BackgroundKCNQx genes encode slowly activating-inactivating K+ channels, are linked to physiological signal transduction pathways, and mutations in them underlie diseases such as long QT syndrome (KCNQ1), epilepsy in adults (KCNQ2/3), benign familial neonatal convulsions in children (KCNQ3), and hearing loss or tinnitus in humans (KCNQ4, but not KCNQ5). Identification of kcnqx potassium channel transcripts in zebrafish (Danio rerio) remains to be fully characterized although some genes have been mapped to the genome. Using zebrafish genome resources as the source of putative kcnq sequences, we investigated the expression of kcnq1-5 in heart, brain and ear tissues.ResultsOverall expression of the kcnqx channel transcripts is similar to that found in mammals. We found that kcnq1 expression was highest in the heart, and also present in the ear and brain. kcnq2 was lowest in the heart, while kcnq3 was highly expressed in the brain, heart and ear. kcnq5 expression was highest in the ear. We analyzed zebrafish genomic clones containing putative kcnq4 sequences to identify transcripts and protein for this highly conserved member of the Kcnq channel family. The zebrafish appears to have two kcnq4 genes that produce distinct mRNA species in brain, ear, and heart tissues.ConclusionsWe conclude that the zebrafish is an attractive model for the study of the KCNQ (Kv7) superfamily of genes, and are important to processes involved in neuronal excitability, cardiac anomalies, epileptic seizures, and hearing loss or tinnitus.

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the Somali population in Uganda. This spike reflects a new development in the history of Somali mobility in East Africa, shaped both by crises and by opportunities, from which sophisticated transnational and translocal strategies have emerged. In this article, we draw attention to these strategies to understand continuity and change in Somali migrant networks in Kampala, highlighting the dual significance of Uganda both as a safe haven and as a stepping stone for upward social mobility and business expansion across the region and beyond. By describing the entanglement of needs and aspirations driving the mobility and livelihood strategies of Somali refugees, students and entrepreneurs, we argue that the historical trajectory of the Somali community in Uganda over the past 30 years has been shaped by the interaction of pre-existing linkages and an institutional framework defined by a mix of donor-oriented policies and presidential patronage. We identify three moments in which Museveni's ability to 'manage donors' perceptions' has had implications for the economic, demographic and political configuration of the Somali diaspora in Uganda: the economic liberalisation of the 1990s; the 2006 Refugee Act; and the 2007 deployment of UPDF in Uganda.

Background: The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) is an education and advocacy organization with a diverse membership, representing all cancer program types with the largest majority (75%) being community-based cancer programs and private practices. Beyond the academic setting, ACCC seeks to expand education on the advancements in all cancer care and since measurable residual disease (MRD) is the most important prognostic factor that guides the therapy for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), this project aimed to emphasize the importance of MRD testing for adult patients with ALL in the community oncology setting. Objective: The ACCC led a national initiative, in partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of adult patients diagnosed with ALL in community oncology practices. This educational program focused on understanding the benefits of knowing patients' MRD testing and interpretation and the need to integrate this testing into standard of care practice in community oncology practice settings. Methods: This one-year programmatic initiative was designed by a group of multidisciplinary oncology faculty and structured around a peer-to-peer learning format that enabled ALL expert faculty to share effective practices for the treatment, care coordination and management of adult patients with ALL. An environmental scan was conducted to understand the landscape for utilization of MRD data in the community setting. Challenges and barriers identified in six key areas ((Initial Diagnostic Workup, Shared Decision Making, MRD Testing, Patient Access, Cost, and Reimbursement, Side-effect Management and Transitions in Care) were addressed by the development of healthcare professional-focused educational tools. Results: The educational material developed as part of the program include an environmental scan, blog series and webinar series that was viewed over 300 times by engaged ACCC members representing more than 75 cancer programs across 27 states. The four-part blog series covered a pathologist's perspective on the importance of MRD testing, a pharmacist's views on incorporating health literacy for patients, and social work and nursing perspectives on challenges with helping adult patients manage an ALL diagnosis. The three-part webinar series included an informative ASH 2018 update that included key abstracts and findings, a webinar that included a patient and care providers which shed light on the support needed along a patient's journey, and a webinar that explored critical insights for treating adult ALL from the perspective of a pharmacist, pathologist and oncologist. These enduring resources are available on-demand for the multidisciplinary care team. Conclusions: This program demonstrated the success of adopting a peer-to-peer educational learning platform to educate the multidisciplinary team providing care for adult patients diagnosed with ALL. Given rapid technological advances and emerging indications, the comprehensive educational materials developed were useful for the education of both the treating team and the patients in the community oncology setting. Disclosures Emadi: Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; NewLink Genetics: Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; KinaRx: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Co-Founder and Scientific Advisor, Patents & Royalties; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria. Jabbour:Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; Adaptive: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cyclacel LTD: Research Funding. Kendall:Eli Lilly: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Speakers Bureau. Rogers:Teva: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria; Genentech: Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Speakers Bureau; Cardinal Health: Honoraria; Genentech: Honoraria; Mylan: Honoraria; Coherus: Speakers Bureau.