Copying and Evolution of Neuronal Topology

We propose a mechanism for copying of neuronal networks that is of considerable interest for neuroscience for it suggests a neuronal basis for causal inference, function copying, and natural selection within the human brain. To date, no model of neuronal topology copying exists. We present three increasingly sophisticated mechanisms to demonstrate how topographic map formation coupled with Spike-Time Dependent Plasticity (STDP) can copy neuronal topology motifs. Fidelity is improved by error correction and activity-reverberation limitation. The high-fidelity topology-copying operator is used to evolve neuronal topologies. Possible roles for neuronal natural selection are discussed

Ophthalmic follow-up of patients with tyrosinaemia type I on NTBC.

NTBC has revolutionized the management of tyrosinaemia type I, although animal experiments have shown that long-term administration may produce corneal opacities analogous to those in tyrosinaemia type II. We have assessed the prevalence of ocular side-effects in 11 tyrosinaemia type I patients on NTBC attending the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Despite high plasma tyrosine concentrations in some patients, they did not experience symptoms or signs of ocular toxicity

Major Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strain Isolated in the Northwest of England Identified by Multilocus Sequence Typing▿

A total of 88 uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates, including 68 isolates from urine and 20 isolates from blood, were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). MLST has identified an important genetic lineage of E. coli, designated sequence type 131 (ST-131), represented by 52 of these isolates, 51 of which were resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins. ST-131 appears to be a drug-resistant uropathogenic strain of E. coli responsible for causing urinary tract infections and bacteremia and is widely disseminated among both community and hospital patients from different geographical areas in the northwest of England. Application of MLST has helped to define the population biology which may underpin the epidemiology of pathogenic E. coli strains. The portability of MLST allows the accurate monitoring of this antibiotic-resistant uropathogenic strain of E. coli and will enhance surveillance for this important group of organisms

UK epidemic Escherichia coli strains A-E, with CTX-M-15 -lactamase, all belong to the international O25:H4-ST131 clone

Objectives Uropathogenic and invasive Escherichia coli O25:H4-ST131 isolates producing CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes have recently been shown to be disseminated across the globe. In the UK, many CTX-M-15 ESBL-producing E. coli strains have been previously defined as belonging to the epidemic strains A–E, as determined by PFGE. The present study was carried out to define the relationship between these two groups of pathogenic E. coli. Methods Multilocus sequence typing and PFGE were used for molecular characterization of a collection of 61 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from across the UK. Results Strains A to E all belonged to the ST131 clone, further underscoring the epidemiological importance of this lineage. Conclusions The future spread of the ST131 clone, and its UK variants, should be monitored closely and the pathogenic mechanisms explaining their success should be investigated