Heat stress develops with increased total-tract gut permeability, and dietary organic acid and pure botanical supplementation partly restores lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows

To evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) conditions and dietary organic acid and pure botanical (OA/PB) supplementation on gut permeability and milk production, we enrolled 46 multiparous Holstein cows [208 ± 4.65 dry matter intake (DMI; mean ± SD), 3.0 ± 0.42 lactation, 122 ± 4.92 d pregnant, and 39.2 ± 0.26 kg of milk yield] in a study with a completely randomized design. Cows were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: thermoneutral conditions (TN-Con, n = 12), HS conditions (HS-Con, n = 12), thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS-Con (TN-PF, n = 12), or HS supplemented with OA/PB [75 mg/kg of body weight (BW); 25% citric acid, 16.7% sorbic acid, 1.7% thymol, 1.0% vanillin, and 55.6% triglyceride; HS-OAPB, n = 10]. Supplements were delivered twice daily by top-dress; all cows not supplemented with OA/PB received an equivalent amount of the triglyceride used for microencapsulation of the OA/PB supplement as a top-dress. Cows were maintained in thermoneutrality [temperature-humidity index (THI) = 68] during a 7-d acclimation and covariate period. Thereafter, cows remained in thermoneutral conditions or were moved to HS conditions (THI: diurnal change 74 to 82) for 14 d. Cows were milked twice daily. Clinical assessments and BW were recorded, blood was sampled, and gastrointestinal permeability measurements were repeatedly evaluated. The mixed model included fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction. Rectal and skin temperatures and respiration rates were greater in HS-Con and HS-OAPB relative to TN-Con. Dry matter intake, water intake, and yields of energy-corrected milk (ECM), protein, and lactose were lower in HS-Con relative to HS-OAPB. Nitrogen efficiency was improved in HS-OAPB relative to HS-Con. Compared with TN-Con and TN-PF, milk yield and ECM were lower in HS-Con cows. Total-tract gastrointestinal permeability measured at d 3 of treatment was greater in HS-Con relative to TN-Con or TN-PF. Plasma total fatty acid concentrations were reduced, whereas insulin concentrations were increased in HS-Con relative to TN-PF. We conclude that exposure to a heat-stress environment increases total-tract gastrointestinal permeability. This study highlights important mechanisms that might account for milk production losses caused by heat stress, independent of changes in DMI. Our observations also suggest that dietary supplementation of OA/PB is a means to partly restore ECM production and improve nitrogen efficiency in dairy cattle experiencing heat stress.

Psychotic-like Experiences during COVID-19 Outbreak: A survey from Pakistan

Introduction

Despite the fact that adolescents have been at higher risk of distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of pandemic on psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is not well described.

Objectives

The study’s objective is to evaluate if PLEs are induced in young individuals aged 18-24 during the pandemic.

Methods

A total of 201 college students from Pakistan (ages 18-24) were recruited for a cross-sectional research. We investigated the incidence of PLEs in Pakistan during the pandemic, their links to socio-demographic factors, COVID-19-related characteristics, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Community Assessment of Psychic Experience’s positive symptom component (CAPE), Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and IBM SPSS 25 were used.

Results

CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress were positively associated with PHQ total (p<0.0010); GAD total (p<0.001); time spent indoors due to COVID-19 (p<0.001). Psychiatric disorder other than bipolar disorder or psychosis (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), family history of psychiatric disorders (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress), chronic medical disease (p=0.021 CAPE-frequency and p=0.026 CAPE-stress), illegal drug usage (p<0.001 for CAPE-frequency and stress) were associated with CAPE-Frequency and CAPE-stress. In linear stepwise regression analysis, the best model predicted CAPE-Frequency explained 77.4% of variance with the following variables: PHQ total (B=0.552, SE= 0.08, t=6.909, p<0.001), GAD total (p<0.001), duration at home (p<0.001), and psychiatric disorder in family (p<0.001).

Conclusions

PLEs have been linked with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Individuals with a mental condition, family history of psychiatric disorder, chronic medical illness, illicit drug use, and increased time spent at home experienced more PLEs and stress.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding

The impact of antibiotics on growth, cocoon production was assessed in addition to isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut of infected larvae. Larval rearing was maintained at recommended conditions of temperature and humidity. Silkworm larvae showing abnormal symptoms were collected from the control group and dissected for gut collection. Bacteria were isolated from the gut content by spreading on agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hrs. Bacterial identification and phylogenetic analysis were carried out by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolated bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test (disc diffusion methods) by using Penicillin (10 µg/mL), Tetracycline (30 µg/mL), Amoxicillin (25 µg/mL), Ampicillin (10 µg/mL), and Erythromycin (15 µg/mL). All isolated strains showed positive results for the catalase test. We isolated and identified bacterial strains (n = 06) from the gut of healthy and diseased silkworm larvae. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, isolated bacteria showed close relation with Serratia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas spp. Notably, 83.3% of strains were resistant to Penicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, and Erythromycin but 16.6% showed antibiotic susceptibility to the above-mentioned commonly used antibiotics. Silkworm larvae fed on penicillin-treated leaves showed significant improvement in larval weight, larval length, and cocoon production. Significantly higher larval weight (6.88g), larval length (5.84cm), and cocoon weight (1.33g) were recorded for larvae fed on leaves treated with penicillin as compared to other antibiotics. Isolated bacterial strains showed close relation with Serratia spp., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Trends in hospitalized patients with cancer and stress cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer remain the top two causes of death worldwide, novel therapeutics have resulted in a decreased mortality rate in both groups. Accordingly, there has been a heightened awareness of patients with cancer experiencing stress cardiomyopathy (SC). In patients with cancer, the emotional stress of the diagnosis of cancer is compounded by the physical stress of treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy. Previous studies have shown that SC in patients with cancer is associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality when compared to patients with SC alone. No studies have examined the differences between patients with active cancer and SC compared to patients with active cancer without SC.

Purpose

To explore the unique impact that a diagnosis of SC has on patients with specific types of cancer, so that clinicians may recognize these phenomena and reduce morbidity associated with this disease.

Methods

We queried the 2016 United States National Inpatient Sample, which is the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient healthcare database, to identify demographic characteristics and outcomes in patients with active cancer and SC.

Results

Of 30,195,722 adult hospitalized patients, 4,719,591 (15.63%) had active cancer of whom 568,239 (12.04%) had SC. Among patients with active cancer, patients with SC versus those without SC were significantly more likely to have the following characteristics: female sex, white race, commercial insurance, hypertension, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorder (p&lt;0.003 for all variables). The five most common primary malignancies in patients with SC were breast (13.4%), lung (10.2%), skin (9.5%), colon (8.1%), and leukemia (4.8%) (Figure 1).

In machine learning-augmented propensity score-adjusted multivariable regression fully adjusting for age, race, income, and presence of metastases, the only primary malignancies that significantly increased the likelihood of SC were lung cancer (OR 1.25; p=0.003) and breast cancer (OR 1.81; p&lt;0.001) (Table 1). In separate regression, neither SC alone nor having both SC and cancer was significantly associated with mortality. The presence of concomitant SC and breast cancer was significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.48; p=0.032).

Conclusion

In patients with active cancer, SC was not associated with in-hospital mortality. In addition, patients with both SC and breast cancer had significantly reduced mortality when compared to all patients with cancer. Further investigation will be necessary to confirm these findings and determine the possible protective factors in patients with SC and breast cancer. Furthermore, clinicians should be aware, early during hospitalization, of the increased likelihood of SC in patients with lung cancer and breast cancer, in order to reduce morbidity associated with these diagnoses.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Clinical course and surgical outcomes in middle-age adults with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, including ischemic symptoms (chest pain or dyspnea) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Studies have identified coronary anatomic characteristics associated with a higher risk of SCD. However, most of the published literature consists of studies in adolescents and young adults. There is a paucity of data regarding outcomes in middle-aged patients. Current guidelines reveal gaps in evidence for identification of adults are at risk for SCD, and for whom surgery is beneficial.

Purpose

To study the clinical course and rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in middle-aged adults with AAOCA based on presenting symptoms, coronary anatomy on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), stress test results, and surgical management.

Methods

We included all patients from January 2013 to December 2019 age &gt; 18 at our institution who were found to have AAOCA.  Patients with the following were excluded to minimize confounding factors which could cause MACE: coronary artery disease (CAD) with &gt;50% stenosis in any coronary vessel, CAD requiring revascularization, heart failure with ejection fraction &lt;40%, history of heart transplant, and non-AAOCA congenital heart disease. All patient charts were reviewed for demographics, coronary anatomy on CCTA, presenting symptoms, rationale for pursuing stress testing and CCTA, nature of surgical interventions, post-surgical course, and MACE (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and need for coronary revascularization). All patients underwent PET as well as treadmill stress testing.

Results

Of 19,367 patients who underwent CCTA, 47 met inclusion criteria, with median age at diagnosis of 54 and median follow-up of 48 months. No patients suffered MACE. Twenty-five patients had AAORCA and 22 had AAOLCA (Table 1). Ten patients with AAORCA and 8 patients with AAOLCA presented with ischemic symptoms and had coronary anatomy characteristics associated with higher risk of SCD, as well as ischemia corresponding to the anomalous artery on stress testing and did not undergo surgery due to personal preference. Five symptomatic patients with stress-induced ischemia corresponding to the anomalous artery underwent surgery and all achieved symptom relief over a median follow up of 5 years.

Conclusion

As AAOCA is a significant cause of SCD in young adults, it is compelling to observe this adult cohort in which no patients experienced MACE, including 18 symptomatic patients with high-risk anatomy and stress-induced ischemia, as well as a Class I recommendations for surgery.  The results suggest that although surgery may be beneficial for symptom relief, it does not necessarily improve mortality over an intermediate follow-up period.  Future studies should examine surgical outcomes in middle-aged cohorts with larger sample sizes.

Prevalence and risk factors of Syphilis among blood donors of Punjab, Pakistan

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and its actual prevalence among Pakistani blood donors is currently unknown. A cross sectional study was conducted at different district healthcare hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan with an aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors associated with syphilis in blood donors using immunochromatographic test (ICT) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total (n=1200) blood samples were collected from donors aged 18-65 years. All the information regarding personal data, demographic data and risk factors was collected via structured questionnaire. On the basis of ICT and ELISA, the overall prevalence of syphilis was 3.91% among blood donors. The demographic factors positively linked with syphilis were age (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR= 7.18; 95% confidence interval CI= 2.816-18.295) and education status (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR= 12.33; 95% confidence interval CI= 3.469-43.849) of donors. Similarly among the risk factors analyzed, marital status (P= 0.012; Odds ratio OR= 2.251; 95% confidence interval CI= 1.206- 4.202) and blood transfusion history (P= 0.030; Odds ratio OR= 1.981; 95% confidence interval CI= 1.083-3.623) were also strongly associated with syphilis. We emphasized the importance of promoting preventive measures for syphilis. The syphilis diagnosis should not be based on a single test. The present study indicates that higher prevalence is alarming for blood donors in Pakistan. Stringent donor screening is highly recommended to ensure maximum safe blood transfusion.

Effects of abomasal infusions of fatty acids and 1-carbon donors on apparent fatty acid digestibility and incorporation into milk fat in cows

Our primary objective was to determine the effects of the abomasal infusion of 16-carbon (16C) and 22-carbon (22C) fatty acids (FA) on apparent FA digestibility, plasma FA concentrations, and their incorporation into milk fat in cows. Our secondary objective was to study the effects of 1-carbon donors choline and l-serine on these variables. Five rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (214 ± 4.9 d in milk; 3.2 ± 1.1 parity) were enrolled in a 5 × 5 Latin square experiment with experimental periods lasting 6 d. Abomasal infusates consisted of (1) palmitic acid (PA; 98% 16:0 of total fat), (2) PA + choline chloride (PA+CC; 50 g/d of choline chloride), (3) PA + l-serine (PA+S; 170 g/d of l-serine), (4) behenic acid (BA; 92% 22:0 of total fat), and (5) docosahexaenoic acid algal oil (DHA; 47.5% DHA of total fat). Emulsions were formulated to provide 301 g/d of total FA and were balanced to provide a minimum of 40 and 19 g/d of 16:0 and glycerol, respectively, to match the content found in the infused algal oil. Apparent digestibility of FA was highest in DHA, intermediate in PA, and lowest in BA. Digestibility of 16C FA was lowest in BA and highest in PA. The digestibility of 22C FA was highest in DHA relative to BA (99 vs. 58%), whereas 1-carbon donors had no effect on 22C FA digestibility. Plasma 16C FA concentrations were greatest with PA treatment, and 22C FA concentrations were ~3-fold greater in DHA-treated cows relative to all other treatments. Milk fat 16:0 content was highest in PA relative to BA and DHA (e.g., 37 vs. 27% in PA and DHA), whereas the milk yield of 16:0 was higher in PA relative to DHA (i.e., 454 vs. 235 g/d). Similarly, milk 22:0 content and yield were ~10-fold higher in BA relative to all other treatments, whereas DHA treatment resulted in higher content and yield of 22:6 in milk fat relative to all other treatments (41- and 38-fold higher, respectively). Consequently, the content of FA >16C (i.e., preformed) was higher in milk fat from cows infused with BA and DHA relative to PA. De novo FA content in milk did not differ between PA, PA+CC, and PA+S (~16% of milk fat) but was higher in BA and DHA treatments (19 and 21%, respectively). We conclude that FA carbon chain length and degree of saturation affected FA digestibility and availability for absorption as well as their incorporation into milk fat. The abomasal infusion of choline chloride and l-serine did not modify these variables relative to infusing palmitic acid alone.

Observation of an Unusual Upward-Going Cosmic-Ray-like Event in the Third Flight of ANITA

We report on an upward traveling, radio-detected cosmic-ray-like impulsive event with characteristics closely matching an extensive air shower. This event, observed in the third flight of the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), a NASA-sponsored long-duration balloon payload, is consistent with a similar event reported in a previous flight. These events could be produced by the atmospheric decay of an upward-propagating τ lepton produced by a ν_{τ} interaction, although their relatively steep arrival angles create tension with the standard model neutrino cross section. Each of the two events have a posteriori background estimates of ≲10^{-2} events. If these are generated by τ-lepton decay, then either the charged-current ν_{τ} cross section is suppressed at EeV energies, or the events arise at moments when the peak flux of a transient neutrino source was much larger than the typical expected cosmogenic background neutrinos.

Energy Spectrum of Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron from 10 GeV to 3 TeV Observed with the Calorimetric Electron Telescope on the International Space Station

First results of a cosmic-ray electron and positron spectrum from 10 GeV to 3 TeV is presented based upon observations with the CALET instrument on the International Space Station starting in October, 2015. Nearly a half million electron and positron events are included in the analysis. CALET is an all-calorimetric instrument with total vertical thickness of 30 X_{0} and a fine imaging capability designed to achieve a large proton rejection and excellent energy resolution well into the TeV energy region. The observed energy spectrum over 30 GeV can be fit with a single power law with a spectral index of -3.152±0.016 (stat+syst). Possible structure observed above 100 GeV requires further investigation with increased statistics and refined data analysis.

Assessment of allelic diversity among drought-resistant cotton genotypes using microsatellite markers

Drought, in conjunction with high temperature, is an important environmental constraint to cotton production. Development of cotton varieties with increased tolerance against adverse environmental conditions has been proposed as effective strategy for ensuring reliable yields. In the present study, 30 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were used to estimate genetic divergence among 22 cotton genotypes for drought stress tolerance. Genetic diversity is a prerequisite for developing drought resistant cotton genotypes. Eleven SSR primers out of 30 were able to discriminate among the cotton genotypes, implying that 37% of the primers were informative. In total, 41 alleles were detected, with an average of 3.72 alleles per primer. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one (JESPR-284) to six (JESSPR-302), and the allelic diversity in the experimental material was 0.40. Genetic similarity coefficients ranged from 0.87-1.00. The result of principal component analysis confirmed the clustering of 21 cotton genotypes in two groups leaving one genotype (CIM-109) ungrouped. Overall, genetic diversity among the 22 cotton genotypes was low. More polymorphic SSR markers are needed to explore the workable genetic variation among the screened cotton genotypes in future studies.

Pattern of first- and second-line drug resistance among pulmonary tuberculosis retreatment cases in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Drug resistance in general, and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular, threatens global tuberculosis (TB) control efforts. Population-based estimates of drug resistance are needed to develop strategies for controlling drug-resistant TB in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain population-based data on Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance in Pakistan.

METHODS

To obtain drug resistance data, we conducted a population-based study of TB cases in all provinces of Pakistan. We performed culture and drug susceptibility testing on M. tuberculosis isolates from patients with a prior history of anti-tuberculosis treatment (retreatment cases) from all over the country.

RESULTS

Of 544 isolates from previously treated cases, 289 (53.1%) were susceptible to all first-line drugs, 255 (46.9%) were resistant to at least one anti-tuberculosis drug and 132 (24.3%) were MDR-TB. Among MDR-TB isolates, 47.0% were ofloxacin (OFX) resistant. Extensively drug-resistant TB was found in two (0.4%) isolates.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of drug resistance in retreatment isolates was high. The alarmingly high prevalence of OFX resistance among MDR-TB isolates may threaten the success of efforts to control and treat MDR-TB.

Characteristics of Four Upward-Pointing Cosmic-Ray-like Events Observed with ANITA

We report on four radio-detected cosmic-ray (CR) or CR-like events observed with the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA), a NASA-sponsored long-duration balloon payload. Two of the four were previously identified as stratospheric CR air showers during the ANITA-I flight. A third stratospheric CR was detected during the ANITA-II flight. Here, we report on characteristics of these three unusual CR events, which develop nearly horizontally, 20-30 km above the surface of Earth. In addition, we report on a fourth steeply upward-pointing ANITA-I CR-like radio event which has characteristics consistent with a primary that emerged from the surface of the ice. This suggests a possible τ-lepton decay as the origin of this event, but such an interpretation would require significant suppression of the standard model τ-neutrino cross section.

Management and treatment outcomes of MDR-TB: results from a setting with high rates of drug resistance

SETTINGS

Although Pakistan has a high burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), little is known about the management and treatment outcomes of MDR-TB patients in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate management and predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among MDR-TB patients.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, 196 MDR-TB patients enrolled at the Programmatic Management Unit for drug-resistant TB of Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, between 1 January 2012 and 28 February 2013 were included. Patients were followed until an outcome was recorded or 31 January 2015.

RESULTS

Extensive concurrent resistance to ofloxacin (OFX) and pyrazinamide (54.6%) was observed. Among 181 patients for whom treatment outcome was available, 135 (74.6%) were cured, 1 (0.6%) completed treatment, 35 (19.3%) died, 8 (4.4%) failed treatment and 2 (1.1%) defaulted. In multivariate analysis, predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcome (death, failure and default) were age >40 years (OR 3.412, P = 0.009), baseline body weight <40 kg (OR 2.966, P = 0.020), concurrent comorbidity (OR 3.785, P = 0.023), resistance to OFX (OR 2.777, P = 0.023), lung cavitations at baseline chest X-ray (OR 5.253, P < 0.001) and regimen modification due to adverse events (OR 3.492, P = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

The treatment outcome results were encouraging. Patients with identifiable predictors of poor treatment outcome should receive enhanced clinical management. Early detection and management of mild adverse effects can help prevent regimen modification and may improve treatment outcomes.

Ectopic Intrathymic Parathyroid adenoma demonstrated on Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT-CT

Intrathymic parathyroid adenoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. In this case, Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT-CT successfully localized abnormal tracer uptake in the mediastinum with corresponding low density lesion on CT images suggestive of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma which late on confirmed on histopathology. After the median sternotomy a large intrathymic parathyroid adenoma was identified and excised. With the help of gamma probe the surgeons detect the lesion early and with more confidence as well as reducing the total operation time. Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT-CT scintigraphy and gamma probe localization is recommended for preoperative and intra operative localization of ectopic parathyroid adenomas.

Development and validation of a "capture-fusion" model to study drug sensitivity of patient-derived hepatitis C

Emerging therapies for chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection involve inhibition of viral enzymes with drug combinations. Natural, or treatment-induced, enzyme polymorphisms reduce efficacy. We developed a phenotyping assay to aid drug selection based on viral transfer from monocytes to hepatocytes. We studied HCV in monocytes from infected patients and developed a model in which patient-derived HCV is "captured" by the cell line THP-1 and replication assessed after fusion to hepatoma cells. We found that monocytes from HCV-infected patients harbor virus that replicates when cells are fused to hepatocytes. THP-1 cells incubated with infected sera capture HCV, which replicates when fused to hepatocytes. Inhibitable replication of all HCV genotypes was achieved (42 of 52 isolates). We measured sensitivity of telaprevir (TVR) and alisporivir (AVR) in different genotypes, and showed differences in 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) correlating with clinical response (TVR IC50 for genotype (G)1 was 0.042 ± 0.003 vs. 0.117 ± 0.015 μM for G3, whereas AVR IC50 for G1 was 0.139 ± 0.013 vs. 0.044 ± 0.007 μM for G3). We tested TVR-resistant viral isolates and identified changes in IC50 . One patient with a poor clinical response to TVR and wild-type viral sequence showed reduced TVR sensitivity in our assay. We studied samples from a 2-week TVR monotherapy study in which 5 of 8 patients with G3 HCV did not respond whereas 3 of 8 patients did. The "capture-fusion" assay correctly identified responders.

CONCLUSION

The capture-fusion model represents a promising new technique that may help identify appropriate treatment strategies for patients with chronic HCV infection.

Combining ability analysis for within-boll yield components in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Cotton is an important cash crop worldwide, accounting for a large percentage of world agricultural exports; however, yield per acre is still poor in many countries, including Pakistan. Diallel mating system was used to identify parents for improving within-boll yield and fiber quality parameters. Combining ability analysis was employed to obtain suitable parents for this purpose. The parental genotypes CP-15/2, NIAB Krishma, CIM-482, MS-39, and S-12 were crossed in complete diallel mating under green house conditions during 2009. The F₀ seed of 20 hybrids and five parents were planted in the field in randomized complete block design with three replications during 2010. There were highly significant differences among all F₁ hybrids and their parents. Specific combining ability (SCA) variance was greater than general combining ability (GCA) variance for bolls per plant (9.987), seeds per boll (0.635), seed density (5.672), lint per seed (4.174), boll size (3.69), seed cotton yield (0.315), and lint percentage (0.470), showing predominance of non-additive genes; while seed volume (3.84) was controlled by additive gene action based on maximum GCA variance. Cultivar MS-39 was found to be the best general combiner for seed volume (0.102), seeds per boll (0.448), and lint per seed (0.038) and its utilization produced valuable hybrids, including MS-39 x NIAB Krishma and MS-39 x S-12. The parental line CIM-482 had high GCA effects for boll size (0.33) and seeds per boll (0.90). It also showed good SCA with S-12 and NIAB Krishma for bolls per plant, with CP- 15/2 for boll size, and with MS-39 for seeds per boll. The hybrids, namely, CP-15/2 x NIAB Krishma, NIAB Krishma x S-12, NIAB Krishma x CIM-482, MS-39 x NIAB Krishma, MS-39 x CP-15/2, and S-12 x MS-39 showed promising results. Correlation analysis revealed that seed cotton yield showed significant positive correlation with bolls per plant, boll size and seeds per boll while it showed negative correlation with lint percentage and lint per seed. Seed volume showed significant negative correlation with seed density. Seeds per boll were positively correlated with boll size and negatively correlated with bolls per plant lint percentage and lint per seed. Similarly, lint per seed exhibited positive correlation with lint percentage and boll size showed significantly negative correlation with bolls per plant. Presence of non-additive genetic effects in traits like bolls per plant, seeds per boll, lint per seed, seed cotton yield, and lint percentage is indicative of later generation selection or heterosis breeding may be adopted. For boll size, seed volume and seed density early generation selection may be followed because of the presence of additive gene action. The parental material used in this study and cross combinations obtained from these parents may be exploited in future breeding endeavors.

Blockade of immunosuppressive cytokines restores NK cell antiviral function in chronic hepatitis B virus infection

NK cells are enriched in the liver, constituting around a third of intrahepatic lymphocytes. We have previously demonstrated that they upregulate the death ligand TRAIL in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB), allowing them to kill hepatocytes bearing TRAIL receptors. In this study we investigated whether, in addition to their pathogenic role, NK cells have antiviral potential in CHB. We characterised NK cell subsets and effector function in 64 patients with CHB compared to 31 healthy controls. We found that, in contrast to their upregulated TRAIL expression and maintenance of cytolytic function, NK cells had a markedly impaired capacity to produce IFN-γ in CHB. This functional dichotomy of NK cells could be recapitulated in vitro by exposure to the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, which was induced in patients with active CHB. IL-10 selectively suppressed NK cell IFN-γ production without altering cytotoxicity or death ligand expression. Potent antiviral therapy reduced TRAIL-expressing CD56^bright NK cells, consistent with the reduction in liver inflammation it induced; however, it was not able to normalise IL-10 levels or the capacity of NK cells to produce the antiviral cytokine IFN-γ. Blockade of IL-10 +/− TGF-β restored the capacity of NK cells from both the periphery and liver of patients with CHB to produce IFN-γ, thereby enhancing their non-cytolytic antiviral capacity. In conclusion, NK cells may be driven to a state of partial functional tolerance by the immunosuppressive cytokine environment in CHB. Their defective capacity to produce the antiviral cytokine IFN-γ persists in patients on antiviral therapy but can be corrected in vitro by IL-10+/− TGF-β blockade.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is responsible for more than a million deaths annually as a result of the immune-mediated chronic liver damage it induces. One of the key immune players in the liver is the natural killer (NK) cell, which we have recently found can cause liver damage in HBV infection. Here we address the antiviral potential of NK cells in the HBV-infected liver and demonstrate that they have a specific impairment in their ability to produce the cytokine IFN-γ, which could limit their capacity to control HBV. We find that the potent antiviral drugs currently being used to treat HBV infection are unable to fully reverse this NK cell functional defect. We define a role for the immunosuppressive cytokine environment in HBV in down-regulating NK cell antiviral function, which can be restored by specific blockade of IL-10 and TGF-β. This work therefore highlights a mechanism contributing to the failure of immune control in chronic HBV infection, paving the way to new therapeutic options.

Observation of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays with the ANITA balloon-borne radio interferometer

We report the observation of 16 cosmic ray events with a mean energy of 1.5 × 10¹⁹ eV via radio pulses originating from the interaction of the cosmic ray air shower with the Antarctic geomagnetic field, a process known as geosynchrotron emission. We present measurements in the 300-900 MHz range, which are the first self-triggered, first ultrawide band, first far-field, and the highest energy sample of cosmic ray events collected with the radio technique. Their properties are inconsistent with current ground-based geosynchrotron models. The emission is 100% polarized in the plane perpendicular to the projected geomagnetic field. Fourteen events are seen to have a phase inversion due to reflection of the radio beam off the ice surface, and two additional events are seen directly from above the horizon. Based on a likelihood analysis, we estimate angular pointing precision of order 2° for the event arrival directions.

Novel thermodynamics of xylanase formation by a 2-deoxy-d-glucose resistant mutant of Thermomyces lanuginosus and its xylanase potential for biobleachability

Production of xylanases by Thermomyces lanuginosus wild type and its deoxyglucose resistant mutant M7 on different substrates was investigated. The mutation conferred catabolite repression resistance as M7 supported xylanase production on glucose-based medium that was 8.8-fold higher than that of wild type. Product formation parameters were highest in media containing a combination of corncob and corn steep liquor. Among the soluble substrates, xylose was the best inducer. In the presence of glucose, the wild type produced 26 IU of xylanase per g of glucose while the xylanase yield of the mutant was 224 IU per g of glucose. Thermodynamic studies showed that M7 required lower Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy for product formation than the wild type. In biobleaching studies an 18.6% decrease in kappa number and 2.63% increase in brightness for enzyme-treated pulp was observed. Moreover prebleaching with M7-derived enzyme resulted in a 27.3% reduction in chlorine demand as compared with that of 18.5% decrease when wild organism-derived enzyme was employed. These improvements indicate that the mutant-derived enzymes possessed a useful prebleaching potential and could be exploited for large-scale application.

First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot on Rumex dentatus in Pakistan

Rumex dentatus L., commonly known as toothed dock, is an annual and biennial weed in the Polygonaceae. It is reported to be native to southern and eastern Asia and is now established in North America (southern Arizona and Sonora and Baja California) and Europe (Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania) (1,3). In Pakistan, R. dentatus is one of the most common and problematic weeds in wheat fields (2). In surveys of wheat-growing areas in Punjab Province conducted from 1999 to 2002, leaf spots were found to be very common on R. dentatus. The disease led to 10 to 70% mortality of R. dentatus in various fields in Lahore and Kasur districts. Symptoms initially were small, light brown, circular spots with most becoming irregular, dark brown lesions, while a few remained circular with concentric rings. On severely diseased leaves, several spots coalesced to form large necrotic areas. Leaf spots varied from 2 to 24 mm in diameter. The disease first appeared in mid-February, was widespread from the end of February through March when temperatures ranged from 25 to 30°C, and ended in April. Diseased leaves were cut into small fragments, surface disinfested with 1% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed thrice with sterile water, and cultured on potato dextrose agar in a growth incubator at 25 ± 1°C. The isolated fungal species was transferred to agar slants to maintain pure cultures. The fungal colony surface was grayish white, and then darkened, becoming greenish black or olive-brown with a light border. The fungus produced abundant, branched, septate, brownish hyphae with simple, olive-brown, septate conidiophores that were variable in length. Conidia were terminal, solitary, or in short chains, mostly ovoid with a short conical or cylindrical apical beaks not exceeding one-third of the conidial length, and smooth walled or vemuculose. On the basis of morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Alternaria alternata by the Fungal Culture Bank of Pakistan (FCBP). A specimen of the fungal culture was deposited in FCBP. For the pathogenicity test, R. dentatus plants grown outdoors from seed to three- to four-leaf stages were transplanted into 12-cm-diameter plastic pots, two plants per pot. Plants were sprayed with a suspension of the putative pathogen containing 1 × 10⁷ conidia per ml. Control plants were sprayed with sterile water. Each treatment was replicated three times. Plants were covered for 24 h with plastic bags to maintain 100% relative humidity. The bags were removed and plants returned outdoors. All of the inoculated plants showed the same symptoms as observed on diseased plants in the field. The lesions first appeared after 7 days. The pathogen was consistently reisolated from the lesions. The pathogenicity tests were repeated three times. Given the effects of A. alternaria on R. dentatus observed in the field, there is potential for using the fungus as a biological control of the weed. References: (1) C. L. Hitchcock et al. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. Part 2, University of Washington Press, Seattle. 1964. (2) I. Siddiqui and R. Bajwa. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 4:492, 2001. (3). USDA. Rumex dentatus L. United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Online publication, 2008.

Prevalence of primary multidrug resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs in Pakistan

SETTING

Pakistan ranks sixth in the world in terms of tuberculosis (TB) burden, with a World Health Organization estimated incidence of 181 per 100000, or 286000 new cases annually. Hospital-based data indicate a significant problem of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in the country and highlight the need to assess its extent at community level. In this cross-sectional study, sputum samples from 742 untreated newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients from all over the country were used.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of primary drug resistance in Pakistan.

RESULTS

Of 672 culture-positive patients, 76 (11.3%) showed resistance to one or more drugs. Resistance to streptomycin (10 microg/ml) was found in 36 (5.4%) patients, isoniazid (INH) (1 microg/ml) in 51 (7.6%), rifampicin (RMP) (5 microg/ml) in 15 (2.2%), ethambutol (10 microg/ml) in 12 (1.8%) and pyrazinamide in 22 (3.3%) samples. Forty-six (6.8%) of the isolates tested were resistant to a single drug, 10 (1.5%) to two drugs, 12 (1.8%) to three drugs, and 6 (0.9%) to four drugs, while 2 (0.3%) isolates were resistant to all five first-line agents. Primary MDR-TB was 1.8% (n=12) (INH 1 microg/ml, RMP 5 microg/ml).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show a prevalence of primary MDR-TB in Pakistan of <2%, which needs to be addressed through an effective DOTS strategy.

Idiopathic slow transit constipation is rare. But delayed passage of meconium is common in the constipation clinic

We hypothesise that constipated children would be more likely to come from a socially deprived background. We also hypothesise that a percentage of children with resistant constipation would have a congenital gut motility problem that might be recognised at birth, and that some of these would have slow transit constipation that could be recognised on nuclear transit study. One hundred and forty children with a constipation related diagnosis were seen in the last 4 years, and were reviewed as a retrospective audit. Twenty-six children who were felt likely to have a congenital cause for their constipation were offered nuclear colon transit study to search for slow transit constipation. One hundred and forty children from the constipation clinic were reviewed. There were 67 females (47.9%) and 73 males (52.1%), a sex ratio near equality. The mean age at presentation was 5.38 years. Forty-one percent were formally discharged, 36% were lost to follow up, and 23% are still being seen. There was a highly significant tendency for these children to have delayed passage of meconium, as compared normal newborns (P << 0.001). Twenty-six children were considered for possible transit study, and 14 were performed. Four of these were normal, seven showed hold up in the recto-sigmoid, and three showed more proximal slow transit. Two of these probably have non ISTC diagnoses. Social class seems similar to the general population on the criterion employed. Delayed passage of meconium in this group was significantly more frequent than in the general population, but only one of the group seems likely to have truly idiopathic slow transit constipation, and he did not have delayed passage of meconium. There is no evidence for an effect of social class in this population. Idiopathic slow transit constipation itself is rare.