Whole Genome Re-Sequencing and Characterization of Powdery Mildew Disease-Associated Allelic Variation in Melon

Powdery mildew is one of the most common fungal diseases in the world. This disease frequently affects melon (Cucumis melo L.) and other Cucurbitaceous family crops in both open field and greenhouse cultivation. One of the goals of genomics is to identify the polymorphic loci responsible for variation in phenotypic traits. In this study, powdery mildew disease assessment scores were calculated for four melon accessions, 'SCNU1154', 'Edisto47', 'MR-1', and 'PMR5'. To investigate the genetic variation of these accessions, whole genome re-sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform was performed. A total of 754,759,704 quality-filtered reads were generated, with an average of 82.64% coverage relative to the reference genome. Comparisons of the sequences for the melon accessions revealed around 7.4 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 1.9 million InDels, and 182,398 putative structural variations (SVs). Functional enrichment analysis of detected variations classified them into biological process, cellular component and molecular function categories. Further, a disease-associated QTL map was constructed for 390 SNPs and 45 InDels identified as related to defense-response genes. Among them 112 SNPs and 12 InDels were observed in powdery mildew responsive chromosomes. Accordingly, this whole genome re-sequencing study identified SNPs and InDels associated with defense genes that will serve as candidate polymorphisms in the search for sources of resistance against powdery mildew disease and could accelerate marker-assisted breeding in melon.

Evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of the 'Care for Stroke' intervention in India, a smartphone-enabled, carer-supported, educational intervention for management of disability following stroke

OBJECTIVES

(1) To identify operational issues encountered by study participants in using the 'Care for Stroke' intervention; (2) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.

DESIGN

Mixed-methods research design.

SETTING

Participant's home. Participants were selected from a tertiary hospital in Chennai, South India.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty stroke survivors treated and discharged from the hospital, and their caregivers.

INTERVENTION

'Care for Stroke' is a smartphone-enabled, educational intervention for management of physical disabilities following stroke. It is delivered through a web-based, smartphone-enabled application. It includes inputs from stroke rehabilitation experts in a digitised format.

METHODS

Evaluation of the intervention was completed in two phases. In the first phase, the preliminary intervention was field-tested with 30 stroke survivors for 2 weeks. In the second phase, the finalised intervention was provided to a further 30 stroke survivors to be used in their homes with support from their carers for 4 weeks.

PRIMARY OUTCOMES

(1) operational difficulties in using the intervention; (2) feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in an Indian setting. Disability and dependency were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Field-testing identified operational difficulties related to connectivity, video-streaming, picture clarity, quality of videos, and functionality of the application. The intervention was reviewed, revised and finalised before pilot-testing. Findings from the pilot-testing showed that the 'Care for Stroke' intervention was feasible and acceptable. Over 90% (n=27) of the study participants felt that the intervention was relevant, comprehensible and useful. Over 96% (n=29) of the stroke survivors and all the caregivers (100%, n=30) rated the intervention as excellent and very useful. These findings were supported by qualitative interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation indicated that the 'Care for Stroke' intervention was feasible and acceptable in an Indian context. An assessment of effectiveness is now warranted.

Portable single port 23-gauge vitrectomy in postoperative endophthalmitis

AIM

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Intrector(®) for treating postoperative endophthalmitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective multicenter study, patients who received a single port 23-gauge core pars plana vitrectomy and isovolumetric injection of vancomycin, ceftazidime, and dexamethasone/amphotericin B using the Intrector(®) for postoperative endophthalmitis of intermediate severity (grade II or III vitreous inflammation and best-corrected visual acuity between hand movements and 0.3 logMAR [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution]) were evaluated. Improvement in visual acuity, resolution of intraocular inflammation, the need for additional surgical procedures, and the development of complications were evaluated at a 1-month follow-up examination.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (mean age 55.6±7.2 years) underwent treatment with the Intrector(®). The mean vitreous volume aspirated was 0.78±0.22 mL. The vitreous samples indicated positive microorganism culture results in six of the 15 cases, but the samples were positive when analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in all cases (15/15). The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly (P=0.01) from 0.88±0.29 (logMAR) to 0.32±0.28. Each patient demonstrated at least three lines of visual improvement. No additional medical or surgical interventions were required, and the complete resolution of intraocular inflammation was noted in all patients at the 1-month follow-up examination. No procedure-related complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The Intrector(®) may be a safe and effective treatment option for infectious postoperative endophthalmitis. Larger studies comparing the outcomes of the Intrector(®) to the traditional treatments for postoperative endophthalmitis need to be conducted before its role in the treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis can be properly defined.

Multifocal capillary malformations in an older, asymptomatic child with a novel RASA1 mutation

Multifocal capillary malformation (CM) is the cardinal feature of patients with RASA1 mutations. These CMs are ‘red flags’, signalling the possible association with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report an 8‐year‐old boy who presented with > 20 CMs, who was found to have a novel mutation in the RASA1 gene. Radiological screening of children with RASA1 mutations is not standardized, and we elected to carry out baseline magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine in our case, which gave normal results. We discuss the recent literature and our approach in the management of such a case.

Maternal hyperoxygenation improves left heart filling in fetuses with atrial septal aneurysm causing impediment to left ventricular inflow

OBJECTIVES

Aneurysm of the atrial septum (AAS) with excessive excursion of septum primum into the left atrium is an uncommon and relatively benign fetal condition associated with impediment to left ventricular (LV) filling and the appearance of a slender, but apex-forming, LV on fetal echocardiography. Impediment to filling can be severe, creating the image of LV hypoplasia with retrograde aortic flow. We hypothesize that maternal hyperoxygenation alters atrial septal position, improves LV filling, and normalizes aortic flow in fetuses with AAS by increasing fetal pulmonary venous return.

METHODS

Fetal echocardiography was performed prior to, and at 10 min of, maternal hyperoxygenation in 12 fetuses with AAS who were referred to our center because of LV hypoplasia. Atrial septal excursion (ASE), LV and right ventricular (RV) sphericity index (SI) and direction of flow in the aortic isthmus, as determined by Doppler, were measured.

RESULTS

With maternal hyperoxygenation, mean ± SD ASE decreased (0.76 ± 0.17 before maternal hyperoxygenation vs 0.53 ± 0.23 after maternal hyperoxygenation; P < 0.01), consistent with increased pulmonary venous return, LV-SI increased (0.29 ± 0.06 vs 0.42 ± 0.06; P < 0.001), indicating increased LV filling, and the direction of aortic isthmus flow changed from retrograde in all cases prior to maternal hyperoxygenation to antegrade in 10 and to bidirectional in two. RV-SI remained unchanged (0.53 ± 0.13 vs 0.52 ± 0.10; P = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of AAS, short-term maternal hyperoxygenation increases fetal pulmonary venous return, substantially alters LV geometry and promotes antegrade flow in the aortic isthmus. This demonstrates proof-of-concept that maternal hyperoxygenation can improve filling of the left side of the fetal heart in AAS.

Eosinophilic annular erythema: successful response to ultraviolet B therapy

Eosinophilic annular erythema (EAE) is a rare and relatively newly described eosinophil-rich dermatosis. Debate still exists as to whether it represent a subtype of Well syndrome or a separate disease entity. We report an 8-year-old boy with a 4-year history of recurrent, asymptomatic annular lesions, which were diagnosed after clincopathological correlation as EAE. This condition usually runs a relapsing and remitting course with resistance to multiple treatments. Prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine have been reported as successful but the response to these was limited in this case. Complete resolution occurred after treatment with ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a favourable response of EAE to such therapy.

Assessment of Candidal carriage in patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Background: It is generally acknowledged that patients with diabetes mellitus are more susceptible to fungal infections, particularly with Candida albicans. Oral infection by Candida can result in a number of clinical lesions, including median rhomboid glossitis (central papillary atrophy), denture stomatitis, squamous cell carcinoma, Radiation therapy, immunocompromised status, etc. Different studies have shown that patients with diabetes mellitus have increased frequency of oral candidal carriage and increased risk of candidiasis, which is related to poor metabolic control, neutrophil dysfunction, reduced salivary flow, high glucose concentration in blood and saliva and in medications.Materials and Methods: Subjects of both the groups were given 10 ml of sterile normal saline and asked to rinse the mouth for one minute. The subjects were then asked to return the oral rinse in a sterile clean, broad-mouthed container which was capped, labelled and taken to the laboratory. The samples were then inoculated onto the culture medium (Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with Chloramphenicol) with minimal delay (within 6-8 hours of collection of oral rinse). Candidal colonies were counted and compared with non-diabetics.Results: Statistically significant increase in colony forming units (p=0.0324) were obtainedin patients with diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The results indicate significant increase in colonization and carriage of candida in the oral cavity among diabetics when compared with non-diabetics. However, further research using larger samples is required which may lend credibility to the suggestion of increased candidal CFUs in diabetics serving as a surrogate marker of serum glucose levels.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2015) Vol. 5, 733-738

Haglund Deformity - Surgical Resection by the Lateral Approach

The aim of this study was to analyse the outcome of surgical Haglund deformity is a prominence in the postero superolateral aspect of the calcaneum. Haglund deformity is a prominence in the postero superolateral aspect of the calcaneum, causing a painful bursitis, which may be difficult to treat by non-operative measures alone. Various surgical methods are available for effective treatment of refractory Haglund’s deformity. This study is to evaluate whether adequate resection of Haglund deformity by a lateral approach provides good to excellent results. During the period from 2009 to 2012, 40 patients with 46 feet had undergone resection of Haglund deformity using lateral approach and the outcome was analysed using AOFAS Ankle-Hind Foot Scale. The mean AOFAS score at the follow up was 86/100, with the majority of patients reporting alleviation of pain at one year follow up. The lateral approach to calcaneal ostectomy can be an effective treatment for those suffering from refractory Haglund deformity. However, the patient must be made aware of theduration of recovery being long.

Growth of bulk single crystal of N-acetyl DL-methionine and its spectral characterization

Bulk size single crystal of N-acetyl DL-methionine (C7H13NO3S) (1) was grown using a home-made crystal growth setup (MKN setup). The identity of the grown crystal was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The modes of vibrations of the functional groups present were assigned using the infrared (IR) spectrum. UV-vis-NIR spectra showed that the crystals have excellent transparency in the visible and infrared regions. The thermal stability and decomposition of the sample was studied by using thermal analysis (TGA/DTA). Photoluminescence excitation studies showed that the emission occurred at 350 nm for the compound.

Oxygen-participated electrochemistry of new lithium-rich layered oxides Li3MRuO5 (M = Mn, Fe)

Synthesis, crystal structure and lithium electrochemistry of two new lithium-rich layered oxides, Li₃MRuO₅ (M = Mn, Fe), are described.

Clinical significance of small airway obstruction markers in patients with asthma

BACKGROUND

The role of small airway obstruction in the clinical expression of asthma is incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypotheses that markers of small airway obstruction are associated with (i) increased asthma severity, (ii) impaired asthma control and quality of life and (iii) frequent exacerbations.

METHODS

Seventy-four adults with asthma and 18 healthy control subjects underwent impulse oscillometry (IOS), multiple breath inert gas washout (MBW), body plethysmography, single-breath determination of carbon monoxide uptake and spirometry. Patients completed the six-point Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6) and standardized Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [AQLQ(S)]. Asthma severity was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) treatment steps.

RESULTS

The putative small airway obstruction markers Sacin , resistance at 5 Hz minus resistance at 20 Hz (R5-R20) and reactance area (AX) were not independently associated with asthma severity, control, quality of life or exacerbations. In contrast, markers of total (R5) and mean airway resistance of large and small airways (R20) were significantly higher in the severe asthma group compared with the mild-moderate group (0.47 vs. 0.37, P < 0.05 for R5; 0.39 vs. 0.31, P < 0.01 for R20). The strongest independent contributors to ACQ-6 score were R20 and forced expiratory volume in one second (% pred.), and the strongest independent contributors to AQLQ(S) score were R20 and forced vital capacity (% pred.). A history of one or more exacerbations within the previous year was independently associated with R20.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Previously reported markers of small airway obstruction do not appear to be independently associated with asthma disease expression. In contrast, the IOS parameter R20, a marker of mean airway resistance of both large and small airways, appears to have independent clinical significance. These observations require confirmation in prospective longitudinal studies.