Amine detection in aquatic organisms: receptor evolution, neuronal circuits and behavior in the model organism zebrafish

Olfactory cues are responsible for the generation of diverse behaviors in the animal kingdom. Olfactory receptors are expressed by specialized sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium. Upon odorant binding to the olfactory receptor, these neurons are activated. The information is transferred to the olfactory bulb glomeruli, which represent the first relay station for olfactory processing in the brain. Most olfactory receptors are G-protein coupled receptors and form large gene families. One type of olfactory receptors is the trace amine-associated receptor family (TAAR). TAARs generally recognize amines. One particular member of the zebrafish TAAR family, TAAR13c, is a high-affinity receptor for the death-associated odor cadaverine, which induces aversive behavior. Here, we identified the cell type of amine-sensitive OSNs in the zebrafish nose, which show typical properties of ciliated neurons. We used OSN type-specific markers to unambiguously characterize zebrafish TAAR13c OSNs. Using the neuronal activity marker pERK we could show that low concentrations of cadaverine activate a specific, invariant glomerulus in the dorso-lateral cluster of glomeruli (dlG) in the olfactory bulb of zebrafish. This cluster was also shown to process amine stimuli in general, a feature that is conserved in the neoteleost stickleback. Apart from developing a technique to measure neuronal activity in the adult olfactory epithelium, we also established the use of GCaMP6-expressing zebrafish to measure neuronal activity in the larval brain. This will be helpful in deciphering neuronal circuits involved in odor processing in future experiments. Although adult zebrafish display aversive behavior in response to cadaverine, we found zebrafish larvae to be attracted to cadaverine in a similar behavioral assay. This shift of behavior in the ontogeny of zebrafish has to be further investigated. A TAAR13c gene knock-out could provide important insights into the neuronal processing of diamine stimuli and the role of TAAR13c for the generation of behavioral outputs. Here we used an alternative CRISPR/Cas9 approach to partially knock out the TAAR13c gene. The DNA sequence between two gRNA target sites was deleted from the genome. Further studies will have to characterize this knock-out. II The evolutionary origin of TAARs has not been conclusively described yet. Using a large scale analysis of 81 fish genomes we provide new insights into TAAR evolution. We found that TAARs together with its close sister group, TARLs, which drastically expanded in lamprey, originate in a duplication of the HTR4 gene after the emergence of chordates, but before the divergence of jawed from jawless fish. Class II TAARs are present only in the jawed vertebrate lineage. Contrary to our expectations we found TAAR13 to be retained in neoteleosts. Class II TAARs are characterized by early as well as late gene loss events at several points in fish evolution and single members often show family- or species-specific expansions

Compassion focussed self-help for skin conditions in individuals with insecure attachment: A pilot evaluation of the acceptability and potential effectiveness

Further research is needed to develop psychological interventions for people living with skin condition. This research letter reports on a preliminary evaluation of targeted self-helpa encompassing mindful breathing and compassionate imagery (i.e., evoking a self- compassionate mental images), with the aim of reducing skin specific related distress such as shame. The aim of this 4-week preliminary study was to investigate the usability and acceptability of self-help for people living with skin conditions, through a feedback form administered two weeks after the intervention

The psychological burden of skin diseases: a cross-sectional multicenter study among dermatological out-patients in 13 European countries.

The contribution of psychological disorders to the burden of skin disease has been poorly explored, and this is a large-scale study to ascertain the association between depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation with various dermatological diagnoses. This international multicenter observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 European countries. In each dermatology clinic, 250 consecutive adult out-patients were recruited to complete a questionnaire, reporting socio-demographic information, negative life events, and suicidal ideation; depression and anxiety were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A clinical examination was performed. A control group was recruited among hospital employees. There were 4,994 participants--3,635 patients and 1,359 controls. Clinical depression was present in 10.1% patients (controls 4.3%, odds ratio (OR) 2.40 (1.67-3.47)). Clinical anxiety was present in 17.2% (controls 11.1%, OR 2.18 (1.68-2.82)). Suicidal ideation was reported by 12.7% of all patients (controls 8.3%, OR 1.94 (1.33-2.82)). For individual diagnoses, only patients with psoriasis had significant association with suicidal ideation. The association with depression and anxiety was highest for patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hand eczema, and leg ulcers. These results identify a major additional burden of skin disease and have important clinical implications.Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Comorbidity of Internet use disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Two adult case–control studies

Objectives There is good scientific evidence that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is both a predictor and a comorbidity of addictive disorders in adulthood. These associations not only focus on substance-related addictions but also on behavioral addictions like gambling disorder and Internet use disorder (IUD). For IUD, systematic reviews have identified ADHD as one of the most prevalent comorbidities besides depressive and anxiety disorders. Yet, there is a need to further understand the connections between both disorders to derive implications for specific treatment and prevention. This is especially the case in adult clinical populations where little is known about these relations so far. This study was meant to further investigate this issue in more detail based on the general hypothesis that there is a decisive intersection of psychopathology and etiology between IUD and ADHD. Methods Two case–control samples were examined at a university hospital. Adult ADHD and IUD patients ran through a comprehensive clinical and psychometrical workup. Results We found support for the hypothesis that ADHD and IUD share psychopathological features. Among patients of each group, we found substantial prevalence rates of a comorbid ADHD in IUD and vice versa. Furthermore, ADHD symptoms were positively associated with media use times and symptoms of Internet addiction in both samples. Discussion Clinical practitioners should be aware of the close relationships between the two disorders both diagnostically and therapeutically. When it comes to regain control over one’s Internet use throughout treatment and rehabilitation, a potential shift of addiction must be kept in mind on side of practitioners and patients

The role of adult attachment orientation and coping in psychological adjustment to living with skin conditions

Background Skin conditions can be associated with significant psychological distress. Investigation of attachment orientation and associated use of coping strategies is a promising perspective from which to investigate psychological adjustment to skin conditions. Objectives To examine the role of adult attachment orientation, conceptualized as two dimensions – attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety – in psychological adjustment [appearance‐related distress and skin‐related quality of life (QoL)], and the mediating role of two coping strategies – defeatism and activity. Methods Attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety, use of coping strategies, appearance‐related distress and skin‐related QoL were assessed via a cross‐sectional online survey in 207 adults with skin conditions. Multiple mediation analyses were performed using PROCESS pathway analysis. Results Overall, higher attachment avoidance and higher attachment anxiety were associated with higher appearance‐related distress and greater impact on emotions and functioning aspects of QoL. For attachment anxiety, the relationship was fully explained by more frequent use of defeatism coping. For attachment avoidance, the relationship was partially explained by more frequent use of defeatism coping (and in the case of appearance‐related distress also more frequent use of activity coping), and higher attachment avoidance was also associated with poorer psychological adjustment in a way that could not be explained by use of assessed coping strategies. Conclusions Insecure attachment orientation (high attachment avoidance or high attachment anxiety) is linked to poorer adjustment. People with insecure attachment might benefit from psychological interventions that target underlying attachment orientation

Identifying human diamine sensors for death related putrescine and cadaverine molecules

Pungent chemical compounds originating from decaying tissue are strong drivers of animal behavior. Two of the best-characterized death smell components are putrescine (PUT) and cadaverine (CAD), foul-smelling molecules produced by decarboxylation of amino acids during decomposition. These volatile polyamines act as 'necromones', triggering avoidance or attractive responses, which are fundamental for the survival of a wide range of species. The few studies that have attempted to identify the cognate receptors for these molecules have suggested the involvement of the seven-helix trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), localized in the olfactory epithelium. However, very little is known about the precise chemosensory receptors that sense these compounds in the majority of organisms and the molecular basis of their interactions. In this work, we have used computational strategies to characterize the binding between PUT and CAD with the TAAR6 and TAAR8 human receptors. Sequence analysis, homology modeling, docking and molecular dynamics studies suggest a tandem of negatively charged aspartates in the binding pocket of these receptors which are likely to be involved in the recognition of these small biogenic diamines

"Ah Mom, What's Happened to You?!" A Grounded Theory-Study about Repositioning in the Relationship Between Elderly Parents and Their Adult, Care-Giving Children

When elderly people can no longer lead independent lives their adult daughters and sons often take on an important role as caregivers. The adoption of new tasks and roles changes the parent-child relationship. This does not lead, however, to a complete role-reversal, some characteristics of the relationship and roles remain unchanged. This contribution reconstructs the changes of the parent-child relationship from the perspective of caring adult children. The methodological approach is based on Grounded Theory. I have developed a theoretical model of filial repositioning. Different change levels of acting and of relationship are described. Strategies used by parents and children are presented. Context factors concerning relationships and health status affect the process of repositioning and the strategies of parents and children. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs060325

"Och Mutter, was ist aus dir geworden?!" Eine Grounded-Theory-Studie über die Neupositionierung in der Beziehung zwischen alternden Eltern und ihren erwachsenen, sich kümmernden Kindern

Wenn die selbstständige Lebensführung älter werdender Menschen fraglich wird, sind es häufig die erwachsenen Töchter und Söhne, die sich verstärkt um ihre Eltern kümmern. Die Übernahme neuer Aufgaben und Rollen führt zu Veränderungen in der Eltern-Kind-Beziehung. Es kommt jedoch nicht zu einer vollständigen Rollenumkehr, bestimmte "alte" Beziehungs- und Rollencharakteristika bestehen weiter. Die vorliegende Untersuchung rekonstruiert aus der Perspektive sich kümmernder erwachsener Töchter und Söhne diesen Beziehungswandel, in dem es sowohl Veränderungen und Krisen als auch Kontinuitäten geben kann. Das methodische Vorgehen ist orientiert an der Methodologie der Grounded Theory. Entwickelt wurde ein theoretisches Modell der filialen Neupositionierung. Ich beschreibe verschiedene im Rahmen des "Kümmerprozesses" auftretende Veränderungen von Handlungs- und Beziehungsebenen sowie Umgehensweisen und Strategien von Eltern und Kindern. Beziehungs- und Gesundheitscharakteristika bestimmen den Neupositionierungsprozess und die konkreten Umgehensweisen der Beteiligten mit.When elderly people can no longer lead independent lives their adult daughters and sons often take on an important role as caregivers. The adoption of new tasks and roles changes the parent-child relationship. This does not lead, however, to a complete role-reversal, some characteristics of the relationship and roles remain unchanged. This contribution reconstructs the changes of the parent-child relationship from the perspective of caring adult children. The methodological approach is based on Grounded Theory. I have developed a theoretical model of filial repositioning. Different change levels of acting and of relationship are described. Strategies used by parents and children are presented. Context factors concerning relationships and health status affect the process of repositioning and the strategies of parents and children.Cuando la gente mayor ya no puede hacer vida independiente, sus hijas e hijos adultos a menudo tienen un papel importante como prestador de los cuidados. La adopción de nuevas tareas y roles cambia la relación padre-hijo. Lo cual no lleva a una total inversión de los roles, sin embargo, algunas características de la relación y roles permanecen sin cambios. Esta contribución reconstruye los cambios en la relación padre-hijo desde la perspectiva del cuidado de niños adultos. El enfoque metodológico se basa en la teoría fundamentada. He desarrollado un modelo teórico del reposicionamiento filial. Se describen cambios de nivel en la relación y en el actuar. Se presentan las estrategias utilizadas por los padres y por los hijos. Factores de contexto relativos a las relaciones y al estado de salud afectan el proceso de reposicionamiento y las estrategias de ambos

Comentario: Was ist qualitative Forschung? – Eine studentische Lernerfahrung [¿Que es la investigación cualitativa? – Una experiencia de aprendizaje estudiantil]

URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0701D4Di2URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0701D4Di2URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0701D4Di