score (ISS) in injured patients with and without traumatic brain injury and that PAI-1 levels would vary with injury type.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed demographic, ISS, and hemodynamic data from a prospectively collected database. Patients with traumatic injury requiring intensive care unit admission (n = 268) were classified as multiple injuries, isolated body, or isolated head based on Abbreviated Injury Severity score. Admission PAI-1 levels were quantified using a Luminex analyte platform. Univariate tests for association informed the construction of a multivariate model of the relationship between PAI-1 and ISS.

RESULTS

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 positively associated with ISS (p < 0.0001) and was highest in patients with ISS greater than 35 (p < 0.0001). Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was significantly different between multiple injuries, isolated body, and isolated head patients (p < 0.0001). On univariate analysis, age (p = 0.0011), hypotension (p = 0.0076), and alcohol intoxication (p = 0.0024) were all positively associated with PAI-1 level. Admission international normalized ratio was not associated with PAI-1 level (p = 0.638). After adjusting for age, sex, hypotension, and alcohol intoxication, higher PAI-1 levels were associated with higher ISS (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Elevated PAI-1 at admission is associated with higher ISS. This association is more pronounced in patients with hypotension. These findings suggest that PAI-1 levels may reflect the burden of endothelial damage and platelet activation after injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, level III.
The volume-outcome relationship in severely injured patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sewalt Charlie A. , Wiegers Eveline J. A. , Venema Esmee , Lecky Fiona E. , Schuit Stephanie C. E. , Hartog Dennis Den , Lingsma Hester F.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The volume-outcome relationship in severely injured patients remains under debate and this has consequences for the designation of trauma centers.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and health outcomes in severely injured patients.

METHODS

Six electronic databases were searched from 1980 up to January 30, 2018, to identify studies that describe the relationship between hospital or surgeon volume and health outcomes in severely injured patients (preferably Injury Severity Score above 15). Selection of relevant studies, data extraction, and critical appraisal of the methodological quality were performed by two independent reviewers. Pooled adjusted and unadjusted estimates of the effect of volume on in-hospital mortality, only in study populations with Injury Severity Score greater than 15, were calculated with a random-effects meta-analysis. A mixed effects linear regression model was used to assess hospital volume as continuous parameter.

RESULTS

Eighteen observational cohort studies were included. The majority (13 [72%] of 18) reported an association between higher hospital or surgeon volume and lower mortality rate. Overall, the quality of the included studies was reasonable, with insufficient adjustment as one of the most common limitations. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of 222,418 patients. High hospital volume (>240 admitted severely injured patients per year) was associated with a lower risk of mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.94). Four studies were included in the regression model, providing a beta of −0.17 per 10 patients (95% CI, −0.27 to −0.07). There was no clear association between surgeon volume and mortality rates based on three available studies.

CONCLUSION

Our systematic overview of the literature reveals a modest association between high-volume centers and lower mortality in severely injured patients, suggesting that designation of high-volume centers might improve outcomes among severely injured patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review and meta-analysis, level III. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO registration ID CRD42017056729
Changes in Simultaneous Liver-kidney Transplant Allocation Policy May Impact Postliver Transplant Outcomes
Authors: Cullaro Giuseppe , Hirose Ryutaro , Lai Jennifer C.
Published: August 2018

Background.

Previous simultaneous liver-kidney (SLK) transplant allocation was based on serum creatinine, a metric that disadvantaged women relative to men. A recent SLK transplant policy change uses estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which accounts for sex-based differences in creatinine.

Methods.

To understand the impact of this new policy, we analyzed nonstatus 1 adults listed for liver transplantation (LT) from May 2007 to July 2014, excluding those with exceptions. We defined patients who met the new SLK policy as having an eGFR <60 mL/min for 90 days, with a final eGFR <30 mL/min.

Results.

Of 40979 candidates, 1683 would have met only the new criteria (N-SLK), 2452 would have met only the old criteria (O-SLK), and 1878 would have met both criteria (B-SLK). Compared to those in the B-SLK or O-SLK groups, those in the N-SLK group were significantly more likely to be female (52% versus 36% versus 39%, P < 0.001). Cox-regression analysis demonstrated that in adjusted analysis those in the N-SLK group were significantly less likely to die postliver transplant (hazard ratio [HR], 0.0; P < 0.001). Further, in Cox regression subgroup analyses, both in women (HR 0.04; P < 0.001) and in men (HR, 0.02, P < 0.001) those in the N-SLK group who underwent liver transplant were significantly less likely to die postliver transplant, even after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions.

We anticipate that implementation of the new SLK policy will increase the proportion of women and decrease the proportion of men who are listed for SLK but may not improve posttransplant survival. Our data highlight the need for monitoring of SLK outcomes after implementation of the new policy.
Management of a Groin Wound Using a Concentrated Surfactant-Based Gel Dressing
Authors: Ratliff Catherine R.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND:

A groin wound associated with a vascular graft infection is associated with significant morbidity. Management of groin wounds is often challenging due to their anatomical location that renders them difficult to visualize and keep clean.

CASE:

This case report describes the use of a concentrated surfactant-based gel dressing for an infected groin wound.

CONCLUSIONS:

Because of their location and complex topography, groin wounds are difficult to keep clean and maintain dressing integrity. This case study describes the use of a concentrated surfactant-based gel dressing that remained in place and promoted healing of an infected groin wound.
Modelling cancer immunomodulation using epithelial organoid cultures
Authors: Bar-Ephraim Yotam E. , Kretzschmar Kai , Asra Priyanca , de Jongh Evelien , Boonekamp Kim E. , Drost Jarno , van Gorp Joost , Pronk Apollo , Smakman Niels , Gan Inez J. , Sebestyén Zsolt , Kuball Jürgen , Vries Robert G.J. , Clevers Hans
Published: August 2018

Here we utilize organoid technology to study immune-cancer interactions and assess immunomodulation by colorectal cancer (CRC). Transcriptional profiling and flow cytometry revealed that organoids maintain differential expression of immunomodulatory molecules present in primary tumours. Finally, we established a method to model antigen-specific epithelial cell killing and cancer immunomodulation in vitro using CRC organoids co-cultured with cytotoxic T cells (CTLs).
Metaepigenomic analysis reveals the unexplored diversity of DNA methylation in an environmental prokaryotic community
Authors: Hiraoka Satoshi , Okazaki Yusuke , Anda Mizue , Toyoda Atsushi , Nakano Shin-ichi , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: August 2018

DNA methylation plays important roles in prokaryotes, such as in defense mechanisms against phage infection, and the corresponding genomic landscapes—prokaryotic epigenomes—have recently begun to be disclosed. However, our knowledge of prokaryote methylation systems has been severely limited to those of culturable prokaryotes, whereas environmental communities are in fact dominated by uncultured members that must harbor much more diverse DNA methyltransferases. Here, using single-molecule real-time and circular consensus sequencing techniques, we revealed the ‘metaepigenomes’ of an environmental prokaryotic community in the largest lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. A total of 19 draft genomes from phylogenetically diverse groups, most of which are yet to be cultured, were successfully reconstructed. The analysis of DNA chemical modifications identified 29 methylated motifs in those genomes, among which 14 motifs were novel.

Furthermore, we searched for the methyltransferase genes responsible for the methylation of the detected novel motifs and confirmed their catalytic specificities via transformation experiments involving artificially synthesized genes. Finally, we found that genomes without DNA methylation tended to exhibit higher phage infection levels than those with methylation. In summary, this study proves that metaepigenomics is a powerful approach for revealing the vast unexplored variety of prokaryotic DNA methylation systems in nature.
Transforming summary statistics from logistic regression to the liability scale: application to genetic and environmental risk scores
Authors: Gillett Alexandra C. , Vassos Evangelos , Lewis Cathryn M.
Published: August 2018

1.

1.1.

Objective

Stratified medicine requires models of disease risk incorporating genetic and environmental factors. These may combine estimates from different studies and models must be easily updatable when new estimates become available. The logit scale is often used in genetic and environmental association studies however the liability scale is used for polygenic risk scores and measures of heritability, but combining parameters across studies requires a common scale for the estimates.

1.2.

Methods

We present equations to approximate the relationship between univariate effect size estimates on the logit scale and the liability scale, allowing model parameters to be translated between scales.

1.3.

Results

These equations are used to build a risk score on the liability scale, using effect size estimates originally estimated on the logit scale. Such a score can then be used in a joint effects model to estimate the risk of disease, and this is demonstrated for schizophrenia using a polygenic risk score and environmental risk factors.

1.4.

Conclusion

This straightforward method allows conversion of model parameters between the logit and liability scales, and may be a key tool to integrate risk estimates into a comprehensive risk model, particularly for joint models with environmental and genetic risk factors.
Phylogenetic barriers to horizontal transfer of antimicrobial peptide resistance genes in the human gut microbiota
Authors: Kintses Bálint , Méhi Orsolya , Ari Eszter , Számel Mónika , Györkei Ádám , Jangir Pramod K. , Nagy István , Pál Ferenc , Fekete Gergö , Tengölics Roland , Nyerges Ákos , Likó István , Bálint Balázs , Vásárhelyi Bálint Márk , Bustamante Misshelle , Papp Balázs , Pál Csaba
Published: August 2018

The human gut microbiota has adapted to the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are ancient components of immune defence. Despite important medical relevance, it has remained unclear whether AMP resistance genes in the gut microbiome are available for genetic exchange between bacterial species. Here we show that AMP- and antibiotic-resistance genes differ in their mobilization patterns and functional compatibilities with new bacterial hosts. First, whereas AMP resistance genes are widespread in the gut microbiome, their rate of horizontal transfer is lower than that of antibiotic resistance genes. Second, gut microbiota culturing and functional metagenomics revealed that AMP resistance genes originating from phylogenetically distant bacteria only have a limited potential to confer resistance inEscherichia coli, an intrinsically susceptible species. Third, the phenotypic impact of acquired AMP resistance genes heavily depends on the genetic background of the recipient bacteria. Taken together, functional compatibility with the new bacterial host emerges as a key factor limiting the genetic exchange of AMP resistance genes. Finally, our results suggest that AMPs induce highly specific changes in the composition of the human microbiota with implications for disease risks.
Costs and benefits of mating with fertilized females in a species with first male sperm precedence
Authors: Rodrigues Leonor R , Figueiredo Alexandre RT , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Olivieri Isabelle , Magalhães Sara
Published: August 2018

Different patterns of sperm precedence are expected to result in specific mating costs and benefits for each sex, generating different selection pressures on males and females. However, most studies concern species with mixed paternity or last male sperm precedence, neglecting species with first male sperm precedence, in which only the first mating is effective.

Here, we measured costs and benefits of multiple mating for both sexes of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. First, we assessed the stability of the sperm precedence pattern, by mating females to one, two or several males, immediately after the first mating or 24 hours later. We found complete first male precedence, independently of the mating interval and the number of matings. Females paid a cost of polyandry, as multiply-mated females laid fewer eggs than once-mated females. However, while first males had reduced survival when exposed to an intermediate number of virgin females, second males paid no additional costs by matings with several mated females. Moreover, by mating multiply with mated females, males decreased the total number of offspring sired by first males, which suggests that these matings may entail a relative benefit for second males, despite being ineffective.

Our results show that complex costs and benefits may arise in males in species with first male precedence. How these costs and benefits affect the maintenance of selection for polyandry remains an open question.
Unique transcriptomic landscapes identified in idiopathic spontaneous and infection related preterm births compared to normal term births
Authors: Brockway Heather M , Kallapur Suhas G , Buhimschi Irina A , Buhimschi Catalin S , Ackerman William E , Muglia Louis J , Jones Helen N
Published: August 2018

Preterm birth (PTB) is leading contributor to infant death in the United States and globally, yet the underlying mechanistic causes are not well understood. Histopathological studies of preterm birth suggest advanced villous maturity may have a role in idiopathic spontaneous preterm birth (isPTB). To better understand pathological and molecular basis of isPTB, we compared placental villous transcriptomes from carefully phenotyped cohorts of PTB due to infection or isPTB between 28-36 weeks gestation and healthy term placentasu. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a unique expression signature for isPTB distinct from the age-matched controls that were delivered prematurely due to infection. This signature included the upregulation of three IGF binding proteins (IGFBP1, IGFBP2, and IGFBP6), supporting a role for aberrant IGF signaling in isPTB. However, within the isPTB expression signature, we detected secondary signature of inflammatory markers including TNC, C3, CFH, and C1R, which have been associated with placental maturity. In contrast, the expression signature of the gestational age-matched infected samples included upregulation of proliferative genes along with cell cycling and mitosis pathways. Together, these data suggest an isPTB molecular signature of placental hypermaturity, likely contributing to the premature activation of inflammatory pathways associated with birth and providing a molecular basis for idiopathic spontaneous birth.
Genome Wide Study of Tardive Dyskinesia in Schizophrenia
Authors: Lam Max , Lim Keane , Tay Jenny , Karlsson Nina , Deshpande Smita N , Thelma BK , Ozaki Norio , Inada Toshiya , Sim Kang , Chong Siow-Ann , Liu Jianjun , Lee Jimmy
Published: August 2018

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a severe condition characterized by repetitive involuntary movement of orofacial regions and extremities. Patients treated with antipsychotics typically present with TD symptomatology. Here, we conducted the largest GWAS of TD to date, by meta-analyzing samples of East-Asian, European, and African-American ancestry, followed by analyses of biological pathways and polygenic risk with related phenotypes. We identified a novel locus and three suggestive loci, implicating immune-related pathways. Through integrating trans-ethnic fine-mapping, we identified putative credible causal variants for three of the loci. Multivariate analyses of polygenic risk for TD supports the genetic susceptibility of TD, with relatively lower allele frequencies variants being associated with TD, beyond that of antipsychotic medication. Together, these findings provide new insights into the genetic architecture and biology of TD.
Evolution of plasticity in response to ethanol between sister species with different ecological histories (Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans)
Authors: Signor Sarah A.
Published: August 2018

The contribution of phenotypic plasticity to adaptation is contentious, with contradictory empirical support for its role in evolution. Here I investigate the possibility that phenotype plasticity has contributed to adaptation to a novel resource. If phenotype plasticity contributes to adaptation, it is thought to evolve in a process termed genetic accommodation. Under this model, the initial response to the environment is widely variable due to cryptic genetic variation, which is then refined by selection to a single adaptive response. I examine the role of phenotypic plasticity in adaptation here by comparing two species of Drosophila that differ in their adaptation to ethanol (Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans). Both species are human commensals with a recent cosmopolitan expansion, but only D. melanogaster is adapted to ethanol exposure. I measure phenotype plasticity in response to ethanol with gene expression and an approach that combines information about expression and alternative splicing. I find evidence for adaptation to ethanol through genetic accommodation, suggesting that the evolution of phenotype plasticity contributed to the ability of D. melanogaster to exploit a novel resource. I also find evidence that alternative splicing may be more important for the adaptive response to ethanol than overall changes in exon expression.
The splicing regulator Prp31 prevents retinal degeneration inDrosophilaby regulating Rhodopsin levels
Authors: Lehmann Malte , Hebbar Sarita , Sarah Behrens , Leng Weihua , Yuan Michaela , Winkler Sylke , Knust Elisabeth
Published: August 2018

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically heterogeneous disease affecting 1.6 million people worldwide. The second-largest group of genes causing autosomal dominant RP in human encodes regulators of the splicing machinery, but the molecular consequences that link defects in splicing factor genes to the aetiology of the disease remain to be elucidated. Mutations in PRPF31, one of the splicing factors, are linked to RP11. To get insight into the mechanisms by which mutations in this gene lead to retinal degeneration, we induced mutations in theDrosophilaorthologuePrp31. Flies heterozygous mutant forPrp31are viable and develop normal eyes and retina. However, photoreceptors degenerate under light stress, thus resembling the human disease phenotype.Prp31mutant flies show a high degree of phenotypic variability, similar as reported for human RP11 patients. Degeneration is associated with increased accumulation of rhodopsin 1, both in the rhabdomere and in the cell body. In fact, reducing rhodopsin levels by raising animals in a carotenoid-free medium not only suppressed rhodopsin accumulation, but also retinal degeneration. In addition, our results underscore the relevance of eye color mutations on phenotypic traits, in particular whilst studying a complex process such as retinal degeneration.

Article Summary

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a human disease affecting 1.6 million people worldwide. So far >50 genes have been identified that are causally related to RP. Mutations in the splicing factor PRPF31 are linked to RP11. We induced mutations in theDrosophilaorthologuePrp31and show that flies heterozygous forPrp31undergo light-dependent retinal degeneration. Degeneration is associated with increased accumulation of the light-sensitive molecule, rhodopsin 1. In fact, reducing rhodopsin levels by dietary intervention suppressed retinal degeneration. We believe that this model will help to better understand the aetiology of the human disease.
The crossover function of MutSγ is activated via Cdc7-dependent stabilization of Msh4
Authors: He Wei , Prasada Rao H.B.D. , Tang Shangming , Bhagwat Nikhil , Kulkarni Dhananjaya S. , Chang Maria A.W. , Hall Christie , Singh Lepakshi , Chen Xiangyu , Hollingsworth Nancy M. , Cejka Petr , Hunter Neil
Published: August 2018

The MutSγ complex, Msh4-Msh5, binds DNA joint-molecule (JM) intermediates during homologous recombination to promote crossing over and accurate chromosome segregation at the first division of meiosis. MutSγ facilitates the formation and biased resolution of crossover-specific JM intermediates called double Holliday junctions. Here we show that these activities are governed by regulated proteasomal degradation. MutSγ is initially inactive for crossing over due to an N-terminal degron on Msh4 that renders it unstable. Activation of MutSγ requires the Dbf4-dependent kinase, Cdc7 (DDK), which directly phosphorylates and thereby neutralizes the Msh4 degron. Phosphorylated Msh4 is chromatin bound and requires DNA strand exchange and chromosome synapsis, implying that DDK specifically targets MutSγ that has already bound nascent JMs. Our study establishes regulated protein degradation as a fundamental mechanism underlying meiotic crossover control.
A striatal interneuron circuit for continuous target pursuit
Authors: Kim Namsoo , Li Haofang E. , Hughes Ryan N. , Watson Glenn D. R. , Gallegos David , West Anne E. , Kim Il Hwan , Yin Henry H.
Published: August 2018

Most adaptive behaviors require precise tracking of targets in space. In pursuit behavior with a moving target, mice use distance to target to guide their own movement continuously. Here we show that in the sensorimotor striatum, parvalbumin-positive fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) can represent the distance between self and target during pursuit behavior, while striatal projection neurons (SPNs), which receive FSI projections, can represent self-velocity. FSIs are shown to regulate velocity-related SPN activity during pursuit, so that movement velocity is continuously modulated by distance to target. Moreover, bidirectional manipulation of FSI activity can selectively disrupt performance by increasing or decreasing the self-target distance. Our results reveal a key role of the FSI-SPN interneuron circuit in pursuit behavior, and elucidate how this circuit implements distance to velocity transformation required for the critical underlying computation.
Extensive Diversity of RNA Viruses in Australian Ticks
Authors: Harvey Erin , Rose Karrie , Edena John-Sebastian , Lo Nathan , Abeyasuriya Thilanka , Shi Mang , Doggett Stephen L. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: August 2018

Understanding the microbiome of ticks in Australia is of considerable interest given the ongoing debate over whether Lyme disease, and its causative agent the bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferisenso lato, are present in Australia. The diversity of bacteria infecting Australian ticks has been the subject of a number of studies using both culture and metagenomics based techniques. However, little is known about the virome of Australian ticks, including those that may have the potential to infect mammalian species. We used a meta-transcriptomics approach to reveal the viral diversity within Australian ticks collected from two locations on the central-east coast of Australia, including metropolitan Sydney. From this we identified 19 novel species of RNA virus belonging to 10 families, as well as one previously described RNA virus. The majority of these viruses clustered phylogenetically with arthropod-associated viruses suggesting that they do not utilize mammalian hosts. However, two novel viruses discovered in ticks feeding on bandicoot marsupials clustered closely within the mammalian associatedHepacivirusandPestivirusgenera (Flaviviridae). Notably, another bandicoot tick yielded a novelColtivirus(Reoviridae) – a group of largely tick-associated viruses containing the known human pathogen Colorado tick fever virus and its relative Eyach virus. Importantly, our transcriptomic data provided no evidence for the presence ofB. burgdorferis.l.. in any tick sample, providing further evidence against the presence of Lyme Disease in Australia. In sum, this study reveals that Australian ticks harbor a diverse virome, including some viruses that merit additional screening in the context of emerging infectious disease.

IMPORTANCE

Each year a growing number of individuals along the east coast of Australia experience debilitating disease following tick bites. As there is no evidence for the presence of the causative agent of Lyme disease,Borrelia Burgdorferiseno lato, in Australian ticks, the etiological basis of this disease syndrome remains controversial. To characterize the viruses associated with Australian ticks, particularly those that might be associated with mammalian infection, we performed unbiased RNA sequencing on 146 ticks collected across two locations along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This revealed 19 novel RNA viruses from a diverse set of families. Notably, three of these viruses were related to known mammalian viruses, including one that fell within the genusColtivirusand related to the human pathogen, Colorado tick fever virus.
Pseudogenes in the mouse lineage: transcriptional activity and strain-specific history
Authors: Sisu Cristina , Muir Paul , Frankish Adam , Fiddes Ian , Diekhans Mark , Thybert David , Odom Duncan T. , Flicek Paul , Keane Thomas , Hubbard Tim , Harrow Jennifer , Gerstein Mark
Published: August 2018

Pseudogenes are ideal markers of genome remodeling. In turn, the mouse is an ideal platform for studying them, particularly with the availability of developmental transcriptional data and the sequencing of 18 strains. Here, we present a comprehensive genome-wide annotation of the pseudogenes in the mouse reference genome and associated strains. We compiled this by combining manual curation of over 10,000 pseudogenes with results from automatic annotation pipelines. Also, by comparing the human and mouse, we annotated 165 unitary pseudogenes in mouse, and 303 unitaries in human. We make all our annotation available throughmouse.pseudogene.org. The overall mouse pseudogene repertoire (in the reference and strains) is similar to human in terms of overall size, biotype distribution (~80% processed/~20% duplicated) and top family composition (with many GAPDH and ribosomal pseudogenes). However, notable differences arise in the pseudogene age distribution, with multiple retro-transpositional bursts in mouse evolutionary history and only one in human. Furthermore, in each strain about a fifth of the pseudogenes are unique, reflecting strain-specific functions and evolution. Additionally, we find that ~15% of the pseudogenes are transcribed, a fraction similar to that for human, and that pseudogene transcription exhibits greater tissue and strain specificity compared to protein-coding genes. Finally, we show that highly transcribed parent genes tend to give rise to processed pseudogenes.
Out with the old and in with the new: The role of intolerance of uncertainty in reversal of threat and safety
Authors: Morriss Jayne , Saldarini Francesco , Chapman Catherine , Pollard Miriam , Reekum Carien M. van
Published: August 2018

The ability to learn and reverse threat associations is crucial for survival. The extent to which old threat associations are inhibited and new threat associations are formed may depend on sensitivity to future threat uncertainty. To assess the extent to which Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) predicts threat learning and reversal, we recorded expectancy ratings and skin conductance in 44 healthy participants during an associative learning paradigm, where threat and safety contingencies were reversed. During acquisition and reversal, we observed larger SCR magnitude and expectancy ratings for threat vs. safety cues. However, during reversal higher IU was associated with larger SCR magnitude to new threat vs. new safety cues, compared to lower IU. These results were specific to IU-related variance, over shared variance with trait anxiety (STAIX-2). Overall, these findings suggest that individuals high in IU are able to reverse threat and safety associations in the presence of direct threat. Such findings help us understand the recently revealed link between IU and threat extinction, where direct threat is absent. Moreover, these findings highlight the potential relevance of IU in clinical intervention and treatment for anxiety disorders.
Fndc3a (Fibronectin Domain Containing Protein 3A) influences median fin fold development and caudal fin regeneration in zebrafish by ECM alteration
Authors: Liedtke Daniel , Orth Melanie , Meissler Michelle , Geuer Sinje , Knaup Sabine , Köblitz Isabell , Klopocki Eva
Published: August 2018

Summary statement

We investigated potential functions of Fndc3a during caudal fin development and regeneration in zebrafish. Reduced function interferes with correct epidermal cells structure and implies a role during vertebrate extremity development.

Inherited genetic alterations are often found to be disease-causing factors of patient phenotypes. To unravel the molecular consequences of newly identified factors functional investigationsin vivoare eminent. We investigated molecular functions of FNDC3A (Fibronectin Domain Containing Protein 3A; HUGO), a novel candidate gene for split-hand/foot malformations (SHFM) in humans, by utilizing zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate model. Patients with congenital SHFM display prominent limb malformations, which are caused by disturbance of limb development due to defects in apical ectodermal ridge (AER) establishment and maintenance. Initial gene expression and protein localization studies clarified the presence of fndc3a in developing and regenerating fins of zebrafish. For functional studies we established a hypomorphic fndc3a mutant line (fndc3awue1/wue1) via CRISPR/Cas9, exhibiting phenotypic malformations and changed gene expression patterns during early stages of median fin fold development. Furthermore,fndc3awue1/wue1mutants display abnormal collagen localization, actinotrichia breakup and cellular defects in epidermal cells during caudal fin development. The observed effects are only temporary and later result in rather normal fin development in adults. In accordance with early fin development, proper caudal fin regeneration in adultfndc3awue1/wue1mutants is hampered by interference with actinotrichia formation and epidermal cell abnormalities. Investigation of cellular matrix formation implied that loss of ECM structure is a common cause for both phenotypes. Our results thereby provide a molecular link between Fndc3a function during both developmental processes in zebrafish and foreshadow Fndc3a as a novel temporal regulator of epidermal cell properties during extremity development in vertebrates.
FUS/TLS undergoes calcium-mediated nuclear egress during excitotoxic stress and is required for Gria2 mRNA processing
Authors: Tischbein Maeve , Baron Desiree M. , Lin Yen-Chen , Gall Katherine V. , Landers John E. , Fallini Claudia , Bosco Daryl A.
Published: August 2018

Excitotoxic levels of glutamate represent a physiological stress that is strongly linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurological disorders. Emerging evidence indicates a role for neurodegenerative disease linked RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the cellular stress response. However, the relationships between excitotoxicity, RBP function and pathology have not been explored. Here, we found that excitotoxicity induced the translocation of select ALS-linked RBPs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm within neurons. RBPs affected by excitotoxicity include TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and, most robustly, fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS). FUS translocation occurs through a calcium-dependent mechanism and coincides with striking alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Further, glutamate-induced upregulation of Gria2 in neurons was dependent on FUS expression, consistent with a functional role for FUS under excitotoxic stress. These findings reveal a link between prominent factors in neurodegenerative disease, namely excitotoxicity, disease-associated RBPs and nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Domestication and Temperature Modulate Gene Expression Signatures and Growth in the Australasian SnapperChrysophrys Auratus
Authors: Wellenreuther Maren , Luyer Jérémy Le , Cook Denham , Ritchie Peter A. , Bernatchez Louis
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

Identifying genes and pathways involved in domestication is critical to understand how species change in response to human-induced selection pressures. We experimentally manipulated temperature conditions for F1-hatchery and wild Australasian snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) for 18 days and measured differences in growth, white muscle RNA transcription and haematological blood parameters. Over 2.2 Gb paired-end reads were assembledde novofor a total set of 33,017 transcripts (N50 = 2,804). We found pronounced growth and gene expression differences between wild and domesticated individuals related to global developmental and immune pathways. Temperature modulated growth responses were linked to major pathways affecting metabolism, cell regulation and signalling. This study is the first step towards gaining an understanding of the changes occurring in the early stages of domestication, and the mechanisms underlying thermal adaptation and associated growth in poikilothermic vertebrates. Our study further provides the first transcriptome resources for studying biological questions in this non-model fish species.
High-throughput single-cell DNA sequencing of acute myeloid leukemia tumors with droplet microfluidics
Authors: Pellegrino Maurizio , Sciambi Adam , Treusch Sebastian , Durruthy-Durruthy Robert , Gokhale Kaustubh , Jacob Jose , Chen Tina X. , Geis Jennifer A. , Oldham William , Matthews Jairo , Kantarjian Hagop , Futreal P. Andrew , Patel Keyur , Jones Keith W. , Takahashi Koichi , Eastburn Dennis J.
Published: August 2018

To enable the characterization of genetic heterogeneity in tumor cell populations, we developed a novel microfluidic approach that barcodes amplified genomic DNA from thousands of individual cancer cells confined to droplets. The barcodes are then used to reassemble the genetic profiles of cells from next-generation sequencing data. By using this approach, we sequenced longitudinally collected acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor populations from two patients and genotyped up to 62 disease relevant loci across more than 16,000 individual cells. Targeted single-cell sequencing was able to sensitively identify cells harboring pathogenic mutations during complete remission and uncovered complex clonal evolution within AML tumors that was not observable with bulk sequencing. We anticipate that this approach will make feasible the routine analysis of AML heterogeneity, leading to improved stratification and therapy selection for the disease.
Language, translation and accounting: towards a critical research agenda
Authors: Evans Lisa
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to increase the awareness of the implications of language translation for accounting standard setting, education and research, and to work towards a critical research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a selective review of recent intercultural accounting research and literature on translation in accounting, of developments in accounting standard setting and on selected insights from translation studies.

Findings

Translation is not a simple technical, but a socio-cultural, subjective and ideological process. In contrast to the translation turn in other disciplines, however, most qualitative and critical accounting research neglects translation as a methodological and epistemological consideration and as a research opportunity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper proposes themes for a research agenda on translation in accounting.

Originality/value

The paper identifies opportunities for further and deeper investigations of translation in accounting regulation, education and research. Particular emphasis is given to the implication of translation in accounting research that is grounded in interpretivist and constructivist paradigms, where translation is inextricably linked with data analysis and interpretation and may inadvertently reproduce cultural hegemonies.
Hygienic design of a unit for supercritical fluid drying – case study
Authors: Djekic Ilija , Tomic Nikola , Smigic Nada , Udovicki Bozidar , Hofland Gerard , Rajkovic Andreja
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the hygienic design of a scalable unit for supercritical carbon dioxide drying of food.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of this study, a checklist has been developed, covering requirements from sanitary standards and industry-tailored guidelines. Beyond hygienic design, failure mode and effects analysis of the results were performed to assess the potential food safety risks that may arise from failures to hygienic design requirements.

Findings

The overall score of the hygienic design was 46 percent. This kind of evaluation revealed two types of nonconformities. The first type was related to inadequate sanitary procedures. The second type was associated to design failures.

Research limitations/implications

The highest risk was designated to problems related to cleaning and sanitation followed by risks associated with the formation of dead zones and biofilms.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insight to engineers and food technologists on hygienic design issues.

Originality/value

Application of a similar methodology was used for evaluating hygienic design of other non-thermal food technologies.
How to best promote my product? Comparing the effectiveness of sensory, functional and symbolic advertising content in food marketing
Authors: Haase Janina , Wiedmann Klaus-Peter , Bettels Jannick , Labenz Franziska
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Advertising is one of the most important components of food marketing. However, there is uncertainty over the optimal means of convincing consumers to buy a product. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of advertising content comprising text (sensory, functional and symbolic messages) and pictures (product image) on food product evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two online experiments investigating strawberry advertisements were performed. Study 1 incorporated only text, whereas study 2 investigated combinations of text and pictures. Analyses of variance were conducted to determine any significant differences among the three texts (sensory, functional and symbolic) and among the combinations of text and pictures.

Findings

Study 1 revealed no significant differences. All three texts were well received, which shows the relevance of all the product benefits – sensory, functional and symbolic – for food products. In contrast, study 2 identified significant differences. The data analysis indicated that advertising effectiveness increases with the complementarity of the text and picture. Notably, the combination of the product picture and symbolic text was scored the highest for effectiveness.

Originality/value

The findings provide new insights into advertising design that food firms can use to enhance consumer product evaluations in terms of expected taste, perceived experience and quality, overall attitude and purchase intention. Further, the results contribute to the research stream of food product benefits by highlighting the relevance of sensory, functional and symbolic design elements.
Development of competences for teppanyaki chefs in food and beverage education
Authors: Shyr Wen-Jye , Pan Ya-Ling , Huang Chin-Chung , Chang Shu-Hsuan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of competences for use by professional teppanyaki chefs in food and beverage education in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology includes the Delphi technique and incorporates interviews with three types of experts: instructors from culinary departments at a university, seasoned teppanyaki professionals and owners of teppanyaki establishments. An analysis of the responses provided by these industry experts led to identification of four dimensions of competences needed by teppanyaki chefs: knowledge, technique, affect and attitude. The K-S test involves using a z-test on ordinal variables for single samples to determine whether the sample distribution diverges from the frequency distribution. The z-score is greater than 1.96 which implies significance and consistency.

Findings

This study analyzed the responses provided by the interviewed experts to identify and extract competences for teppanyaki chefs. The extracted competences comprise four dimensions (knowledge, technique, affect and attitude), 16 work-related tasks and 74 skills items.

Originality/value

This study includes 16 work-related tasks, and 74 competences. The study recommends the establishment of an organization for competence certification to act as the authority for teppanyaki skill certification. Such an organization could utilize the results from this study as a reference, as could culinary departments at vocational institutes as well as other teppanyaki training courses offered in Taiwan.
The attributes of leftovers and higher-order personal values
Authors: Andrews Lynda , Kerr Gayle , Pearson David , Mirosa Miranda
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inter-relationships between peoples’ perceptions of the attributes of leftover food and how they lead to higher-order values in relation to food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involved an online, text-based, qualitative survey of 112 panel members from a market research firm. The data were examined using thematic analysis and framed using a means-end approach.

Findings

Findings show that leftover foods take on both positive and negative attributes and benefits, as shown in four themes—tasty foods, dangerous foods, images of spoiling and used or second-hand—leading to consequences, identified as creating time, Time to binning and repurposing. Additionally, how individuals in a household speak of themselves based on their higher-order values, termed as states of being, can determine whether such foods are repurposed or consigned to the bin. These states of being are reflected in the three themes: the responsible ones, the virtuous ones and the blameless ones.

Originality/value

This study provides more focussed insights on the interplay between the attributes and benefits of leftovers and how household members position themselves towards these foods, particularly in their transition to waste.
Food insecurity among postsecondary students in developed countries
Authors: Lee Sarah Dawn , Hanbazaza Mahitab , Ball Geoff D.C. , Farmer Anna , Maximova Katerina , Willows Noreen D.
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a narrative review of the food insecurity literature pertaining to university and college students studying in Very High Human Development Index countries. It aims to document food insecurity prevalence, risk factors for and consequences of food insecurity and food insecurity coping strategies among students.

Design/methodology/approach

English articles published between January 2000 and November 2017 were identified using electronic databases. Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies assessed the study quality of quantitative research.

Findings

A total of 37 quantitative, three mixed-methods and three qualitative studies were included from 80,914 students from the USA (n=30 studies), Australia (n=4), Canada (n=8) and Poland (n=1). Prevalence estimates of food insecurity were 9–89 percent. All quantitative studies were rated weak based on the quality assessment. Risk factors for food insecurity included being low income, living away from home or being an ethnic minority. Negative consequences of food insecurity were reported, including reduced academic performance and poor diet quality. Strategies to mitigate food insecurity were numerous, including accessing food charities, buying cheaper food and borrowing resources from friends or relatives.

Research limitations/implications

Given the heterogeneity across studies, a precise estimate of the prevalence of food insecurity in postsecondary students is unknown.

Practical implications

For many students studying in wealthy countries, obtaining a postsecondary education might mean enduring years of food insecurity and consequently, suffering a range of negative academic, nutritional and health outcomes. There is a need to quantify the magnitude of food insecurity in postsecondary students, to inform the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies to reduce the impact of food insecurity on campus.

Originality/value

This review brings together the existing literature on food insecurity among postsecondary students studying in wealthy countries to allow a better understanding of the condition in this understudied group.
Innovating out of the fishmeal trap
Authors: Ankamah-Yeboah Isaac , Jacobsen Jette Bredahl , Olsen Søren Bøye
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential market impacts of the use of insect-based protein for fish feed as an innovative approach out of the fish-meal trap.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was used to elicit information on fish consumption choices among 610 German consumers using a discrete choice experiment. Mixed logit and latent class logit models were used to model consumers’ preference heterogeneity.

Findings

Results show that consumers’ preferences for fish attributes such as filets, freshness, ecolabelling and domestic production are heterogeneous and important in consumption choices. The minor share of the respondents is sensitive, while the remaining is indifferent regarding the use of insect based protein as feed in trout production. For this sensitive segment, consumption would be expected to be reduced unless the price is reduced or other attributes such as convenience aspects are improved.

Research limitations/implications

The implication is that firms can substitute without a significant impact on the market demand given that the majority of consumers are indifferent regarding feed sources for trout production. As a result, it provides an innovative way to ensure sustainable use of resources and reduces the threat of fish meal trap while reducing pressure on the already over-exploited marine life.

Originality/value

The results provide first insights into the market impact of using insects in the animal protein value chain. It is important especially with Europe’s recent lift of the ban on using insect-based protein in the animal food industry.