Predominant Categories Research Articles

Exploring the key genes and pathways of osteosarcoma with pulmonary metastasis using a gene expression microarray.

Osteosarcoma is a common and highly malignant tumour in children and teenagers that is characterized by drug resistance and high metastatic potential. Patients often develop pulmonary metastasis and have a low survival rate. However, the mechanistic basis for pulmonary metastasis remains unclear. To identify key gene and pathways associated with pulmonary metastasis of osteosarcoma, the authors downloaded the gene expression dataset GSE85537 and obtained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by analyzing high-throughput gene expression in primary tumours and lung metastases. Subsequently, the authors performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape software. In total, 2,493 genes were identified as DEGs. Of these, 485 genes (19.45%) were upregulated, and the remaining 2,008 genes (80.55%) were downregulated. The authors identified the predominant GO categories and KEGG pathways that were significantly over-represented in the metastatic OS samples compared with the non-metastatic OS samples. A PPI network was constructed, and the results indicated that ALB, EGFR, INS, IL6, CDH1, FYN, ERBB2, IL8, CXCL12 and RAC2 were the top 10 core genes. The enrichment analyses of the genes involved in the top three significant modules demonstrated that the DEGs were principally related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the Rap1 signaling pathway, and protein digestion and absorption. Together, these data elucidated the molecular mechanisms of OS patients with pulmonary metastasis and provide potential therapeutic targets. However, further experimental studies are needed to confirm these results.

High‐energy dense food and sugar‐sweetened beverages are most likely placed and available at special displays in stores of Mexico City

Food environment and in‐store characteristics may influence consumer purchases of a product, compromising the quality in their food choices. Product placement can somehow influence the relative attractiveness of specific items such as energy‐dense foods and drinks. Retail stores are an important component of the nutrition environment as they represent one of the most common food shopping locations.The aim of this study is to describe the availability, to assess and document the physical position, distribution and strategic placement of food and beverages within major supermarket chains in Mexico City; with a special interest in documenting placement of SSB and other non‐basic energy dense food.A field study was done between May to June 2015 in thirty‐two retail stores in Mexico City, selected based on the criteria of population density. An audit tool was developed by our team based on similar studies. The data assessed included dimensions of stores and aisle lengths, island bin displays, end‐of‐aisle displays, placement of products at shelves examined in horizontal and vertical arrays, checkouts and products out of place. Auditors assessed the presence of each of the following items: fruits and vegetables, SSB, unsweetened beverages, sugary snacks, salty snacks, cereal, confectionery, groceries, dairy products, alcoholic drinks and other products including non‐food merchandise. Measurements were taken to calculate the total area of the store, lengths of aisles, space occupied by island displays, and end of aisles, with the intention to compare the area dedicated to food products and compare it with the non‐food section, as well as identify the difference regarding placement of high‐dense products and non‐high‐dense products.It was found that comparing high‐dense food and fresh food, in all stores there were 1.3 more times length of aisle for all snack food than fresh fruit and vegetables. Also there was almost two more times length of aisle dedicated to sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) than unsweetened beverages. In all stores, the product with the largest shelf space within the sweet snack food category (sugary snacks, sugared cereal and confectionery) corresponded to sugary snacks. The products placed on the island bins displays were mostly processed products high in fat and sugars, these products were strongly promoted throughout the supermarket and exhibited to increase their visibility. SSB were the most common represented category in islands followed by sugary snacks and salty snacks.Snack foods and SSB were the products found the most at the end‐of‐aisle displays, presenting in general more products available at front‐of‐aisle displays rather than at back‐of‐aisle displays. In almost all of the stores, confectionery products were displayed at checkouts, in almost half of the stores, checkouts displayed soft drinks, being SSB the most common item observed, and very few (less than 10%) had fresh fruits and vegetables available. In addition, the predominant categories of products out of place found were salty snacks and plain bottled water placed in most of the cases in the fruit and vegetable section. Overall, the placement of non‐basic energy‐dense food could trigger an impulsive purchase and make difficult to achieve a good nutrition and health.Support or Funding InformationBloomberg Philantrhopies

Adaptation to a Curriculum Delivered via iPad: The Challenge of Being Early Adopters

This convergent mixed methods study was designed to examine the skills and attitudes toward using an iPad to deliver nursing curriculum and enhance active learning strategies for sophomore Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students at a Midwestern university. Quantitative data were collected using an investigator-developed survey to identify student perceived iPad skill levels and attitudes towards the iPad before, during, and after the first year of the implementation of a one-to-one iPad requirement (i.e., the iPad Initiative). Focus groups were used to collect qualitative data to identify factors that contribute to students’ attitude and skill levels. Initial data were collected from participants during the iPad orientations in August of 2013 (sophomore BSN n = 158; DNP n = 29). Follow-up sessions occurred at the end of fall semester 2013 (survey only) and spring semester (survey and focus groups) 2014. Qualitative and quantitative data were rigorously analyzed. Findings of the study (meta-inference) was informed by all data sets from all participant groups. Significant improvement was seen in quantitative data with students’ perception of their technology proficiency. However, students reported significantly less use of the iPad than they had predicted in the fall. Analysis of qualitative data resulted in a variety of themes that were grouped by three predominant categories: drivers, moderators and speed bumps. Each category demonstrated theme that acted to improve the student experience (drivers), moderate the student experience (moderators) or detract from the student experience (speed bumps). The implication of the study elucidated challenges inherent in being early adopters of technology in education.

Detailed description and seasonal variation in the diet of the Silvery-Cheeked Antshrike Sakesphorus cristatus (Wied, 1831) (Aves: Thamnophilidae) in a Brazilian semi-arid forest

Despite being an important area for endemic species of birds, the Caatinga biome is highly fragmented due to anthropogenic influences and there is a lack of study on many aspects of its birds’ biology. In this semiarid environment, rainfall is highly seasonal, with two different and well-defined periods: a long dry season, and a short rainy season. This study aimed to qualify and quantify the diet of Sakesphorus cristatus , an endemic thamnophilid bird of the Caatinga, as well as to determine whether there was temporal variation between two different seasons and between dry seasons of two consecutive years. Surprisingly, this was the first study to have focused on describing and quantifying items found of any bird species’ diet in the Caatinga. We analyzed the stomach contents of 72 specimens collected in the municipality of Sao Felix do Coribe, Bahia, Brazil. Data analysis included relative abundance and occurrence, average consumption/sample and alimentary importance index of each food category. Sampling adequacy was assessed using cumulative curves constructed with diversity index and coefficient of variation. In general there is a high predominance of ants and termites, with seasonal shifts in the proportion of each item, and a high contribution of caterpillars during the breeding season. During the dry season, the most predominant prey categories in the diet were Formicidae, Isoptera and Coleoptera (adult, A), while during the rainy season, there was an increase in the proportion of Isoptera, Coleoptera (A) and Lepidoptera (larvae) consumption and a decrease in Formicidae. There was no significant difference between consumption of prey items between the two dry seasons. The overall analysis suggests that S. cristatus feeds mainly on the aforementioned insects and is an opportunistic species, adjusting its diet according to their prey availability.

Genome-wide characterization of perfect microsatellites in yak (Bos grunniens)

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) constitute a significant portion of genomes and play an important role in gene function and genome organization. The availability of a complete genome sequence for yak (Bos grunniens) has made it possible to carry out genome-wide analysis of microsatellites in this species. We analyzed the abundance and density of perfect SSRs in the yak genome. We found a total of 723,172 SSRs with 1-6bp nucleotide motifs, indicating that about 0.47% of the yak whole genome sequence (2.66Gb) comprises perfect SSRs, the average length of which was 17.34bp/Mb. The average frequency and density of perfect SSRs was 272.18loci/Mb and 4719.25bp/Mb, respectively. The proportion of the six classes of perfect SSRs was not evenly distributed in the yak genome. Mononucleotide repeats (44.04%) with a total number of 318,435 and a average length of 14.71bp appeared to be the most abundant SSRs class, while the percentages of dinucleotide, trinucleotide, pentanucleotide, tetranucleotide and hexanucleotide repeats was 24.11%, 15.80%, 9.50%, 6.40% and 0.15%, respectively. Different repeat classes of SSRs varied in their repeat number with the highest being 1206. Our results suggest that 15 motifs comprised the predominant categories with a frequency above 1loci/Mb: A, AC, AT, AG, AGC, AAC, AAT, ACC, ATTT, GTTT, AATG, CTTT, ATGG, AACTG and ATCTG.

17β-Trenbolone exposure programs metabolic dysfunction in larval medaka.

Here, we used physiological and transcriptomic analyses to evaluate the effects of 17β-trenbolone (TB) on metabolism during the early life stage of medaka (Oryzias latipes). In the physiological experiments, sex reversal rates increased continuously in proportion to TB concentrations (2-100 ng/L), and were 100% (all males) in the 200 ng/L treatment group. TB caused a significant increase in the gonadosomatic index of females at concentrations of 60 and 100 ng/L. These females exhibited swollen abdomens and decreased egg production and fertility. Significant increases were observed in the body mass index of these females. TB caused decreased fertility in males at concentrations >20 ng/L, but no other effects were observed. In the transcriptomic (microarray) experiments, larvae were exposed to TB for up to 7 d. Analyses using the KEGG Orthology Database revealed that predominant categories of significantly upregulated genes included "lipid metabolism" and "metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides." Thirteen genes (including those for hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase, cytoplasmic synthase, and lanosterol synthase) related to cholesterol biosynthesis via the mevalonate pathway were highlighted in these categories. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses were consistent with the microarray results, in terms of the direction and magnitude of change to gene expression. Among the downregulated genes, angiopoietin-like 4 and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1, which are inversely correlated with obesity, were detected in the TB treatments. In conclusion, the results suggest that the exposure of females to TB during the early life stage may cause metabolic dysfunctions, including obesity and disrupted cholesterol synthesis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1539-1551, 2016.

Composição e dinâmica da avifauna da usina eólica da praia da Pedra do Sal, Delta do Parnaíba, Piauí, Brasil

RESUMO O impacto dos parques eólicos sobre as aves é um dos temas menos estudados no Brasil, o que contrasta com a importância dessa nova fonte de energia renovável. O presente estudo buscou caracterizar a composição e dinâmica ecológica das espécies de aves residentes e migratórias presentes na área da Usina Eólica da Pedra do Sal, em Parnaíba, Estado do Piauí. O estudo foi desenvolvido por meio de trinta e três amostragens distribuídas em dois ciclos sazonais completos (setembro de 2011 a agosto de 2013), através do método do ponto de escuta, dispostos na base de cada um dos aerogeradores. Foram registrados 6.843 contatos de aves pertencentes a 67 espécies distribuídas em 22 famílias e 13 ordens, e a espécie com maior número de contatos foi a batuíra-de-coleira (Charadrius collaris). As categorias tróficas predominantes foram as das aves insetívoras, representadas por 18 espécies, seguidas pelas aves que se alimentam de invertebrados aquáticos (17 espécies). A maioria das aves registradas é de ambiente aquático. Durante o desenvolvimento desse estudo não foram registradas colisões entre as aves e os aerogeradores.

Energy consummation and environmental emissions assessment of a refrigeration compressor based on life cycle assessment methodology

This paper aims to evaluate and quantify the energy consumption and environmental emissions of a refrigeration compressor produced by a Chinese factory throughout the entire compressor life cycle and try to determine the stage with the strongest environmental impact. The study covers all relevant life cycle stages, from raw material production to compressor use and final disposal. The research is conducted in accordance with ISO 14040/14044 standards. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is applied in this study, and Chinese Life Cycle Database is used for the assessment. The evaluation results are presented in terms of individual impact category according to the characterization model (CML 2001) and normalization references (Laurent et al. 16:401–409, 2011). The following seven impact categories are considered: global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, photochemical ozone formation potential, ozone depletion potential, ecotoxicity, and primary energy demand. All necessary energy and material flows are detailed for assessment purposes. LCA results show that the compressor use stage in the life cycle consumes the most energy and exerts the strongest environmental impact, followed by the stages of raw material production and component manufacturing. Meanwhile, primary energy demand, ecotoxicity, and global warming potential are three predominant impact categories along with the entire life cycle of the refrigeration compressor; which account for 36.2150, 34.4567, and 16.5862 % of total impacts, respectively. Results show that the compressor use stage may be improved given that environmental impact is largely influenced by electricity requirement. Further investigation must be conducted to improve compressor service efficiency.

Prevalence of Chronic Mental and Physical Disorders, Impact on Work Productivity and Correlates of Alcohol Use Disorders and Nicotine Dependence across Occupations

This study assessed occupational differences in the prevalence of mental and physical disorders in an employed general population sample in Singapore and investigated the impact of these disorders on work productivity losses in terms of work-loss days and work-cutback days. The association of occupation with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and nicotine dependence (ND) was also investigated. Data from a population-based mental health survey of a representative sample of multi-ethnic residents aged 18 years and above were used. The World Health Organization's (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was administered to establish the lifetime diagnosis of key mental disorders. Self-report on sociodemographic characteristics, productivity loss, ND, and lifetime physical conditions were obtained. Nine occupational groups were included in this analysis. The sample comprised 4361 participants with a mean (SD) age of 42.2 (11.9) years, ranging between 19 to 80 years. 'Associate professionals and technicians' (26.2%), 'Services and sales workers' (17.7%) and 'Professionals' (15.4%) were the 3 predominant occupational categories. Sociodemographic characteristics differed significantly across occupations (P <0.001). The lifetime prevalences of having 'any mental disorder' and 'any physical disorder' were 13.0% and 37.9%, respectively; major depressive disorder was the most prevalent mental disorder (5.9%) and hypertension was the most common physical disorder (15.6%). There were no significant differences in work productivity loss across occupations. Sociodemographic and occupational correlates for AUD and ND were identified. Sociodemographic and health disparities exist in the major occupational categories in Singapore. The strength of the associations between occupation and AUD and ND are significant, indicating the need for preventative measures in select occupations.

Synthetic review on the genetic relatedness between North Africa and Arabia deduced from paternal lineage distributions

Y-chromosome single-nucleotide polymorphisms are highly used for phylogenetic construction and in the study of human migration patterns and evolution. Knowing that these genetic markers are associated with certain aspects of human culture like languages, it has been reported that some specific haplogroups characterize the Arab world. In this review, we draw the main conclusions referring to these polymorphisms in the Arab world, in order to provide an anthropological approach to the analysis of the genetic landscape of these populations. In the Middle East, the predominant categories of Y chromosomes are varieties associated with haplogroup J- M304. It has been hypothesized that the center of origin of sub-haplogroup J1-M267 would be the southern Arabian Peninsula whereas J2-M172 seems to be originating from the Fertile Crescent region. In North African populations, the distribution of E- M81, the most common haplogroup there, closely matches the present area of Berber- speaking population's allocation on the continent, suggesting a close haplogroup-ethnic group parallelism. Remarkably, J1-M267 and J2-M172 were also encountered in North African populations but with less frequency than the Middle Eastern ones, showing an important paternal gene flow from the Middle East towards North Africa. This is in agreement with historical data such as the Phoenician migration flows, from the Fertile Crescent, and mainly to the Arab expansion during the spread of Islam and the important migration of Arabic tribes like the Hilalians that led to a large scale Arabization of North Africa.

Characterization of Chinese crude propolis by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A method for analysis of Chinese crude propolis was developed by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) with a vertical microfurnace pyrolyzer. Propolis sample powder about 0.1mg was pyrolyzed directly at the optimum pyrolytic temperature of 550°C without any time-consuming pretreatments. 76 compounds were identified on the resulting pyrogram after the pyrolysis of crude propolis, and all the compounds were grouped into 8 categories such as flavonoids, terpenoids, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, phenols and alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, and others. On the basis of peak areas, the relative intensities of 76 peaks were precisely determined with the relative standard deviations (RSDs (%), n=3) between 1.1 and 14.0%. Furthermore, the compositions of crude propolis samples from different geographical regions in China were analyzed and compared. The contents of 8 categories of compounds in crude propolis samples were different, the predominant categories being flavonoids, esters or hydrocarbons. And also the contents of main bioactivity compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids were extremely different, and varied largely with 0–54.9% and 0.6–21.6%, respectively. In addition, abundant triterpenoids were identified in Chinese propolis for the first time. It is proved that Py–GC/MS is a simple, rapid and sensitive method for the characterization of the crude propolis.

Socially Determined vs. Physically Determined Disabilities in Special-Education Placements

As I reviewed die articles for this issue of Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, I was reminded of a concern that I have wondered about from time to time- indeed, since I was first introduced to education for students with disabilities. That concern is the effect that cultural conditions have on the diagnosis of disabilities. Over the years, this interest has led me to a broader reflection about the relationship between what I have come to refer to as socially determined disabilities and physically determined disabilities.Before continuing this discussion, I need to state that my experience widi the diagnoses of disabilities has been almost entirely with the public schools of various countries, primarily the United States, and the delivery of education for students with disabilities, usually referred to as "special education." Special education came to national attention in the public schools of the United States primarily as a result of the passage of the Education of All Handicapped Act (P.L. 94-142), in 1975. For the first time, all U.S. public schools were required to provide specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. But although the particular disabilities covered by this legislation were specified, diagnostic difficulties soon emerged. Some disabilities were classical, specifically defined, and as a result factual. Other disabilities, however, were more theoretical and as a result were subject to interpretation. The predominant special-education eligibility categories for U.S. students are as follows:Visually impaired. A person's ability to see can be defined precisely, and it can be reliably assessed with virtually no disagreement. Visual impairment is a fact.Specific learning disabilities. Given the amount of literature published during the past 40 years about the viability of this category (and the resulting lack of conclusion), there is no question that it does not represent established facts. Specific learning disabilities is a theory that has been used to explain a number of observed behaviors, which in turn correlate to poor achievement (Hargis & Terhaar-Yonkers, 1989).Hearing impaired. The degree of hearing that a person has or does not have can be measured precisely. Hearing-loss is a fact.Speech impaired. Over the years, speech impairment has perhaps been the most controversial category of all. The problem is in the definition of "speech impairment." The physical aspects of speech impairment are factual, but the speech issues associated with language are theoretical and often debated.Severely emotionally disturbed. Clearly, this category is a theory. The category is based on several hypothetical sub-conditions that are also theoretical. The definition of emotionally disturbed is ambiguous and subject to broad interpretation. A student can be defined as emotionally disturbed by the evaluation team of one district and not by another.Orthopedic impairment. The fact of a physical disability makes this perhaps the most obvious of all the categories. Even a mild form of orthopedic impairment has a clear physical basis for diagnosis that does not require theoretical interpretation.Intellectual disability (formerly called mental retardation). The concept of mental retardation is now and has always been a theory. The fact that more severely "retarded" individuals have more associated physical anomalies than "normal" individuals may cause us to think that the category is a fact. In reality, the fact is the related physical symptom, not the category.The dichotomy indicated between fact and theory is not black-and-white. Students identified in the theoretical categories clearly have specific needs that should be met, but those needs are not defined by their respective classifications, as they are in the factual categories. Whereas factual categories are physically determined, theoretical categories are socially determined. …

Cognitive and Social Themes in Chidren's Public Television Programming in the United States

This study employed inductive analysis to analyze forty-two PBS children's educational television series in the United States for cognitive and social themes. Series were grouped by age bands of 6 years and under, mixed age, and 6 years and over. Memoing resulted in ten social and cognitive categories, which were ranked and weighted for comparison. The weighted data were sorted in multiple ways for analysis revealing Social and Emotional Behavior as the most predominant category in PBS children's programming, and Mathematics was one of the least predominant categories utilized as a main focus across all age groups. These results raise a concern for a socio-economic divide between those who utilize public broadcasting as a free resource for school readiness and those who invest in programming and other media with more mathematical content.

Proteomic analysis indicates massive changes in metabolism prior to the inhibition of growth and photosynthesis of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in response to water deficit

BackgroundCabernet Sauvignon grapevines were exposed to a progressive, increasing water defict over 16 days. Shoot elongation and photosynthesis were measured for physiological responses to water deficit. The effect of water deficit over time on the abundance of individual proteins in growing shoot tips (including four immature leaves) was analyzed using nanoflow liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS).ResultsWater deficit progressively decreased shoot elongation, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis after Day 4; 2277 proteins were identified by shotgun proteomics with an average CV of 9% for the protein abundance of all proteins. There were 472 out of 942 (50%) proteins found in all samples that were significantly affected by water deficit. The 472 proteins were clustered into four groups: increased and decreased abundance of early- and late-responding protein profiles. Vines sensed the water deficit early, appearing to acclimate to stress, because the abundance of many proteins changed before decreases in shoot elongation, stomatal conductance and photosynthesis. Predominant functional categories of the early-responding proteins included photosynthesis, glycolysis, translation, antioxidant defense and growth-related categories (steroid metabolism and water transport), whereas additional proteins for late-responding proteins were largely involved with transport, photorespiration, antioxidants, amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism.ConclusionsProteomic responses to water deficit were dynamic with early, significant changes in abundance of proteins involved in translation, energy, antioxidant defense and steroid metabolism. The abundance of these proteins changed prior to any detectable decreases in shoot elongation, stomatal conductance or photosynthesis. Many of these early-responding proteins are known to be regulated by post-transcriptional modifications such as phosphorylation. The proteomics analysis indicates massive and substantial changes in plant metabolism that appear to funnel carbon and energy into antioxidant defenses in the very early stages of plant response to water deficit before any significant injury.

Towards a Cultural Adaptation of Family Psychoeducation: Findings from Three Latino Focus Groups

This study was undertaken among Latinos receiving treatment from a community mental health center in New York City. The primary mental health concern was schizophrenia. We conducted three focus groups and present the viewpoints of consumers, family members, and providers. Using qualitative content analysis we identified four predominant categories: (1) the importance of family ties; (2) stigma about mental illness; (3) respect and trust in interpersonal relationships; and (4) facilitators and barriers to implementing Family Psychoeducation. Analysis of transcripts revealed specific subthemes for each category. Implications for imparting culturally sensitive material into mental health services for Latinos are discussed.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Phenotype, C. difficile and NOD2 Genotype Are Associated with Shifts in Human Ileum Associated Microbial Composition

We tested the hypothesis that Crohn’s disease (CD)-related genetic polymorphisms involved in host innate immunity are associated with shifts in human ileum–associated microbial composition in a cross-sectional analysis of human ileal samples. Sanger sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and 454 sequencing of 16S rRNA gene hypervariable regions (V1–V3 and V3–V5), were conducted on macroscopically disease-unaffected ileal biopsies collected from 52 ileal CD, 58 ulcerative colitis and 60 control patients without inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) undergoing initial surgical resection. These subjects also were genotyped for the three major NOD2 risk alleles (Leu1007fs, R708W, G908R) and the ATG16L1 risk allele (T300A). The samples were linked to clinical metadata, including body mass index, smoking status and Clostridia difficile infection. The sequences were classified into seven phyla/subphyla categories using the Naïve Bayesian Classifier of the Ribosome Database Project. Centered log ratio transformation of six predominant categories was included as the dependent variable in the permutation based MANCOVA for the overall composition with stepwise variable selection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were conducted to measure the relative frequencies of the Clostridium coccoides – Eubacterium rectales group and the Faecalibacterium prausnitzii spp. Empiric logit transformations of the relative frequencies of these two microbial groups were included in permutation-based ANCOVA. Regardless of sequencing method, IBD phenotype, Clostridia difficile and NOD2 genotype were selected as associated (FDR ≤0.05) with shifts in overall microbial composition. IBD phenotype and NOD2 genotype were also selected as associated with shifts in the relative frequency of the C. coccoides – E. rectales group. IBD phenotype, smoking and IBD medications were selected as associated with shifts in the relative frequency of F. prausnitzii spp. These results indicate that the effects of genetic and environmental factors on IBD are mediated at least in part by the enteric microbiota.

Postgenomic Analyses Reveal Development of Infectious Anaplasma phagocytophilum during Transmission from Ticks to Mice

Obligate intracellular bacteria of the Rickettsiales order have evolved to colonize both arthropod and mammalian hosts, but few details are known about the bacterial adaptations that occur during transmission from blood-feeding arthropods to mammals. Here we apply proteomics and transcriptome sequencing to Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, in Ixodes scapularis tick salivary glands, to detect proteins or genes expressed by the pathogen during transmission feeding by the tick. We detected expression of 139 genes, representing 11% of the open reading frames (ORFs) in the A. phagocytophilum genome. The predominant categories of proteins were ribosomal proteins, cell surface proteins, chaperones, and uncharacterized proteins. There was no evidence of DNA replication enzymes, suggesting that most of the A. phagocytophilum cells were no longer dividing. Instead, protein expression reflected conversion to the extracellular, infectious "dense-core" (DC) form. High expression of a DC-specific marker, APH_1235, further suggested this developmental transition in ticks. We showed that blocking APH_1235 with antibodies reduced A. phagocytophilum infection levels in mammalian cell culture. This work represents a starting point for clarifying essential proteins expressed by A. phagocytophilum during transmission from ticks to mammals and demonstrates that the abundantly expressed, DC-associated APH_1235 protein is important during in vivo infection by A. phagocytophilum.

Schizophrenia as a Disorder of Social Communication

Evidence is reviewed for the existence of a core system for moment-to-moment social communication that is based on the perception of dynamic gestures and other social perceptual processes in the temporal-parietal occipital junction (TPJ), including the posterior superior temporal sulcus (PSTS) and surrounding regions. Overactivation of these regions may produce the schizophrenic syndrome. The TPJ plays a key role in the perception and production of dynamic social, emotional, and attentional gestures for the self and others. These include dynamic gestures of the body, face, and eyes as well as audiovisual speech and prosody. Many negative symptoms are characterized by deficits in responding within these domains. Several properties of this system have been discovered through single neuron recording, brain stimulation, neuroimaging, and the study of neurological impairment. These properties map onto the schizophrenic syndrome. The representation of dynamic gestures is multimodal (auditory, visual, and tactile), matching the predominant hallucinatory categories in schizophrenia. Inherent in the perceptual signal of gesture representation is a computation of intention, agency, and anticipation or expectancy (for the self and others). The neurons are also tuned or biased to rapidly detect threat-related emotions. I review preliminary evidence that overactivation of this system can result in schizophrenia.

Transcriptome analysis of tobacco BY-2 cells elicited by cryptogein reveals new potential actors of calcium-dependent and calcium-independent plant defense pathways

Cryptogein is a proteinaceous elicitor secreted by the oomycete Phytophthora cryptogea, which induces a hypersensitive response in tobacco plants. We have previously reported that in tobacco BY-2 cells treated with cryptogein, most of the genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway were upregulated and cell wall-bound phenolics accumulated. Both events were Ca2+ dependent. In this study, we designed a microarray covering a large proportion of the tobacco genome and monitored gene expression in cryptogein-elicited BY-2 cells to get a more complete view of the transcriptome changes and to assess their Ca2+ dependence. The predominant functional gene categories affected by cryptogein included stress- and disease-related proteins, phenylpropanoid pathway, signaling components, transcription factors and cell wall reinforcement. Among the 3819 unigenes whose expression changed more than fourfold, 90% were Ca2+ dependent, as determined by their sensitivity to lanthanum chloride. The most Ca2+-dependent transcripts upregulated by cryptogein were involved in defense responses or the oxylipin pathway. This genome-wide study strongly supports the importance of Ca2+-dependent transcriptional regulation of regulatory and defense-related genes contributing to cryptogein responses in tobacco.

A Bibliometric Study of Innovation Based on Schumpeter

The aim of this paper is to analyze the production of the scientific innovation theme, based on the Economical Development Theory. The bibliometric study started from the seven categories derived from Schumpeter’s seminal text in articles from the following journals IJIM, JOTMI, RAI and RBI, published in the 2000 decade. Results have shown an increase in eleven new categories in the innovation realm, and the predominant categories are the ones that mention ‘organizational resources, capabilities and competencies, knowledge and learning’. The topic ‘new product’, from Schumpeter’s original text, was the third most investigated. We have come to the conclusion that the discussion of the subject innovation is far beyond the cases of innovation shown by his seminal author in the early twentieth century and, even though this may not be a theory of resources, this approach and other ones derived from it - such as the dynamic capabilities approach, the skills approach and the organizational knowledge approach - have now attracted the interest of the academy in recent years.