High-throughput sequencing of the DBA/2J mouse genome

The DBA/2J mouse is not only the oldest inbred strain, but also one of the most widely used strains. DBA/2J exhibits many unique anatomical, physiological, and behavior traits. In addition, DBA/2J is one parent of the large BXD family of recombinant inbred strains [1]. The genome of the other parent of this BXD family— C57BL/6J—has been sequenced and serves as the mouse reference genome [2]. We sequenced the genome of DBA/2J using SOLiD and Illumina high throughput short read protocols to generate a comprehensive set of ~5 million sequence variants segregating in the BXD family that ultimately cause developmental, anatomical, functional and behavioral differences among these 80+ strains

Exploring Age Differences in Visual Working Memory Capacity:Is There a Contribution of Memory for Configuration?

Recent research has shown marked developmental increases in the apparent capacity of working memory. This recent research is based largely on performance on tasks in which a visual array is to be retained briefly for comparison with a subsequent probe display. Here we examine a possible theoretical alternative (or supplement) to a developmental increase in working memory, in which children could improve in the ability to combine items in an array to form a coherent configuration. Elementary school children and adults received, on each trial, an array of colored spots to be remembered. On some trials, we provided structure in the probe display to facilitate the formation of a mental representation in which a coherent configuration is encoded. This stimulus structure in the probe display helped younger children and thus reduced the developmental trend, but only on trials in which the participant was held responsible for the locations of items in the array. We conclude that, in addition to the development of the ability to form precise spatial configurations from items, the evidence is consistent with the existence of an actual developmental increase in working memory capacity for objects in an array

Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (AVHTM) Transfusion Reaction Small Animal Consensus Statement (TRACS). Part 1: Definitions and clinical signs

Objective To use a systematic, evidence‐based consensus process to develop definitions for transfusion reactions in dogs and cats. Design Evidence evaluation of the literature was carried out for identified transfusion reaction types in dogs and cats. Reaction definitions were generated based on synthesis of human and veterinary literature. Consensus on the definitions was achieved through Delphi‐style surveys. Draft recommendations were made available through industry specialty listservs and comments were incorporated. Results Definitions with imputability criteria were developed for 14 types of transfusion reactions. Conclusions The evidence review and consensus process resulted in definitions that can be used to facilitate future veterinary transfusion reaction research

Monocyte depletion enhances neutrophil influx and proneural to mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma

Myeloid cells are the predominant cell type in the tumor microenvironment of human and murine glioblastoma (GBM). By generating a mouse model deficient for all monocyte chemoattractant proteins, here the authors show that blocking monocyte recruitment promotes a compensatory neutrophil influx and that concomitant neutrophil inhibition is required to improve survival in GBM preclinical models

Preventing academic difficulties in preterm children:A randomised controlled trial of an adaptive working memory training intervention - IMPRINT study

BACKGROUND: Very preterm children exhibit difficulties in working memory, a key cognitive ability vital to learning information and the development of academic skills. Previous research suggests that an adaptive working memory training intervention (Cogmed) may improve working memory and other cognitive and behavioural domains, although further randomised controlled trials employing long-term outcomes are needed, and with populations at risk for working memory deficits, such as children born preterm. In a cohort of extremely preterm (<28 weeks’ gestation)/extremely low birthweight (<1000 g) 7-year-olds, we will assess the effectiveness of Cogmed in improving academic functioning 2 years’ post-intervention. Secondary objectives are to assess the effectiveness of Cogmed in improving working memory and attention 2 weeks’, 12 months’ and 24 months’ post-intervention, and to investigate training related neuroplasticity in working memory neural networks 2 weeks’ post-intervention. METHODS/DESIGN: This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised controlled trial aims to recruit 126 extremely preterm/extremely low birthweight 7-year-old children. Children attending mainstream school without major intellectual, sensory or physical impairments will be eligible. Participating children will undergo an extensive baseline cognitive assessment before being randomised to either an adaptive or placebo (non-adaptive) version of Cogmed. Cogmed is a computerised working memory training program consisting of 25 sessions completed over a 5 to 7 week period. Each training session takes approximately 35 minutes and will be completed in the child’s home. Structural, diffusion and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is optional for participants, will be completed prior to and 2 weeks following the training period. Follow-up assessments focusing on academic skills (primary outcome), working memory and attention (secondary outcomes) will be conducted at 2 weeks’, 12 months’ and 24 months’ post-intervention. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this study will be the first randomised controlled trial to (a) assess the effectiveness of Cogmed in school-aged extremely preterm/extremely low birthweight children, while incorporating advanced imaging techniques to investigate neural changes associated with adaptive working memory training, and (b) employ long-term follow-up to assess the potential benefit of improved working memory on academic functioning. If effective, Cogmed would serve as a valuable, available intervention for improving developmental outcomes for this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612000124831

Mutations in BMP4 Are Associated with Subepithelial, Microform, and Overt Cleft Lip

Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a complex trait with evidence that the clinical spectrum includes both microform and subepithelial lip defects. We identified missense and nonsense mutations in the BMP4 gene in 1 of 30 cases of microform clefts, 2 of 87 cases with subepithelial defects in the orbicularis oris muscle (OOM), 5 of 968 cases of overt CL/P, and 0 of 529 controls. These results provide confirmation that microforms and subepithelial OOM defects are part of the spectrum of CL/P and should be considered during clinical evaluation of families with clefts. Furthermore, we suggest a role for BMP4 in wound healing