bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicted risk of renal replacement therapy at arteriovenous fistula referral in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Park Ken J , Benuzillo Jose G , Keast Erin , Thorp Micah L , Mosen David M , Johnson Eric S
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives:

Optimal timing of arteriovenous fistula placement in chronic kidney disease remains difficult and contributes to high central venous catheter use at initial hemodialysis. We tested whether a prediction model for progression to renal replacement therapy developed at Kaiser Permanente Northwest may help guide decisions about timing of referral for arteriovenous fistula placement.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements:

A total of 205 chronic kidney disease stage 4 patients followed by nephrology referred for arteriovenous fistula placement were followed for up to 2 years. Patients were censored if they died or discontinued Kaiser Permanente Northwest coverage. Survival analyses were performed for overall progression to renal replacement therapy divided by quartiles based on 2-year risk for renal replacement therapy and estimated glomerular filtrate rate at time of referral.

Results:

By 2 years, 60% progressed to renal replacement therapy and 11% had died. 80% in the highest risk versus 36% in the lowest risk quartile progressed to renal replacement therapy (predicted risk 84% vs 17%). 75% in the lowest estimated glomerular filtrate rate versus 56% in the highest estimated glomerular filtrate rate quartile progressed to renal replacement therapy (mean estimated glomerular filtrate rate 13 mL/min vs 21 mL/min). The hazard ratio was significantly higher for each consecutive higher renal replacement therapy quartile risk while for estimated glomerular filtrate rate, the hazard ratio was only significantly higher for the lowest compared to the highest quartile. The extreme quartile risk ratio was higher for 2-year risk for renal replacement therapy compared to estimated glomerular filtrate rate (4.0 vs 2.4).

Conclusion:

In patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 referred for arteriovenous fistula placement, 2-year renal replacement therapy risk better discriminated progression to renal replacement therapy compared to estimated glomerular filtrate rate at time of referral.
Barriers and solutions: Australian Indigenous practitioners on addressing disproportionate representation of Indigenous Australian children known to statutory child protection
Authors: Oates Fiona
Published: August 2020

The rate of Indigenous child removal in Australia has been referred to as an epidemic. With numbers predicted to increase in the near to medium future exploring alternative ways to engage Indigenous children and families is critical. This article outlines the views of Indigenous practitioners collected as part of a doctoral study exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners who undertake child protection work in Australia. Practitioner narratives were elicited by way of qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews. The narratives of practitioners identify barriers in contemporary statutory child protection practices that may contribute to the disproportionate representation of Indigenous children in the statutory child protection system. Potential solutions offered by practitioners including cultural supervision for non-Indigenous practitioners are also outlined. The narratives of participants indicate that Indigenous practitioner-led policy, practice, training and programme design is critical to addressing the escalating rates of Indigenous child removal in Australia.
Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua: engaging Māori rural communities in health and social service care
Authors: Mclachlan Andre , Pitama Suzanne , Adamson Simon Justin
Published: August 2020

Research on collaboration between health and social service organisations and professions often views collaboration from the narrow perspective of being between practitioners from different professions at a set point in time. This is often also focused on issues of efficacy and does not address the role of identity, values, and practices, or “culture” within collaboration, an important aspect when engaging with indigenous populations. This study presents a Kaupapa Māori qualitative case study in a small rural community, which highlights how western culture has permeated within and across a health care system. Recommendations are made to guide Crown and other western health and social service organisations and practitioners in first understanding the ongoing history of people and place, and its impact on health and social practice, and how to engage with Māori in a way that affirms, enables, and where requested supports a for Māori by Māori approach to wellbeing.
Timing of diagnosis, depression and self-harm in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hosozawa Mariko , Sacker Amanda , Cable Noriko
Published: August 2020

This exploratory study aimed to explore the association between depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence and the timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder. We analysed data on 11,320 14 year olds, including 396 children with autism spectrum disorder, from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Exposures were the timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder confirmed by parental report at ages 5, 7, 11 and 14. Outcomes were depression measured by the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (scores ⩾12) and self-report of self-harming behaviour, both assessed at age 14. Data were analysed using multivariable regression analysis. 91% of the autism spectrum disorder group had within-typical-range cognitive ability. After adjusting for child and family confounders, there was a positive linear trend between diagnostic age and depression, with children diagnosed between ages 7 and 11 and children diagnosed after age 11 showing increased symptoms (odds ratio = 2.21 and 3.58, respectively). A similar trend was observed for self-harming behaviour, with children diagnosed after age 11 showing the strongest association (odds ratio = 3.16). These results suggest the importance of earlier diagnosis in preventing secondary mental health problems in this population, particularly among those without cognitive delays. Further studies replicating across a wider intellectual spectrum and clarifying the underlying mechanism are warranted.

Lay Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorder are at increased risk of depression and self-harming behaviours. The question of whether timing of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is associated with these consequences in adolescence has not yet been studied. This exploratory study aimed to explore the association between depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence and the parent-reported timing of diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder using a large population-based cohort in the United Kingdom. Most of the children with autism spectrum disorder in our study had within-typical-range cognitive ability. We found a linear association between timing of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis and depression and self-harming behaviour in adolescence; later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, particularly diagnosis in adolescence, was associated with the increased risk of self-reported depressive symptoms and self-harming behaviour in adolescence among children with autism spectrum disorder. Our findings, albeit observational, suggest that interventions targeting the earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and approaches to improve person–environment fit may help prevent secondary mental health problems in this population, particularly among those without cognitive delays and those diagnosed late. Further studies replicating across a wider intellectual spectrum and clarifying the underlying mechanism are warranted.
HIV stigma in UK press reporting of a case of intentional HIV transmission
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Nerlich Brigitte
Published: August 2020

The UK has set itself the ambitious target of zero new HIV transmissions by 2030. HIV stigma is a significant barrier to achieving this target. Media reporting plays an important role in shaping social representations of HIV and of stigma. Between 2016 and 2018, the media in the UK reported on the Daryll Rowe case – the first criminal prosecution for intentional transmission of HIV in the UK. This article examines the way that UK newspapers reported this case, which may have exacerbated HIV stigma. Using Nexis, 178 UK newspaper articles were extracted and subjected to qualitative thematic analysis through a social constructionist lens. Informed by social representations theory, the analysis yielded three discursive themes: (1) Representing the perpetrator through HIV-focussed metaphors; (2) Constructing volitional ambiguity; and (3) Anchoring the lived experience of HIV to misery and death. UK newspapers constructed an ‘evil vs victimhood’ dichotomy in relation to Rowe and the men infected with HIV, respectively. This article argues that news coverage of the Rowe story constructs HIV in ways that are inconsistent with public health messaging. Reporting failed to note innovations in HIV treatment and prevention but instead disseminated stigmatising social representations of HIV. This is important because stigma impedes effective HIV prevention, engagement with HIV care and ultimately our ability to achieve the zero-infections target.
Toxic White masculinity, post-truth politics and the COVID-19 infodemic
Authors: Harsin Jayson
Published: August 2020

This article demonstrates and critiques the coronavirus’ cultural agency, which thanks to this human assistance, worked in synergy with its biological form. Looking at the virus as an ‘infodemic’ and a set of transnational political events, it argues that a conjuncturally specific form of toxic, especially white, masculinity is key to understanding the virus’s entwinement with contemporary post-truth or ‘emo-truth’ politics. A conjunctural focus reveals why a certain form of aggressive (masculine and white), ruggedly individualist truth-telling, its false statements, its historical causes, and mortal effects could become so spectacularly impactful at a particular point in time, in particular places.
Making digital ‘home-camps’: Mediating emotions among the Sahrawi refugee diaspora
Authors: Almenara-Niebla Silvia
Published: August 2020

The concept of home relates to feelings of belonging coupled with emotionally meaningful relationships. In protracted refugee situations, the concept of home is re-signified by the material and symbolic conditions of living in exile. This article focuses on the Sahrawi refugee diaspora in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria to examine the role of emotions in the relationship between home and digital technology practices. Based on the narratives of Sahrawi refugees who were living in the camps at the time of the research fieldwork in 2016 as well as interviews with media activists, this article details Sahrawi refugees’ transnational dynamics in consolidating their camps as a home through feelings of digital connectivity. Thereby, it analyses multiple scales of digital home-making among Sahrawi refugees while exploring the ways in which refugees have generated emotional strategies to create a sense of home through their everyday digital practices.
WeChat, we sell, we feel: Chinese women’s emotional petit capitalism
Authors: Zani Beatrice
Published: August 2020

Through multi-situated and virtual ethnography, this article investigates the link between mobilities, subalternity, emotions and digital economies. Drawing on the case study of Chinese migrant women’s digital labour and e-commerce in Taiwan, it elucidates the social and emotional construction of translocal virtual markets, which connect online and offline the different temporalities, spatialities and emotions of women’s mobilities. In Taiwan, Chinese migrants contest a local condition of social, economic and cultural subalternity by exploring physical and digital, material and emotional markets. Setting sail through local consumption and translocal logistics, through the online application WeChat an emotional petit capitalism is socially and emotionally produced within women’s daily microcosmos of experiences and practices.
Mobile-mediated mothering from a distance: A case study of Somali mothers in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Authors: Meyers Celine , Rugunanan Pragna
Published: August 2020

This article explores the mobile-mediated mothering experiences among migrant Somali mothers living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with Somali mothers to examine how Imo, Viber, Skype and WhatsApp enable them to fulfil important maternal responsibilities toward their left-behind children in Somalia. The findings reveal that three types of maternal tensions occur due to their migration: guilt and concern, family strains, and judgement in Somali communities. Efforts to overcome these tensions include the adoption of mobile technologies to continue to mother from a distance. Migrant Somali mothers in this study mediate mothering using mobile platforms by: (a) transferring remittances to their children’s caretakers, (b) sustaining emotional bonds, (c) teaching religious beliefs, and (d) encouraging educational pursuits. By focusing on mothers as a distinct category of women, this study contributes to the theoretical call for more scholarship on matricentric feminism.
Migrancy and digital mediations of emotion
Authors: Alinejad Donya , Ponzanesi Sandra
Published: August 2020

This collection brings together key themes that integrate the scholarship on migration, digital media, and emotion. Drawing from a variety of conceptual, theoretical, and methodological traditions that cross-cut academic disciplines, the articles in this issue explore the emotional facets of digitally mediated migrant socialities in a variety of socio-cultural and geographic locales. These examinations raise important questions about how digital media ubiquity shapes global migration experiences and multicultural media publics at various scales. How are relations of intimacy and care at a distance articulated and experienced through social media? What does it mean to imagine home as a digitally mediated experience? In what unexpected ways are platforms reshaping migrant subjectivities? In this introductory article we address these and other questions, outlining how we believe the study of emotion can help us think more comprehensively about the digital mediation of migrants’ social lives in the current media age.
Interrogating empathy in two long form texts: a comparative textual analysis of trauma affect
Authors: Joseph Sue
Published: August 2020

There are three traditional categories of empathy – emotional, cognitive and compassionate or radical. For decades, empathy was seen as the antithesis of any kind of good journalism; that the journalist must at all times maintain detachment in order to do her job. But this paper interrogates, through the textual analysis of two Australian long form texts, including several epitextual artefacts, how empathy can perform as an evocative tool of narrative literary journalism creating richer and deeper meaning and depth of understanding.

Both texts are hybrids of the form, mixing narrative inquiry, reportage and personal reflective practice. Here I argue that the first text conflates emotional and compassionate empathy, while the second privileges cognitive and radical empathy, ultimately and startlingly advocating compassionate empathy. Both provide for their audience an intimate glimpse into the private lives of others affected by trauma or occupying a particular place in cyberspace.
Towards an increased understanding of reminiscence therapy for people with dementia: A narrative analysis
Authors: Macleod Fiona , Storey Lesley , Rushe Teresa , McLaughlin Katrina
Published: August 2020

Aim

Reminiscence therapy is a popular therapeutic intervention for people with dementia. This review set out to provide a better understanding of reminiscence therapy through a deeper analysis of its contents and delivery.

Method

This review examined 22 studies from the most recent Cochrane review (Woods, B., O’Philbin, L., Farrell, E. M., Spector, A. E., & Orrell, M. (2018). Reminiscence therapy for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, Article 001120) and addressed the following research questions: (1) What are the components of reminiscence therapy? (2) Who delivers reminiscence therapy? (3) How is reminiscence therapy delivered? (4) Is reminiscence therapy underpinned by a theoretical framework? (5) Is reminiscence therapy delivered according to a programme/model? (6) Are there commonalities in the reminiscence therapy components utilised? Multiple and layered narrative analyses were completed.

Findings

Thirteen reminiscence therapy components were identified. ‘Memory triggers’ and ‘themes’ were identified as the most common but were found not to be consistently beneficial. Reminiscence therapy was typically delivered in a care setting using a group approach; however, there was no consistency in session composition, intervention duration, as well as the training and supervision provided to facilitators. Operationalisation of theory within reminiscence therapy was not identified. Reminiscence therapy was not consistently delivered according to a programme/model. Lastly, as a result of a small number of studies, the components ‘life stages’, ‘activities’ and ‘family-only sessions’, showed beneficial promise. In summary, this review highlights that reminiscence therapy needs more consistency in content and delivery, in addition to a clear theoretical framework.
Critical Dogmatism: Academic Freedom Confronts Moral and Epistemological Certainty
Authors: Wight Colin
Published: August 2020

Academic freedom is one of the most important principles of the modern university. Yet, defenders of academic freedom, and the associated concept of free speech, are now often projected as being either aligned with or enabling, right-wing views. This is a puzzling development. Academic freedom is typically understood to be a set of principles that protect academics from external – primarily state – interference. In this article, I examine this puzzling development and argue that academic freedom is a higher order value than free speech and that as such, it requires greater protections. Second, the biggest dangers to academic freedom today, at least in democratic societies, are coming from within the academy. Underlying these self-inflicted attacks on academic freedom is a deeper set of disagreements about the concept of truth and the production of knowledge.
An Identification Based Framework Examining How and When Salient Social Exchange Resources Facilitate and Shape Thriving at Work
Authors: Walumbwa Fred O. , Christensen-Salem Amanda , Perrmann-Graham Jaclyn , Kasimu Paul
Published: August 2020

Drawing upon social exchange and social identity theories, this study proposes a model to explain how resources produced from salient social exchanges at work influence employee thriving. To advance the literature and provide a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between social exchange resources and thriving at work, we examined resources produced from exchanges with two salient groups: supervisors and coworkers. We propose that leader–member exchange (LMX) and coworker helping and support relate to employee thriving at work through organizational identification and coworker relational identification, respectively. We also suggest that LMX and coworker helping and support moderate the influence of thriving on three facets of employee performance: task performance, organizational citizenship behavior, and workplace deviance. Our work extends existing theory on relational resources and thriving at work by showing the mechanisms through which LMX and coworker helping and support relate to thriving, and how they enhance or inhibit the relationships between thriving and work-related outcomes.
Nonunion and Reoperation Following Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis and Associated Patient Factors
Authors: Hussain Haroon M. , Roth Alexander L. , Sultan Assem A. , Anis Hiba K. , Stern Peter J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis can provide reliable pain relief and restore hand function in patients with PIPJ arthritis. However, there is a paucity of literature on patient-specific preoperative risk factors that are associated with adverse outcomes after PIPJ arthrodeses. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to assess preoperative predictors of nonunion and reoperation after PIPJ arthrodesis.

Methods

This study identified all patients who underwent PIPJ arthrodesis at a single community practice between 1987 and 2013. The final analysis included 415 PIPJs treated with arthrodesis. The mean follow-up was 1.3 years. Data on preoperative diagnosis, demographics, comorbidities, and operative techniques were recorded, as well as the occurrence of nonunions and reoperations. Logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors of nonunion and reoperation.

Results

There were 40 nonunions (10%) and 62 reoperations (15%). Of the reoperations, there were 39 incidences of isolated hardware removal, 9 irrigation and debridement, 8 amputations, 5 revision arthrodeses, and 1 corrective osteotomy. The highest number of nonunions occurred in the traumatic diagnosis group (37%), followed by the rheumatoid group (23%) and the scleroderma group (15%). The highest number of reoperations occurred within the traumatic joint disorder group (40%), followed by the rheumatoid group (24%) and the scleroderma group (11%). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex ( P < .01) and hepatic disease ( P = .03) were significant risk factors of nonunion. Male sex was also significantly associated with increased reoperation risk ( P < .01).

Conclusion

Risks of nonunions and reoperations after PIPJ arthrodeses are low; however, these findings may guide clinicians and patients in the preoperative decision-making process and help with targeted postoperative surveillance to mitigate these risks.
Surgical Management of Ulnar Metacarpal Base Fracture-Dislocations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fuller John B. , Piscoya Andres S. , Clark DesRaj M. , Markose Kevin , Dunn John C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Ulnar metacarpal base fractures can destabilize the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, prompting surgical stabilization. Studies investigating this injury are limited by small case volumes. Our purpose is to review the surgical techniques, outcomes, and complications of ulnar CMC joint stabilization.

Methods

A literature search was performed of all articles published on the surgical treatment and outcomes of ulnar CMC fracture dislocations using PubMed and Google Scholar databases between the years 2014 and 2019. Data were pooled and analyzed, assessing surgical techniques and hand outcome measures: union, recurrent dislocations, range of motion, grip strength, and complications.

Results

Six studies met inclusion criteria. All surgical patients, regardless of technique, went on to union with no incidents of recurrent instability. Grip strength was significantly decreased postoperatively (82.7% of uninjured side). Patients with CMC dislocations of both the fourth and fifth ray had similar postoperative outcomes to those with CMC dislocations of the fifth ray alone. One third of plate and screw constructs required plate removal, due to breakage (2) or implant-related pain (4). Plate-related symptoms resolved after removal in all cases. Delayed treatment decreased the effectiveness of nonoperative treatment, and increased the likelihood of postoperative pain, chronic deformity, malunion, and CMC osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Closed reduction percutaneous pinning, open reduction percutaneous pinning, and open reduction internal fixation with CMC joint bridging or dorsal buttress plating are all well described, safe techniques with low complication rates. Early, accurate diagnosis of fourth and fifth CMC joint fracture-dislocations is crucial for optimizing hand function and postoperative outcomes.
The Problem of Humanization: Affect and Investigative Mindset in U.S. Capital Mitigation
Authors: Cheng Jesse
Published: August 2020

This article has two goals. First, I demonstrate the challenges that “humanization” poses for the defense as an ideal of sentencing mitigation in U.S. capital trials. Capital case procedure largely neutralizes the sympathetic effects of humanization with jurors. In addition, potential mitigation witnesses inhabit affective environs that undermine any inclination to help the defense through sympathetic testimony. Second, I explain how defense advocacy responds to humanization’s challenges. Practitioners adopt an investigative mindset that focuses on forging the conditions to cultivate relationships with mitigation witnesses. This intensive affective labor translates back into the realm of procedure through strategic maneuvers intended to avoid trial and the performance of humanization.
The INFINITY Total Ankle Prosthesis: Outcomes at Short-Term Follow-up
Authors: Rushing Calvin J. , Kibbler Kurt , Hyer Christopher F. , Berlet Gregory C.
Published: August 2020

Background

The INFINITY total ankle prothesis remains the most widely used fourth-generation total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) system in the United States. The purpose of the present study was to assess radiographic outcomes for INFINITY at short-term follow-up.

Methods

All patients who underwent primary TAA with INFINITY between August 2015 and June 2018 at a single institution and who were at least 1 year postoperative were included. A total of 55 ankles with a mean follow up 22 months (range, 12-43 months) met the criteria. Weightbearing radiographs were assessed using coronal and sagittal alignment parameters preoperatively, at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively, and at the most recent follow-up. Medical records and charts were reviewed and revisions, reoperations, and complications were classified according to the criteria established by Vander Griend et al and Glazebrook at el, respectively.

Results

Overall, INFINITY survivorship was 98.2%. Coronal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment improved after surgery ( P < .001, P = .09, respectively), and was maintained during the latest follow-up ( P = .62, P = .47, respectively). Only 1 ankle (1.8%) required early revision; while 5 (9.1%) indicated non-implant-related revision; 85.5% required no reoperation. In nineteen ankles (34.5%), postoperative periprosthetic lucency was observed; most were not progressive (17 ankles, 89.5%). Twelve complications (3 high grade, 3 intermediate, and 6 low grade) in 11 ankles (20%) were recorded according to the Glazebrook classification system.

Conclusion

INFINITY survivorship was 98.2% at a mean of 1.8 years of follow-up, and only 1 ankle required prosthetic revision. Additional studies with longer follow-up are warranted for fourth-generation TAA prostheses.

Levels of Evidence:

Level IV: Case series
Social Support in the Peritoneal Dialysis Experience: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Fox Danielle E. , Quinn Robert R. , James Matthew T. , Venturato Lorraine , King-Shier Kathryn M.
Published: August 2020

Background:

People with end-stage kidney disease can either pursue conservative (palliative) management or kidney replacement therapy. Although transplant is preferred, there is a limited number of organs available rendering the majority of patients treated with some form of dialysis. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are equivalent regarding clinical outcomes, but peritoneal dialysis is much less costly to provide. Peritoneal dialysis is most often done in the home by the patient or a support person and carries a self-care burden on patients and families. Social support is important for patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and in sustaining peritoneal dialysis therapy. Few studies have comprehensively explored social support in the context of peritoneal dialysis.

Objective:

To explore how patients, family members, and nurses view social support.

Design:

Qualitative, descriptive study.

Setting:

An outpatient peritoneal dialysis clinic in Western Canada.

Participants:

Patients, family members, and nurses.

Methods:

Patients (n = 15), family members (n = 6), and nurses (n = 11) were interviewed between January and May 2018. Content analysis was undertaken using 4 attributes of social support (ie, emotional support, instrumental support, informational support, and appraisal support) as an analytic framework.

Results:

Themes related to the 4 attributes of social support were identified: addressing emotional needs and managing emotion (emotional support); peritoneal dialysis tasks and life tasks (instrumental support); accessing information, receiving information, and learning (informational support); and affirmation/external reassurance and self-confidence (appraisal support). The social support needs of both patients and family members varied and were dependent on their existing support networks and individual perspectives of support.

Limitations:

It is possible that some of the study findings were gender-bound as well as context-specific. The study findings could be different if the patient and caregiver sample were more balanced based on sex. There are also unique attributes of each peritoneal dialysis program that may impact the transferability of these findings to other practice settings.

Conclusion:

Home-based peritoneal dialysis has potential benefit to patients and health care systems. However, receiving peritoneal dialysis requires support. If health care providers wish to promote this treatment, they must also understand how to best support patients and their family members.

Trial Registration:

Not applicable.
Feed competition reduces heritable variation for body weight in Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Luan Sheng , Qiang Guangfeng , Cao Baoxiang , Luo Kun , Meng Xianhong , Chen Baolong , Kong Jie
Published: August 2020

Background

Competition is a common social interaction among shrimp and depending on its intensity, it can affect heritable variation and response to selection. Little is known about the variance of indirect genetic effects (IGE) under competitive and non-competitive conditions in shrimp. In this study, we used extended mixed linear models to estimate genetic parameters for the direct genetic effect (DGE) and IGE on body weight in Litopenaeus vannamei raised under ad libitum (AF, non-competitive environment) and restricted (RF, competitive environment) feeding regimes.

Results

Estimates of heritabilities for body weight obtained with a traditional animal model (i.e. without accounting for IGE) were 0.11 ± 0.09 under AF and 0.25 ± 0.11 under RF. With extended animal models that accounted for IGE, the corresponding estimates for body weight were 0.07 ± 0.08 and 0.34 ± 0.11. Thus, heritabilities were higher under the RF regime than under the AF regime, regardless of whether IGE was accounted for or not. The log-likelihood ratio test revealed significant IGE under the RF regime. Although estimates of indirect genetic variance were low (0.0023 ± 0.0013 for AF and 0.0028 ± 0.0012 for RF), they contributed substantially to the total heritable variance: 66.8% for AF and 692.2% for RF. The total heritable variance was smaller under the RF regime (0.7 ± 1.3) than under the AF regime (5.8 ± 2.6) because of the high contribution of the negative covariance between DGE and IGE (− 7.03). Estimates of the correlation between DGE and IGE were 0.32 ± 0.47 under AF and − 0.93 ± 0.15 under RF, those of DGE and IGE for body weight between both regimes were 0.94 ± 0.07 and 0.67 ± 0.20, respectively, and those of IGE for body weight with DGE for survival were − 0.12 ± 0.22 under AF and − 0.58 ± 0.20 under RF.

Conclusions

These results indicate that strong competitive interactions occurred under the RF regime in L. vannamei. Significant reranking and variation in IGE of individuals were observed between the two feeding regimes. Strong competitive interactions reduced the total heritable variation for body weight when food was restricted. These results indicate that the extent of competition among L. vannamei depends on the feeding regime applied and that this competition affects the genetic basis of body weight.
Distinct evolutionary trajectories of V1R clades across mouse species
Authors: Miller Caitlin H. , Campbell Polly , Sheehan Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Background

Many animals rely heavily on olfaction to navigate their environment. Among rodents, olfaction is crucial for a wide range of social behaviors. The vomeronasal olfactory system in particular plays an important role in mediating social communication, including the detection of pheromones and recognition signals. In this study we examine patterns of vomeronasal type-1 receptor (V1R) evolution in the house mouse and related species within the genus Mus. We report the extent of gene repertoire turnover and conservation among species and clades, as well as the prevalence of positive selection on gene sequences across the V1R tree. By exploring the evolution of these receptors, we provide insight into the functional roles of receptor subtypes as well as the dynamics of gene family evolution.

Results

We generated transcriptomes from the vomeronasal organs of 5 Mus species, and produced high quality V1R repertoires for each species. We find that V1R clades in the house mouse and relatives exhibit distinct evolutionary trajectories. We identify putative species-specific gene expansions, including a large clade D expansion in the house mouse. While gene gains are abundant, we detect very few gene losses. We describe a novel V1R clade and highlight candidate receptors for future study. We find evidence for distinct evolutionary processes across different clades, from largescale turnover to highly conserved repertoires. Patterns of positive selection are similarly variable, as some clades exhibit abundant positive selection while others display high gene sequence conservation. Based on clade-level evolutionary patterns, we identify receptor families that are strong candidates for detecting social signals and predator cues. Our results reveal clades with receptors detecting female reproductive status are among the most conserved across species, suggesting an important role in V1R chemosensation.

Conclusion

Analysis of clade-level evolution is critical for understanding species’ chemosensory adaptations. This study provides clear evidence that V1R clades are characterized by distinct evolutionary trajectories. As receptor evolution is shaped by ligand identity, these results provide a framework for examining the functional roles of receptors.
A novel path-specific effect statistic for identifying the differential specific paths in systems epidemiology
Authors: Li Hongkai , Geng Zhi , Sun Xiaoru , Yu Yuanyuan , Xue Fuzhong
Published: August 2020

Background

Biological pathways play an important role in the occurrence, development and recovery of complex diseases, such as cancers, which are multifactorial complex diseases that are generally caused by mutation of multiple genes or dysregulation of pathways.

Results

We propose a path-specific effect statistic (PSE) to detect the differential specific paths under two conditions (e.g. case VS. control groups, exposure Vs. nonexposure groups). In observational studies, the path-specific effect can be obtained by separately calculating the average causal effect of each directed edge through adjusting for the parent nodes of nodes in the specific path and multiplying them under each condition. Theoretical proofs and a series of simulations are conducted to validate the path-specific effect statistic. Applications are also performed to evaluate its practical performances. A series of simulation studies show that the Type I error rates of PSE with Permutation tests are more stable at the nominal level 0.05 and can accurately detect the differential specific paths when comparing with other methods. Specifically, the power reveals an increasing trends with the enlargement of path-specific effects and its effect differences under two conditions. Besides, the power of PSE is robust to the variation of parent or child node of the nodes on specific paths. Application to real data of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), we successfully identified 14 positive specific pathways in mTOR pathway contributing to survival time of patients with GBM. All codes for automatic searching specific paths linking two continuous variables and adjusting set as well as PSE statistic can be found in supplementary materials. 

Conclusion

The proposed PSE statistic can accurately detect the differential specific pathways contributing to complex disease and thus potentially provides new insights and ways to unlock the black box of disease mechanisms.
A tentacle for every occasion: comparing the hunting tentacles and sweeper tentacles, used for territorial competition, in the coral Galaxea fascicularis
Authors: Yosef Oshra , Popovits Yotam , Malik Assaf , Ofek-Lalzer Maya , Mass Tali , Sher Daniel
Published: August 2020

Background

Coral reefs are among the most diverse, complex and densely populated marine ecosystems. To survive, morphologically simple and sessile cnidarians have developed mechanisms to catch prey, deter predators and compete with adjacent corals for space, yet the mechanisms underlying these functions are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the histology, toxic activity and gene expression patterns in two different types of tentacles from the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascilcularis – catch tentacles (CTs), used to catch prey and deter predators, and sweeper tentacles (STs), specialized tentacles used for territorial aggression.

Results

STs exhibit more mucocytes and higher expression of mucin genes than CTs, and lack the ectodermal cilia used to deliver food to the mouth and remove debris. STs and CTs also express different sensory rhodopsin-like g-protein coupled receptors, suggesting they may employ different sensory pathways. Each tentacle type has a different complement of stinging cells (nematocytes), and the expression in the two tentacles of genes encoding structural nematocyte proteins suggests the stinging cells develop within the tentacles. CTs have higher neurotoxicity to blowfly larvae and hemolytic activity compared to the STs, consistent with a role in prey capture. In contrast, STs have higher phospholipase A2 activity, which we speculate may have a role in inducing tissue damage during territorial aggression. The expression of genes encoding cytolytic toxins (actinoporins) and phospholipases also differs between the tentacle types.

Conclusions

These results show that the same organism utilizes two distinct tentacle types, each equipped with a different venom apparatus and toxin composition, for prey capture and defense and for territorial aggression.
SOX10-regulated promoter use defines isoform-specific gene expression in Schwann cells
Authors: Fogarty Elizabeth A. , Kitzman Jacob O. , Antonellis Anthony
Published: August 2020

Background

Multicellular organisms adopt various strategies to tailor gene expression to cellular contexts including the employment of multiple promoters (and the associated transcription start sites (TSSs)) at a single locus that encodes distinct gene isoforms. Schwann cells—the myelinating cells of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)—exhibit a specialized gene expression profile directed by the transcription factor SOX10, which is essential for PNS myelination. SOX10 regulates promoter elements associated with unique TSSs and gene isoforms at several target loci, implicating SOX10-mediated, isoform-specific gene expression in Schwann cell function. Here, we report on genome-wide efforts to identify SOX10-regulated promoters and TSSs in Schwann cells to prioritize genes and isoforms for further study.

Results

We performed global TSS analyses and mined previously reported ChIP-seq datasets to assess the activity of SOX10-bound promoters in three models: (i) an adult mammalian nerve; (ii) differentiating primary Schwann cells, and (iii) cultured Schwann cells with ablated SOX10 function. We explored specific characteristics of SOX10-dependent TSSs, which provides confidence in defining them as SOX10 targets. Finally, we performed functional studies to validate our findings at four previously unreported SOX10 target loci: ARPC1A, CHN2, DDR1, and GAS7. These findings suggest roles for the associated SOX10-regulated gene products in PNS myelination.

Conclusions

In sum, we provide comprehensive computational and functional assessments of SOX10-regulated TSS use in Schwann cells. The data presented in this study will stimulate functional studies on the specific mRNA and protein isoforms that SOX10 regulates, which will improve our understanding of myelination in the peripheral nerve.
CD16 expression on neutrophils predicts treatment efficacy of capecitabine in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lu Yu , Huang Yizhou , Huang Lei , Xu Yanjie , Wang Zien , Li Han , Zhang Ting , Zhong Ming , Gao Wei-qiang , Zhang Yan
Published: August 2020

Background

Early detection of capecitabine-resistance could largely increase overall survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Previous studies suggested examination of immune cells in peripheral blood would help to predict efficacy of chemotherapy.

Methods

We examined the immunological characteristics of peripheral blood in CRC patients with capecitabine treatment. We analyzed the relationships between the abnormal immune cell population in capecitabine-resistance patients and major clinical features. Furthermore, RNA sequencing, analyses of cell surface marker expression and the correlations with other major immune cell populations were performed using this population to explore the possible function of these cells.

Results

The expression level of CD16 on neutrophils was down-regulated in capecitabine-resistant CRC patients. Patients with CD16low/−neutrophils after capecitabine therapy had adverse clinical features. What’s important, the change of CD16 expression level on neutrophils appeared much earlier than CT scan. RNA sequencing revealed that CD16low/−neutrophils in capecitabine-resistant patients had lower expression level of neutrophil-related genes, compared to CD16+neutrophils in capecitabine-sensitive patients, suggesting this CD16low/−population might be immature neutrophils. Furthermore, the expression level of CD16 on neutrophils in patients with capecitabine treatment was positively correlated with the number of anti-tumor immune cell subsets, such as CD8+T cell, CD4+T cell, NK cell and monocyte.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that CD16 expression on neutrophils in peripheral blood was a good prognostic marker for predicting efficacy of capecitabine in CRC patients.
Genome-wide sRNA and mRNA transcriptomic profiling insights into dynamic regulation of taproot thickening in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Xie Yang , Ying Jiali , Xu Liang , Wang Yan , Dong Junhui , Chen Yinglong , Tang Mingjia , Li Cui , M’mbone Muleke Everlyne , Liu Liwang
Published: August 2020

Background

Taproot is the main edible organ and ultimately determines radish yield and quality. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying taproot thickening awaits further investigation in radish. Here, RNA-seq was performed to identify critical genes involved in radish taproot thickening from three advanced inbred lines with different root size.

Results

A total of 2606 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were shared between ‘NAU-DY’ (large acicular) and ‘NAU-YB’ (medium obovate), which were significantly enriched in ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, ‘glucosinolate biosynthesis’, and ‘starch and sucrose metabolism’ pathway. Meanwhile, a total of 16 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were shared between ‘NAU-DY’ and ‘NAU-YH’ (small circular), whereas 12 miRNAs exhibited specific differential expression in ‘NAU-DY’. Association analysis indicated that miR393a-bHLH77, miR167c-ARF8, and miR5658-APL might be key factors to biological phenomenon of taproot type variation, and a putative regulatory model of taproot thickening and development was proposed. Furthermore, several critical genes including SUS1, EXPB3, and CDC5 were characterized and profiled by RT-qPCR analysis.

Conclusion

This integrated study on the transcriptional and post-transcriptional profiles could provide new insights into comprehensive understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying taproot thickening in root vegetable crops.
A risk predictor of restenosis after superficial femoral artery stent implantation: relevance of mean platelet volume
Authors: Yang Yao Bo , Shen Jing , Wang Sheng Hai , Song Jian Bo , Ge Fangfang , Xie Jia Pei , Qu Jiang Shuai , Mao Xin Zu , Kuang Zhao Cheng , Shang Nan , Wang Xiang , Wu Ye Jun , Yang Fan , Yuan Yue , Wang Hongxin , Sun Jun , Fang Jicheng , Xiao Liang
Published: August 2020

Background

To investigate the relationship between an increase in the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume (MPV) and superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis (ISR) rate.

Methods and results

We recruited patients that underwent superficial femoral artery stenting for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans at our hospital from March 2015 to March 2018. All patients gave venous blood three days before and following implantation. Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography were used for regular follow-up examination. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ISR after superficial femoral artery stenting. We enrolled 173 patients, of which 34 (19.6%) were determined as having ISR for a mean of 8.9 ± 2.7 months (3–12 months). Neutrophil count, neutrophil ratio, lymphocyte ratio and platelet count pre-implantation, and platelet count and MPV after stent implantation, and the pre- and post-operative mean platelet volume difference (MPVD) and mean platelet volume difference ratio (MPVDR) were all statistically different when comparing the ISR and non-restenosis groups (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found for post-operative MPV and presence of ISR (r = 0.58; P < 0.001). A MPVD not less than 1.5 fL was associated with an odds ratio of 9.17 (95% CI [3.76 to 22.35]; P < 0.001) for presence of ISR. A MPVDR of not less than 17.9% was associated with an odds ratio of 7.68 (95% CI [3.19 to 18.49]; P < 0.001) for occurrence of ISR.

Conclusions

An increase in pre- and post-operative MPV was correlated with the occurrence of superficial femoral artery ISR.