Neuromodulatory Control and Language Recovery in Bilingual Aphasia: An Active Inference Approach

Understanding the aetiology of the diverse recovery patterns in bilingual aphasia is a theoretical challenge with implications for treatment. Loss of control over intact language networks provides a parsimonious starting point that can be tested using in-silico lesions. We simulated a complex recovery pattern (alternate antagonism and paradoxical translation) to test the hypothesis—from an established hierarchical control model—that loss of control was mediated by constraints on neuromodulatory resources. We used active (Bayesian) inference to simulate a selective loss of sensory precision; i.e., confidence in the causes of sensations. This in-silico lesion altered the precision of beliefs about task relevant states, including appropriate actions, and reproduced exactly the recovery pattern of interest. As sensory precision has been linked to acetylcholine release, these simulations endorse the conjecture that loss of neuromodulatory control can explain this atypical recovery pattern. We discuss the relevance of this finding for other recovery patterns

Efficacy of fecal fertilizers on growth, nutrient uptake and yield of maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most widely cultivated staple food crop in sub-Saharan Africa. However, its production is severely constrained by abiotic and biotic factors of which declining soil fertility is a major contributor. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fecal matter based organic fertilizers on growth, nutrient uptake, yield and yield components of maize, in two distinct agro-ecological zones. Five fertilizer treatments (control, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), cow manure, struvite, compost from fecal matter) were tested in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications per site. Data were collected on crop emergence (%), plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index (LAI), tasseling (%), nutrient uptake and grain yield and yield components. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and treatment means separated using Tukey’s HSD test. Results showed that crop emergence in the control treatment, except for struvite, was significantly higher than DAP and fecal matter based organic fertilizer plots in Bahati and Lanet sites. The end-point plant height (9 WAP), LAI and tasseling were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by location and organic fertilizer treatments. At the Lanet site, DAP and struvite treatments equally had the tallest maize plants (163 cm) followed by fecal compost (128 cm), manure (121 cm), and the control (79 cm). Similar result trends were recorded in Bahati where struvite (193 cm) had the tallest plants followed by fecal compost (166 cm), DAP (155 cm), manure (151 cm) and the control (98 cm), respectively. A contrasting result was observed at the Egerton University site in which cow manure and the control plots equally had the tallest plants (117-121 cm), followed by DAP and fecal compost (98-99 cm), and struvite (91 cm). The LAI, tasseling and grain yield were significantly influenced by location with struvite and fecal compost treatments producing the highest grain yield (≈8 t/ha) and one thousand (1000)-seed weights (480-560 g) at the Egerton University and Bahati experimental sites. Nitrogen uptake by maize for organic fertilizer treatments was higher than the control at all three locations. However, there was no difference in uptake of phosphorous and potassium between control and organic fertilizer treatments. These findings have demonstrated the potential of fecal matter based organic fertilizers as alternatives to inorganic fertilizers in smallholder agriculture.Key words: Zea mays, fecal compost, struvite, nutrient uptake, manure, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassiu

Randomized controlled trial comparing four strategies for delivering e-curriculum to health care professionals [ISRCTN88148532]

BACKGROUND: Internet education is increasingly provided to health professionals, but little is known about the most effective strategies for delivering the content. The purpose of this study is to compare four strategies for delivering an Internet-based (e-) curriculum on clinicians' knowledge (K), confidence (CONF), and communication (COMM) about herbs and other dietary supplements (HDS). METHODS: This national randomized 2 × 2 factorial trial included physicians, pharmacists, nurses, nutritionists and trainees in these fields. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four curriculum delivery strategies for 40 brief modules about HDS: a) delivering four (4) modules weekly over ten (10) weeks by email (drip-push); b) modules accessible on web site with 4 reminders weekly for 10 weeks (drip-pull); c) 40 modules delivered within 4 days by email (bolus-push); and d) 40 modules available on the Internet with one email informing participants of availability (bolus-pull). RESULTS: Of the 1,267 enrollees, 25% were male; the average age was 40 years. The completion rate was 62%, without significant differences between delivery groups. There were statistically significant improvements in K, CONF and COMM scores after the course (P<0.001 for all), although the difference in COMM was small. There were no significant differences in any of the three outcomes by delivery strategy, but outcomes were better for those who paid for continuing education credit. CONCLUSION: All delivery strategies tested similarly improved K, CONF, COMM scores about HDS. Educators can use the strategy that is most convenient without diminishing effectiveness. Additional curricula may be necessary to make substantial changes in clinicians' communication practices

Unique Changes in Mitochondrial Genomes Associated with Reversions of S-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Maizemar

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in plants is usually associated with the expression of specific chimeric regions within rearranged mitochondrial genomes. Maize CMS-S plants express high amounts of a 1.6-kb mitochondrial RNA during microspore maturation, which is associated with the observed pollen abortion. This transcript carries two chimeric open reading frames, orf355 and orf77, both unique to CMS-S. CMS-S mitochondria also contain free linear DNA plasmids bearing terminal inverted repeats (TIRs). These TIRs recombine with TIR-homologous sequences that precede orf355/orf77 within the main mitochondrial genome to produce linear ends. Transcription of the 1.6-kb RNA is initiated from a promoter within the TIRs only when they are at linear ends. Reversions of CMS-S to fertility occur in certain nuclear backgrounds and are usually associated with loss of the S plasmids and/or the sterility-associated region. We describe an unusual set of independently recovered revertants from a single maternal lineage that retain both the S plasmids and an intact orf355/orf77 region but which do not produce the 1.6-kb RNA. A 7.3-kb inversion resulting from illegitmate recombination between 14-bp microrepeats has separated the genomic TIR sequences from the CMS-associated region. Although RNAs containing orf355/orf77 can still be detected in the revertants, they are not highly expressed during pollen development and they are no longer initiated from the TIR promoter at a protein-stabilized linear end. They appear instead to be co-transcribed with cytochrome oxidase subunit 2. The 7.3-kb inversion was not detected in CMS-S or in other fertile revertants. Therefore, this inversion appears to be a de novo mutation that has continued to sort out within a single maternal lineage, giving rise to fertile progeny in successive generations

Cognitive and behavioral predictors of light therapy use

Objective: Although light therapy is effective in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders, only 53-79% of individuals with SAD meet remission criteria after light therapy. Perhaps more importantly, only 12-41% of individuals with SAD continue to use the treatment even after a previous winter of successful treatment. Method: Participants completed surveys regarding (1) social, cognitive, and behavioral variables used to evaluate treatment adherence for other health-related issues, expectations and credibility of light therapy, (2) a depression symptoms scale, and (3) self-reported light therapy use. Results: Individuals age 18 or older responded (n = 40), all reporting having been diagnosed with a mood disorder for which light therapy is indicated. Social support and self-efficacy scores were predictive of light therapy use (p's<.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that testing social support and self-efficacy in a diagnosed patient population may identify factors related to the decision to use light therapy. Treatments that impact social support and self-efficacy may improve treatment response to light therapy in SAD. © 2012 Roecklein et al

Arthroscopic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction of Chronic Acromioclavicular Dislocations Using Autogenous Semitendinosus Graft: A Two-Year Follow-up Study of 58 Patients

PurposeTo determine the results of operatively treated chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations after 2-year follow-up.MethodsFifty-eight patients with chronic acromioclavicular separations underwent arthroscopic coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions using semitendinosus autografts. Constant and Simple Shoulder Test scores were determined before and 2 years after surgery as a part of standard clinical practice. General patient satisfaction with the outcome (poor, fair, or excellent) also was assessed. In addition, for purposes of routine clinical follow-up, the coracoclavicular distance was measured from the inferior cortex of the clavicle to the superior cortex of the coracoid using anteroposterior radiographs taken 2 years after surgery. The results were compared with postoperative radiographs and changes in the distance were recorded. The clavicular drill hole was similarly measured 2 years after surgery to detect possible tunnel widening.ResultsThe mean preoperative Constant score increased from a preoperative mean of 52.6 ± 16.5 to 94.7 ± 7.9 at 2 years postoperatively (P = .000). The Simple Shoulder Test score increased from a preoperative mean of 7.7 ± 1.64 to 11.8 ± 0.7 (P = .000). The mean coracoclavicular distance increased from 10.5 ± 3.4 to 12.4 ± 3.9 mm (P = .009). The diameter of the clavicular drill hole increased from 6.0 mm to a mean of 8.4 mm. Two coracoid fractures were observed, but no clavicular fractures. One patient experienced a deep infection, leading to total reconstruction failure, and 2 patients had superficial postoperative infections. Forty-five patients (85%) reported excellent subjective outcomes, and 8 (15%) reported a fair outcome.ConclusionsThe outcomes of this series of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction were favorable and the number of serious complications was small. However, clavicular wound issues were a significant problem. Coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction is a challenging procedure, but satisfactory results can be achieved with careful patient selection and good technique

Adaptation of rat fast-twitch muscle to endurance activity is underpinned by changes to protein degradation as well as protein synthesis.

Muscle adaptations to exercise are underpinned by alterations to the abundance of individual proteins, which may occur through a change either to the synthesis or degradation of each protein. We used deuterium oxide (2 H2 O) labeling and chronic low-frequency stimulation (CLFS) in vivo to investigate the synthesis, abundance, and degradation of individual proteins during exercise-induced muscle adaptation. Independent groups of rats received CLFS (10 Hz, 24 h/d) and 2 H2 O for 0, 10, 20, or 30 days. The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was isolated from stimulated (Stim) and contralateral non-stimulated (Ctrl) legs. Proteomic analysis encompassed 38 myofibrillar and 46 soluble proteins and the rates of change in abundance, synthesis, and degradation were reported in absolute (ng/d) units. Overall, synthesis and degradation made equal contributions to the adaptation of the proteome, including instances where a decrease in protein-specific degradation primarily accounted for the increase in abundance of the protein

Microarray data analysis in neoadjuvant biomarker studies in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Microarray data have been widely utilized to discover biomarkers predictive of response to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Typically, these data have focused on analyses conducted on the diagnostic specimen. However, dynamic temporal changes in gene expression associated with treatment may deliver significant improvements to the current generation of predictive models. We present and discuss some statistical issues relevant to the paper by Taylor and colleagues, who conducted studies to model the prognostic potential of gene expression changes that occur after endocrine treatment

Extensive Copy-Number Variation of Young Genes across Stickleback Populations

MM received funding from the Max Planck innovation funds for this project. PGDF was supported by a Marie Curie European Reintegration Grant (proposal nr 270891). CE was supported by German Science Foundation grants (DFG, EI 841/4-1 and EI 841/6-1). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Heterogeneities in leishmania infantum infection : using skin parasite burdens to identify highly infectious dogs

Background: The relationships between heterogeneities in host infection and infectiousness (transmission to arthropod vectors) can provide important insights for disease management. Here, we quantify heterogeneities in Leishmania infantum parasite numbers in reservoir and non-reservoir host populations, and relate this to their infectiousness during natural infection. Tissue parasite number was evaluated as a potential surrogate marker of host transmission potential. Methods: Parasite numbers were measured by qPCR in bone marrow and ear skin biopsies of 82 dogs and 34 crab-eating foxes collected during a longitudinal study in Amazon Brazil, for which previous data was available on infectiousness (by xenodiagnosis) and severity of infection. Results: Parasite numbers were highly aggregated both between samples and between individuals. In dogs, total parasite abundance and relative numbers in ear skin compared to bone marrow increased with the duration and severity of infection. Infectiousness to the sandfly vector was associated with high parasite numbers; parasite number in skin was the best predictor of being infectious. Crab-eating foxes, which typically present asymptomatic infection and are non-infectious, had parasite numbers comparable to those of non-infectious dogs. Conclusions: Skin parasite number provides an indirect marker of infectiousness, and could allow targeted control particularly of highly infectious dogs