Complete genome sequence of the Streptomyces bacteriophage Amabiko.

Amabiko is a lytic subcluster BE2 bacteriophage that infects Streptomyces scabiei-a bacterium causing common scab in potatoes. Its 131,414 bp genome has a GC content of 49.5% and contains 245 putative protein-coding genes, 45 tRNAs, and one tmRNA. Amabiko is closely related to Streptomyces bacteriophage MindFlayer (gene content similarity: 86.5%).

Assessment of complementary white matter microstructural changes and grey matter atrophy in a preclinical model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been associated with amyloid and tau pathology, as well as neurodegeneration. Beyond these hallmark features, white matter microstructural abnormalities have been observed using MRI. The objective of this study was to assess grey matter atrophy and white matter microstructural changes in a preclinical mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and free-water (FW) diffusion tensor imaging (FW-DTI). Compared to controls, lower grey matter density was observed in the 3xTg-AD model, corresponding to the small clusters in the caudate-putamen, hypothalamus, and cortex. DTI-based fractional anisotropy (FA) was decreased in the 3xTg model, while the FW index was increased. Notably, the largest clusters for both FW-FA and FW index were in the fimbria, with other regions including the anterior commissure, corpus callosum, forebrain septum, and internal capsule. Additionally, the presence of amyloid and tau in the 3xTg model was confirmed with histopathology, with significantly higher levels observed across many regions of the brain. Taken together, these results are consistent with subtle neurodegenerative and white matter microstructural changes in the 3xTg-AD model that manifest as increased FW, decreased FW-FA, and decreased grey matter density.

Clinical practices for intermediate sweat tests following abnormal cystic fibrosis newborn screens.

BACKGROUND: Newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) has become standard practice in many countries. Consequently, the prevalence of infants with intermediate sweat test results has increased. This study examined clinical practices in the United States (US) related to intermediate sweat test results subsequent to NBS. METHODS: Respondents from 77 (47% response rate) US CF centers completed telephone surveys documenting clinical practices related to intermediate sweat chloride levels (30-59 mmol/L) following abnormal NBS. RESULTS: Thirty percent of centers followed CF Foundation guidelines for classifying intermediate results. There was much variability in sweat testing procedures, diagnostic labels, additional diagnostics, addressing prognosis, and services offered to parents. CF center staff identified a need for resources to better address the uncertainty associated with intermediate results. CONCLUSION: Results suggest the need for education regarding current guidelines and consensus regarding the nomenclature and services offered to families of newborns with intermediate sweat test results.

A tailored approach to family-centered genetic counseling for cystic fibrosis newborn screening: the Wisconsin model.

This article describes the development of a tailored family-centered approach to genetic counseling following abnormal newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF). A genetic counseling consortium reviewed research literature, selected theoretical frameworks, and incorporated counseling psychology micro skills. This innovative intervention integrated theories and empirically validated techniques. Pilot testing and parent feedback confirmed satisfaction with and feasibility of the approach designed to (a) minimize parents' distress, (b) facilitate parents' understanding, (c) increase parents' capacities to use genetic information, and (d) enhance parents' experiences with genetic counseling. Counselors engage in a highly interactive process of evaluating parents' needs and tailoring assessments and interventions that include a therapeutic environment, the family's emotional needs, parents' informational needs, and a follow-up plan. This promising new model is the first to establish a theory-driven, evidence-based standard for genetic counseling in the context of NBS for CF. Additional research will evaluate the model's efficacy in clinical practice.