The Role of Early Rehabilitation in Better Outcomes in a Rare Presentation of Tuberculous Meningitis With Broca's Aphasia.

There is a complex link between tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and aphasia, in which a language impairment is caused by an injury to the cortical language centre. The parts of the brain that function for speech and language production are the Wernicke's, Broca's, and arcuate fasciculus regions. This case report mainly highlights the neurological consequences of TBM, and how it affects language and speech functioning. It outlines a comprehensive physiotherapy rehabilitation program that targets a range of issues for the patient, such as verbal output, weakness, motor deficits, articulation issues in speech, and coordination issues. Various treatment modalities can help correct weakness, improve balance and coordination, increase flexibility and range of motion (ROM), and make speech more fluent. The case report emphasizes the necessity of using an integrated approach that combines speech-language therapy (SLT), melodic intonation therapy (MIT), constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT), medication treatments, and physical therapy to address the multifaceted impacts of TBM-induced aphasia on a patient's quality of life (QOL).

Quantitative detection of cassava common mosaic virus for health certification of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) germplasm using qPCR analysis.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a crop of global economic and food safety importance, used for human consumption and in various industrial applications. The genebank of the Genetic Resources Program of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT currently holds the world's largest cassava collection, with 5965 in vitro accessions from 28 countries. Managing this extensive collection involves indexing quarantine pathogens as a phytosanitary certification requirement for safely distributing cassava germplasm. The study therefore aimed to optimize a quantitative diagnostic protocol to detect cassava common mosaic virus (CsCMV) using quantitative PCR (qPCR) as a better alternative to other molecular techniques. This was done through designing primers and a probe in the RdRP region of CsCMV, and optimizing the qPCR conditions of the diagnostic protocol using primer concentration assays, and reaction amplification conditions such as volume and reaction time. We also evaluated the qPCR protocol by comparing the results of 140 cassava accession evaluations using three diagnostic methodologies (DAS-ELISA, end-point PCR, and qPCR) for CsCMV. Our protocol established that qPCR technique analysis is ten-times more sensitive in detecting CsCMV compared to end-point PCR, showing a maximum detection level of 77.97 copies/µL of plasmid, with 76 min of reaction time. The comparison allowed us to verify the level of CsCMV detection through the techniques evaluated, concluding that qPCR was more sensitive and allowed the quantification of viral concentration. The optimized qPCR protocol will be used to accelerate diagnostic screening of cassava germplasm for the presence or absence of CsCMV to ensure safe movement and distribution of disease-free germplasm.

Haglund resection versus Haglund non-resection for calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy with Haglund deformity: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Calcific insertional Achilles tendinopathy(CIAT) with Haglund deformity is a type of recalcitrant tendinopathy. The necessity of concomitant removal of Haglund deformity during CIAT treatment is controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes between Haglund resection and Haglund non-resection in the treatment of CIAT with Haglund deformity. METHODS: A retrospective study included 29 patients who were underwent Achilles tendon debridement, bursal excision, and subsequent tendon reattachment.for CIAT with Haglund deformity. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to Haglund resection (resection group, n = 16) and Haglund non-resection (non-resection group, n = 13) using the parallel line method on lateral calcaneal X ray after surgery. Patients were evaluated in terms of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) scores and the mean time of activities of daily living (ADL). Anatomy changes included the Fowler-Philip angle, calcaneal pitch angle and Achilles tendon force arm were measured with radiography preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Both groups exhibited a significant increase in AOFAS, VAS and VISA-A scores after surgery. There were no significant differences between the resection group and the non-resection group for the AOFAS (92.38 ± 5.7 vs. 93.15 ± 12.17; P = 0.82), VAS (0.5 ± 0.52 vs. 0.61 ± 0.87; P = 0.66) and VISA-A questionnaire (82.56 ± 13.46 vs. 74.92 ± 16.4; P = 0.18) at the latest follow-up. The mean time of ADL in the non-resection group was significantly faster compared to that of the resection group (8.15 ± 2.51 weeks vs. 11.31 ± 4.06 weeks, P = 0.02). The Fowler-Philip angle of the resection group decreased from 55.55° ± 12.34° preoperatively to 44.52° ± 10.24° at the latest follow-up (P = 0.001). The Fowler-Philip angle of the non-resection group decreased from 54.38° ± 8.41° preoperatively to 46.52° ± 8.02° at the latest follow-up (P = 0.016). The calcaneal pitch angle of the resection group increased from 22.76° ± 5.37° preoperatively to 25.98° ± 6. 4° at the latest follow-up (P = 0.018). The Achilles tendon force arm of the resection group decreased from 178.50 mm ± 5.37 mm preoperatively to 173.90 mm ± 8.07 mm at the latest follow-up (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Resection or non-resection of the posterosuperior calcaneal tuberosity for CIAT with Haglund deformity would both provide satisfactory functional outcomes. Haglund non-resection may expedite patients' return to their daily activities, suggesting a Haglund deformity resection may be unnecessary in the surgical treatment for CIAT with Haglund deformity.

High-Intensity Aphasia Therapy Is Cost-Effective in People With Poststroke Aphasia: Evidence From the COMPARE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from systematic reviews confirms that speech and language interventions for people with aphasia during the chronic phase after stroke (>6 months) improve word retrieval, functional communication, and communication-related quality of life. However, there is limited evidence of their cost-effectiveness. We aimed to estimate the cost per quality-adjusted life year gained from 2 speech and language therapies compared with usual care in people with aphasia during the chronic phase (median, 2.9 years) after stroke. METHODS: A 3-arm, randomized controlled trial compared constraint-induced aphasia therapy plus (CIAT-Plus) and multimodality aphasia therapy (M-MAT) with usual care in 216 people with chronic aphasia. Participants were administered a standardized questionnaire before intervention and at 12 weeks after the 2-week intervention/control period to ascertain health service utilization, employment changes, and informal caregiver burden. Unit prices from Australian sources were used to estimate costs in 2020. Quality-adjusted life years were estimated using responses to the EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level questionnaire. To test uncertainty around the differences in costs and outcomes between groups, bootstrapping was used with the cohorts resampled 1000 times. RESULTS: Overall 201/216 participants were included (mean age, 63 years, 29% moderate or severe aphasia, 61 usual care, 70 CIAT-Plus, 70 M-MAT). There were no statistically significant differences in mean total costs ($13 797 usual care, $17 478 CIAT-Plus, $11 113 M-MAT) and quality-adjusted life years (0.19 usual care, 0.20 CIAT-Plus, 0.20 M-MAT) between groups. In bootstrapped analysis of CIAT-Plus, 21.5% of iterations were likely to result in better outcomes and be cost saving (dominant) compared with usual care. In contrast, 72.4% of iterations were more favorable for M-MAT than usual care. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that both treatments, but especially M-MAT, may result in better outcomes at an acceptable additional cost, or potentially with cost savings. These findings are relevant in advocating for the use of these therapies for chronic aphasia after stroke.

Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of low-moderate intensity Constraint Induced Aphasia Therapy and Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy in chronic aphasia after stroke.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy Plus (CIAT-Plus) and Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT) are effective interventions for chronic post-stroke aphasia but challenging to provide in clinical practice. Providing these interventions may be more feasible at lower intensities, but comparative evidence is lacking. We therefore explored feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the treatments at a lower intensity. METHODS: A multisite, single-blinded, randomized Phase II trial was conducted within the Phase III COMPARE trial. Groups of participants with chronic aphasia from the usual care arm of the COMPARE trial were randomized to M-MAT or CIAT-Plus, delivered at the same dose as the COMPARE trial but at lower intensity (6 hours/week × 5 weeks rather than 15 hours/week × 2 weeks). Blinded assessors measured aphasia severity (Western Aphasia Battery-Revised Aphasia Quotient), word retrieval, connected speech, multimodal communication, functional communication, and quality of life immediately post interventions and after 12 weeks. Feasibility and acceptability were explored. RESULTS: Of 70 eligible participants, 77% consented to the trial; 78% of randomized participants completed intervention and 98% of assessment visits were conducted. Fatigue and distress ratings were low with no related withdrawals. Adverse events related to the trial (n = 4) were mild in severity. Statistically significant treatment effects were demonstrated on word retrieval and functional communication and both interventions were equally effective. CONCLUSIONS: Low-moderateintensity CIAT-Plus and M-MAT were feasible and acceptable. Both interventions show preliminary efficacy at a low-moderate intensity. These results support a powered trial investigating these interventions at a low-moderate intensity.

Seed credit model in Uganda": Participation and empowerment dynamics among smallholder women and men farmers.

Seed is life and can be a source of empowerment and disempowerment for women and men farmers. In this study, to close the gender gaps in seed, the Community Enterprises Development Organization, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT and the National Agricultural Research Organization developed a seed credit model available to men and women belonging to farmer groups. A mixed method was used to collect information from two districts in central Uganda on how the seed credit model reconstructed access, use, control and resulting benefits. Results showed that the provision of the seed credit model was considered a blessing even though it had many nuances. As a result of the seed credit model, we saw increased productivity in women's fields, increased income and decision making over income incurred from the sale of their crops. Their social status has been enhanced, and they now occupy a place of respect in their communities and households, where they can make decisions and get assets like houses and land. While it increased productivity, income and enhanced food and nutrition security needs of the family, it also changed power dynamics within the household as women become more empowered. To maintain power relations, men limited women's access to fertile land and family labor, which defined the quantity of seed gotten from the seed credit model. Women's participation and involvement in the seed credit model decreased over time as they were expected to pay their spouses' seed loans. Men's participation decreased because they were no longer entrusted with seed loans as their payment rate was very low. As we reap positive benefits, we have to ensure we don't 'do harm' when empowering our beneficiaries.

Novel Combination of Erythropoietin and Romiplostim to Treat Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia and Thrombocytopenia via Pharmacodynamic Interaction on Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells.

Chemotherapy-induced anemia and thrombocytopenia (CIAT) in cancer patients are often caused by the damage of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow. We have previously shown that romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that could stimulate the expansion of HSPCs, could synergize with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to promote erythropoiesis in addition to stimulating platelet production, whereas rHuEPO could influence the platelet count through stem cell competition. Therefore, we hypothesize that a combination of romiplostim with rHuEPO can alleviate CIAT simultaneously, while minimizing the risk of thrombosis. In this study, we demonstrated that rHuEPO and romiplostim exhibit no stimulatory effects on the growth and invasion of LA-7 cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Using a rat model with carboplatin-induced anemia and thrombocytopenia, we showed that the red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration recovered faster, and the secondary thrombocytopenia was alleviated in the rHuEPO and romiplostim combination therapy groups compared with the corresponding rHuEPO monotherapy groups. The rebound phenomenon of platelets was inhibited compared with the romiplostim monotherapy group. In vitro study further demonstrated that romiplostim expands HSPCs and synergizes with rHuEPO to promote erythropoiesis, while rHuEPO inhibited megakaryopoiesis. Furthermore, we developed a mechanism-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model to quantify the effects of the two drugs. This study suggests that rHuEPO and romiplostim combination therapy can treat CIAT simultaneously in rats while minimizing the risk of thrombosis, indicating that combination therapy might be superior to monotherapy in the supportive therapy of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Caracterización de 11 líneas de frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) resistentes a Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman en Cuba / Characterization of 11 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lines resistant to Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman in Cuba

RESUMEN Por su alto valor nutricional, el frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) es la especie más importante para el consumo humano entre las leguminosas de grano comestibles. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar 11 líneas RAZ de frijol común, promisorias por su resistencia contra Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh. En octubre de 2019, se sembraron 11 líneas RAZ del Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT), utilizando un diseño de bloques completos al azar en el Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Agrícolas (INCA), San José de Las Lajas, Cuba. Se evaluaron 22 caracteres cuantitativos y cualitativos del descriptor del frijol común y se realizaron análisis de frecuencia para las características cualitativas y estadígrafos básicos y análisis de componentes principales (ACP) de los atributos cuantitativos. Los caracteres con mayor variabilidad fueron el color primario de la semilla (reportándose 5 diferentes, y siendo el blanco sucio el más frecuente); el color predominante de la vaina en la madurez fisiológica (las cuales presentaron 4 variantes de color, principalmente verdes y amarillas); el aspecto de la testa (destacando el aspecto opaco, registrándose en 6 líneas); así como la ausencia del color alrededor del hilo en 10 de ellas. Los parámetros relacionados con el ciclo biológico presentaron menor variabilidad. El peso de 100 granos correspondió al tipo de grano pequeño. El rendimiento promedio fue 1 685 kg/ha, destacándose la línea 'RAZ 124' con 4 237 kg/ha. El ACP explicó el 61.82 % de la variabilidad total e integró las 11 líneas en 4 grupos que caracterizaron su comportamiento. Los resultados indican que las líneas estudiadas pueden incorporarse en el programa de mejoramiento del frijol en Cuba a través de su evaluación en diferentes ambientes regionales para la selección de posibles nuevos cultivares comerciales.

ABSTRACT Due to high nutritional value, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important species for human consumption among the food grain legumes. The objective of this study was to characterize 11 RAZ lines of common bean, promising for their resistance to the Mexican bean weevil (Zabrotes subfasciatus Boh.). In October 2019, 11 RAZ lines from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) were planted using a randomized complete block design at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), San José de las Lajas, Cuba. Twenty-two quantitative and qualitative traits of the common bean descriptors were used, and frequency analyses were performed for the qualitative traits and basic statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed for the quantitative traits. The traits with greater variability were the primary seed color (5 different colors were reported, with dirty white being the most frequent); the predominant color of the pods at physiological maturity, (which presented 4 color variants, with green and yellow ones standing out); the opaque aspect of the coat stood out, being registered in 6 lines, as well as the absence of color around the hilum in 10 of them. All possible variants were found for the predominant appearance of the seed coat, predominant pro-file of the pod and presence of color around the hilum. Variables related to the biological cycle showed less variability. The weight of 100 grains corresponded to the small grains type. The average yield was 1 685 kg/ha, with the 'RAZ 124' line standing out with 4 237 kg/ha. The PCA explained 61.82 % of total variability and classified the 11 lines into four groups that characterize their performance. These results indicate that the lines under study can be incorporated into the vean breeding program in Cuba by means of their evaluation in different regional environments for the selection of possible new commercial cultivars.

Advances in genomic characterization of Urochloa humidicola: exploring polyploid inheritance and apomixis.

KEY MESSAGE: We present the highest-density genetic map for the hexaploid Urochloa humidicola. SNP markers expose genetic organization, reproduction, and species origin, aiding polyploid and tropical forage research. Tropical forage grasses are an important food source for animal feeding, with Urochloa humidicola, also known as Koronivia grass, being one of the main pasture grasses for poorly drained soils in the tropics. However, genetic and genomic resources for this species are lacking due to its genomic complexity, including high heterozygosity, evidence of segmental allopolyploidy, and reproduction by apomixis. These complexities hinder the application of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs. Here, we developed the highest-density linkage map currently available for the hexaploid tropical forage grass U. humidicola. This map was constructed using a biparental F1 population generated from a cross between the female parent H031 (CIAT 26146), the only known sexual genotype for the species, and the apomictic male parent H016 (BRS cv. Tupi). The linkage analysis included 4873 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers with allele dosage information. It allowed mapping of the ASGR locus and apospory phenotype to linkage group 3, in a region syntenic with chromosome 3 of Urochloa ruziziensis and chromosome 1 of Setaria italica. We also identified hexaploid haplotypes for all individuals, assessed the meiotic configuration, and estimated the level of preferential pairing in parents during the meiotic process, which revealed the autopolyploid origin of sexual H031 in contrast to apomictic H016, which presented allopolyploid behavior in preferential pairing analysis. These results provide new information regarding the genetic organization, mode of reproduction, and allopolyploid origin of U. humidicola, potential SNPs markers associated with apomixis for MAS and resources for research on polyploids and tropical forage grasses.

Impact of Fe + 2 ions on structural integrity of A0A6P1CI42_RHITR NifA protein from Rhizobium tropici strain CIAT 899.

A0A6P1CI42_RHITR, a protein originating from Rhizobium tropici strain CIAT 899, has emerged as a key player in leguminous plant symbiosis and nitrogen fixation processes. Understanding the intricate details of its structure and function holds immense significance for unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying its biological activities. In this study, we employed molecular modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the A0A6P1CI42_RHITR protein, with a specific emphasis on the influence of Fe-atoms, linker structural integrity, and conformational changes within the GAF domain. Our findings unveiled noteworthy conformational changes in the A0A6P1CI42_RHITR protein, particularly within the GAF domain, when Fe-atoms were present compared to its apo form. Significant conformational rearrangements after an initial 20 ns, accompanied by the opening of the ligand substrate accommodating loop in the GAF domain influenced by Fe-atoms was observed. At the residue level, the investigation revealed substantial activity variations in individual residues, particularly in those contributing to the GAF domain from positions 51 to 223. Intriguingly, the presence of Fe-atoms led to controlled movement of conserved cysteine residues at positions 467 and 472, indicating a correlation between interlinker domain motion and the activity of the GAF domain loop responsible for substrate accommodation. Moreover, in the presence of Fe-atoms, the distance between Cys467 and Cys472 residues was maintained, ensuring the overall structural integrity of the interdomain loop necessary for protein activation. Conversely, in the apo form, a sudden flip motion of cysteine residues' thiol groups was observed, leading to a loss of structural integration. Overall, our study utilizing molecular modeling and MD simulations offers valuable insights into the structural dynamics and functional implications of the A0A6P1CI42_RHITR protein.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Optimization of Multi-Generation Multi-location Genomic Prediction Models for Recurrent Genomic Selection in an Upland Rice Population.

Genomic selection is a worthy breeding method to improve genetic gain in recurrent selection breeding schemes. The integration of multi-generation and multi-location information could significantly improve genomic prediction models in the context of shuttle breeding. The Cirad-CIAT upland rice breeding program applies recurrent genomic selection and seeks to optimize the scheme to increase genetic gain while reducing phenotyping efforts. We used a synthetic population (PCT27) of which S0 plants were all genotyped and advanced by selfing and bulk seed harvest to the S0:2, S0:3, and S0:4 generations. The PCT27 was then divided into two sets. The S0:2 and S0:3 progenies for PCT27A and the S0:4 progenies for PCT27B were phenotyped in two locations: Santa Rosa the target selection location, within the upland rice growing area, and Palmira, the surrogate location, far from the upland rice growing area but easier for experimentation. While the calibration used either one of the two sets phenotyped in one or two locations, the validation population was only the PCT27B phenotyped in Santa Rosa. Five scenarios of genomic prediction and 24 models were performed and compared. Training the prediction model with the PCT27B phenotyped in Santa Rosa resulted in predictive abilities ranging from 0.19 for grain zinc concentration to 0.30 for grain yield. Expanding the training set with the inclusion of the PCT27A resulted in greater predictive abilities for all traits but grain yield, with increases from 5% for plant height to 61% for grain zinc concentration. Models with the PCT27B phenotyped in two locations resulted in higher prediction accuracy when the models assumed no genotype-by-environment (G × E) interaction for flowering (0.38) and grain zinc concentration (0.27). For plant height, the model assuming a single G × E variance provided higher accuracy (0.28). The gain in predictive ability for grain yield was the greatest (0.25) when environment-specific variance deviation effect for G × E was considered. While the best scenario was specific to each trait, the results indicated that the gain in predictive ability provided by the multi-location and multi-generation calibration was low. Yet, this approach could lead to increased selection intensity, acceleration of the breeding cycle, and a sizable economic advantage for the program.

High Temperature Tolerance in a Novel, High-Quality Phaseolus vulgaris Breeding Line Is Due to Maintenance of Pollen Viability and Successful Germination on the Stigma.

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important nutritional source globally but is sensitive to high temperatures and thus particularly vulnerable to climate change. Derived from a breeding program at CIAT (Colombia), a heat-tolerant breeding line, named heat-tolerant Andean-type 4 (HTA4), was developed by a series of crosses of parents with a small-bean tepary genotype (Phaseolus acutifolius L.) in their pedigree, which might be the donor of heat stress (HS) tolerance. Importantly, in HTA4, the large, commercially desirable Andean-type beans was restored. To assess underlying tolerance mechanisms, HTA4, together with a heat-sensitive Colombian variety (Calima), was exposed to HS (31 °C/24 °C HS vs. 26 °C/19 °C day/night) under controlled environment conditions. Vegetative growth and photosynthetic performance were not negatively impacted by HS in either genotype, although senescence was delayed in Calima. HS during the reproductive stage caused an increase in pod number in Calima but with few fully developed seeds and many pods aborted and/or abscised. In contrast, HTA4 maintained a similar filled pod number under HS and a higher seed weight per plant. Pollen showed high sterility in Calima, with many non-viable pollen grains (24.9% viability compared to 98.4% in control) with a thicker exine and fewer starch granules under HS. Calima pollen failed to adhere to the stigma and germinate under HS. In HTA4, pollen viability was significantly higher than in Calima (71.1% viability compared to 95.4% under control), and pollen successfully germinated and formed pollen tubes in the style under HS. It is concluded that HTA4 is heat tolerant and maintains a high level of reproductive output due to its ability to produce healthy pollen that is able to adhere to the stigma.

High-density DArTSeq SNP markers revealed wide genetic diversity and structured population in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Common bean is one of the widely consumed food security crop in Africa, Asia, and South America. Understanding genetic diversity and population structure is crucial for designing breeding strategies. MATERIALS: Two hundred and eighty-nine germplasm were recently collected from different regions of Ethiopia and introduced from CIAT to estimate genetic diversity and population structure using 11,480 DArTSeq SNP markers. RESULTS: The overall mean genetic diversity and polymorphic information content (PIC) were 0.38 and 0.30, respectively, suggested the presence of adequate genetic diversity among the genotypes. Among the geographical regions, landraces collected from Oromia showed the highest diversity (0.39) and PIC (0.30). The highest genetic distance was observed between genotypes collected from SNNPR and CIAT (0.49). In addition, genotypes from CIAT were genetically more related to improved varieties than the landraces which could be due to sharing of parents in the improvement process. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that the largest proportion of variation was due to within the population both in geographical region (63.67%) and breeding status (61.3%) based classification. Model-based structure analysis delineated the 289 common bean genotypes into six hypothetical ancestoral populations. CONCLUSIONS: The genotypes were not clustered based on geographical regions and they were not the main drivers for the differentiation. This indicated that selection of the parental lines should be based on systematic assessment of the diversity rather than geographical distance. This article provides new insights into the genetic diversity and population structure of common bean for association studies, designing effective collection and conservation for efficient utilization for the improvement of the crop.

Increasing Kidney-Exchange Options Within the Existing Living Donor Pool With CIAT: A Pilot Implementation Study.

Computerized integration of alternative transplantation programs (CIAT) is a kidney-exchange program that allows AB0- and/or HLA-incompatible allocation to difficult-to-match patients, thereby increasing their chances. Altruistic donors make this available for waiting list patients as well. Strict criteria were defined for selected highly-immunized (sHI) and long waiting (LW) candidates. For LW patients AB0i allocation was allowed. sHI patients were given priority and AB0i and/or CDC cross-match negative HLAi allocations were allowed. A local pilot was established between 2017 and 2022. CIAT results were assessed against all other transplant programs available. In the period studied there were 131 incompatible couples; CIAT transplanted the highest number of couples (35%), compared to the other programs. There were 55 sHI patients; CIAT transplanted as many sHI patients as the Acceptable Mismatch program (18%); Other programs contributed less. There were 69 LW patients; 53% received deceased donor transplantations, 20% were transplanted via CIAT. In total, 72 CIAT transplants were performed: 66 compatible, 5 AB0i and 1 both AB0i and HLAi. CIAT increased opportunities for difficult-to-match patients, not by increasing pool size, but through prioritization and allowing AB0i and "low risk" HLAi allocation. CIAT is a powerful addition to the limited number of programs available for difficult-to-match patients.

Rhizobacteria control damping-off and promote growth of lima bean with and without co-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici CIAT899.

Rhizoctonia solani compromises the production of lima bean, an alternative and low-input food source in many tropical regions. Inoculation of bacterial strains has been used, but research on their biocontrol and growth promotion potential on lima bean is scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with rhizobacterial strains of the genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium in combination or not with N2-fixing Rhizobium tropici on the control of damping-off disease and growth promotion in lima bean plants. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the inoculation with bacterial strains with biocontrol potential in combination or not with R. tropici in substrate infected with R. solani CML 1846. Growth promotion of these strains was also assessed. Strains of Brevibacillus (UFLA 02-286), Pseudomonas (UFLA 02-281 and UFLA 04-885), Rhizobium (UFLA 04-195), and Burkholderia (UFLA 04-227) co-inoculated with the strain CIAT 899 (Rhizobium tropici) were the most effective in controlling R. solani, reducing the disease incidence in 47-60% on lima bean. The promising strains used in the biocontrol assays were also responsive in promoting growth of lima bean under disease and sterile conditions. A positive synergistic effect of co-inoculation of different genera contributed to plant growth, and these outcomes are important first steps to improve lima bean production.

Non-Ionic Osmotic Stress Induces the Biosynthesis of Nodulation Factors and Affects Other Symbiotic Traits in Sinorhizobium fredii HH103.

(1) Background: Some rhizobia, such as Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899, activate nodulation genes when grown under osmotic stress. This work aims to determine whether this phenomenon also takes place in Sinorhizobium fredii HH103. (2) Methods: HH103 was grown with and without 400 mM mannitol. ß-galactosidase assays, nodulation factor extraction, purification and identification by mass spectrometry, transcriptomics by RNA sequencing, motility assays, analysis of acyl-homoserine lactones, and indole acetic acid quantification were performed. (3) Results: Non-ionic osmotic stress induced the production of nodulation factors. Forty-two different factors were detected, compared to 14 found in the absence of mannitol. Transcriptomics indicated that hundreds of genes were either activated or repressed upon non-ionic osmotic stress. The presence of 400 mM mannitol induced the production of indole acetic acid and acyl homoserine lactones, abolished swimming, and promoted surface motility. (4) Conclusions: In this work, we show that non-ionic stress in S. fredii HH103, caused by growth in the presence of 400 mM mannitol, provokes notable changes not only in gene expression but also in various bacterial traits, including the production of nodulation factors and other symbiotic signals.

Hydroponic Common-Bean Performance under Reduced N-Supply Level and Rhizobia Application.

This study aims to explore the possibility of a reduced application of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertiliser on the yield, yield qualities, and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of the hydroponic common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), without compromising plant performance, by utilizing the inherent ability of this plant to symbiotically fix N2. Until the flowering stage, plants were supplied with a nutrient solution containing N-concentrations of either a, 100%, conventional standard-practice, 13.8 mM; b, 75% of the standard, 10.35 mM; or c, 50% of the standard, 6.9 mM. During the subsequent reproductive stage, inorganic-N treatments b and c were decreased to 25% of the standard, and the standard (100% level) N-application was not altered. The three different inorganic-N supply treatments were combined with two different rhizobia strains, and a control (no-inoculation) treatment, in a two-factorial experiment. The rhizobia strains applied were either the indigenous strain Rhizobium sophoriradicis PVTN21 or the commercially supplied Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899. Results showed that the 50-25% mineral-N application regime led to significant increases in nodulation, BNF, and fresh-pod yield, compared to the other treatment, with a reduced inorganic-N supply. On the other hand, the 75-25% mineral-N regime applied during the vegetative stage restricted nodulation and BNF, thus incurring significant yield losses. Both rhizobia strains stimulated nodulation and BNF. However, the BNF capacity they facilitated was suppressed as the inorganic-N input increased. In addition, strain PVTN21 was superior to CIAT 899-as 50-25% N-treated plants inoculated with the former showed a yield loss of 11%, compared to the 100%-N-treated plants. In conclusion, N-use efficiency optimises BNF, reduces mineral-N-input dependency, and therefore may reduce any consequential negative environmental consequences of mineral-N over-application.

Identifying genetically redundant accessions in the world's largest cassava collection.

Crop diversity conserved in genebanks facilitates the development of superior varieties, improving yields, nutrition, adaptation to climate change and resilience against pests and diseases. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) plays a vital role in providing carbohydrates to approximately 500 million people in Africa and other continents. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) conserves the largest global cassava collection, housing 5,963 accessions of cultivated cassava and wild relatives within its genebank. Efficient genebank management requires identifying and eliminating genetic redundancy within collections. In this study, we optimized the identification of genetic redundancy in CIAT's cassava genebank, applying empirical distance thresholds, and using two types of molecular markers (single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and SilicoDArT) on 5,302 Manihot esculenta accessions. A series of quality filters were applied to select the most informative and high-quality markers and to exclude low-quality DNA samples. The analysis identified a total of 2,518 and 2,526 (47 percent) distinct genotypes represented by 1 to 87 accessions each, using SNP or SilicoDArT markers, respectively. A total of 2,776 (SNP) and 2,785 (SilicoDArT) accessions were part of accession clusters with up to 87 accessions. Comparing passport and historical characterization data, such as pulp color and leaf characteristic, we reviewed clusters of genetically redundant accessions. This study provides valuable guidance to genebank curators in defining minimum genetic-distance thresholds to assess redundancy within collections. It aids in identifying a subset of genetically distinct accessions, prioritizing collection management activities such as cryopreservation and provides insights for follow-up studies in the field, potentially leading to removal of duplicate accessions.

Constraint-induced Aphasia Therapy Improves the Use of Spoken Language and Word-finding Ability in Chronic Subcortical Aphasia: A Case Report.

Background: Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) has been reported as a short-term, intensive language training program for improving language function in patients with chronic aphasia. We report the recovery of language function in a patient with chronic aphasia who was evaluated in the baseline assessment as having reached a plateau. Case: The patient with subcortical aphasia was a 62-year-old, right-handed man. At 192 days after left putamen hemorrhage, he visited our hospital to begin CIAT. The patient's language and speech abilities were evaluated 1 month before and immediately before the start of CIAT. To evaluate the training effect, language function was assessed immediately after, 1 month after, 3 months after, and 6 months after the end of CIAT. The Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), the single-word-naming task in the Test of Lexical Processing in Aphasia (TLPA), and the Verbal Activity Log (VAL) were used to assess his language function and the amount of spoken language. From 1 month before CIAT to 6 months after CIAT, the WAB Aphasia Quotient increased by 6.1 points. Compared with before therapy, the errors of apraxia of speech in the TLPA disappeared from immediately after to 6 months after CIAT. Although the VAL score at 3 months after CIAT was higher than that before the start of CIAT, the score decreased after 6 months because of reduced opportunities for communication with friends. Discussion: CIAT improved the word-naming ability and amount of spontaneous, real-world spoken language in a patient with chronic aphasia.

Using phenomics to identify and integrate traits of interest for better-performing common beans: A validation study on an interspecific hybrid and its Acutifolii parents.

Introduction: Evaluations of interspecific hybrids are limited, as classical genebank accession descriptors are semi-subjective, have qualitative traits and show complications when evaluating intermediate accessions. However, descriptors can be quantified using recognized phenomic traits. This digitalization can identify phenomic traits which correspond to the percentage of parental descriptors remaining expressed/visible/measurable in the particular interspecific hybrid. In this study, a line of P. vulgaris, P. acutifolius and P. parvifolius accessions and their crosses were sown in the mesh house according to CIAT seed regeneration procedures. Methodology: Three accessions and one derived breeding line originating from their interspecific crosses were characterized and classified by selected phenomic descriptors using multivariate and machine learning techniques. The phenomic proportions of the interspecific hybrid (line INB 47) with respect to its three parent accessions were determined using a random forest and a respective confusion matrix. Results: The seed and pod morphometric traits, physiological behavior and yield performance were evaluated. In the classification of the accession, the phenomic descriptors with highest prediction force were Fm', Fo', Fs', LTD, Chl, seed area, seed height, seed Major, seed MinFeret, seed Minor, pod AR, pod Feret, pod round, pod solidity, pod area, pod major, pod seed weight and pod weight. Physiological traits measured in the interspecific hybrid present 2.2% similarity with the P. acutifolius and 1% with the P. parvifolius accessions. In addition, in seed morphometric characteristics, the hybrid showed 4.5% similarity with the P. acutifolius accession. Conclusions: Here we were able to determine the phenomic proportions of individual parents in their interspecific hybrid accession. After some careful generalization the methodology can be used to: i) verify trait-of-interest transfer from P. acutifolius and P. parvifolius accessions into their hybrids; ii) confirm selected traits as "phenomic markers" which would allow conserving desired physiological traits of exotic parental accessions, without losing key seed characteristics from elite common bean accessions; and iii) propose a quantitative tool that helps genebank curators and breeders to make better-informed decisions based on quantitative analysis.