Junior Recital: William Ashworth, piano

Kennesaw State University School of Music presents Junior Recital: William Ashworth, piano.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/1717/thumbnail.jp

Behaviour and morphology in wild guppies from populations with high and low predation pressure in Trinidad

Behaviour and morphology can vary significantly within a species as a result of the predation pressure individuals are exposed to. Wild populations of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) exposed to high and low predation can be found in the streams of northern Trinidad, providing a useful study system for investigating how behaviour and morphology are affected by predation. In the present study, I investigated how behaviour, colouration and size in male guppies from 3 Trinidadian streams (Aripo, Tunapuna/Tacarigua, Turure) was affected by predation pressure. This was achieved by quantifying the behaviour of males from high and low predation regimes in the presence of a female conspecific from the same population. I also measured the amount of orange and black colouration on each side of the males. I found that behaviour and morphology were only affected by predation regime in guppies from one of the streams, namely Turure. Males from the high predation environment of Turure spent more time in proximity of the female conspecific, had less total black colouration, and were smaller than males from the low predation environment of the same stream. Males from Turure also had less total orange colouration, and less orange colouration symmetry than males from the other two streams (Aripo and Tunapuna/Tacarigua), regardless of predation regime. These results are interesting as the stream Turure belongs to a different drainage (Oropuche) than the streams Aripo and Tunapuna/Tacarigua (Caroni). This investigation highlights the possibility that predation regime may affect behaviour and morphology differently depending on the populations which are being studied, potentially due to significant ecological variation between drainages

States of decay: The systems biology of mRNA stability

An appropriate equilibrium between transcription and mRNA decay is vital for the function of the cell. The RNA-binding complexes regulating mRNA degradation, such as carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less, may also control several other stages of the mRNA life cycle, from transcription to translation. This pleiotropic control complicates the analysis of mRNA stability. Computational models have analysed the mechanisms underlying mRNA turnover and have been used to extract mRNA decay rates from high-throughput data sets. Multiomics studies have clarified the actions of RNA-binding complexes, and such studies allow the evolution of more accurate and complex computational models. This review discusses two complementary aspects of systems biology in the study of mRNA decay—computational modelling of mRNA turnover and recent ‘-omics’ studies of the function of RNA-binding proteins controlling mRNA stability

Males show their best side revisited - Effects of predation pressure on laterality in wild guppies

The ability to detect and avoid predators has been suggested as one of the main drivers for behavioral lateralization. This is supported by studies reporting that animals from high-predation environments are more lateralized than those from low-predation environments. Some studies, however, have shown no effect of predator regime on lateralization. Lateralized behavior can also be driven by phenotypic asymmetry, where the more attractive side of the body is preferentially displayed during male-female interaction and courtship. The importance of fluctuating asymmetry for mate choice has been highly debated for a number of reasons. Here, we revisited the concepts of predator-induced behavioral lateralization and phenotypic asymmetry using wild Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata from three different stream systems. Using fish collected from both high- and low-predation environments, we quantified behavioral lateralization in terms of directional turning bias, measured right-left body color asymmetry, and investigated whether a male side-showing preference was present in male-female interaction trials. We found that guppies were, at best, moderately lateralized on average (across all populations), without any general effect of predator regime. There were some slight stream-dependent side biases in color asymmetry, but this did not translate into a side-showing preference in any of the populations in the interaction trials. Some significant observed effects align with previously published results, but these were dependent on stream-origin and were not repeated across different experiments, complicating interpretation. We conclude that when investigating the effects of predation regime in general, and such effects on behavioral lateralization or fluctuating asymmetry in particular, attention must be focused toward several factors such as experimental assay used and population origin, and broad generalizations from results stemming from experiments including only one population should be avoided

Qualitative study of primary care clinicians\u27 views on point-of-care testing for C-reactive protein for acute respiratory tract infections in family medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinicians views of the barriers and facilitators to use of C-reactive protein (CRP) point-of-care tests (POCT) in US family medicine clinics for the management of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in adults. SETTING: Five family medicine clinics across two US states. PARTICIPANTS: 30 clinicians including 18 physicians, 9 physician residents, 2 physician assistants and 1 nurse practitioner, took part in the study. DESIGN: A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach to thematically analyse focus group interviews. RESULTS: These clinicians had limited access to diagnostic tests for patients with ARTI, and very little knowledge of CRP POCT. Three major themes were identified and included the potential clinical role of CRP POCT, concerns related to implementing CRP POCT and evidence needed prior to wider adoption in family medicine. Clinicians believed CRP POCT could support decision-making for some presentations of ARTIs and patient populations when used in conjunction with clinical criteria. Clinicians had concerns about possible overuse and inaccuracy of CRP POCT which they believed might increase antibiotic prescribing rates. Other concerns identified included integration of the test with clinic workflows and cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians stand at the forefront of antibiotic stewardship efforts, but have few diagnostic tests to help them confidently manage ARTIs. CRP POCT may facilitate some aspects of clinical practice. Incorporating CRP POCT with clinical guidelines may strengthen utility of this test, when there is diagnostic uncertainty

Interaction between the NS4B amphipathic helix, AH2, and charged lipid headgroups alters membrane morphology and AH2 oligomeric state — Implications for the Hepatitis C virus life cycle

AbstractThe non-structural protein 4B (NS4B) from Hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays a pivotal role in the remodelling of the host cell's membranes, required for the formation of the viral replication complex where genome synthesis occurs. NS4B is an integral membrane protein that possesses a number of domains vital for viral replication. Structural and biophysical studies have revealed that one of these, the second amphipathic N-terminal helix (AH2), plays a key role in these remodelling events. However, there is still limited understanding of the mechanism through which AH2 promotes these changes. Here we report on solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics studies that demonstrate that AH2 promotes the clustering of negatively charged lipids within the bilayer, a process that reduces the strain within the bilayer facilitating the remodelling of the lipid bilayer. Furthermore, the presence of negatively charged lipids within the bilayer appears to promote the disassociation of AH2 oligomers, highlighting a potential role for lipid recruitment in regulating NS protein interactions

Patient Willingness to Have Tests to Guide Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections: From the WWAMI Region Practice and Research Network (WPRN).

INTRODUCTION: The majority of consultations for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) lead to prescriptions for antibiotics, which have limited clinical benefit. We explored patients' willingness to have blood tests as part of the diagnostic work-up for RTIs, and patient knowledge about antibiotics. METHODS: Patients at 6 family medicine clinics were surveyed. Regression modeling was used to determine independent predictors of willingness to have venous and point-of-care (POC) blood tests, and knowledge of the value of antibiotics for RTIs. RESULTS: Data were collected from 737 respondents (response rate 83.8%), of whom 65.7% were women, 60.1% were white, and 25.1% were current smokers; patients' mean age was 46.9 years. Sex (female), race (white), and a preference to avoid antibiotics were independent predictors of greater level of antibiotic knowledge. A total of 63.1% were willing to have a venous draw and 79% a POC blood test, to help guide antibiotic decision-making. Non-American Indian/Alaskan Native race, current smoking, and greater knowledge of antibiotics were independent predictors of willingness to have a POC test. CONCLUSION: A large majority of patients seemed willing to have POC tests to facilitate antibiotic prescribing decisions for RTIs. Poor knowledge about antibiotics suggests better education regarding antibiotic use might influence patient attitudes towards use of antibiotics for RTIs

A pilot study investigating the influence of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms on gastric emptying rate in Caucasian men

Gastric emptying rate in humans is subject to large individual variability, but previous research on the influence of genetics is scarce. Variation in the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) gene is a plausible candidate gene to partially explain the high variance. This study aimed to investigate the influence of genetic variation in the GLP1R gene on gastric emptying rate of a glucose solution in humans. Forty eight healthy Caucasian males took part in this investigation. Gastric emptying rate of a 6% glucose solution was assessed using the 13C breath test method and a venous blood sample was obtained from each participant. Participants were genotyped for twenty-seven Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GLP1R locus using Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX GOLD analysis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The time at which maximal emptying rate occurred (Tlag) was faster in participants with the CC genotype than in TT and TC genotypes for SNP rs742764: (Median (quartiles) CC, 35 (30-36) min vs. TT, 43 (39-46) min and TC, 41 (39-45) min; P < 0.01). Tlag was also slower in participants with the AA genotype compared to the TT and TA genotypes for SNP rs2254336: (AA, 43 (39-49) min vs. TT, 36 (34-41) min and TA, 39 (35-42) min; P < 0.05). Analysis by phenotype also showed differences in half-emptying time (T½) and Tlag for SNPs rs9283907, rs2268657 and rs2254336. Several neighbouring Tag SNPs within the GLP1R gene were found to be associated with gastric emptying rate, and should be further investigated

Recommendations for the management of MPS IVA: systematic evidence- and consensus-based guidance.

IntroductionMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA or Morquio A syndrome is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by deficiency of the N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfatase (GALNS) enzyme, which impairs lysosomal degradation of keratan sulphate and chondroitin-6-sulphate. The multiple clinical manifestations of MPS IVA present numerous challenges for management and necessitate the need for individualised treatment. Although treatment guidelines are available, the methodology used to develop this guidance has come under increased scrutiny. This programme was conducted to provide evidence-based, expert-agreed recommendations to optimise management of MPS IVA.MethodsTwenty six international healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines, with expertise in managing MPS IVA, and three patient advocates formed the Steering Committee (SC) and contributed to the development of this guidance. Representatives from six Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) were interviewed to gain insights on patient perspectives. A modified-Delphi methodology was used to demonstrate consensus among a wider group of healthcare professionals with experience managing patients with MPS IVA and the manuscript was evaluated against the validated Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument by three independent reviewers.ResultsA total of 87 guidance statements were developed covering five domains: (1) general management principles; (2) recommended routine monitoring and assessments; (3) disease-modifying interventions (enzyme replacement therapy [ERT] and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT]); (4) interventions to support respiratory and sleep disorders; (5) anaesthetics and surgical interventions (including spinal, limb, ophthalmic, cardio-thoracic and ear-nose-throat [ENT] surgeries). Consensus was reached on all statements after two rounds of voting. The overall guideline AGREE II assessment score obtained for the development of the guidance was 5.3/7 (where 1 represents the lowest quality and 7 represents the highest quality of guidance).ConclusionThis manuscript provides evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for the management of patients with MPS IVA and is for use by healthcare professionals that manage the holistic care of patients with the intention to improve clinical- and patient-reported outcomes and enhance patient quality of life. It is recognised that the guidance provided represents a point in time and further research is required to address current knowledge and evidence gaps