Morphosyntactic development and severe parental neglect in 4-year-old French-speaking children : ELLAN Study

Language is the most frequently compromised area of development in English-speaking neglected children, particularly the morphosyntactic component of language. This is very worrisome given its central role in academic success and social participation. No previous study has examined the morphosyntactic skills of French-speaking neglected children, despite the morphological richness of French. This study aimed to fill this gap. Forty-four neglected (mean age ¼ 48.32 months, SD ¼ 0.45) and 92 non-neglected (mean age ¼ 48.07 months, SD ¼ 0.24) French-speaking children participated. Measures of morphosyntactic skills were derived from a sample of spontaneous language collected during standardized semistructured play and analyzed using Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts software (2012) . Four morphosyntactic indicators were compared using analyses of variance and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests: the mean length of utterances (MLU), verbal inflections, word-level errors, and omission errors. The results indicate that 25.6% of the neglected children presented clinically significant morphosyntactic difficulties, as evidenced by a significantly shorter MLU (M ¼ 5.60, SD ¼ 1.13; M ¼ 6.90, SD ¼ 1.30), fewer verbal inflections, and more frequent word omission errors compared to their non-neglected peers. The results confirm that French-speaking neglected children present many morphosyntactic difficulties. This study argues for sustained speech–language services for these children

Postencephalitic epilepsy in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin: clinical features, risk factors, and long‐term outcome

Background: Although the presence of seizures in dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) has been associated with shorter survival times, data regarding the prevalence and risk factors for postencephalitic epilepsy (PEE) is lacking. Objectives: To describe the clinical features, prevalence, risk factors, and long‐term outcome of PEE in dogs with MUO. Animals: Sixty‐one dogs with presumptive diagnosis of MUO based on the clinicopathological and diagnostic imaging findings. Methods: Retrospective study. Cases were identified by search of hospital medical records for dogs with suspected or confirmed MUO. Medical records of dogs meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Signalment, seizure history, clinicopathologic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were recorded. Results: Among 61 dogs at risk of PEE, 14 (23%) dogs developed PEE. Three of 14 dogs with PEE (21%) developed drug‐resistant epilepsy. Dogs with PEE were younger (P = .03; ORadjusted = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58‐0.98) and had significantly shorter survival times (log‐rank test P = .04) when compared to dogs that did not develop epilepsy. The risk factors associated with the development of PEE were the presence of acute symptomatic seizures (ASS; P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.76; 95% CI, 1.11‐20.4) and MRI lesions in the hippocampus (P = .04; ORadjusted = 4.75; 95% CI, 1.07‐21.0). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with MUO and seizures at the early stage of the disease (ASS) seem to be at a higher risk of developing PEE

Using Markov Models to Mine Temporal and Spatial Data

Référence du projet ANR BIODIVAGRIM : ANR 07 BDIV 02Markov models represent a powerful way to approach the problem of mining time and spatial signals whose variability is not yet fully understood. In this chapter, we will present a general methodology to mine different kinds of temporal and spatial signals having contrasting properties: continuous or discrete with few or many modalities. This methodology is based on a high order Markov modelling as implemented in a free software: carottAge (Gnu GPL)Les modèles de Markov sont des modèles puissants pour analyser des signaux temporels et spatiaux dont la variabilité n'est pas entièrement comprise. Dans ce chapitre, nous présentons notre méthodologie pour fouiller différentes sortes de signaux ayant des propriétés différentes: signaux continus ou discrets, simples ou composites. Cette méthodologie s'appuie sur des modèles de Markov cachés du second-ordre tels qu'implantés dans la boîte à outils CarottAge (licence Gnu-GPL)

Data Mining Using Hidden Markov Models (HMM2) to Detect Heterogeneities into Bacteria Genomes

International audienceThe Streptococcus genus contains both pathogenic bacteria and bacteria used in the food-processing industry. We are developing a statistical segmentation method to identify heterogeneous sequences such as sequences acquired from recent horizontal transfer or genes weakly or strongly expressed. The method is based on second order Hidden Markov Models (HMM2). After an automatic unsupervised training, this method allows to demarcating some particular areas into a genome. After checking the efficiency of such models on various controls and on chimeric sequences generated in silico, we choose a HMM2 (3-mer, 5 states) to analyse the complete genome sequence of S. Thermophilus CNRZ1066 (1.8 Mb). More the 80 atypical segments were extracted and are currently analysed further

Data Mining Using Hidden Markov Models (HMM2) to Detect Heterogeneities into Bacteria Genomes

PosterThe Streptococcus genus contains both pathogenic bacteria and bacteria used in the food-processing industry. We are developing a statistical segmentation method to identify heterogeneous sequences such as sequences acquired from recent horizontal transfer or genes weakly or strongly expressed. The method is based on second order Hidden Markov Models (HMM2). After an automatic unsupervised training, this method allows to demarcating some particular areas into a genome. After checking the efficiency of such models on various controls and on chimeric sequences generated in silico, we choose a HMM2 (3-mer, 5 states) to analyse the complete genome sequence of S. Thermophilus CNRZ1066 (1.8 Mb). More the 80 atypical segments were extracted and are currently analysed further

A new data mining approach for the detection of bacterial promoters combining stochastic and combinatorial methods

International audienceWe present a new data mining method based on stochastic analysis (HMM for Hidden Markov Model) and combinatorial methods for discovering new transcriptional factors in bacterial genome sequences. Sigma factor binding sites (SFBSs) were described as patterns of box1 - spacer - box2 corresponding to the -35 and -10 DNA motifs of bacterial promoters. We used a high-order Hidden Markov Model in which the hidden process is a second-order Markov chain. Applied on the genome of the model bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor (2), the a posteriori state probabilities revealed local maxima or peaks whose distribution was enriched in the intergenic sequences (``iPeaks'' for intergenic peaks). Short DNA sequences underlying the iPeaks were extracted and clustered by a hierarchical classification algorithm based on the SmithWaterman local similarity. Some selected motif consensuses were used as box1 (-35 motif) in the search of a potential neighbouring box2 (-10 motif) using a word enumeration algorithm. This new SFBS mining methodology applied on Streptomyces coelicolor was successful to retrieve already known SFBSs and to suggest new potential transcriptional factor binding sites (TFBSs). The well defined SigR regulon (oxidative stress response) was also used as a test quorum to compare first and second-order HMM. Our approach also allowed the preliminary detection of known SFBSs in Bacillus subtilis

Normative Indicators of Language Development in Québec French at 54, 60, and 66 Months of Age: Results of the ELLAN Study

Cet article vise à présenter des indicateurs normatifs du développement du vocabulaire réceptif et expressif, de la phonologie et de la morphosyntaxe expressives chez des enfants québécois unilingues francophones âgés de 54, 60 et 66 mois. Ces indicateurs sont basés sur les résultats obtenus par 99 enfants recrutés à l’âge de 36 mois (± 1 semaine; M = 36,1 mois; É-T = 0,2) et suivis jusqu’à l’âge de 66 mois. Les données ont été recueillies lors de trois visites à domicile réalisées à six mois d’intervalle, à l’aide d’outils fréquemment utilisés par les orthophonistes dans leur pratique clinique et valides sur le plan psychométrique. Une technique statistique de rééchantillonnage utilisant l’intervalle de confiance à 95 % du 10e rang centile a permis de déterminer les scores reflétant la présence de difficultés pour chaque mesure de langage chez les enfants et de former trois regroupements de scores pour identifier les enfants en difficulté, ceux se situant dans une zone d’incertitude et ceux ayant un développement typique. Les résultats confirment une progression significative des habiletés langagières mesurées entre l’âge de 54 et 66 mois. Ils suggèrent également que les mesures utilisées sont suffisamment sensibles pour détecter cette évolution chez les enfants, justifiant ainsi leur pertinence clinique. L’interprétation des normes issues des outils originaux est discutée à la lumière des résultats obtenus. Les données de la présente étude contribuent à l’accroissement du corpus de connaissances sur les indicateurs normatifs du développement du langage en français québécois et, en ce sens, constituent des points de repère indispensables pour le travail clinique en orthophonie et la recherche.The objective of this study is to present normative indicators of the development of receptive and expressive vocabulary as well as phonological and morphosyntactic components of expressive language among unilingual francophone Québec children aged 3 to 4 years. These indicators are based on the results obtained by 99 children recruited at precisely 3 years of age (M = 36.1 months, SD = 0.2). The data were collected during three separate visits conducted 6 months apart, using psychometrically valid tools frequently used by speech-language pathologists in their clinical practice. A statistical resampling technique using the 95% confidence interval of the 10th percentile on each language measure led to the categorization of children into three groups, namely children presenting difficulties, those in a zone of uncertainty, and those presenting typical development. The results for each measure confirm a significant increase in children’s language skills between the ages of 3 and 4 years. They suggest that the measures used are sensitive enough to detect changes in language skills of children aged 36, 42, and 48 months, thus confirming their clinical relevance. Interpretations of the norms of the original tools are discussed in relation to the current indicators. The normative data provided in this study add to a body of knowledge which serve as essential benchmarks for clinical work and research

Indicateurs normatifs du développement du langage en français québécois à 36, 42 et 48 mois : résultats du projet ELLAN

L’objectif de cette étude est de présenter des indicateurs normatifs du développement du vocabulaire réceptif et expressif ainsi que des composantes phonologique et morphosyntaxique du langage expressif chez des enfants québécois unilingues francophones âgés de 3 à 4 ans. Ces indicateurs sont basés sur les résultats obtenus par 99 enfants recrutés à l’âge de 3 ans précisément (M = 36,1 mois; É-T = 0,2). Les données ont été collectées lors de trois visites distinctes réalisées à six mois d’intervalle, à l’aide d’outils valides sur le plan psychométrique et fréquemment privilégiés par les orthophonistes dans leur pratique clinique. Une technique statistique de rééchantillonage utilisant l’intervalle de confiance à 95% du 10e rang centile aux différentes mesures obtenues a permis de regrouper les enfants en difficulté, ceux se situant dans une zone d’incertitude et ceux ayant un développement typique. Les résultats à chacune des mesures confirment une progression significative des compétences langagières des enfants entre l’âge de 3 et 4 ans. Ils suggèrent que les mesures utilisées sont suffisamment sensibles pour détecter l’évolution des habiletés langagières des enfants âgés de 36, 42 et 48 mois, confirmant ainsi leur pertinence clinique. L’interprétation des normes des outils originaux est discutée à la lumière des scores obtenus. Les données normatives de la présente étude s’ajoutent à un corpus de connaissances qui constitue des points de repères indispensables pour le travail clinique et la recherche

Effect of Hydrocortisone on Mortality and Organ Support in Patients With Severe COVID-19: The REMAP-CAP COVID-19 Corticosteroid Domain Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Evidence regarding corticosteroid use for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. Objective: To determine whether hydrocortisone improves outcome for patients with severe COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: An ongoing adaptive platform trial testing multiple interventions within multiple therapeutic domains, for example, antiviral agents, corticosteroids, or immunoglobulin. Between March 9 and June 17, 2020, 614 adult patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled and randomized within at least 1 domain following admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory or cardiovascular organ support at 121 sites in 8 countries. Of these, 403 were randomized to open-label interventions within the corticosteroid domain. The domain was halted after results from another trial were released. Follow-up ended August 12, 2020. Interventions: The corticosteroid domain randomized participants to a fixed 7-day course of intravenous hydrocortisone (50 mg or 100 mg every 6 hours) (n = 143), a shock-dependent course (50 mg every 6 hours when shock was clinically evident) (n = 152), or no hydrocortisone (n = 108). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was organ support-free days (days alive and free of ICU-based respiratory or cardiovascular support) within 21 days, where patients who died were assigned -1 day. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model that included all patients enrolled with severe COVID-19, adjusting for age, sex, site, region, time, assignment to interventions within other domains, and domain and intervention eligibility. Superiority was defined as the posterior probability of an odds ratio greater than 1 (threshold for trial conclusion of superiority >99%). Results: After excluding 19 participants who withdrew consent, there were 384 patients (mean age, 60 years; 29% female) randomized to the fixed-dose (n = 137), shock-dependent (n = 146), and no (n = 101) hydrocortisone groups; 379 (99%) completed the study and were included in the analysis. The mean age for the 3 groups ranged between 59.5 and 60.4 years; most patients were male (range, 70.6%-71.5%); mean body mass index ranged between 29.7 and 30.9; and patients receiving mechanical ventilation ranged between 50.0% and 63.5%. For the fixed-dose, shock-dependent, and no hydrocortisone groups, respectively, the median organ support-free days were 0 (IQR, -1 to 15), 0 (IQR, -1 to 13), and 0 (-1 to 11) days (composed of 30%, 26%, and 33% mortality rates and 11.5, 9.5, and 6 median organ support-free days among survivors). The median adjusted odds ratio and bayesian probability of superiority were 1.43 (95% credible interval, 0.91-2.27) and 93% for fixed-dose hydrocortisone, respectively, and were 1.22 (95% credible interval, 0.76-1.94) and 80% for shock-dependent hydrocortisone compared with no hydrocortisone. Serious adverse events were reported in 4 (3%), 5 (3%), and 1 (1%) patients in the fixed-dose, shock-dependent, and no hydrocortisone groups, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients with severe COVID-19, treatment with a 7-day fixed-dose course of hydrocortisone or shock-dependent dosing of hydrocortisone, compared with no hydrocortisone, resulted in 93% and 80% probabilities of superiority with regard to the odds of improvement in organ support-free days within 21 days. However, the trial was stopped early and no treatment strategy met prespecified criteria for statistical superiority, precluding definitive conclusions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02735707