KCNQ2/3 Gain-of-Function Variants and Cell Excitability: Differential Effects in CA1 versus L2/3 Pyramidal Neurons.

Gain-of-function (GOF) pathogenic variants in the potassium channels KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 lead to hyperexcitability disorders such as epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms of how these variants impair forebrain function are unclear. Here, we show that the R201C variant in KCNQ2 has opposite effects on the excitability of two types of mouse pyramidal neurons of either sex, causing hyperexcitability in layer 2/3 (L2/3) pyramidal neurons and hypoexcitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons.

A novel method to detect hPG (human circulating progastrin) in the blood.

hPG (human circulating progastrin) is produced and released by cancer cells. We recently reported that hPG is detected in the blood of patients with cancers from different origins, suggesting its potential utility for cancer detection. To accurately measure hPG in the blood of patients, we developed the DxPG test, a sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Development and validation of the Pectus Carinatum Body Image Quality of Life (PeCBI-QOL) questionnaire.

Introduction: While body image disturbances and quality of life in persons with pectus excavatum (PE) have been well documented, very little has been done to systematically measure and document the same in patients with pectus carinatum (PC). Because of this, the current study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to assess body image related quality of life in patients with PC and their parents.

Method: Participants: Two waves of data collection took place.

Draft Genome Sequence of the Xanthomonas cassavae Type Strain CFBP 4642.

We report the draft genome sequence of the Xanthomonas cassavae type strain CFBP 4642, the causal agent of bacterial necrosis on cassava plants. These data will allow the comparison of this nonvascular pathogen with the vascular pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, both infecting the same host, which will facilitate the development of diagnostic tools.

High-Quality Draft Genome Sequences of Two Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum Strains.

We report high-quality draft genome sequences of two strains (race 18 and 20) of Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum, the causal agent of bacterial blight of cotton. Comparative genomics will help to decipher mechanisms provoking disease and triggering defense responses and to develop new molecular tools for epidemiological surveillance.

Comparative proteomics reveal new HrpX-regulated proteins of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Unlabelled: Pathogenicity of the rice pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae depends on a Hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) type III secretion system; the expression of which is induced in planta. Expression of the hrp operons is under transcriptional control of two key regulatory proteins, HrpG and HrpX.