bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for Fibroid Treatment – Results of the 7th Radiological Gynecological Expert Meeting
Authors: Kröncke Thomas , David Matthias
Published: May 2019

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective organ sparing treatment for fibroid-related symptoms based on a broad range of published evidence including randomized-controlled trials. Indication for treatment by means of UAE are symptomatic uterine fibroids. UAE is an alternative to surgical and medical treatment for uterine fibroids as well treatment by MRgFUS. This consensus paper covers the structural prerequisites, the criteria for technical and clinical success, contraindications, side effects and complications as well as the role of UAE treatment in women wishing to conceive and gives guidance on radiation safety measures and clinical follow-up.

Key Points:

Citation Format
Der Schlüssel zum Erfolg
Authors: Prölß Joachim
Published: May 2019

Kliniken müssen ihr Personalmanagement ändern, um Mitarbeiter zu gewinnen und zu binden. Welche Rolle das Pflegemanagement dabei spielt, erklärt Joachim Prölß, Pflegedirektor am Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE).
Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) for Fibroid Treatment – Results of the 7th Radiological Gynecological Expert Meeting
Authors: Kröncke Thomas , David Matthias
Published: May 2019

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a safe and effective organ sparing treatment for fibroid-related symptoms based on a broad range of published evidence including randomized-controlled trials. Indication for treatment by means of UAE are symptomatic uterine fibroids. UAE is an alternative to surgical and medical treatment for uterine fibroids as well as treatment by MRgFUS. This consensus paper covers the structural prerequisites, the criteria for technical and clinical success, contraindications, side effects and complications as well as the role of UAE treatment in women wishing to conceive and gives guidance on radiation safety measures and clinical follow-up.
Integration von Palliativmedizin in onkologische Spitzenzentren Deutschlands – ambulante Sprechstunden und Rotationsprogramme der spezialisierten Palliativmedizin
Authors: Berendt Julia , Thomas Michael , Neukirchen Martin , Schwartz Jacqueline , Hense Jörg , Tewes Mitra
Published: May 2019

Hintergrund Comprehensive Cancer Center zeichnen sich durch einen fachübergreifenden Austausch aus, um im Krankheitsverlauf zumeist komplexer werdenden Anforderungen an die Versorgung in höchstem Maß gerecht zu werden. Tumorsprechstunden und Rotationen schlagen dabei strukturell bzw. ad personam Brücken zu anderen Fächern und Disziplinen.

Ziel Um den Comprehensive Cancer Centern konkrete Unterstützung zur weiteren Integration der spezialisierten Palliativmedizin geben zu können, wurde erhoben, inwieweit palliativmedizinische Sprechstunden und ärztliche Rotationen zur Palliativmedizin in den Zentren integriert sind.

Methoden Mit einem Befragungsbogen wurden Angaben zur palliativmedizinischen Sprechstunde und ärztlichen Rotation der bisher von der Krebshilfe geförderten Comprehensive Cancer Center (n = 16) papierbasiert erhoben. Hierfür wurden die Leiter der palliativmedizinischen Einrichtungen der Zentren von Juli bis August 2017 befragt. Die Auswertung erfolgte über SPSS (Häufigkeit, Mittelwert, Median, Spannweite).

Ergebnisse 15 (93,75 %) von 16 Zentren nahmen an der Befragung teil. Neun Zentren (60 %) haben eine palliativmedizinische Sprechstunde. Vier von neun CCC unterbreiten dieses Angebot ≥ 4 Stunden (44,4 %). Ärztliche Rotationen in die Palliativmedizin sind in allen Comprehensive Cancer Centern, vorrangig aus der Onkologie/ Hämatologie (n = 11, 73,3 %) und Anästhesiologie (n = 6) und häufig für zwölf Monate (n = 11), üblich.

Diskussion Im Netzwerk der Comprehensive Cancer Center ist ein Sprechstundenangebot als eine ambulante Struktur der Palliativmedizin bisher nicht flächendeckend umgesetzt. Derzeit bestehen in den Zentren Unterschiede in der personellen Besetzung und Einschränkungen, entsprechende Leistungen kostendeckend zu finanzieren. Das vorhandene Bemühen um die Integration der palliativmedizinischen Versorgung in den onkologischen Erkrankungsverlauf bedarf zur Erhöhung der Sichtbarkeit palliativmedizinischer Angebote der weiteren Strukturierung. Zur Sensibilisierung für die Möglichkeiten der Palliativmedizin sind dagegen ärztliche Rotationen in die Palliativmedizin, regulär im Netzwerk der Comprehensive Cancer Center umgesetzt, wenn auch nur für einen Teil der Fächer.
Z-ligustilide and n-Butylidenephthalide Isolated from the Aerial Parts of Angelica tenuissima Inhibit Lipid Accumulation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lee Wonseok , Koo Hye Ryoung , Choi You-Jin , Choi Jin Gyu , Oh Myung Sook , Jin Xing , Choo Munki , Park Sunghyouk , Jeong Yoo-Seong , Chung Suk-Jae , Lee Byung-Hoon
Published: May 2019

Abnormal lipid metabolism, such as increased fatty acid uptake and esterification, is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aqueous extract of the aerial part of Angelica tenuissima Nakai (ATX) inhibited high-fat diet–induced hepatic steatosis in mice as well as oleic acid–induced neutral lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. ATX decreased the mRNA and protein levels of CD36 and diglyceride acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), the maturation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP), and the expression of the lipogenic target genes fasn and scd1. The ATX components, Z-ligustilide and n-butylidenephthalide, inhibited the expression of FATP5 and DGAT2 and thus oleic acid–induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. These results suggest that ATX and its active components Z-ligustilide and n-butylidenephthalide inhibit fatty acid uptake and esterification in mice and have potential as therapeutics for NAFLD.
Color Duplex Doppler US can Follow up the Response of Radioiodine in Graves’ Disease by Evaluating the Thyroid Volume and Peak Systolic Velocity
Authors: Santos Thiago Adler Ralho Rodrigues , Marui Suemi , Watanabe Tomoco , Lima Nicolau , Ozaki Claudia Okanobo , Cerri Giovanni Guido , Chammas Maria C.
Published: May 2019

Purpose The objective of this study was to prove the efficacy of Doppler ultrasonography (US-Doppler) in the follow-up of patients with GD treated with radioactive iodine.

Methods 97 patients (77 female and 20 male) with a mean age of 42 years (SD ± 15) and with prior diagnosis of GD were treated with radioiodine. In total, 88.5 % achieved euthyroidism or hypothyroidism after treatment. The study was documented before treatment and one, three, and six months after treatment with radioactive iodine (131I) by a single investigator. The volume, echogenicity, echotexture and vascularization of the glands as well as the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the inferior thyroid arteries were evaluated and compared with the laboratory data.

Results Thyroid volume and PSV had a statistically significant correlation with hormone levels (p < 0.05). The mean pre-dose therapeutic thyroid volume was 43.01 ± 3.88 cm3 and was 11.58 ± 11.26 cm3 6 months after treatment. The mean PSV before 131I was 90.06 ± 44.13 cm/s and decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Six months after the therapeutic dose, the mean PSV was 32.95 ± 16.36 cm/s. However, the subjective parameters did not have a significant correlation with the normalization of the thyroid hormones.

Conclusion Doppler US was useful for monitoring the therapeutic response of GD patients after treatment with radioiodine by evaluating the thyroid volume and peak systolic velocity.
Computed Tomographic Imaging in Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Barnett Joseph , Devaraj Anand
Published: May 2019

Pulmonary disease represents a significant extra-articular manifestation in the majority of connective tissue diseases (CTDs). The identification, classification, and staging of pulmonary involvement are centrally important to the management of patients, aiding the prognostication of disease behavior and treatment decisions. We present a review of the high-resolution computed tomographic pulmonary features of CTD in the lung and their significance to the reporting radiologist.
Electric field mediated squeezing to bending transitions of interfacial instabilities for digitization and mixing of two-phase microflows
Authors: Chaudhuri Joydip , Mandal Tapas Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: May 2019

Electric field mediated instabilities in a tri-layer oil-water flow inside a microchannel have been explored with the help of the analytical models and computational fluid dynamic simulations. The twin oil-water interfaces undergo either in-phase bending or antiphase squeezing mode of deformation when a direct current (DC) electric field is applied locally inside the channel. The selection of modes largely depends on the magnitudes of the electric field intensity and oil-water interfacial tension. The instability modes grow to form an array of miniaturized oil-droplets with a significantly higher surface to volume ratio. While squeezing mode leads to a time-periodic dripping of droplets at relatively lower field intensities, the bending mode develops into a whiplash ejection of miniaturized droplets at higher field intensities. Subsequently, a transition from purely laminar to chaotic flow is observed, resembling the von Kármán vortex street from a flow past immersed body, suitable for augmented heat, mass, and momentum transport inside a microfluidic channel. Under these conditions, the simulations also reveal the formation of multiple microvortices inside and outside the droplets, which helps in increase in the local Reynolds number for a better mixing efficiency in such microflows. Use of alternating current electric field instead of DC is also found to create on-demand flow features in a time-periodic manner following the mode selection. The amplitude, frequency, and waveform of such electric field is found to generate miniaturized oil-droplets along with the formation of an array of flow features, namely, thread, slugs, plugs, among others.
Dynamics and statistics of reorientations of large-scale circulation in turbulent rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Vishnu Venugopal T , De Arnab Kumar , Mishra Pankaj Kumar
Published: May 2019

We present a direct numerical simulation to investigate the dynamics and statistics of reorientations of large-scale circulation (LSC) in turbulent rotating Rayleigh-Bénard convection for air (Pr = 0.7) contained in a cylindrical cell with unit aspect ratio. A wide range of rotation rates (0 ≤ Ro−1 ≤ 30) is considered for two different Rayleigh numbers Ra = 2 × 106 and 2 × 107. Using the Fourier mode analysis of time series data obtained from the different probes placed in the azimuthal direction of the container at the midplane, the orientation and associated dynamics of LSC are characterized. The amplitude of the first Fourier mode quantifies the strength of LSC, and its phase Φ1 gives the information on the azimuthal orientation of LSC. Based on the energy contained in the Fourier modes, different flow regimes are identified as the rotation rate is varied for a given Rayleigh number. The LSC structure is observed in the low rotation regime (Ro−1 ≲ 1), while the presence of other flow structures, namely, quadrupolar and sextupolar, is obtained at high rotation rates. In the LSC regime, a strong correlation between the orientation of LSC structure and the heat transfer and boundary layer dynamics is observed. At low rotation rates, the dissipation rates follow the log-normal behavior, while at higher rotation rates, a clear departure from log-normality is noted. Different types of reorientations, namely, rotation-led, cessation-led, partial, and complete reversal, are identified. The distribution of change in orientation of LSC follows a power law behavior as P(|ΔΦ1|) ∝|ΔΦ1|−m, with the exponent m ≈ 3.7. In addition, the statistics of time interval between successive reorientations follow a Poisson distribution. These observations are in good agreement with earlier experimental results.
Evidence-gathering in police interviews
Authors: Filipović Luna
Published: May 2019

In this paper I discuss the many complexities that police officers have to deal with in their communication with suspects. Investigative interviewing is a very complex communicative situation in itself, with a number of different psychological and sociological variables at play during each interview. In addition, suspect interviews bring about an additional dimension of complexity, which is driven by the fact that a basic principle of conversation,cooperation(Grice 1975) is often not respected and is sometimes severely and purposefully violated, for example when suspects are guilty and want to obscure that very fact or when they believe that their situation would worsen if they cooperated with the police. A further layer of complexity is added when the interviews are carried out via an interpreter, where the fact that the officer and the suspect speak different languages during the interview creates additional barriers to straightforward communication.

In the present paper, I identify a number of points at which communication difficulties are encountered in this highly sensitive legal context. For this purpose, I analyse authentic interview datasets provided by two UK police constabularies, and also make comparisons with examples from transcripts of authentic US police interrogations. In addition, I highlight the issues that arise when professional interpretation is not available and when bilingual police officers assume the dual role of investigator-interpreter. Finally, I suggest possible solutions that can help remove the hurdles standing in the way of efficient and accurate gathering of communication evidence.
Translating accurately or sounding natural?
Authors: Hijazo-Gascón Alberto
Published: May 2019

Police interview interpreting is a complex task, as interpreters make difficult choices under pressure and time constraints. The main dilemma of the interpreter is whether to remain faithful to the original text, with the risk of rendering non-idiomatic translations, or to give preference to more idiomatic versions that may entail an addition or an omission from the original text. This article presents an analysis of Spanish-English bilingual police interviews in California. The analysis is based on the discrepancies found between an interpreter present in the interrogation and a control interpreter who translates the whole interview post-hoc. This is an original methodology that can be used for future research in this and other contexts. The results show different types of inaccuracies in the interpretation, which can be attributed to contextual pressures and overall challenges of interpreting and to challenges related to typological differences between the two languages involved.
Striving for impartiality
Authors: Wilson Lauren , Walsh Dave
Published: May 2019

In the context of interpreter-assisted police interviews (IAPIs) it is essential for both police officers and
interpreters to maintain impartiality at all times. However, there are numerous obstacles on the way towards achieving this
fundamental goal. The present study examines whether and how the different conflicts in communication are constructed and
controlled within the different phases of police interviews, using a self-administered questionnaire that explores the perceptions
of police officers and interpreters. Three areas of conflict pertinent to impartiality were identified: role,
trust and emotion. The differing assumptions about the roles of police officers and
interpreters, and the respective differing expectations, appear to create barriers in the achievement of trust and in the working
relationship as a whole, which may well affect the aim of IAPIs (i.e. to gather reliable information) and alter the interview
outcomes. In addition, both police officers and interpreters have strong emotional experiences during IAPIs; however, neither
group appear to make conscious efforts to engage in coping strategies.
IX—Nurture and Parenting in Aristotelian Ethics
Authors: Connell Sophia M
Published: May 2019

For Aristotle, in making the deliberate choice to incorporate the extensive requirements of the young into the aims of one’s life, people realize their own good. In this paper I will argue that this is a promising way to think about the ethics of care and parenting. Modern theories, which focus on duty and obligation, direct our attention to conflicts of interests in our caring activities. Aristotle’s explanation, in contrast, explains how nurturing others not only develops a core part of the self but also leads to an appreciation of the value of interpersonal relationships.
Medical and Social Constructionist Perspectives on Obesity and Their Relevance for Social Work: Contradictory Explanations for Ever Expanding Nations?
Authors: Green Lorraine , Moran Lisa , Vania Nazira
Published: May 2019

Obesity receives little attention in social work literature, but it is highly relevant to social work in relation to adults and children and different client/service user groups. Obese people frequently have complex social care needs, many service user groups experience higher rates of obesity than the general population and obesity is also a potential safeguarding issue for both adults and children. This article critically evaluates medical and social constructionist approaches to obesity, within the context of a multidisciplinary life course paradigm, illuminating the importance of being cognisant of the strengths and weaknesses associated with both approaches. It therefore helps social workers to engage more critically and holistically with obesity, particularly understanding the limitations of the medical model, the influence of social divisions and inequalities, cultural issues, stigmatisation and value judgements and consequentially the importance of defending human rights and upholding social justice.
‘A community development yet-to-come’: Jacques Derrida and re-constructing community development praxis
Authors: Westoby Peter
Published: May 2019

This chapter provides a concise overview of the life and career of Jacques Derrida, exploring how his substantive philosophical writing could be relevant to a community development ‘yet-to-come’ and specifically for a renewed praxis.

Derrida was a leading intellectual of what is commonly known as deconstruction, and while never explicitly writing to community development, his later work became more overtly political, hence a relevance. Following a biographical sketch, the ‘traces’ of some key elements of his work outlined foregrounding three key threads, all equally important, all interlinked.

The provocation of this article is that without a radical re-constituting of praxis– a deconstructive task – community development is at risk of ossifying into a programme that is no longer haunted by justice, is no longer mobilized by the ‘passion-of-not-knowing’ and is no longer vigilant towards the Other.
Introduction: Social Histories of Neoliberalism
Authors: Lebovic Sam
Published: May 2019

This introduction outlines the common themes of the five articles in this special section on the social histories of neoliberalism. It focuses particularly on questions of temporality, subjectivity, transnational networking, and unevenness.
Histomolecular characterization of intracranial meningiomas developed in patients exposed to high-dose cyproterone acetate: an antiandrogen treatment
Authors: Portet Sylvain , Naoufal Rania , Tachon Gaëlle , Simonneau Adrien , Chalant Anaïs , Naar Amir , Milin Serge , Bataille Benoit , Karayan-Tapon Lucie
Published: May 2019

Background

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors in adults. The relationship between meningiomas and exogenous sex hormones such as cyproterone acetate (CPA) is well documented, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Defining the histomolecular status of meningiomas developed on CPA would help us to better understand the oncogenesis of these tumors.

Methods

We identified 30 patients operated for a meningioma after long-term high-dose CPA therapy and with a history of CPA discontinuation before establishing the indication for surgical intervention. We used array-comparative genomic hybridization (to characterize copy number changes in those 30 meningiomas and subsequently performed next-generation sequencing with the National Institute of Cancer (INCa) solid tumor panel, which is a targeted panel of clinically actionable genes. We also examined grade, type, and clinical features.

Results

We identified AKT1 mutations or PIK3CA mutations in 33.3% of CPA meningiomas. AKT1 and PIK3CA mutations were mutually exclusive. Enrichment in oncogenic PIK3CA mutations in the CPA cohort was detected. CPA meningiomas showed chromosomal stability and were located mainly in the skull base. Ninety percent of CPA meningiomas were low-grade meningiomas and 63.4% were meningotheliomas. Half of our CPA cohort had microcystic components.

Conclusion

Our study shows that low-grade meningothelial meningiomas of the skull base are predominant in CPA meningiomas. We identified PIK3CA/AKT1 pathway as a hypothetical actor in onco-pharmacological interaction between meningiomas and CPA. This signaling pathway could be an interesting target for precision medicine trials in meningioma patients who have been subjected to CPA. Our results could invite the scientific community to review the current classification of meningiomas and to evolve toward more specific histomolecular classification.
Cancer incidence in UK electricity generation and transmission workers, 1973–2015
Authors: Sorahan T M
Published: May 2019

Background

Long-term health outcomes in cohorts of workers from the electricity supply industry have been studied.

Aims

The aim of the study was to examine updated cancer incidence findings among a cohort of UK electricity generation and transmission workers.

Methods

Cancer morbidity experienced by 81 616 employees of the former Central Electricity Generating Board of England and Wales was investigated for the period 1973–2015. All employees had worked for at least 6 months with some employment between 1973 and 1982. Standardized registration ratios (SRRs) were calculated based on national rates.

Results

Overall cancer morbidity was slightly below expectation in males. Significant excesses were found in male workers for mesothelioma (observed [Obs] 763, SRR 326), skin cancer (non-melanoma) (Obs 5616, SRR 106), and prostate cancer (Obs 4298, SRR 106), and in female workers for cancer of the small intestine (Obs 13, SRR 220), nasal cancer (Obs 11, SRR 407), and breast cancer (Obs 758, SRR 110). More detailed analyses showed important contrasts, particularly for mesothelioma, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Conclusions

A clear occupational excess of mesothelioma was not matched by a corresponding excess of asbestos-induced lung cancer. Confident interpretation of the excesses of cancers of the nasal cavities and small intestine is not possible, although occupational exposures received in this industry may well not be involved. An excess of skin cancer in transmission workers may be associated with outdoor working.
The Rule of Law Case Against Inconsistency and in Favour of Mandatory Civil Legal Process
Authors: Higgins Andrew Allan
Published: May 2019

The traditional private, bipolar model of civil litigation has come under strain in a world of mass production and even mass law. The result is that the courts are deciding the same questions of fact or law in multiple proceedings. Multiplicity causes waste and vexation, creates a risk of inconsistent outcomes and raises concerns about adequacy of representation where a court creates a precedent that will affect the rights of others not before the court. This article argues that multiplicity, and the risk of inconsistency that goes with it, is antithetical to legal process using theoretical analysis, including Rawls’s tripartite classification of procedural justice concepts, and doctrinal analysis of the rules of procedure and evidence. It concludes by examining different methods for avoiding inconsistency and argues for the adoption of mandatory legal process for all persons wishing to assert claims or defences that give rise to common questions.
Using peripheral blood immune signatures to stratify patients with adult and juvenile inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Wilkinson Meredyth G Ll , Radziszewska Anna , Wincup Chris , Ioannou Yiannis , Isenberg David A , Manson Jessica J , Jury Elizabeth C
Published: May 2019

Objective

The inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIM) are a group of rare autoimmune diseases defined by muscle weakness and characterized by pro-inflammatory infiltrates in muscle. Little is known about the immunological profile in peripheral blood of these patients and how this relates to IIM subtypes. This study aimed to stratify adult and juvenile-onset IIM patients according to immune cell profile.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 44 patients with adult myositis (AM), 15 adolescent-onset juvenile dermatomyositis (a-JDM), and 40 age-matched healthy controls were analysed by flow cytometry to quantify 33 immune cell subsets. Adult myositis patients were grouped according to myositis subtype; DM and polymyositis; and also autoantibody specificity. Disease activity was determined by the myositis disease activity assessment tool and clinicians’ decision on treatment.

Results

Unique immune signatures were identified for DM, polymyositis and a-JDM compared with healthy controls. DM patients had a T-cell signature comprising increased CD4+ and TH17 cell frequencies and increased immune cell expression of IL-6. Polymyositis patients had a B-cell signature with reduced memory B cells. A-JDM had decreased naïve B cells and increased CD4+T cells. All patient groups had decreased CD8+central memory T-cell frequencies. The distinct immune signatures were also seen when adult myositis patients were stratified according to auto-antibody expression; patients with anti-synthetase-antibodies had reduced memory B cells and patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease overlap had an elevated Th17 profile.

Conclusion

Unique immune signatures were associated with adult vs juvenile disease. The Th17 signature in DM patients supports the potential use of IL-17 inhibitors in treatment of IIMs.
Teaching comprehension of mathematical language—a case for discrete approach
Authors: Habala Peter , Demlova Marie
Published: May 2019

Arguably the largest obstacle freshmen face in their mathematics courses is their unfamiliarity with the language of mathematics. Addressing this problem right at the start seems like a sensible strategy, as comprehension of mathematical communication helps students in all mathematics courses they will take. In this paper we discuss general strategies that can be used when addressing the competency in understanding and speaking the language of mathematics. In particular we focus on benefits of teaching students to prove statements and difficulties related to such endeavour. We introduce discrete mathematics as a particularly suitable course for such activity. Then we look closer at practical experiences we had when teaching comprehension of mathematical language and proofs in discrete mathematics courses.
Identifying conversion efficiency as a key mechanism underlying food webs evolution: A step forward, or backward?
Authors: Fritsch Coralie , Billiard Sylvain , Champagnat Nicolas
Published: May 2019

Body size or mass is generally seen as one of the main factors which structure food webs. A large number of evolutionary models have shown that indeed, the evolution of body size (or mass) can give rise to hierarchically organized trophic levels with complex between and within trophic interactions. However, because these models have often very different assumptions, sometimes arbitrary, it is difficult to evaluate what are the real key factors that determine food webs evolution, and whether these models’ results are robust or not. In this paper, we first review the different adaptive dynamics models, especially highlighting when their assumptions strongly differ. Second, we propose a general model which encompasses all previous models. We show that our model recovers all previous models’ results under identical assumptions. However, most importantly, we also show that, when relaxing some of their hypotheses, previous models give rise to degenerate food webs. Third, we show that the assumptions made regarding the form of biomass conversion efficiency are key for food webs evolution, a parameter which was neglected in previous models. We conclude by discussing the implication of biomass conversion efficiency, and by questioning the relevance of such models to study the evolution of food webs.
Cyanogenic glucoside production in cassava: The comparable influences of varieties, soil moisture content and nutrient supply
Authors: Imakumbili Matema L.E. , Semu Ernest , Semoka Johnson M.R. , Abass Adebayo , Mkamilo Geoffrey
Published: May 2019

Varieties and soil moisture content are the two agronomic factors mostly pointed out as influencers of cyanogenic glucoside production in cassava. The role of soil nutrient supply is however often overlooked or minimised, despite its known influence on cyanogenic glucoside production. A pot experiment was hence carried out to determine whether soil nutrient supply had an equal influence on cyanogenic glucoside production in cassava, as varieties and soil moisture content. The cassava varieties, Kiroba (a sweet cassava variety) and Salanga (a bitter cassava variety), were used in the experiment, together with three soil moisture treatments that respectively induced severe moisture stress, moderate moisture stress and no moisture stress (optimal soil moisture conditions where plants were kept well-watered). The soil nutrient treatments used depicted conditions of low (no fertiliser), moderate (25 N mg, 5 P mg, 25 K mg /kg) and high (25 N mg, 5 P mg, 25 K mg /kg) nutrient supply. A sole K treatment was also included (25 K mg/kg). Total hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels in cassava leaves were used to indicate the effects of the three factors on cyanogenic glucoside production. The results of the study showed that nutrient supply had a significantly (p < 0.001) equal influence on cyanogenic glucoside production, as varieties (p < 0.001) and soil moisture content (p < 0.001). Cyanogenic glucoside production was however found to be differently influenced by soil moisture content (M) and nutrient supply (N) in both Salanga (M×N, p = 0.002) and Kiroba (M×N, p < 0.001). Leaf HCN levels of unfertilised Salanga and Kiroba were respectively increased by 1.8 times and 2.7 times their levels under optimal soil moisture conditions. Thus, under severe moisture stress, low soil fertility was found to have an increasing effect on leaf HCN levels in both varieties. A high supply of N, P and K, however also had an increasing effect on leaf HCN in both varieties regardless of soil moisture conditions. Leaf HCN levels in Salanga ranged from 95.5 mg/kg to 334.5 mg/kg and in Kiroba they ranged from 39.3 mg/kg to 161.5 mg/kg, on a fresh weight basis. The study managed to demonstrate that soil fertility had an equally important influence on cyanogenic glucoside production, just like varieties and soil moisture content. The study also showed that the effects of nutrient supply on cyanogenic glucoside production in various cassava varieties is dependent on changes in soil moisture content and vice versa.
Personality modulates brain responses to emotion in music: Comparing whole-brain and regions-of-variance approaches
Authors: Oudyk Kendra , Burunat Iballa , Brattico Elvira , Toiviainen Petri
Published: May 2019

Whether and how personality traits explain the individual variance in neural responses to emotion in music remains unclear. The sparse studies on this topic report inconsistent findings. The present study extends previous work using regions of variance (ROVs) as regions of interest, compared with whole-brain analysis. Fifty-five subjects listened to happy, sad, and fearful music during functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Personality was measured with the Big Five Questionnaire. Results confirmed previous observations of Neuroticism being positively related to activation during sad music, in the left inferior parietal lobe. In an exploratory analysis, Openness was positively related to activation during Happy music in an extended cluster in auditory areas, primarily including portions of the left Heschl’s gyrus, superior and middle temporal gyri, supramarginal gyrus, and Rolandic operculum. In the whole-brain analysis, similar results were found for Neuroticism but not for Openness. In turn, we did not replicate previous findings of Extraversion associated to activity during happy music, nor Neuroticism during fearful music. These results support a trait-congruent link between personality and emotion-elicited brain activity, and further our understanding of the action-observation network during emotional music listening. This study also indicates the usefulness of the ROV method in individual-differences research.
Structural basis of Q-dependent antitermination
Authors: Yin Zhou , Kaelber Jason , Ebright Richard H.
Published: May 2019

Lambdoid bacteriophage Q protein mediates the switch from middle to late bacteriophage gene expression by enabling RNA polymerase (RNAP) to read through transcription terminators preceding bacteriophage late genes. Q loads onto RNAP engaged in promoter-proximal pausing at a Q binding element (QBE) and an adjacent sigma-dependent pause element (SDPE) to yield a “Q-loading complex,” and Q subsequently translocates with RNAP as a pausing-deficient, termination-deficient “Q-loaded complex.” Here, we report high-resolution structures of four states on the pathway of antitermination by Q from bacteriophage 21 (Q21): Q21, the Q21-QBE complex, the Q21-loading complex, and the Q21-loaded complex. The results show that Q21 forms a torus--a “nozzle”--that narrows and extends the RNAP RNA-exit channel, extruding single-stranded RNA and preventing formation of pause and terminator hairpins.

One Sentence Summary

Q forms a “nozzle” that narrows the RNA polymerase RNA-exit channel and extrudes ssRNA, preventing formation of RNA hairpins.
Host-microbe interactions in the chemosyntheticRiftia pachyptilasymbiosis
Authors: Hinzke Tjorven , Kleiner Manuel , Breusing Corinna , Felbeck Horst , Häsler Robert , Sievert Stefan M. , Schlüter Rabea , Rosenstiel Philip , Reusch Thorsten B. H. , Schweder Thomas , Markert Stephanie
Published: May 2019

The deep-sea tubewormRiftia pachyptilalacks a digestive system, but completely relies on bacterial endosymbionts for nutrition. Although the symbiont has been studied in detail on the molecular level, such analyses were unavailable for the animal host, because sequence information was lacking. To identify host-symbiont interaction mechanisms, we therefore sequenced theRiftiatranscriptome, which enabled comparative metaproteomic analyses of symbiont-containing versus symbiont-free tissues, both under energy-rich and energy-limited conditions. We demonstrate that metabolic interactions include nutrient allocation from symbiont to host by symbiont digestion, and substrate transfer to the symbiont by abundant host proteins. Our analysis further suggests thatRiftiamaintains its symbiont by protecting the bacteria from oxidative damage, while also exerting symbiont population control. Eukaryote-like symbiont proteins might facilitate intracellular symbiont persistence. Energy limitation apparently leads to reduced symbiont biomass and increased symbiont digestion. Our study provides unprecedented insights into host-microbe interactions that shape this highly efficient symbiosis.
Dual functionality of the TasA amyloid protein inBacillusphysiology and fitness on the phylloplane
Authors: Cámara-Almirón Jesús , Navarro Yurena , Magno-Pérez-Bryan M. Concepción , Molina-Santiago Carlos , Pearson John R. , Díaz-Martínez Luis , de Vicente Antonio , Pérez-García Alejandro , Romero Diego
Published: May 2019

Bacteria can form biofilms that consist of multicellular communities embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM). Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic pathways involved in biofilm formation are activated under a variety of environmental conditions to enhance bacterial fitness; however, the functions of the individual ECM components are still poorly understood. InBacillus subtilis, the main protein component of the ECM is the functional amyloid TasA. In this study, we demonstrate that beyond their well-known defect in biofilm formation,ΔtasAcells also exhibit a range of cytological symptoms indicative of excessive cellular stress, including DNA damage accumulation, changes in membrane potential, higher susceptibility to oxidative stress, and alterations in membrane dynamics. Collectively, these events can lead to increased programmed cell death in the colony. We show that these major physiological changes inΔtasAcells are likely independent of the structural role of TasA during amyloid fiber formation in the ECM. The presence of TasA in cellular membranes, which would place it in proximity to functional membrane microdomains, and mislocalization of the flotillin-like protein FloT inΔtasAcells, led us to propose a role for TasA in the stabilization of membrane dynamics as cells enter stationary phase. We found that these alterations caused by the absence of TasA impair the survival, colonization and competition ofBacilluscells on the phylloplane. Taken together, our results allow the separation of two complementary roles of this functional amyloid protein: i) structural functions during ECM assembly and interactions with plants, and ii) a physiological function in which TasA, via its localization to the cell membrane, stabilizes membrane dynamics and supports more effective cellular adaptation to environmental cues.
Evidence for rapid phenotypic and behavioral change in a recently established cavefish population
Authors: McGaugh Suzanne E. , Weaver Sam , Gilbertson Erin N. , Garrett Brianna , Rudeen Melissa L. , Grieb Stephanie , Roberts Jennifer , Donny Alexandra , Marchetto Peter , Gluesenkamp Andrew G.
Published: May 2019

Substantial morphological and behavioral shifts often accompany rapid environmental change, yet, little is known about the early stages of cave colonization. Relative to surface streams, caves are extreme environments with perpetual darkness and low nutrient availability. The Mexican tetra (Astyanax mexicanus), has repeatedly colonized caves throughout Mexico, suggesting an ability to adapt to these conditions. Here, we survey for phenotypic and behavioral differences between a surface population and a cave population ofA. mexicanusthat has recently colonized Honey Creek Cave, Comal County, Texas, likely within the last century. We found that fish from Honey Creek Cave and fish from Honey Creek surface populations differ significantly in morphological traits including length, coloration, body condition, eye size, and dorsal fin placement. Cavefish also exhibit an increased number of superficial neuromasts relative to surface fish. Behaviorally, cavefish consume fewer worms when trials are performed in both lighted and darkened conditions. Cavefish are more aggressive than surface fish and exhibit fewer behaviors associated with stress. Further in contrast to surface fish, cavefish prefer the edges to the center of an arena and are qualitatively more likely to investigate a novel object placed in the tank. While cavefish and surface fish were wild-caught and developmental environment likely play a role in shaping these differences, our work demonstrates morphological and behavioral shifts for Texas cavefish and offers an exciting opportunity for future work to explore the genetic and environmental contributions to early cave colonization.
Genetically encoded intrabody sensors illuminate structural and functional diversity in GPCR-β-arrestin complexes
Authors: Baidya Mithu , Kumari Punita , Dwivedi Hemlata , Ghosh Eshan , Sokrat Badr , Sposini Silvia , Pandey Shubhi , Stepniewski Tomek , Selent Jana , Hanyaloglu Aylin C. , Bouvier Michel , Shukla Arun K.
Published: May 2019

Interaction of β-arrestins (βarrs) upon agonist-stimulation is a hallmark of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) resulting in receptor desensitization, endocytosis and signaling. Although overall functional roles of βarrs are typically believed to be conserved across different receptors, emerging data now clearly unveils receptor-specific functional contribution of βarrs. The underlying mechanism however remains mostly speculative and represents a key missing link in our current understanding of GPCR signaling and regulatory paradigms. Here, we develop synthetic intrabody-based conformational sensors that help us visualize the assembly and trafficking of GPCR-βarr1 complexes in cellular context for a broad set of receptors with spatio-temporal resolution. Surprisingly, these conformational sensors reveal a previously unappreciated level of diversity in GPCR-βarr complexes that extends beyond the current framework of affinity-based classification and phosphorylation-code-based interaction patterns. More importantly, this conformational diversity arising from spatial signature of phosphorylation sites manifests directly in the form of distinct functional outcomes, including even opposite contribution of βarrs in signal-transduction for different receptors. Taken together, these findings uncover that despite an overall similar interaction and trafficking patterns; critical structural and functional differences exist in βarr complexes for different GPCRs that define and fine-tune receptor-specific downstream responses.
LiPLike: Towards gene regulatory network predictions of high-certainty
Authors: Magnusson Rasmus , Gustafsson Mika
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks has for years struggled with high correlation in expression between regulatory elements. If two regulators have matching expression patterns it is impossible to differentiate between the two, and thus false positive identifications are abundant.

Results

To allow for gene regulation predictions of high confidence, we propose a novel method, LiPLike, that assumes a regression model and iteratively searches for interactions that cannot be replaced by a linear combination of other predictors. To compare the performance of LiPLike with other available inference methods, we benchmarked LiPLike using three independent datasets from the previous DREAM5 challenge. We found that LiPLike could be used to stratify predictions of other inference tools, and when applied to the predictions of DREAM5 participants we observed the accuracy to on average be improved >140% compared to individual methods. Furthermore, we observed that LiPLike independently predicted networks better than all DREAM5 participants when applied to biological data. When predicting the Escherichia coli network, LiPLike had an accuracy of 0.38 for the top-ranked 100 interactions, whereas the corresponding DREAM5 consensus model yielded an accuracy of 0.11.

Availability

We made LiPLike available to the community as a Python toolbox, available at https://gitlab.com/Gustafsson-lab/liplike. We believe that LiPLike will be used for high confidence predictions in studies where individual model interactions are of high importance, and that LiPLike will be used to remove false positive predictions made by other state-of-the-art gene-gene regulation prediction tools.

Contact

rasmus.magnusson@liu.se, mika.gustafsson@liu.se
Resistance is futile: A CRISPR homing gene drive targeting a haplolethal gene
Authors: Champer Jackson , Yang Emily , Lee Yoo Lim , Liu Jingxian , Clark Andrew G. , Messer Philipp W.
Published: May 2019

Engineered gene drives are being explored as a potential strategy for the control of vector-borne diseases due to their ability to rapidly spread genetic modifications through a population. While an effective CRISPR homing gene drive for population suppression has recently been demonstrated in mosquitoes, formation of resistance alleles that prevent Cas9 cleavage remains the major obstacle for drive strategies aiming at population modification, rather than elimination. Here, we present a homing drive in Drosophila melanogaster that reduces resistance allele formation below detectable levels by targeting a haplolethal gene with two gRNAs while also providing a rescue allele. This is because any resistance alleles that form by end-joining repair will typically disrupt the haplolethal target gene, rendering the individuals carrying them nonviable. We demonstrate that our drive is highly efficient, with 91% of the progeny of drive heterozygotes inheriting the drive allele and with no resistance alleles observed in the remainder. In a large cage experiment, the drive allele successfully spread to all individuals. These results show that a haplolethal homing drive can be a highly effective tool for population modification.
Dual midbrain and forebrain origins of thalamic inhibitory interneurons
Authors: Jager Polona , Moore Gerald , Calpin Padraic , Durmishi Xhuljana , Kita Yoshiaki , Salgarella Irene , Wang Yan , Schultz Simon R. , Brickley Stephen , Shimogori Tomomi , Delogu Alessio
Published: May 2019

The proportion and distribution of local inhibitory neurons (interneurons) in the thalamus varies widely across mammals. The ubiquitous presence of interneurons in the thalamus of primates contrasts with the extreme sparsity of interneurons reported in mice and other small-brained mammals. This is reflected in the structure and function of thalamic local circuits, which are more complex in primates compared to rodents. To what extent the broad range of interneuron densities observed in mammalian species reflect the appearance of novel interneuron types or the elaboration of a plesiomorphic ontogenetic program, remains unclear.

Here, we identify a larger than expected complexity and distribution of interneurons across the mouse thalamus, where all thalamic interneurons can be traced back to two developmental programs: one specified in the midbrain and the other in the forebrain. Interneurons migrate to functionally distinct thalamocortical nuclei depending on their origin the abundant, midbrain-derived class populates the first and higher order sensory thalamus while the rarer, forebrain-generated class is restricted to some higher order associative regions. We also observe that markers for the midbrain-born class are abundantly expressed throughout the thalamus of the New World monkey marmoset. These data therefore reveal that, despite the broad variability in interneuron density across mammalian species, the blueprint of the ontogenetic organization of thalamic interneurons of larger-brained mammals exists and can be studied in mice.
Pseudo-chromosome length genome assembly of a double haploid ‘Bartlett’ pear (Pyrus communis L.)
Authors: Linsmith Gareth , Rombauts Stephane , Montanari Sara , Deng Cecilia H. , Celton Jean-Marc , Guérif Philippe , Liu Chang , Lohaus Rolf , Zurn Jason D. , Cestaro Alessandro , Bassil Nahla V. , Bakker Linda V. , Schijlen Elio , Gardiner Susan E. , Lespinasse Yves , Durel Charles-Eric , Velasco Riccardo , Neale David B. , Chagné David , Van de Peer Yves , Troggio Michela , Bianco Luca
Published: May 2019

We report an improved assembly and scaffolding of the European pear (Pyrus communis L.) genome (referred to as BartlettDHv2.0), obtained using a combination of Pacific Biosciences RSII Long read sequencing (PacBio), Bionano optical mapping, chromatin interaction capture (Hi-C), and genetic mapping. A total of 496.9 million bases (Mb) corresponding to 97% of the estimated genome size were assembled into 494 scaffolds. Hi-C data and a high-density genetic map allowed us to anchor and orient 87% of the sequence on the 17 chromosomes of the pear genome. About 50% (247 Mb) of the genome consists of repetitive sequences. Comparison with previous assemblies of Pyrus communis. and Pyrus x bretschneideri confirmed the presence of 37,445 protein-coding genes, which is 13% fewer than previously predicted.