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Buonaiuto DM, Davies TJ, Collins SC, Wolkovich EM. Ecological drivers of flower-leaf sequences: aridity and proxies for pollinator attraction select for flowering-first in the American plums. New Phytol 2024. [PMID: 38561636 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Across temperate forests, many tree species produce flowers before their leaves emerge. This flower-leaf phenological sequence, known as hysteranthy, is generally described as an adaptation for wind pollination. However, this explanation does not address why hysteranthy is also common in biotically pollinated taxa. We quantified flower-leaf sequence variation in the American plums (Prunus, subg. Prunus sect. Prunocerasus), a clade of insect-pollinated trees, using herbaria specimens and Bayesian hierarchical modeling. We tested two common, but rarely interrogated hypotheses - that hysteranthy confers aridity tolerance and/or pollinator visibility - by modeling the associations between hysteranthy and related traits. To understand how these phenology-trait associations were sensitive to taxonomic scale and flower-leaf sequence classification, we then extended these analyses to all Prunus species in North America. Our findings across two taxonomic levels support the hypotheses that hysteranthy may help temporally partition hydraulic demand to reduce water stress and increase pollinator visibility - thereby reducing selective pressure on inflorescence size. Our results provide foundational insights into the evolution of flower-leaf sequences in the genus Prunus, with implications for understanding these patterns in biotically pollinated plants in general. Our approach suggests a path to advance these hypotheses to other clades, but teasing out drivers fully will require new experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Buonaiuto
- Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02131, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - T J Davies
- Forest & Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - S C Collins
- Forest & Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - E M Wolkovich
- Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02131, USA
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Forest & Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Collins SC. Is the prominent decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone after endometrioma resection truly of concern? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:366-367. [PMID: 35288091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Collins SC, Kim S, Chan E. Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Utilization of Prayer and Clergy Counseling by Infertile US Women Desiring Pregnancy. J Relig Health 2018; 57:2230-2240. [PMID: 29188549 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-017-0536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Religion can have a significant influence on the experience of infertility. However, it is unclear how many US women turn to religion when facing infertility. Here, we examine the utilization of prayer and clergy counsel among a nationally representative sample of 1062 infertile US women. Prayer was used by 74.8% of the participants, and clergy counsel was the most common formal support system utilized. Both prayer and clergy counsel were significantly more common among black and Hispanic women. Healthcare providers should acknowledge the spiritual needs of their infertile patients and ally with clergy when possible to provide maximally effective care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Collins
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 150 Sargent Drive, Second Floor, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Soorin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 150 Sargent Drive, Second Floor, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Esther Chan
- Department of Sociology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Charsley JS, Collins SC, Hill AJ. The bigger picture: young children's perception of fatness in the context of other physical differences. Pediatr Obes 2018; 13:558-566. [PMID: 29701306 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Negative obesity stereotypes and anti-fat attitudes have been observed in children from age three. It is uncertain whether this is specific to fatness or generalizable to other visible differences. OBJECTIVES To determine whether young children base decisions about qualities in others and friendship choices more on fatness than other visible differences between people. METHODS Using a personal construct theory approach, 85 children (mean age 5.7, 42 girls) completed a simple repertory grid. The children were asked about differences (constructs) between four illustrations (elements) that showed children as healthy weight, fat, the opposite gender and in a wheelchair. Children were also asked about friendship with the illustrated children and self-image preferences. Their answers were grouped using thematic analysis. RESULTS The fat, opposite gender and wheelchair-bound characters were equally chosen by children as different to the standard character. When identifying differences, fatness or body shape was referred to significantly less than gender or being in a wheelchair. Children were more likely to reject an opposite gender character as a friend, or as someone they would like to be, than to reject the fat character. Only one child, themselves overweight, voiced strong anti-fat attitudes. CONCLUSIONS Apparent negativity towards fatness is fostered by failure to consider other visible differences and by children's 'like me' peer preferences. It was less desirable in the eyes of most 5-year old girls to be a boy than to be fat. This offers some reassurance to those working to improve children's health literacy in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Charsley
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - S C Collins
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - A J Hill
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
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McMullan E, Gupta A, Collins SC. Experiences of mental health nursing staff working with voice hearers in an acute setting: An interpretive phenomenological approach. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2018; 25:157-166. [PMID: 29280257 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Community mental health staff and their service users have reported mixed views on the importance of talking about the content of voices. Community staff have reported feeling that they do not have the skills to explore voice content and worry about making things worse. Voice hearers experiencing extreme distress due to the content of their voices can access support through acute inpatient mental health services. No previous studies have focused on the experiences of staff who nurse voice hearers at a time of acute distress. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: MHNs and HSWs working with voice hearers in acute distress report feeling powerless and helpless, as they feel that they cannot lessen the distress experienced by the voice hearer. Despite these difficult feelings, staff report finding ways of coping, including using structured tools to help make sense of their service users' voice-hearing experiences and accessing reflective practice forums. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Due to the current context of increased acuity and limited resources in acute services, there may be a need to further protect time for staff to access reflective practice groups and supervision forums to help them manage the difficult feelings arising from their work with voice hearers. ABSTRACT Introduction Mental health nursing (MHN) staff in acute settings work with voice hearers at times of crises when they experience high levels of distress. Previous research has focused on community mental health staff's experiences and their service users views on exploring the content of voices. No studies have explored this from an acute mental health service perspective. Aim This study therefore sought to explore the experiences of staff working with voice hearers in an acute mental health service. Method Due to the exploratory nature of the research, a qualitative design was chosen. Three MHNs and five healthcare support workers (HSWs) were interviewed. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results A group analysis elicited three master themes: "It's quite scary really, not unlike a horror movie;" "I can only influence what's in front of me;" and "Just chipping away". Discussion Staff working with voice hearers in acute settings experience feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, as they feel unable to reduce the distress experienced by voice hearers in their care. Staff employ coping strategies to help manage these difficult feelings, including using structured tools in their work with voice hearers and attending reflective practice forums. Implications for Practice Acute mental health services may need to protect time for staff to access regular reflective practice and other supervision forums to help manage their feelings of powerlessness and helplessness arising from their work with voice hearers.
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Affiliation(s)
- E McMullan
- South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Wakefield, UK
| | - A Gupta
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - S C Collins
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, UK
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Collins SC, Chan E. Sociocultural determinants of US women's ethical views on various fertility treatments. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:669-677. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Simoni MK, Mu L, Collins SC. Women's career priority is associated with attitudes towards family planning and ethical acceptance of reproductive technologies. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:2069-2075. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael K. Simoni
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lin Mu
- Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Stephen C. Collins
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Collins SC, Xu X, Mak W. Cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic screening for women older than 37 undergoing in vitro fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1515-1522. [PMID: 28748493 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Adding preimplantation genetic screening to in vitro fertilization has been shown to increase live birth rate in women older than 37. However, preimplantation genetic screening is an expensive procedure. Information on the cost-effectiveness of preimplantation genetic screening can help inform clinical decision making. METHODS We constructed a decision analytic model for a hypothetical fresh, autologous in vitro fertilization cycle (with versus without preimplantation genetic screening) for women older than age 37 who had a successful oocyte retrieval and development of at least one blastocyst. The model incorporated probability and cost estimates of relevant clinical events based on data from published literature. Sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the impact of changes in model input parameters. RESULTS In base-case analysis, IVF-PGS offered a 4.2 percentage point increase in live birth rate for an additional cost of $4509, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $105,489 per additional live birth. This ICER was below the expected cost of $145,063 for achieving one live birth with IVF (assuming an average LBR of 13.4% and $19,415 per cycle for this patient population). Sensitivity analysis suggested that ICER improved substantially with decreases in PGS cost and increases in PGS effectiveness. Monte Carlo simulation showed PGS to be cost-effective in 93.9% of iterations at an acceptability cutoff of $145,063. CONCLUSIONS Considering the expected cost of achieving one live birth with IVF, PGS is a cost-effective strategy for women older than 37 undergoing IVF. Additional research on patients' willingness-to-pay per live birth would further inform our understanding regarding the cost-effectiveness of PGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Collins
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208063, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208063, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Winifred Mak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208063, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Collins SC. Precision reproductive medicine: multigene panel testing for infertility risk assessment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:967-973. [PMID: 28470451 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of precision medicine relies on a thorough understanding of the consequences of unique features of individual patients, such as environmental exposures and genetic profiles. A key component of implementing individualized care in this paradigm will be improved assessment of genetic risk. Compared with single gene tests, multigene panel testing-which has recently become commercially available for female infertility-offers the possibility of a more comprehensive and efficient risk evaluation. However, as the use of multigene panel testing for breast cancer risk has shown, this approach must be used judiciously to ensure its usefulness in a clinical setting. Key challenges which have been encountered in oncology include the interpretation of gene variants of questionable clinical effect and a lack of evidence to guide management after variants are identified. In this review, the core concepts of multigene panel testing for risk assessment are discussed, with careful attention to both its shortcomings as well as its potential for benefit in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Collins
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Yale School of Medicine, 150 Sargent Drive, Second Floor, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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Baxter SL, Collins SC, Hill AJ. 'Thin people … they're healthy': young children's understanding of body weight change. Pediatr Obes 2016; 11:418-24. [PMID: 26493156 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While research has investigated negative stereotyping of fat body shapes, little has focused on young children's understanding of the mechanisms, motivations and consequences of weight change. OBJECTIVES To investigate children's understanding of how weight change is achieved, people's motivation for weight change, and the consequences of weight loss or weight gain. METHODS One hundred children (mean age 5.2, 38 girls) read a book in which one of the main characters (male/female according to the child's sex) was either healthy weight or overweight. Afterwards, this character was described as gaining or losing weight, and drawings which depicted the child in the story as either healthy weight or overweight were presented to the child and discussed. An audio-recorded semi-structured interview followed and transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Nearly all children described the weight/shape change and attributed this to food more frequently than exercise. Weight loss was viewed positively and both motivations and consequences grouped under two master themes (physical and social reasons). No clear gender differences were observed in these responses. CONCLUSIONS Talking with 5-year-olds showed them to be observant and knowledgeable, especially about motivations for and consequences of weight change. For those working to improve children's health literacy, this suggests receptiveness to early and fact-based education.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Baxter
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - S C Collins
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - A J Hill
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
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Seli E, Babayev E, Collins SC, Nemeth G, Horvath TL. Minireview: Metabolism of female reproduction: regulatory mechanisms and clinical implications. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:790-804. [PMID: 24678733 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female fertility is highly dependent on successful regulation of energy metabolism. Central processes in the hypothalamus monitor the metabolic state of the organism and, together with metabolic hormones, drive the peripheral availability of energy for cellular functions. In the ovary, the oocyte and neighboring somatic cells of the follicle work in unison to achieve successful metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Metabolic disturbances such as anorexia nervosa, obesity, and diabetes mellitus have clinically important consequences on human reproduction. In this article, we review the metabolic determinants of female reproduction and their role in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (E.S., E.B., S.C., T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.N., T.L.H.), University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Szeged, Hungary 6701; Department of Comparative Medicine (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; and the Department of Neurobiology (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the foundations, recent technical advances, and increasing number of applications for in-vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). RECENT FINDINGS PGD is an important technique for reducing the burden of genetic disease. Studies have shown that the diagnostic accuracy and subsequent live-birth rate after PGD are impacted by the developmental stage at the time of biopsy, as well as the biopsy protocol used. Also essential for accurate diagnosis are refined mutation detection protocols which avoid the common problem of allele drop-out. As the technique has improved, there has been a concomitant increase in the popularity and breadth of application of PGD. A recently published 10-year dataset of worldwide PGD reveals the increasing frequency of its use and the growing number of indications for which PGD is offered. SUMMARY Technical advances from biopsy to detection of mutations have led to improved diagnostic accuracy and an increased frequency and breadth of use for PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Collins
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA.
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Collins SC, Bray SM, Suhl JA, Cutler DJ, Coffee B, Zwick ME, Warren ST. Identification of novel FMR1 variants by massively parallel sequencing in developmentally delayed males. Am J Med Genet A 2010; 152A:2512-20. [PMID: 20799337 PMCID: PMC2946449 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited form of developmental delay, is typically caused by CGG-repeat expansion in FMR1. However, little attention has been paid to sequence variants in FMR1. Through the use of pooled-template massively parallel sequencing, we identified 130 novel FMR1 sequence variants in a population of 963 developmentally delayed males without CGG-repeat expansion mutations. Among these, we identified a novel missense change, p.R138Q, which alters a conserved residue in the nuclear localization signal of FMRP. We have also identified three promoter mutations in this population, all of which significantly reduce in vitro levels of FMR1 transcription. Additionally, we identified 10 noncoding variants of possible functional significance in the introns and 3'-untranslated region of FMR1, including two predicted splice site mutations. These findings greatly expand the catalog of known FMR1 sequence variants and suggest that FMR1 sequence variants may represent an important cause of developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Collins
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Steven M. Bray
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Joshua A. Suhl
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David J. Cutler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Bradford Coffee
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Michael E. Zwick
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephen T. Warren
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Collins SC, Coffee B, Benke PJ, Berry-Kravis E, Gilbert F, Oostra B, Halley D, Zwick ME, Cutler DJ, Warren ST. Array-based FMR1 sequencing and deletion analysis in patients with a fragile X syndrome-like phenotype. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9476. [PMID: 20221430 PMCID: PMC2832695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by loss of function mutations in the FMR1 gene. Trinucleotide CGG-repeat expansions, resulting in FMR1 gene silencing, are the most common mutations observed at this locus. Even though the repeat expansion mutation is a functional null mutation, few conventional mutations have been identified at this locus, largely due to the clinical laboratory focus on the repeat tract. Methodology/Principal Findings To more thoroughly evaluate the frequency of conventional mutations in FXS-like patients, we used an array-based method to sequence FMR1 in 51 unrelated males exhibiting several features characteristic of FXS but with normal CGG-repeat tracts of FMR1. One patient was identified with a deletion in FMR1, but none of the patients were found to have other conventional mutations. Conclusions/Significance These data suggest that missense mutations in FMR1 are not a common cause of the FXS phenotype in patients who have normal-length CGG-repeat tracts. However, screening for small deletions of FMR1 may be of clinically utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Collins
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brad Coffee
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Paul J. Benke
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Fred Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ben Oostra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dicky Halley
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael E. Zwick
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David J. Cutler
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephen T. Warren
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Departments of Pediatrics and Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Collins SC, Salehi A, Eliasson L, Olofsson CS, Rorsman P. Long-term exposure of mouse pancreatic islets to oleate or palmitate results in reduced glucose-induced somatostatin and oversecretion of glucagon. Diabetologia 2008; 51:1689-93. [PMID: 18622593 PMCID: PMC2516194 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-008-1082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Long-term exposure to NEFAs leads to inhibition of glucose-induced insulin secretion. We tested whether the release of somatostatin and glucagon, the two other major islet hormones, is also affected. METHODS Mouse pancreatic islets were cultured for 72 h at 4.5 or 15 mmol/l glucose with or without 0.5 mmol/l oleate or palmitate. The release of glucagon and somatostatin during subsequent 1 h incubations at 1 or 20 mmol/l glucose as well as the islet content of the two hormones were determined. Lipid-induced changes in islet cell ultrastructure were assessed by electron microscopy. RESULTS Culture at 15 mmol/l glucose increased islet glucagon content by approximately 50% relative to that observed following culture at 4.5 mmol/l glucose. Inclusion of oleate or palmitate reduced islet glucagon content by 25% (at 4.5 mmol/l glucose) to 50% (at 15 mmol/l glucose). Long-term exposure to the NEFA increased glucagon secretion at 1 mmol/l glucose by 50% (when islets had been cultured at 15 mmol/l glucose) to 100% (with 4.5 mmol/l glucose in the culture medium) and abolished the inhibitory effect of 20 mmol/l glucose on glucagon secretion. Somatostatin content was unaffected by glucose and lipids, but glucose-induced somatostatin secretion was reduced by approximately 50% following long-term exposure to either of the NEFA, regardless of whether the culture medium contained 4.5 or 15 mmol/l glucose. Ultrastructural evidence of lipid deposition was seen in <10% of non-beta cells but in >80% of the beta cells. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Long-term exposure to high glucose and/or NEFA affects the release of somatostatin and glucagon. The effects on glucagon secretion are very pronounced and in type 2 diabetes in vivo may aggravate the hyperglycaemic effects due to lack of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Collins
- OCDEM, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK.
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Keyes FG, Collins SC. The Pressure Variation of the Heat Function as a Direct Measure of the van der Waals Forces. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 18:328-33. [PMID: 16587688 PMCID: PMC1076221 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.18.4.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F G Keyes
- Contribution from the Research Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Serial No. 291
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Wallis RH, Wallace KJ, Collins SC, McAteer M, Argoud K, Bihoreau MT, Kaisaki PJ, Gauguier D. Enhanced insulin secretion and cholesterol metabolism in congenic strains of the spontaneously diabetic (Type 2) Goto Kakizaki rat are controlled by independent genetic loci in rat chromosome 8. Diabetologia 2004; 47:1096-106. [PMID: 15164172 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-004-1416-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2004] [Accepted: 03/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Genetic investigations in the spontaneously diabetic (Type 2) Goto Kakizaki (GK) rat have identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for diabetes-related phenotypes. The aims of this study were to refine the chromosomal mapping of a QTL ( Nidd/gk5) identified in chromosome 8 of the GK rat and to define a pathophysiological profile of GK gene variants underlying the QTL effects in congenics. METHODS Genetic linkage analysis was carried out with chromosome 8 markers genotyped in a GKxBN F2 intercross previously used to map diabetes QTL. Two congenic strains were designed to contain GK haplotypes in the region of Nidd/gk5 transferred onto a Brown Norway (BN) genetic background, and a broad spectrum of diabetes phenotypes were characterised in the animals. RESULTS Results from QTL mapping suggest that variations in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in vivo, and in body weight are controlled by different chromosome 8 loci (LOD3.53; p=0.0004 and LOD4.19; p=0.00007, respectively). Extensive physiological screening in male and female congenics at 12 and 24 weeks revealed the existence of GK variants at the locus Nidd/gk5, independently responsible for significantly enhanced insulin secretion and increased levels of plasma triglycerides, phospholipids and HDL, LDL and total cholesterol. Sequence polymorphisms detected between the BN and GK strains in genes encoding ApoAI, AIV, CIII and Lipc do not account for these effects. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION We refined the localisation of the QTL Nidd/gk5 and its pathophysiological characteristics in congenic strains derived for the locus. These congenic strains provide novel models for testing the contribution of a subset of GK alleles on diabetes phenotypes and for identifying diabetes susceptibility genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Wallis
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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Bihoreau MT, Sebag-Montefiore L, Godfrey RF, Wallis RH, Brown JH, Danoy PA, Collins SC, Rouard M, Kaisaki PJ, Lathrop M, Gauguier D. A high-resolution consensus linkage map of the rat, integrating radiation hybrid and genetic maps. Genomics 2001; 75:57-69. [PMID: 11472068 DOI: 10.1006/geno.2001.6583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have constructed a high-resolution consensus genetic map of the rat in a single large intercross, which integrates 747 framework markers and 687 positions of our whole-genome radiation hybrid (RH) map of the rat. We selected 136 new gene markers from the GenBank database and assigned them either genetically or physically to rat chromosomes to evaluate the accuracy of the integrated linkage-RH maps in the localization of new markers and to enrich existing comparative mapping data. These markers and 631 D-Got- markers, which are physically mapped but still uncharacterized for evidence of polymorphism, were tested for allele variations in a panel of 16 rat strains commonly used in genetic studies. The consensus linkage map constructed in the GK x BN cross now comprises 1620 markers of various origins, defining 840 resolved genetic positions with an average spacing of 2.2 cM between adjacent loci, and includes 407 gene markers. This whole-genome genetic map will contribute to the advancement of genetic studies in the rat by incorporating gene/EST maps, physical mapping information, and sequence data generated in rat and other mammalian species into genetic intervals harboring disease susceptibility loci identified in rat models of human genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Bihoreau
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
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Abstract
The cause of neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been completely clarified, but has been variously attributed to increases in cytosolic calcium and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The beta-amyloid fragment (Abeta) of the amyloid precursor protein induces calcium influx, ROS and apoptosis. Homocysteine (HC), a neurotoxic amino acid that accumulates in neurological disorders including AD, also induces calcium influx and oxidative stress, which has been shown to enhance neuronal excitotoxicity, leading to apoptosis. We examined the possibility that HC may augment Abeta neurotoxicity. HC potentiated the Abeta-induced increase in cytosolic calcium and apoptosis in differentiated SH-SY-5Y human neuroblastoma cells. The antioxidant vitamin E and the glutathione precursor N-acetyl-L-cysteine blocked apoptosis following cotreatment with HC and Abeta, indicating that apoptosis is associated with oxidative stress. These findings underscore that moderate accumulation of excitotoxins at concentrations that alone do not appear to initiate adverse events may enhance the effects of other factors known to cause neurodegeneration such as Abeta.
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Affiliation(s)
- P I Ho
- Center for Cellular Neurobiology and Neurodegeneration Research and Department of Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854, USA
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Kaisaki PJ, Rouard M, Danoy PA, Wallis RH, Collins SC, Rice M, Levy ER, Lathrop M, Bihoreau MT, Gauguier D. Detailed comparative gene map of rat chromosome 1 with mouse and human genomes and physical mapping of an evolutionary chromosomal breakpoint. Genomics 2000; 64:32-43. [PMID: 10708516 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1999.6107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report the localization of 92 new gene-based markers assigned to rat chromosome 1 by linkage or radiation hybrid mapping. The markers were chosen to enrich gene mapping data in a region of the rat chromosome known to contain several of the principal quantitative trait loci in rodent models of human multifactorial disease. The composite map reported here provides map information on a total of 139 known genes, including 80 that have been localized in mouse and 109 that have been localized in human, and integrates the gene-based markers with anonymous microsatellites. The evolutionary breakpoints identifying 16 segments that are homologous regions in the human genome are defined. These data will facilitate genetic and comparative mapping studies and identification of novel candidate genes for the quantitative trait loci that have been localized to the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Kaisaki
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Whalen
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030, USA
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Hale JF, Collins SC. Critical care nursing in army field hospitals. Crit Care Nurse 1995; 15:90-4, 100. [PMID: 7774251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Abstract
1. Human platelets were studied using a combination of patch-clamp and fluorescent indicators of membrane potential and [Ca2+]i. 2. Whole-cell and cell-attached patch recordings showed voltage-gated channels selective for K+ (IK(V]. These channels were activated by depolarization at a threshold close to the platelet resting potential and were blocked by the venom charybdotoxin (CTX; 10-20 nM). Several different conductance states were observed, ranging from 5 to 34 pS, with isotonic KCl in the patch pipette and bath. 3. Measurements with the potential-sensitive dye 3,3'-dipropylthia-dicarbocyanine, diS-C3-(5), in platelet suspensions showed that CTX depolarized the resting potential by approximately 25 mV. Thus, CTX-sensitive, voltage-gated K+ channels appear to play a major part in setting the resting potential. 4. ADP-evoked Ca2+ influx, monitored with Fura-2, was reduced by 10 nM-CTX. Restoration of a large negative membrane potential with valinomycin reversed this effect of CTX. These results suggest that the Ca2+ influx depends on the negative membrane potential and that K+ channels may be important in maintaining this potential during activation.
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Abstract
The 1944 Education Act marked the foundation of the modern School Catering Service. A statutory duty is imposed on Local Education Authorities (LEAs) to provide a 'mid-day dinner...suitable in all respects as the main meal of the day'. LEAs are free to provide meals consistent with broad nutritional guidelines of the Department of Education and Science but financial pressures have a large bearing on this. The traditional 2-course meal is still the norm, although there is a multi-choice menu for the majority of secondary schoolchildren. But a wide choice of food is incompatible with closely prescribed nutritional standards and pupils need to be aware of the implications for their health in the choice of food. The adoption of dietary recommendations for prevention of coronary heart disease would not generate serious practical difficulties for the professional caterer. The technical problems arising from minor adaptations in catering practice would be minimal in comparison to those of cost, education and hence modification of consumer demand. The move away from nutritional standards is likely to accelerate if, owing to financial constraints, the Government withdraws nutritional guidelines or removes the obligation on LEAs to provide a catering service. The danger is that financial considerations will override those of nutrition and a unique opportunity for health education by guidance and example in the schools may be lost.
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