Microhabitat Use Affects Brain Size and Structure in Intertidal Gobies

The ecological cognition hypothesis poses that the brains and behaviours of individuals are largely shaped by the environments in which they live and the associated challenges they must overcome during their lives. Here we examine the effect of environmental complexity on relative brain size in 4 species of intertidal gobies from differing habitats. Two species were rock pool specialists that lived on spatially complex rocky shores, while the remainder lived on dynamic, but structurally simple, sandy shores. We found that rock pool-dwelling species had relatively larger brains and telencephalons in particular, while sand-dwelling species had a larger optic tectum and hypothalamus. In general, it appears that various fish species trade off neural investment in specific brain lobes depending on the environment in which they live. Our previous research suggests that rock pool species have greater spatial learning abilities, enabling them to navigate their spatially complex environment, which may account for their enlarged telencephalon, while sand-dwelling species likely have a reduced need for spatial learning, due to their spatially simple habitat, and a greater need for visual acuity. The dorsal medulla and cerebellum size was unaffected by the habitat in which the fish lived, but there were differences between species indicative of species-specific trade-offs in neural investment

Variation in Brain Morphology of Intertidal Gobies: A Comparison of Methodologies Used to Quantitatively Assess Brain Volumes in Fish

When correlating brain size and structure with behavioural and environmental characteristics, a range of techniques can be utilised. This study used gobiid fishes to quantitatively compare brain volumes obtained via three different methods; these included the commonly used techniques of histology and approximating brain volume to an idealised ellipsoid, and the recently established technique of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). It was found that all three methods differed significantly from one another in their volume estimates for most brain lobes. The ellipsoid method was prone to over- or under-estimation of lobe size, histology caused shrinkage in the telencephalon, and although micro-CT methods generated the most reliable results, they were also the most expensive. Despite these differences, all methods depicted quantitatively similar relationships among the four different species for each brain lobe. Thus, all methods support the same conclusions that fishes inhabiting rock pool and sandy habitats have different patterns of brain organisation. In particular, fishes from spatially complex rock pool habitats were found to have larger telencephalons, while those from simple homogenous sandy shores had a larger optic tectum. Where possible we recommend that micro-CT be used in brain volume analyses, as it allows for measurements without destruction of the brain and fast identification and quantification of individual brain lobes, and minimises many of the biases resulting from the histology and ellipsoid methods

Variant Reclassification in Cancer Genetic Testing: Are Genetic Counselors Prepared? A Review of Current Practices

Purpose: Cancer genetics has emerged as a critical specialty within the field of genetic counseling. Advancements in research are constantly uncovering new insights into the genetics of cancer and inherited cancer syndromes. It is crucial that genetic counselors and the institutions in which they work are in sync with these advancements. Currently, multiplex or multi-gene cancer testing is rapidly being adapted into the cancer genetic counseling setting. The ‘hot topic’ of an increased likelihood of receiving variant results following such testing has been explored in depth in the literature. However, research surrounding genetic counseling practices and the reclassification of VUS results is lacking. No consensus guidelines addressing variant reclassification yet exist. This study aimed to identify current practices of genetic counselors with regard to variant reclassification, and to explore whether genetic counselors feel they need official guidelines relating to the reclassification of variant results. Method: An online survey distributed through the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the Cancer Special Interest Group (SIG) was utilized in this research study. Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4 was employed for quantitative data and statistical analysis while qualitative data was coded and analyzed for major themes using grounded theory methods. Results: We determined that cancer genetic counselors are handling the reclassification of VUS results in a unified manner. Common themes across almost 200 respondents demonstrated that they approach benign or deleterious reclassification in a similar vi fashion. 95% of respondents (n = 209) discuss variant reclassification with their patients upon receiving a VUS result. Similarly, 95% of respondents (n = 209) will sometimes or always make a plan to communicate VUS reclassification results should they arise in the future. The overwhelming majority (97%) of respondents (n = 183) indicated that the protocol for re-contacting patients with a VUS reclassification would not be different from what they had used in the past for single-gene analysis. Varying opinions existed on whether practice guidelines relating to VUS reclassification are necessary. The majority, 62% of respondents (n = 178), agreed or strongly agreed that there was a need for guidelines relating to variant reclassification. Those who disagreed expressed concerns surrounding liability issues and the feasibility of implementing recommendations across different institutions. Conclusions: Findings from this study indicate that most genetic counselors are utilizing unified practices when handling the reclassification of variant results. Additionally, a proportion of genetic counselors felt that guidance or recommendations for certain areas relating to variant reclassification are necessary. While future research is needed to explore more in-depth the issues and opinions identified in this research project, another possible approach is for the NSGC Cancer SIG to address this topic at their earliest opportunity, given the coming wave of VUS reclassifications from multiple collaborative efforts to more urgently reclassify VUS results

Chemical Recycling of Consumer-Grade Black Plastic into Electrically Conductive Carbon Nanotubes

The global plastics crisis has recently focused scientists’ attention on finding technical solutions for the ever-increasing oversupply of plastic waste. Black plastic is one of the greatest contributors to landfill waste, because it cannot be sorted using industrial practices based on optical reflection. However, it can be readily upcycled into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a novel liquid injection reactor (LIR) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. In this work, CNTs were formed using black and white polystyrene plastics to demonstrate that off-the-shelf materials can be used as feedstock for growth of CNTs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests the CNTs from plastic sources improve diameter distribution homogeneity, with slightly increased diameters compared with control samples. Slight improvements in quality, as determined by Raman spectroscopy of the D and G peaks, suggest that plastics could lead to increased quality of CNTs. A small device was constructed as a demonstrator model to increase impact and public engagement

Integrating genomics into the care of people with palliative needs: A global scoping review of policy recommendations

BACKGROUND: Genomics has growing relevance to palliative care, where testing largely benefits relatives. Integration of genomics into the care of patients with palliative care needs has not received the critical attention it requires, and health professionals report a lack of policy guidance to support them to overcome practice barriers. SUMMARY: To identify policy recommendations related to: (1) integrating genomics into the care of patients with palliative care needs and their families, and (2) care of the family unit, we performed a scoping review of palliative care and genomic policies. Two of 78 policies recommended integrating genomics into palliative care. Six palliative care policies mentioned genomics in background information but were without relevant recommendations. No genomics policies mentioned palliative care in the background information. Across all policies, guidance related to “Delivering Family-Centred Care” was the most frequent recommendation related to care of the family unit, (n=62/78, 79.5%). KEY MESSAGES: We identified a policy gap related to integrating genomics into palliative care. Without policy guidance, health services are less likely to commit funding towards supporting health professionals, reducing the personal and clinical benefits of genomics to patients and relatives. Framing genomic information as family-centred care enables policy makers to communicate the value of genomics to palliative care that will resonate with genomic and palliative care stakeholders. These findings increase awareness among policy makers of the benefits of genomic information to patients with palliative care needs and their families and call for incorporation of appropriate recommendations into palliative care and genomic policy

Suppressor of cytokine signalling protein SOCS3 expression is increased at sites of acute and chronic inflammation.

Treatment of cells with cytokines and growth factors leads to the synthesis of Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling (SOCS) proteins that act as potent negative regulators of signalling via the Jak/STAT pathway. We used immunohistochemistry to identify cells and pathologies where SOCS3 expression might influence acute and chronic inflammatory responses in human tissues. Epitope and GFP tagged SOCS3 fusion proteins were localised predominantly in the nucleus of transfected cells and a validated anti SOCS3 antiserum revealed the expression of SOCS3 in the nucleus and cytoplasm of macrophages, endothelial and epithelial cells in a wide range of normal tissues in tissue microarrays (n = 31 different tissues). Nuclear SOCS3 was only seen in cells expressing a high level of the protein. Comparative immunostaining of acute, chronically and granulomatously inflamed human tissues revealed higher levels of nuclear and cytoplasmic SOCS3 expression in inflamed than in corresponding normal tissues, particularly in recruited leukocyte populations, but also in epithelia. The staining appeared more intense, suggesting higher expression levels, in areas where inflammation was more acute, consistent with the time course of SOCS3 induction described in vitro. Expression of SOCS3 protein by leucocytes and other cell types in tissue sections could be a useful marker of cells undergoing acute or chronic stimulation by cytokines in vivo

Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of brief guided parent-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused brief therapy for treatment of childhood anxiety disorders: a randomised controlled trial

Background—Half of lifetime anxiety disorders emerge before 12 years of age, however access to evidence-based psychological therapies for affected children is poor. This Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) compared the clinical outcome and cost-effectiveness of two brief psychological treatments for anxious children referred to routine child mental health settings. Methods—Children (5-12 years) referred to Primary Child and Mental Health Services across Oxfordshire, UK, for anxiety difficulties were randomly allocated (1:1) to brief Guided Parent-Delivered Cognitive Behavior Therapy (GPD-CBT) or Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). The primary outcome was Clinical Global Impressions of Improvement (CGI-I). Secondary outcomes were absence of primary anxiety diagnosis and all anxiety disorder diagnoses, self- and parent-reported anxiety symptoms and interference. Parents recorded patient level resource use. Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were derived from the CHU9D. Assessments were conducted pre-, post- (primary endpoint), and 6- months after treatment. Findings—136 patients were assigned to GPD-CBT (n=68) or SFBT (n=68). Analyses were conducted with the intent to treat population. No significant differences were observed on any clinical (CGI-I; Relative Risk (RR) = 1·01 (0·86, 1·19), p = 0·95) or economic (QALY mean difference = 0·006 (-0·009- 0·02), p = 0·42) outcome measure. However, the GPD-CBT treatment was associated with lower costs (mean difference: -£448; 95% CI: -£934, £37; p=0.070). Interpretation— There was no evidence of clinical superiority, however brief GPD-CBT is likely to be a cost-effective alternative to brief psychological treatment (SFBT) and could be considered as a first-line treatment for children with anxiety problems

Acupuncture for chronic neck pain: a pilot for a randomised controlled trial

Background: Acupuncture is increasingly being used for many conditions including chronic neck pain. However the evidence remains inconclusive, indicating the need for further well-designed research. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot randomised controlled parallel arm trial, to establish key features required for the design and implementation of a large-scale trial on acupuncture for chronic neck pain. Methods: Patients whose GPs had diagnosed neck pain were recruited from one general practice, and randomised to receive usual GP care only, or acupuncture ( up to 10 treatments over 3 months) as an adjunctive treatment to usual GP care. The primary outcome measure was the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) at 3 months. The primary analysis was to determine the sample size for the full scale study. Results: Of the 227 patients with neck pain identified from the GP database, 28 (12.3%) consenting patients were eligible to participate in the pilot and 24 (10.5%) were recruited to the trial. Ten patients were randomised to acupuncture, receiving an average of eight treatments from one of four acupuncturists, and 14 were randomised to usual GP care alone. The sample size for the full scale trial was calculated from a clinically meaningful difference of 5% on the NPQ and, from this pilot, an adjusted standard deviation of 15.3%. Assuming 90% power at the 5% significance level, a sample size of 229 would be required in each arm in a large-scale trial when allowing for a loss to follow-up rate of 14%. In order to achieve this sample, one would need to identify patients from databases of GP practices with a total population of 230,000 patients, or approximately 15 GP practices roughly equal in size to the one involved in this study (i.e. 15,694 patients). Conclusion: This pilot study has allowed a number of recommendations to be made to facilitate the design of a large-scale trial, which in turn will help to clarify the existing evidence base on acupuncture for neck pain

Understanding the mechanisms behind onion bulb dormancy in relation to the potential for improved onion storage

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is the most economically important Allium crop. Onion cultivars adapted for growth in temperate regions require long days for bulb initiation, so the summer crop is stored over-winter. Deterioration in store is largely due to resumption of growth. Extended storage of onions is currently dependent on the synthetic sprout suppressant maleic hydrazide, whose future use is uncertain due to pressure to reduce residues in foods. Abscisic acid (ABA) has previously been linked with dormancy in a relative of onion (A. wakegi). Bulb ABA concentration in three onion cultivars (viz. Renate, Ailsa Craig and SS1) with contrasting storage lives declined exponentially during controlled atmosphere (CA – 3% CO2, 5% O2; 2°C) storage at the same rate in each cultivar. Sprouting occurred at a minimal ABA concentration (ca. 50-120 ng g-1 DW). It was proposed that extended periods of high concentrations of ABA may delay sprouting. An ABA analogue (PBI-365) and exogenous ABA, were applied as preharvest foliar sprays (cvs. Renate, Carlos, Dinaro, Hysam, Red Baron and SS1), or as postharvest bulb soaks (cv. Hysam) with the aim of increasing endogenous ABA concentration and, thereby, extending the storage period. Endogenous bulb ABA concentration was not affected. Bulb ABA concentration again decreased during storage at a range of temperatures (4, 12 and 20°C) and sprouting occurred at minimal ABA concentration (ca. 75-150 ng g-1 DW). After the onset of sprouting, ABA concentration increased again, probably due to synthesis by the sprout. The concentration of certain carbohydrates has been linked with storage potential. No straightforward relationship between ABA and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC; fructose, glucose, sucrose and fructans) metabolism could be determined. It was therefore postulated that ABA is more likely to play a role in mediating cell elongation rather than cell division, or that minimal ABA concentration could be a trigger for remobilisation of carbohydrates. Controlled atmosphere (CA) is used to extend storage life of onions; however, shelf-life can be compromised. The effects of the transition between CA (3 % CO2, 5 % O2; 2°C) and air storage on ABA concentration, quality characteristics, respiration rate(RR) and NSCs in three onion cultivars (viz. Renate, Carlos and SS1) were investigated. The RR of the short storing cultivar, SS1, was greatest by ca. 0.5-fold. The RR increased on removal from CA storage, with no accompanying decrease in carbohydrate concentration, indicating that the increased RR may have been a transient stress response. Storage of onions cv. SS1 for three weeks in air, followed by three weeks CA was as effective in suppressing sprout growth as six weeks continuous CA storage. Bulb ABA concentration decreased significantly between the time of harvest and after curing. Therefore the current practice of curing onions for extended periods at high temperatures could be reducing bulb ABA concentration, and therefore storage life. The literature concerning the role of ethylene in onion storage is limited and conflicting. The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; an ethylene perception inhibitor) on sprout growth in onions cv. SS1 stored at a range of temperatures (4, 12 and 20°C) was investigated, along with quality characteristics, NSCs and ABA. Sprout growth was reduced in onions treated with 1-MCP and stored at 4 or 12°C, but not at 20°C. Approximately 2-fold greater concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose were maintained in 1-MCP-treated bulbs stored at 12°C as compared with untreated bulbs. It appeared that 1-MCP reduced carbohydrate metabolism. Both ethylene and ABA are highly likely to impact significantly on onion storage life. The results are discussed in relation to the potential to influence storage life by changes in horticultural practices, including the recommendation to re-evaluate the curing and drying protocol, and to investigate the possibility of delaying the start of CA storage.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo