Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi Associated with Root Rot of Field Pea in North Dakota and the Effects of Temperature on Aggressiveness.

Fusarium root rot is an important disease of field pea (Pisum sativum var. sativum L.) that occurs everywhere pea is grown, causing yield loss of up to 75%. Fusarium root rot is caused by a complex of Fusarium species, most notably Fusarium solani in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and F. avenaceum in the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop) was frequently isolated from peas exhibiting root rot symptoms in North Dakota during recent surveys. Fop causes wilt (races 1, 5, and 6) and near wilt (race 2) on pea. However, its contribution to pea root rot remains unclear. Fop race was determined for isolates from North Dakota pea root rot surveys. ND Fop isolates were evaluated for root rot pathogenicity and aggressiveness at standard and elevated temperatures. Results from greenhouse wilt assays indicated that all Fop races exist in North Dakota, with race 2 most prevalent among the 25 North Dakota isolates evaluated. Root rot evaluations conducted at 21/18°C and 25/19°C day/night temperatures demonstrated that most Fop isolates were as aggressive or more aggressive than F. solani and F. avenaceum under both temperature regimes. Aggressiveness of Fop isolates tended to increase at elevated assay temperatures. Results from these experiments indicate that Fop may be an important contributor to the root rot complex of field pea in North Dakota and should be considered in integrated pest management strategies, including pea breeding efforts to improve resistance to Fusarium root rot.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Development of a pain education resource for people with spinal cord injury.

Many people with spinal cord injury (SCI) develop chronic pain, including neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, current treatments for this condition are often inadequate because SCI-associated neuropathic pain is complex and depends on various underlying mechanisms and contributing factors. Multimodal treatment strategies including but not limited to pharmacological treatments, physical rehabilitation, cognitive training, and pain education may be best suited to manage pain in this population. In this study, we developed an educational resource named the SeePain based on published pain literature, and direct stakeholder input, including people living with SCI and chronic pain, their significant others, and healthcare providers with expertise in SCI. The SeePain was then 1) systematically evaluated by stakeholders regarding its content, comprehensibility, and format using qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, and 2) modified based on their perspectives. The final resource is a comprehensive guide for people with SCI and their significant others or family members that is intended to increase health literacy and facilitate communication between SCI consumers and their healthcare providers. Future work will quantitatively validate the SeePain in a large SCI sample.

Association of Body Mass Index With Disease Progression in Children With Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on disease progression over 2 years in children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). METHODS: BMI was classified in 242 participants aged 3-20 years with CMT enrolled in the Inherited Neuropathy Consortium, using the International Obesity Task Force (based on adult BMI values, kg/m2) criteria. Groups were categorized as severely underweight (BMI <17 kg/m2), underweight (BMI ≥17 to <18.5 kg/m2), healthy weight (BMI ≥18.5 to <25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI ≥25 to <30 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Disease severity was assessed using the CMT Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS), a clinical outcome assessment of disability (0-44 points, mild to severe). RESULTS: At baseline, compared with individuals being of a healthy weight (mean CMTPedS 15.48, SD 9.22), children who were severely underweight (mean CMTPedS difference 9.03, 95% CI 0.94-17.12; p = 0.02), underweight (mean CMTPedS difference 5.97, 95% CI 0.62-11.31; p = 0.02), or obese (mean CMTPedS difference 7.96, 95% CI 1.03-14.88; p = 0.015) exhibited greater disability. At 2 years, compared with individuals being of a healthy weight (mean CMTPedS 17.53, SD 9.41), children who were severely underweight exhibited greater disability (mean CMTPedS difference 9.27, 95% CI 0.90-17.64; p = 0.02). Over the 2-year periods, the mean CMTPedS for the whole sample deteriorated by 1.72 points (95% CI 1.09-2.38; p < 0.001), with severely underweight children progressing at the fastest rate (mean CMTPedS change of 2.3, 95% CI 1.53-6.13; p = 0.21). In children who did not have a change in BMI categories over 2 years (69% of sample), CMTPedS scores deteriorated faster in those who were severely underweight (mean CMTPedS change 6.40 points, 95% CI 2.42-10.38; p = 0.01) than those of healthy weight (mean CMTPedS change 1.79 points, 95% CI 0.93-2.69; p < 0.001). For children who changed BMI categories (31% of sample), CMTPedS scores deteriorated faster in children who became overweight/obese (mean CMTPedS change 2.76 points, 95% CI 0.11-5.41; p = 0.031). DISCUSSION: Children with CMT who were severely underweight, underweight, or obese exhibited greater disability at baseline. Over the 2-year period in those whose BMI remained stable, severely underweight children deteriorated at the fastest rate. For children who changed BMI categories over the 2 years, CMTPedS scores deteriorated faster in children who became overweight/obese. Interventions that maintain or improve BMI toward healthy weight may reduce disability in children with CMT.

Neuroprosthesis for individuals with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals who sustain a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often have a loss of multiple body systems. Significant functional improvement can be gained by individual SCI through the use of neuroprostheses based on electrical stimulation. The most common actions produced are grasp, overhead reach, trunk posture, standing, stepping, bladder/bowel/sexual function, and respiratory functions. METHODS: We review the fundamental principles of electrical stimulation, which are established, allowing stimulation to be safely delivered through implanted devices for many decades. We review four common clinical applications for SCI, including grasp/reach, standing/stepping, bladder/bowel function, and respiratory functions. Systems used to implement these functions have many common features, but are also customized based on the functional goals of each approach. Further, neuroprosthetic systems are customized based on the needs of each user. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The results to date show that implanted neuroprostheses can have a significant impact on the health, function, and quality of life for individuals with SCI. A key focus for the future is to make implanted neuroprostheses broadly available to the SCI population.

Direct-reading instruments for aerosols: A review for occupational health and safety professionals part 1: Instruments and good practices.

With advances in technology, there are an increasing number of direct-reading instruments available to occupational health and safety professionals to evaluate occupational aerosol exposures. Despite the wide array of direct-reading instruments available to professionals, the adoption of direct-reading technology to monitor workplace exposures has been limited, partly due to a lack of knowledge on how the instruments operate, how to select an appropriate instrument, and challenges in data analysis techniques. This paper presents a review of direct-reading aerosol instruments available to occupational health and safety professionals, describes the principles of operation, guides instrument selection based on the workplace and exposure, and discusses data analysis techniques to overcome these barriers to adoption. This paper does not cover all direct-reading instruments for aerosols but only those that an occupational health and safety professional could use in a workplace to evaluate exposures. Therefore, this paper focuses on instruments that have the most potential for workplace use due to their robustness, past workplace use, and price with regard to return on investment. The instruments covered in this paper include those that measure aerosol number concentration, mass concentration, and aerosol size distributions.

Canine brucellosis in three littermates, case report.

Three adult littermates were diagnosed with Brucella canis, two of which were diagnosed with discospondylitis. The first littermate, a 2-year-old spayed-female Labrador Retriever, was evaluated for progressive episodes of cervical pain, lethargy, reported circling to the right, and a right-sided head tilt. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed changes consistent with discospondylitis at C6-C7. MRI of the brain was unremarkable and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was declined. Brucella spp. was isolated from aerobic and Brucella blood cultures. PCR performed on the isolate identified Brucella canis and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) testing for Brucella canis also confirmed the species. Patient #1 was treated with doxycycline and marbofloxacin for 1 year. Clinical signs returned 2-years after diagnosis. Following the diagnosis of patient #1, a known littermate (patient #2) was tested for Brucella canis. Patient #2 was 2 years old and asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Aerobic and Brucella spp. cultures, PCR, and IFA were obtained and were diagnostic for Brucella canis. A 6-month course of marbofloxacin and doxycycline was implemented. The patient remained PCR positive following 4 months of treatment and repeat cultures were planned following 6 months of treatment; however, the patient was lost to follow-up. A third littermate (patient #3) was identified by the family of patient #1. Patient #3 was evaluated at 18 months of age for a 6-month history of progressive lumbosacral pain. Spinal radiographs revealed discospondylitis of the C3-C4, T12-T13, and L7-S1 vertebral endplates. Computed tomography (CT) of the lumbosacral spine was also consistent with discospondylitis at L7-S1. Brucella canis serologic testing consisting of rapid slide agglutination test, 2ME-rapid slide agglutination test, and cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion was positive. Enrofloxacin was administered for 7 months and was discontinued thereafter based on radiographic evidence of healing and resolution of clinical signs. Although Brucella canis is not a rare disease in dogs, the documentation of two out of three adult littermates with associated discospondylitis is an interesting feature. In addition, this report highlights available diagnostic and treatment options, as each patient was managed differently based on clinical signs and the preference of the managing clinician.

Efficacy of dental evacuation systems for aerosol exposure mitigation in dental clinic settings.

Dental personnel are ranked among the highest risk occupations for exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to their close proximity to the patient's mouth and many aerosol generating procedures encountered in dental practice. One method to reduce aerosols in dental settings is the use of intraoral evacuation systems. Intraoral evacuation systems are placed directly into a patient's mouth and maintain a dry field during procedures by capturing liquid and aerosols. Although multiple intraoral dental evacuation systems are commercially available, the efficacy of these systems is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of four dental evacuation systems at mitigating aerosol exposures during simulated ultrasonic scaling and crown preparation procedures. We conducted real-time respirable (PM4) and thoracic (PM10) aerosol sampling during ultrasonic scaling and crown preparation procedures while using four commercially available evacuation systems: a high-volume evacuator (HVE) and three alternative intraoral systems (A, B, C). Four trials were conducted for each system. Respirable and thoracic mass concentrations were measured during procedures at three locations including (1) near the breathing zone (BZ) of the dentist, (2) edge of the dental operatory room approximately 0.9 m away from the mannequin mouth, and (3) hallway supply cabinet located approximately 1.5 m away from the mannequin mouth. Respirable and thoracic mass concentrations measured during each procedure were compared with background concentrations measured in each respective location. Use of System A or HVE reduced thoracic (System A) and respirable (HVE) mass concentrations near the dentist's BZ to median background concentrations most often during the ultrasonic scaling procedure. During the crown preparation, use of System B or HVE reduced thoracic (System B) and respirable (HVE or System B) near the dentist's BZ to median background concentrations most often. Although some differences in efficacy were noted during each procedure and aerosol size fraction, the difference in median mass concentrations among evacuation systems was minimal, ranging from 0.01 to 1.48 µg/m3 across both procedures and aerosol size fractions.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 50 Captive Non-domestic Felids - Technique and Imaging Diagnoses.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the recognized gold standard for diagnostic imaging of the central nervous system in human and veterinary patients. Information on the use of this modality and possible imaging abnormalities in captive non-domestic felids is currently limited to individual case reports or small case series. This retrospective study provides information on technique and imaging findings in a cohort of cases undergoing MRI at an academic Veterinary Medical Center. The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine MRI database was searched for non-domestic felids undergoing MRI of the brain or spine from 2008 to 2021. Medical record data were recorded, and MRI studies were reviewed. Fifty animals met the inclusion criteria. The most common brain diseases were Chiari-like malformation (n = 8) and inflammatory conditions (n = 8). Other abnormalities included pituitary lesions (n = 5), brain atrophy (n = 2), and one each of metabolic and traumatic conditions. Fourteen animals had a normal brain MRI study. The most common spinal abnormality was intervertebral disc disease (n = 7). Other disorders included vertebral dysplasia (n = 2), presumptive ischemic myelopathy (n = 1), subdural ossification causing spinal cord compression (n = 1), and multiple myeloma (n = 1). Spinal cord swelling of undetermined cause was suspected in two animals, and seven patients had a normal MRI study of the spine. MRI is a valuable tool in the diagnostic workup of non-domestic felids with presumptive neurologic disease.

The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute's Use of Food and Drug Administration-Expanded Access Guidelines to Provide Experimental Cell Therapy to Patients With Rare Serious Diseases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides guidance for expanded access to experimental therapies, which in turn plays an important role in the Twenty-first Century Cures Act mandate to advance cell-based therapy. In cases of incurable diseases where there is a lack of alternative treatment options, many patients seek access to cell-based therapies for the possibility of treatment responses demonstrated in clinical trials. Here, we describe the use of the FDA's expanded access to investigational new drug (IND) to address rare and emergency conditions that include stiff-person syndrome, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain stem injury, complex congenital heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral nerve injury. We have administered both allogeneic bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and autologous Schwann cell (SC) therapy to patients upon emergency request using Single Patient Expanded Access (SPEA) INDs approved by the FDA. In this report, we present our experience with 10 completed SPEA protocols.

The Specificity of the Persistent IgM Neutralizing Antibody Response in Zika Virus Infections among Individuals with Prior Dengue Virus Exposure.

Dengue viruses (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are related mosquito-borne flaviviruses with similar disease manifestations, vector ecologies, and geographic ranges. The ability to differentiate these viruses serologically is vital due to the teratogenic nature of ZIKV and the potential confounding of preexisting cross-reactive anti-DENV antibodies. Here, we illustrate the kinetics of the IgM neutralizing antibody (NAb) response using longitudinal samples ranging from acute ZIKV infection to late convalescence from individuals with evidence of prior DENV infection. By serially depleting antibody isotypes prior to the neutralization assay, we determined that IgM contributes predominantly to ZIKV neutralization and is less cross-reactive than the IgG NAb. The IgM NAb peaked around 14 days (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 13 to 15) and had a median duration of 257 days (95% CI, 133 to 427). These results demonstrate the persistence of IgM NAb after ZIKV infection and imply its potential role in diagnosis, vaccine evaluation, serosurveillance, and research on flavivirus-host interactions.

Agreement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Computed Tomography in the Assessment for Acute Skull Fractures in a Canine and Feline Cadaver Model.

Computed tomography (CT) is the imaging modality of choice to evaluate patients with acute head trauma. However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be chosen in select cases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the agreement of MRI with CT in the assessment for presence or absence of acute skull fractures in a canine and feline cadaver model, compare seven different MRI sequences (T1-W, T2-W, T2-FLAIR, PD-W, T2*-W, "SPACE" and "VIBE"), and determine agreement of four different MRI readers with CT data. Pre- and post-trauma CT and MRI studies were performed on 10 canine and 10 feline cadaver heads. Agreement of MRI with CT as to presence or absence of a fracture was determined for 26 individual osseous structures and four anatomic regions (cranium, face, skull base, temporomandibular joint). Overall, there was 93.5% agreement in assessing a fracture as present or absent between MRI and CT, with a significant difference between the pre and post trauma studies (99.4 vs. 87.6%; p < 0.0001; OR 0.042; 95% CI 0.034-0.052). There was no significant difference between dogs and cats. The agreement for the different MRI sequences with CT ranged from 92.6% (T2*-W) to 94.4% (PD-W). There was higher agreement of MRI with CT in the evaluation for fractures of the face than other anatomic regions. Agreement with CT for individual MRI readers ranged from 92.6 to 94.7%. A PD-W sequence should be added to the MR protocol when evaluating the small animal head trauma patient.

6 feet apart but working together.

Prior to COVID-19, the field of genetic counseling was responding to a workforce shortage in patient-facing roles through efforts to increase the training capacity within existing programs, as well as development of new programs. These efforts were hindered by the number and capacity of fieldwork training sites. COVID-19 heightened this barrier with a sudden restriction on student training for an indefinite period of time. The onset of these restrictions highlighted the need to think creatively and, more importantly, collaboratively for ways to not only expand but also maintain fieldwork training capacity. Described here are two different collaborative efforts in response to pandemic-related cancellations of important curriculum components: 1) the development of clinical simulation experiences and coursework shared between two ACGC accredited training programs; and 2) the creation of a virtual laboratory curriculum between an ACGC accredited training program and a non-academic laboratory partner. This Professional Issues paper illustrates how collaboration with our academic and non-academic colleagues benefits students, training programs and non-academic partners beyond the needs of the initial crisis of a global pandemic.

Features of a rare peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour arising from the thoracic spine in a juvenile canine patient.

Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours are rare tumours in juveniles. The current patient was a paraplegic 8-month-old Scottish deerhound with a suspected pulmonary mass. Radiographically, there was a large extrapleural mass within the mid-left hemithorax. On MRI, the mass was mainly hyperintense on T2-weighted images, isointense on T1-weighted images and was heterogeneously strongly contrast enhancing with a multilobulated appearance, spinal cord compression, paraspinal musculature invasion and intrathoracic extension. Those changes were confirmed on post-mortem, and the mass diagnosed based on immunohistochemistry.

Houston hurricane Harvey health (Houston-3H) study: assessment of allergic symptoms and stress after hurricane Harvey flooding.

BACKGROUND: In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused unprecedented flooding across the greater Houston area. Given the potential for widespread flood-related exposures, including mold and sewage, and the emotional and mental toll caused by the flooding, we sought to evaluate the short- and long-term impact of flood-related exposures on the health of Houstonians. Our objectives were to assess the association of flood-related exposures with allergic symptoms and stress among Houston-area residents at two time points: within approximately 30 days (T1) and 12 months (T2) after Hurricane Harvey's landfall. METHODS: The Houston Hurricane Harvey Health (Houston-3H) Study enrolled a total of 347 unique participants from four sites across Harris County at two times: within approximately 1-month of Harvey (T1, n = 206) and approximately 12-months after Harvey (T2, n = 266), including 125 individuals who participated at both time points. Using a self-administered questionnaire, participants reported details on demographics, flood-related exposures, and health outcomes, including allergic symptoms and stress. RESULTS: The majority of participants reported hurricane-related flooding in their homes at T1 (79.1%) and T2 (87.2%) and experienced at least one allergic symptom after the hurricane (79.4% at T1 and 68.4% at T2). In general, flood-exposed individuals were at increased risk of upper respiratory tract allergic symptoms, reported at both the T1 and T2 time points, with exposures to dirty water and mold associated with increased risk of multiple allergic symptoms. The mean stress score of study participants at T1 was 8.0 ± 2.1 and at T2, 5.1 ± 3.2, on a 0-10 scale. Participants who experienced specific flood-related exposures reported higher stress scores when compared with their counterparts, especially 1 year after Harvey. Also, a supplementary paired-samples analysis showed that reports of wheezing, shortness of breath, and skin rash did not change between T1 and T2, though other conditions were less commonly reported at T2. CONCLUSION: These initial Houston-3H findings demonstrate that flooding experiences that occurred as a consequence of Hurricane Harvey had lasting impacts on the health of Houstonians up to 1 year after the hurricane.

Development and deployment of an at-home strength and conditioning program to support a phase I trial in persons with chronic spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Nonrandomized clinical trial (NCT02354625). OBJECTIVES: As a part of a Phase I clinical trial to assess the safety of autologous human Schwann cells (ahSC) in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), participants engaged in a multimodal conditioning program pre- and post-ahSC transplantation. The program included a home-based strength and endurance training program to prevent lack of fitness and posttransplantation detraining from confounding potential ahSC therapeutic effects. This paper describes development, deployment, outcomes, and challenges of the home-based training program. SETTING: University-based laboratory. METHODS: Development phase: two men with paraplegia completed an 8-week laboratory-based 'test' of the home-based program. Deployment phase: the first four (two males, two females) participant cohort of the ahSC trial completed the program at home for 12 weeks pre and 20 weeks post ahSC transplant. RESULTS: Development phase: both participants improved their peak aerobic capacity (VO2peak) (≥17%), peak power output (POpeak) (≥8%), and time to exhaustion (TTE) (≥7%). Deployment phase: pretransplant training minimally increased fitness in the two male participants (≥6% POpeak and ≥9% TTE). The two women had no POpeak changes and slight TTE changes (+2.6 and -1.2%, respectively.) All four participants detrained during the posttransplant recovery period. After posttransplant retraining, all four participants increased TTE (4-24%), three increased VO2peak (≥11%), and two increased POpeak (≥7%). CONCLUSIONS: Home-based strength and condition programs can be effective and successfully included in therapeutic SCI trials. However, development of these programs requires substantial content knowledge and experience.

Sources of Resistance to Fusarium solani and Associated Genomic Regions in Common Bean Diversity Panels.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide is hampered by Fusarium root rot (FRR), which is caused by Fusarium solani. Screening for FRR resistance on a large scale is notoriously difficult and often yields inconsistent results due to variability within the environment and pathogen biology. A greenhouse screening assay was developed incorporating multiple isolates of F. solani to improve assay reproducibility. The Andean (ADP; n = 270) and Middle American (MDP; n = 280) Diversity Panels were screened in the greenhouse to identify genetic factors associated with FRR resistance. Forty-seven MDP and 34 ADP lines from multiple market classes were identified as resistant to FRR. Greenhouse phenotyping repeatability was confirmed via five control lines. Genome-wide association mapping using ∼200k SNPs was performed on standard phenotyping score 1-9, as well as binary and polynomial transformation of score data. Sixteen and seven significant genomic regions were identified for ADP and MDP, respectively, using all three classes of phenotypic data. Most candidate genes were associated with plant immune/defense mechanisms. For the ADP population, ortholog of glucan synthase-like enzyme, senescence-associated genes, and NAC domain protein, associated with peak genomic region Pv08:0.04-0.18 Mbp, were the most significant candidate genes. For the MDP population, the peak SNPs Pv07:15.29 Mbp and Pv01:51 Mbp mapped within gene models associated with ethylene response factor 1 and MAC/Perforin domain-containing gene respectively. The research provides a basis for bean improvement through the use of resistant genotypes and genomic regions for more durable root rot resistance.

Using Context as an Assist in Word Solving: The Contributions of 25 Years of Research on the Interactive Strategies Approach.

Recently, there has been growing concern about how to most effectively support the literacy development of beginning and struggling readers with regard to helping them learn to effortlessly identify the huge number of words that proficient readers ultimately learn to read with automaticity. Some, noting the critical importance of phonics instruction in learning to read in an alphabetic writing system, take the position that students should attend only to alphabetic information in word-solving attempts. However, long-standing theories of the development of word-reading skills support the value of teaching students to use both alphabetic and contextual information in word solving in interactive and confirmatory ways. The authors summarize 25 years of research in which beginning and struggling readers were taught to use both code- and meaning/context-based strategies for word solving and were provided with explicit, responsive instruction focused on the alphabetic code. The authors present brief summaries of theoretical explanations of the word-learning process. Then, the authors summarize six experimental studies that, together, included students in kindergarten through fourth grade and involved the implementation of the Interactive Strategies Approach in the primary grades and an extension of the approach with middle elementary students with reading difficulties. The studies resulted in substantially improved reading outcomes among treatment versus business-as-usual groups. The authors contend that using both phonics- and context-based information facilitates the ability to build sight vocabulary, which in turn enables readers to turn their attention to the most important goal of literacy learning: meaning construction.

Neurophysiological Changes in the First Year After Cell Transplantation in Sub-acute Complete Paraplegia.

Neurophysiological testing can provide quantitative information about motor, sensory, and autonomic system connectivity following spinal cord injury (SCI). The clinical examination may be insufficiently sensitive and specific to reveal evolving changes in neural circuits after severe injury. Neurophysiologic data may provide otherwise imperceptible circuit information that has rarely been acquired in biologics clinical trials in SCI. We reported a Phase 1 study of autologous purified Schwann cell suspension transplantation into the injury epicenter of participants with complete subacute thoracic SCI, observing no clinical improvements. Here, we report longitudinal electrophysiological assessments conducted during the trial. Six participants underwent neurophysiology screening pre-transplantation with three post-transplantation neurophysiological assessments, focused on the thoracoabdominal region and lower limbs, including MEPs, SSEPs, voluntarily triggered EMG, and changes in GSR. We found several notable signals not detectable by clinical exam. In all six participants, thoracoabdominal motor connectivity was detected below the clinically assigned neurological level defined by sensory preservation. Additionally, small voluntary activations of leg and foot muscles or positive lower extremity MEPs were detected in all participants. Voluntary EMG was most sensitive to detect leg motor function. The recorded MEP amplitudes and latencies indicated a more caudal thoracic level above which amplitude recovery over time was observed. In contrast, further below, amplitudes showed less improvement, and latencies were increased. Intercostal spasms observed with EMG may also indicate this thoracic "motor level." Galvanic skin testing revealed autonomic dysfunction in the hands above the injury levels. As an open-label study, we can establish no clear link between these observations and cell transplantation. This neurophysiological characterization may be of value to detect therapeutic effects in future controlled studies.

Genotypes and Genomic Regions Associated With Rhizoctonia solani Resistance in Common Bean.

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn (teleomorph Thanatephorus cucumeris) is an important root rot pathogen of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). To uncover genetic factors associated with resistance to the pathogen, the Andean (ADP; n = 273) and Middle American (MDP; n = 279) diversity panels, which represent much of the genetic diversity known in cultivated common bean, were screened in the greenhouse using R. solani anastomosis group 2-2. Repeatability of the assay was confirmed by the response of five control genotypes. The phenotypic data for both panels were normally distributed. The resistance responses of ∼10% of the ADP (n = 28) and ∼6% of the MDP (n = 18) genotypes were similar or higher than that of the resistant control line VAX 3. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using ∼200k single nucleotide polymorphisms to discover genomic regions associated with resistance in each panel, For GWAS, the raw phenotypic score, and polynomial and binary transformation of the scores, were individually used as the input data. A major QTL peak was observed on Pv02 in the ADP, while a major QTL was observed on Pv01 with the MDP. These regions were associated with clusters of TIR-NB_ARC-LRR (TNL) gene models encoding proteins similar to known disease resistance genes. Other QTL, unique to each panel, were mapped within or adjacent to a gene model or cluster of related genes associated with disease resistance. This is a first case study that provides evidence for major as well as minor genes involved in resistance to R. solani in common bean. This information will be useful to integrate more durable root rot resistance in common bean breeding programs and to study the genetic mechanisms associated with root diseases in this important societal legume.

A randomized controlled trial of group cognitive remediation therapy for anorexia nervosa: Effects on set-shifting tasks for inpatient adults and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial with a parallel design was to evaluate the effect of brief, cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for anorexia nervosa (AN) on set-shifting. METHOD: Two hundred seventy-five inpatient adults and adolescents with AN (mean age = 23.1; SD = 12.7) were randomly assigned (using simple randomization procedures) to either a CRT or control condition. All participants received treatment as usual; however, the CRT condition completed five CRT group sessions in lieu of other group therapies provided on the unit. Set-shifting abilities were evaluated by: (a) neuropsychological measures and (b) experimental cognitive behavior therapy thought records. Blinding of group assignment occurred during baseline assessment and ended following group commencement. RESULTS: Data from 135 CRT and 140 control condition participants were analyzed. On all neuropsychological measures, results revealed no between group condition effects, but did show statistically significant time effects, with medium to large effect sizes. Thought record analysis revealed a significant condition by age interaction effect where adults in the CRT condition generated significantly more alternative thoughts and had stronger believability of alternative thoughts than children, a trend that was not found in the control condition. This yielded moderate to large effect sizes of.0.56 and 0.72, respectively. DISCUSSION: Based on traditional neuropsychological measures, these findings do not suggest a differential effect of CRT for AN in the format applied. However, results suggest that CRT may have some increased beneficial cognitive effect for adults, as compared to children, based on thought record analysis.