Maximized song learning of juvenile male zebra finches following BDNF expression in the HVC

During song learning, vocal patterns are matched to an auditory memory acquired from a tutor, a process involving sensorimotor feedback. Song sensorimotor learning and song production of birds is controlled by a set of interconnected brain nuclei, the song control system. In male zebra finches, the beginning of the sensorimotor phase of song learning parallels an increase of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in just one part of the song control system, the forebrain nucleus HVC. We report here that transient BDNF‐mRNA upregulation in the HVC results in a maximized copying of song syllables. Each treated bird shows motor learning to an extent similar to that of the selected best learners among untreated zebra finches. Because this result was not found following BDNF overexpression in the target areas of HVC within the song system, HVC‐anchored mechanisms are limiting sensorimotor vocal learning.     

Brief Report: Specificity of Interpersonal Synchrony Deficits to Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Potential for Digitally Assisted Diagnostics

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Reliably diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adulthood poses a challenge to clinicians due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers....     

Occurrence of inadequate ACL healing after Dynamic Intraligamentary Stabilization and functional outcome—a multicentre case series

Introduction

Dynamic Intraligamentary Stabilization (DIS) is a technique for preservation, anatomical repair and stabilization of a freshly injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term re-operation rate when compared to traditional autograft reconstruction.

Methods

Four, from the developer independent, centres enrolled patients that underwent ACL repair by DIS, according to the specific indications given by MRI imaging at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The re-operation rate was recorded as primary outcome. Secondary outcome measures were the postoperative antero-posterior knee laxity (using a portable Rolimeter®), as well as the Tegner, Lysholm and IKDC Scores.

Results

A total of 105 patients were investigated with a median follow-up of 21 months. Thirteen patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 92 patients 15 (16.3%) had insufficient functional stability and required subsequent ACL reconstruction. These patients were excluded from further analysis, leaving 77 consecutive patients for a 12 months follow-up. The median age at time of surgery was 30 years for that group. At time of follow-up a median antero-posterior translation difference of 2 mm was measured. None of these patients reported subjective insufficiency (giving way), but in 14 patients (18.2%), the difference of antero-posterior translation was more than 3 mm. We found a median Tegner Score of 5.5, a median Lysholm Score of 95.0 and a median IKDC Score of 89.4.

Conclusion

The main finding of this multicentre study is a relevant re-operation rate of 16.3%. Another 18.2% showed objective antero-posterior laxity (≥ 3 mm) during testing raising the suspicion of postoperative non-healing. The failure rate of DIS in this study is higher than for reconstruction with an autologous tendon graft. However, our successfully treated patients had a good clinical and functional outcome based on antero-posterior knee laxity and clinical scores, comparable to patients treated by autograft reconstruction.

     

Deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus compensates response inhibition deficits: evidence from pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration

Fronto-striatal loops are important for many cognitive control processes, like response inhibition, and it has been suggested that the globus pallidus is of particular importance for these processes. In the current study, we investigate the effect of deep brain stimulation in the GP on response inhibition processes by means of neurophysiological (EEG) methods. We perform a case–control study in neuroaxonal dystrophy pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) using single-case statistics. We control the signal-to-noise ratio of the EEG data. The data show that disease-related changes in the globus pallidus lead to dysfunctions in response inhibition processes. Dysfunctions in the GP seem to affect controlled, but not automatized behavior as evidenced by an increased rate of false alarms and attenuation of inhibition-related neurophysiological correlates. With respect to controlled behavior in terms of response inhibition, it seems that pre-motor subprocesses and not evaluation subprocesses are affected. Deep brain stimulation in the globus pallidus seems to be able to compensate the effects of disease-related changes in this structure and normalizes response inhibition performance and their electrophysiological correlates in PKAN.     

Identification of protein complexes in detergent-resistant membranes of Plasmodium falciparum schizonts

Merozoite surface proteins of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum are involved in initial contact with target erythrocytes, a process that begins a cascade of events required for successful invasion of these cells. In order to identify complexes that may play a role in invasion we purified detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs), known to be enriched in merozoite surface proteins, and used blue native-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) to isolate high molecular weight complexes for identification by mass spectrometry. Sixty-two proteins were detected and these mostly belonged to expected DRM proteins classes including GPI-anchored, multi-membrane spanning and rhoptry proteins. Proteins from seven known complexes were identified including MSP-1/7, the low (RAP1/2 and RAP1/3), and high (RhopH1/H2/H3) molecular weight rhoptry complexes, and the invasion motor complex (GAP45/GAP50/myosinA). Remarkably, a large proportion of identified spectra were derived from only 4 proteins: the GPI-anchored proteins MSP-1 and Pf92, the putative GPI-anchored protein Pf113 and RAP-1, the core component of the two RAP complexes. Each of these proteins predominated in high molecular weight species suggesting their aggregation in much larger complexes than anticipated. To demonstrate that the procedure had isolated novel complexes we focussed on MSP-1, which predominated as a distinct species at approximately 500 kDa by BN-PAGE, approximately twice its expected size. Chemical cross-linking supports the existence of a stable MSP-1 oligomer of approximately 500 kDa, probably comprising a highly stable homodimeric species. Our observations also suggests that oligomerization of MSP-1 is likely to occur outside the C-terminal epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains. Confirmation of MSP-1 oligomerization, together with the isolation of a number of known complexes by BN-PAGE, makes it highly likely that novel interactions occur amongst members of this proteome.     

External stenting with a new polyester mesh reduces neointimal hyperplasia of vein grafts in a sheep model

OBJECTIVE: External stents placed around vein grafts have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing neointimal hyperplasia by preventing distension of the thin-walled vein grafts when exposed to arterial pressure. However, the ideal stent material has yet to be defined. The following study investigates the short- and long-term effects of an innovative polyester mesh stent designed with optimized adaptation of circumferential compliance. METHODS: Following in vitro definition of the ideal macro-porous polyester stent material, a total of 12 sheep underwent implantation of bilateral carotid artery vein graft bypasses. In six sheep, the short term outcome (four weeks of implantation) was investigated by comparing the newly-designed stent to native veins, micro-porous PTFE stent grafts and metallic Biocompound stents (BCGs). Flow volume and graft diameter were measured prior to explantation. Grafts were evaluated histologically with respect to morphometry and immunoassaying. In the long-term group (6-month implantation time), the polyester stent was compared to native veins. RESULTS: All stents effectively prevented dilatation of the graft. Perfused vessel diameters of the polyester veins were 8.3+/-0.6 mm. BCG as well as PTFE veins showed diameter reduction to 7.4+/-0.7 mm (p<0.05) and 7.8+/-0.4 mm (p<0.05), respectively. Both in the short and long terms, the new polyester stent led to significantly higher reduction of neointimal hyperplasia and luminal encroachment compared to the native vessel. It proved superior to PTFE stenting, while the Biocompound material failed to prove efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that the new macro-porous polyester mesh stent reduced neointimal hyperplasia more effectively than other commercially available stents.     

Stronger together: midwifery twinning between Tanzania and Canada

This article describes a twinning relationship between the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and the Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA). It argues that the twinning relationship strengthened both associations. The article briefly reviews the existing literature on professional associations and association strengthening to demonstrate that professional associations are a vital tool for improving the performance of healthcare workers and increasing their capacity to contribute to national and international policy-making. It then suggests that midwifery associations are particularly significant given the frequent professional marginalization of midwives. The article then describes in depth the relationship between CAM and TAMA, highlighting the accomplishments of the twinned partners, and analyzing the factors that contributed to the success of the relationship. The findings demonstrate that twinning can successfully strengthen associations, increasing their ability to support their membership, care for the public, and shape national policy-making. The article therefore proposes twinning as a successful and cost-effective model for encouraging the growth of the midwifery profession.