In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic response of the seeds of Amomum subulatum roxb and Vitex negundo

Abstract The current study was designed to check the anthelmintic activities of some local plants. Seeds of Amomum (A.) subulatum and Vitex (V.) negundo in different solvents were subjected to in vitro (adult motility assay; AMA and egg hatch assay; EHA) and in vivo (faecal egg count reduction test; FECRT) anthelmintic activity testing protocols using Haemonchus (H.) contortus as an experimental model. The results of AMA, EHA, and FECRT were statistically analysed through linear regression and Duncan multiple range test. In AMA test, at 50 mg mL-1 concentration, the percent mortality of H. contortus was higher in A. subulatum than V. negundo, whereas, in EHA test, A. subulatum was proven better ovicidal (LC50=14.2 µg mL-1) than V. negundo (LC50= 65.7405 µg mL-1). The FECRT also indicated the better efficacy of A. subulatum than V. negundo against natural infection of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites. The crude powder of plants used in this study showed 29.6% to 57.7% anthelmintic. The reduction rate was found higher for A. subulatum (3 g kg-1) as compared to V. negundo (7 g kg-1). Reagrding efficacy analysis of solvents used for plants extract, ethyl acetate and chloroform were found better in increasing ovicidal activity in adult worms (in vitro testing), whereas, the crude aqueous methanol was found better than the crude powders in in vivo testing. It will be beneficial to document the indigenous knowledge to standard scientific procedures for their validation. This study will help to motivate the farmers to make a better choice of cultivation of the indigenous plants because of their varying efficacies as an alternative preventive approach against the GI parasitic infections.

Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite impaired ToLCNDV ability to maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite

Abstract Alphasatellites (family Alphasatellitidae) are circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA molecules of ~1350 nucleotide in size that have been characterized in both the Old and New Worlds. Alphasatellites have inherent ability to self-replicate, which is accomplished by a single protein, replication-associated protein (Rep). Although the precise function of alphasatellite is yet unknown, and these consider dispensable for infectivity, however, their Rep protein functions as a suppressor of host defence. While alphasatellites are most frequently associated with begomoviruses, particularly with monopartite than bipartite begomoviruses, they have recently been found associated with mastreviruses. The in planta maintenance of alphasatellites by helper geminivirus is still an enigma, with no available study on the topic. This study aimed to investigate whether a widely distributed bipartite begomovirus, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), can maintain cotton leaf curl Multan alphasatellite (CLCuMuA) in the presence or absence of cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). The findings of this study demonstrated that ToLCNDV or its DNA A could maintain CLCuMuA in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. However, the presence of CLCuMuB interferes with the maintenance of CLCuMuA, and mutations in the CP of ToLCNDV further reduces it. Our study highlighted that the maintenance of alphasatellites is impaired in the presence of a betasatellite by ToLCNDV. Further investigation is needed to unravel all the interactions between a helper virus and an alphasatellites.

Clinico-pathological assessment of virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in ducks

Abstract Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious and lethal disease of avian species. It is considered that ducks are natural reservoir or carrier for Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and are resistant against different strains of NDV. Current study was designed to evaluate the pathogenesis of Newcastle disease in domestic ducks through histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and serum biochemical changes. For this purpose, eighty ducks were reared for 42 days and divided in two groups A and B. Ducks in group A were challenged with (NDV) at rate of 0.1 ml of ELD50 (virus titer 107.32/100µl) on second week of age, whereas Group B was control negative. Splenomegaly, atrophy of thymus and necrotic lesion in kidney were observed on 9th day of post infection. Hepatic degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration were noticed in proventriculus and intestine in challenged ducks. Viral antigen detected in lungs, intestine, proventriculus and lymphoid organs of infected ducks through IHC. Albumin and total protein values were significantly low in infected groups A as compared to control group B. ALT, AST, and ALP values were significantly high in infected group A. On 5th and 7th day of post infection oropharyngeal swabs were negative for NDV and cloacal swabs were positive for NDV through Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. It is concluded that ducks are susceptible to NDV and virulent strain of NDV caused disease in ducks.

Dosimetric Analysis of CBCT-Based Weekly Online Adaptive Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Anatomic and geometric changes are common during a radiotherapy course amongst patients receiving conventional fractionated radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). These changes may cause significant deviation from initial reference plan resulting in over-treatment of normal tissue or under-coverage of the target. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based online adaptive radiotherapy (ART) platforms allow for response to these changes and is being increasingly used in the clinic though less so for intrathoracic disease. We hypothesized weekly CBCT-ART would improve target coverage and decrease dose to organs at risk (OAR) in patients with LA-NSCLC.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Data was collected from a prospective registry of 23 LA-NSCLC patients treated to 60 Gy in 30 fractions with CBCT-ART between June 2021 and December 2022. For weekly ART (Wk-ART), online plan adaptation started on week two. The adapted plan was then used to treat patients with image guidance until the next ART. For comparison, doses were recalculated with the initial reference plan on the SCT with updated contours to derive non-adapted (non-ART) dosimetry for each week. The final dosimetric parameters were obtained by averaging weekly coverage (ITV, PTV) and critical OAR (Lung, esophagus, heart, spinal cord) doses for non-ART and weekly ART treatments respectively for each patient. Paired student t-test was performed to compare the dosimetric parameters between non-ART and Wk-ART.

RESULTS

We observed an average 29% ± 19% (median: 26%) reduction in ITV volume through the radiotherapy course, with 48% (11/23) of patients showing >30% reduction. Most significant volume reductions (16%) were observed between the third and fourth adaptation. Weekly ART showed significant (p<1×10-3) improvements in ITV and PTV coverage, and showed improved clinically relevant lung, esophageal, cardiac, and lung dosimetry (Table 1), especially in the later stages of treatment when the tumor showed significant shrinkage. The average time from contour review to quality assurance completed is 8.5±1.2 min.

CONCLUSION

CBCT-ART provides robust ART plan quality and efficient workflow. There are significant improvements in target coverage and OAR sparing in LA-NSCLC treated with weekly CBCT-ART and these are driven by the significant volume reduction of the ITV throughout treatment course.

Predicted Cardiac Toxicity in Daily Cone-Beam CT-Based Online Adaptive Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation with Decreased PTV Margins

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) targets a smaller volume over less time compared to whole breast radiation, but the organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing allowed by its large (up to 1 cm) PTV can be improved. The heart is sensitive to low doses with conventional fractionation and NTCP models have been created for heart substructures. We hypothesized that daily online adaptive stereotactic PBI (A-SPBI) IMRT with 3-mm PTV improves dosimetry and predicted cardiac toxicity risk.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients treated with daily CBCT-based online A-SPBI IMRT were excluded if the minimum heart dose was <1 Gy. IMRT radiation plans with 3-mm PTV margins were recreated with 1-cm margins per the Florence APBI IMRT trial planning guideline. Dose statistics were converted to the equivalent doses in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) using α/β = 3 for use in NTCP models and for comparison using paired t tests, with differences considered significant if p≤0.05.

RESULTS

The table details heart, left anterior descending artery (LAD), and left (LV) and right ventricle (RV) EQD2 statistics for 4 left-sided and 4 right-sided 3-mm PTV plans and their 1-cm PTV replans. For 2 patients with non-zero LV V5, 9-year excess cumulative risk of acute coronary event was <0.001% for both margin sizes. No plan reached thresholds for increased risk of non-cardiac death, major adverse cardiac event, or >10% decrease in LV ejection fraction.

CONCLUSION

Given the established relationship between low MHD and cardiac events, the significant decrease in MHD revealed in comparisons of 3-mm and 1-cm PTV A-SPBI plans of our first 8 patients is promising; we expect the forthcoming larger sample size to show significant differences in substructure doses. NTCP models created for non-IMRT breast plans and targets with higher heart exposure did not predict clinically-relevant differences in cardiac risk. NTCP model development for the low heart dose achieved with A-SPBI would define expected benefit in these patients; in their absence, daily adaptation should be considered in patients with unfavorable anatomy or cardiac risk factors.

Observed and Predicted Toxicity in Daily Cone-Beam CT-Based Online Adaptive Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation with Decreased PTV Margins

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivers smaller radiation volumes over less time compared to whole breast irradiation (WBI), but the organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing allowed by its large (up to 1 cm) planning target volume (PTV) can be improved. PTV can be decreased with daily online adaptive planning, which we hypothesized yields low rates of adverse events observed and predicted by normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Intensity-modulated (IMRT) cone-beam CT (CBCT)-based daily online adaptive stereotactic PBI (A-SPBI) plans with 3-mm PTV from 8 patients were recreated with 1-cm PTV per the Florence APBI IMRT trial planning guideline. Dose statistics with evidence for association with toxicity were compared. Documented toxicities were collected for patients treated with A-SPBI with a minimum follow-up of 3.5 months and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.5.0 grade was assigned. Using α/β = 3 for breast and lung, dose statistics were converted to equivalent doses in 2-Gy fractions (EQD2) for use in NTCP models and for comparison using paired t tests, with differences considered significant if p≤0.05.

RESULTS

The table details EQD2 dose statistics for breast, lung, and cosmetic toxicity for A-SPBI plans with 3-mm PTV and their 1-cm PTV re-plans in 8 patients. PTV volume, mean lung dose (MLD), and lung V5, V20, and V30 were significantly lower in 1-cm plans. Acute, subacute (3-6 months), and late toxicities were collected for 30 patients followed for a median of 8 months (range 4-13 months). Radiation dermatitis was the most common acute toxicity (n = 16, 53%), followed by hyperpigmentation (n = 12, 40%), fibrosis (n = 9, 30%), and fatigue (n = 9, 30%). One grade 3 radiation dermatitis was the only grade ≥3 toxicity. Six patients (20%) acutely developed breast or axillary edema: 4 (13.3%) resolved, and 2 (6.7%) developed acutely and persist at last follow-up, >6 months after RT. No patient had a lung V20, V30, or MLD meeting thresholds for radiation-induced lung injury, radiation pneumonitis, or symptomatic or imaging-based pneumonitis models, respectively. The breast V55 model predicted a median risk of unfavorable cosmesis of 33% (range 26-44%) for A-SBPI plans and 35% (range 28-51) for 1-cm PTV plans (p = 0.28).

CONCLUSION

Observed acute toxicities are tolerable and rarely persist in patients treated with A-SPBI with 3-mm PTV margins with daily CBCT-based online adaptation. NTCP modeling predicts similar cosmetic outcome to 1-cm margins. The significant reduction in ipsilateral lung dose with a 3-mm PTV in our first 8 patients especially supports daily adaptation in low-risk breast cancer patients with smoking history and/or lung comorbidity.

Dosimetric Comparison of Adaptive Radiotherapy Modalities for Stereotactic Partial Breast Irradiation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

An increase in the availability of adaptive radiotherapy (ART) platforms have proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of sites. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of non-adaptive RT and 3 different ART platforms: (1) CBCT-based, (2) CT-based, and (3) MRI-based for stereotactic partial breast irradiation (SPBI).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Data were collected from 32 patients (16 left and 16 right breast) treated at a single institution. 16 patients (8 left and 8 right) treated using the non-ART platform were re-planned onto two different ART platforms, CBCT- and MRI-based. The remaining 16 patients treated using CT-based adaptive platform were not re-planned due to the prone patient treatment position (others systems supine). All cases were planned to 30 Gy in 5 fractions. Plan quality was evaluated based on pre-defined planning goals to the OARS: ipsilateral and contralateral lungs (Dmean, Dmax, V20 Gy, V9 Gy), ipsilateral (V15 Gy, V30 Gy) and contralateral breasts (Dmax), heart (Dmean, Dmax, V3 Gy, V1.5 Gy), skin (Dmax, V36.5 Gy), and rib (Dmax, V30 Gy). Target goals were defined by Dmax, Dmin, gradient index, and paddock conformality index. Re-planned cases were compared within the cohort using a paired t-test and a 2-sided t-test was used comparing to the CT-based platform.

RESULTS

Comparing the left and right breast cohort across all platforms, the CT-based ART system showed a signification dose reduction in Dmean (p<0.001 for all platforms), Dmax (p<0.001 for left breast, p<0.03 for right breast) and V9 Gy (p<0.004 for left breast, p<0.001 for right breast) to the ipsilateral lung, V15 Gy (p<0.004 for left breast cohort) to the ipsilateral breast, and Dmax to the contralateral breast (p<0.001) and ribs (p = 0.01, p<0.001, p = 0.01 for CBCT-ART, MRI-ART, and non-ART for left breast cohort only). On average, the MR-Linac platform showed the least degree of OAR sparing across nearly all dosimetric parameters evaluated when compared to all modalities, especially for contralateral lung Dmean and Dmax (p<0.05 for all dosimetric parameters for all platforms) and contralateral breast Dmax (p<0.003 for all platforms). The CBCT-based platform showed superior dose reduction in contralateral lung mean (p<0.03 for all platforms) and heart Dmean (p = 0.065, p<0.001, p = 0.045 for non-adaptive, MRI-ART, and CT-ART for left breast and p<0.008 for right breast). PTV coverage was comparable across all platforms, averaging at approximately 95%. The CT-based ART platform showed a significantly reduced gradient index relative to the CBCT- and MRI-based platforms (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

For SPBI treatments, the CT-based ART platforms displayed a higher degree of OAR sparing for many of the dosimetric parameters recorded relative to the other ART and non-ART platforms presented. The MRI-based system typically showed less reduced OAR sparing; however, the advantage of the system is shown if soft tissue contrast is needed. PTV coverage remained comparable across all platforms.

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Automated Applicator Digitization for Fully-Automated Gynecological High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Treatment Planning

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To automate the digitization of plastic and titanium applicators used in interstitial and hybrid gynecological (GYN) computed tomography (CT)-based high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy procedures to accelerate the planning and reduce the potential for planning errors. Our hypothesis is that artificial intelligence can accurately automate the identification and digitization of plastic and titanium applicators used in HDR brachytherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Forty-eight patients who had received GYN procedures (7 tandem/ring: plastic applicators, 41 interstitial: titanium needles) were selected retrospectively. Patients were randomly split into training (n = 40) and test (n = 8) sets for this study. DICOM images and digitized needles from delivered plans were converted to 3D binary format. The points from each needle were transformed to individual contours and combined into a single binary mask using custom software. Using nnU-Net, a self-configuring deep convolutional neural network, 2D and 3D U-Net architectures were trained and ensembled. With the CT image as input, the nnU-Net model learned features to automatically segment the needle contours. Lastly, a 3D U-Net model was trained using 5 of the 7 tandem/ring cases (plastic applicators), with two reserved to evaluate this automated digitization. The models' performance was evaluated using the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) and identification rate for individual needles.

RESULTS

The model trained on 40 patients performed well on titanium needle cases [mean (+/- std. dev.) DSC = 0.738+/-0.034], but did not perform well on the tandem/ring cases [DSC = 0.408] in the test set. This model automatically identified 100% (54 out of 54) titanium needles but missed all plastic applicators from tandem/ring cases. Training a model with only a limited number of tandem/ring (plastic applicators) cases greatly improved segmentation accuracy [mean DSC = 0.646] for tandem/ring test cases. This model which was trained using only tandem/ring cases, automatically identified 7 out of 7 needles (100% vs 0% with previous model) from cases in the test set.

CONCLUSION

The nnU-Net can automatically detect HDR needles with high confidence. Using applicator-specific identification models may improve digitization accuracy. Further evaluation of these tools on larger datasets will confirm the findings of this study.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

SGLT2 Inhibition and Uric Acid Excretion in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Normal Kidney Function

Background and objectives: Sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2)-inhibitor-induced uric acid lowering may contribute to kidney protective effects of the drug-class in people with type 2 diabetes. This study investigates mechanisms of plasma uric acid lowering by SGLT2-inhibitors in people with type 2 diabetes with a focus on urate transporter (URAT)1. Methods: We conducted an analysis of two randomized, clinical trials. First, in the Renoprotective Effects of Dapagliflozin in Type 2 Diabetes (RED) study, 44 people with type 2 diabetes were randomized to dapagliflozin or gliclazide for 12 weeks. Plasma uric acid, fractional uric acid excretion and hemodynamic kidney function were measured in the fasted state and during clamped eu- or hyperglycemia. Second, in the Uric Acid Excretion study (UREX) study, 10 people with type 2 diabetes received 1-week empagliflozin, benzbromarone and their combination in a cross-over design and effects on plasma uric acid, fractional uric acid excretion and 24-hr uric acid excretion were measured. Results: In the RED study, compared to the fasted state (5.3±1.1mg/dL), acute hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia significantly reduced plasma uric acid by 0.2±0.3 and 0.4±0.3 mg/dL (both p<0.001), while increasing fractional uric acid excretion (by 3.2±3.1% and 8.9±4.5% respectively (both p<0.001). Dapagliflozin reduced plasma uric acid by 0.8±0.8mg/dL, 1.0±1.0mg/dL and by 0.8±0.7mg/dL during fasting, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions (p<0.001), whereas fractional uric acid excretion in 24-hr urine increased by 3.0±2.1% (p<0.001) and 2.6±4.5% during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic conditions (p=0.003). Fractional uric acid excretion strongly correlated to fractional glucose excretion (r= 0.35, p=0.02). In the UREX study, empagliflozin and benzbromarone both significantly reduced plasma uric acid and increased fractional uric acid excretion. Effects of combination therapy did not differ from benzbromarone monotherapy. Conclusion: In conclusion, SGLT2-inhibitors induce uric acid excretion, which is strongly linked to urinary glucose excretion and which is attenuated during concomitant pharmacological blockade of URAT1.

1476 North Wales Vascular Surgery Zoom Webinar Teaching Programme for Medical Students and Junior Doctors

Aim

Surgical Education is now more widely delivered on virtual platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to centralisation of Vascular Surgery services in North Wales to Glan Clwyd Hospital (Central), Medical Students, Junior Doctors and General Surgical Registrars have reduced exposure to the speciality and the management of common cases in neighbouring hospitals (East and West). Subsequently, we developed a regional virtual teaching programme to help bridge gaps in knowledge and to instil confidence when providing a service.

Method

We developed a 4-part didactic webinar educational programme which covered parts of the medical undergraduate and MRCS curricula pertaining to Vascular Surgery. Under/Postgraduate educational leads from Central, East and West were contacted to promote our programme. Webinars were delivered on ZOOM video conferencing once weekly throughout December 2020. Feedback forms were collected on Google Forms™ and used 5-point Linkert scales to grade responses and analysis of data was carried out on Microsoft Excel®.

Results

186 feedback forms were collected and respondents reported significant improvements in knowledge in each of the subjects covered: [1] Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms - (2.59±1.07/5 to 4.23±0.65/5, p = <0.0001, n = 60), [2] Acute Limb Ischaemia – (2.55±1.11/5 to 4.21±0.72/5, p = <0.0001, n = 42); [3] Chronic Limb Ischaemia (2.57±1.03/5 to 4.23±0.77/5, p = <0.0001, n = 35); [4] Vascular Emergencies (2.94±1.28/5 to 4.37±0.63/5, p = <0.0001, n = 49). Overall topic interest, presentational skills and clinical usefulness was also rated highly.

Conclusions

Through this virtually delivered regional teaching programme, we successfully enhanced Vascular Surgery knowledge and addressed the educational needs of Medical Students and Junior Doctors across North Wales.

Habitat selection by Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in Siran and Kaghan Valleys, Pakistan

Asiatic black bear is present in variety of habitats like broad-leaves and coniferous forests, extending form sea level to 4300m elevation and change their habitat for food purpose seasonally. The present study was conducted at Kaghan and Siran Valleys, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan to assess habitat of black bear. Line transect method was used for observation of bear signs. Twelve meter circular radius plots were selected for the concern vegetation's i.e. (trees, shrubs and herbs) and three to six plots were placed in each transect. At the result of sign survey, thirteen different categories of bear signs were recorded and encounter rate was calculated for each sign. A total of 1858 signs were observed during field surveys. Total (81%) coniferous species were recoded among trees, with the highest appearance of Pinus wallichiana (34.22%) and Spruce spp (27.76%), similarly broad leaves trees (18.56%) were also recoded from habitat plots. Most of the signs were encountered in bushy areas, whereas high number of Viburnum Spp (60.29%) was present. It is indicated that black bear prefers blend of Coniferous Trees, Viburnum and Ferns Species; probably because these plants provide enough food, protection, and meticulous shelter because more than 80% of habitat composed of these three species. Currently habitat destruction and increase in human population are the up-growing issues for wild animals (especially Asiatic black bear), which is highly sensitive to such problems. High levels of conservation efforts are recommended for the protection of black bear habitat and to avoid human interference in their territory.

[Cotton Leaf Curl Multan Betasatellite as a Tool to Study the Localization of Geminiviruses in Plants]

Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMB) is a ubiquitous betasatellite commonly found along with cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) associated begomoviruses in the Old World. It has a promiscuous replicative nature and trans-replicated by a diverse range of geminiviruses. CLCuMB encodes a single ORF, βCl, in the complementary direction and has pathogenicity, symptoms determinant, suppressor of post-transcription and transcription gene silencing functions. After substituting the βC1 gene with the target gene, it has been used successfully as a gene delivery vector. In the present study, the βC1 gene of CLCuMB was substituted with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene, and the resulting construct utilized as a reporter vector to decipher in planta localization of geminiviruses. The recombinant CLCuMB expressing GFP (CLCuMB-GFP) was co-inoculated to Nicotiana benthamiana plants either with Cotton leaf curl Kokharan virus (CLCuKoV) alone or in a combination with the wild type CLCuMB to investigate the objectives of the study. Results showed that CLCuKoV successfully supported the replication and systemic movement of CLCuMB-GFP either alone or in the presence of wild type CLCuMB. The presence of CLCuMB-GFP was readily detected with PCR and Southern blot hybridization. The modified CLCuMB may serve as a tool useful for in planta localization of geminiviruses.

Correction: Exome sequencing of Pakistani consanguineous families identifies 30 novel candidate genes for recessive intellectual disability

This Article was originally published under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license, but has now been made available under a CC BY 4.0 license. The PDF and HTML versions of the Article have been modified accordingly.

Effect of wheat- or oat-straw inclusion with wheat bran or corn grain in prepartum diets on postpartum performance of transition dairy cows

Current study evaluated the effects of feeding straw source and energy supplementation during prepartum period on postpartum production performance and changes in blood metabolites of crossbred dairy cows. Twenty-eight crossbred (Holstein × Sahiwal) cows were randomly assigned to one of the following four dietary treatments: (1) wheat straw and corn grain (WSCG), (2) wheat straw and wheat bran (WSWB), (3) oat straw and corn grain (OSCG) and (4) oat straw and wheat bran (OSWB) in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Iso-nitrogenous diets fed as ad libitum total mixed ration contained 25% wheat straw (WS) or oat straw (OS) and 10% corn grain (CG) or wheat bran (WB). Experimental duration was 42 days before and 56 days after calving. After calving, all animals were fed a similar lactation diet. Pre- and postpartum dry-matter intake % of BW was not affected by treatments. Prepartum energy balance (EBAL) was higher for OS than WS and higher for CG than WB animals. Postpartum EBAL was higher in the WSCG than OSCG treatment. Milk production and composition were not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Milk yield at Weeks 1, 2 and 3 was higher in the WSWB than WSCG and OSWB treatments. Total solids and feed efficiency were higher in the WSWB than WSCG treatment. Postpartum plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher in the WS than the OS diet; however, the measured values were within normal limits. Postpartum plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was not affected by straw source or energy concentrate. Cows fed WSWB prepartum were in positive EBAL, before and after calving, closer to the recommended requirements. Moreover, cows fed WSWB had a lower incidence of health disorders and subclinical ketosis, higher milk production and better feed conversion efficiency during first 3 weeks after calving.

Flock use of the range is associated with the use of different components of a multi-tier aviary system in commercial free-range laying hens

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of using a multi-tier aviary system and access to range on flock uniformity in free-range laying hens, and to determine whether the extent of range use or flock uniformity can be predicted from the use of different levels of the aviary system.2. A total of 13,716 Lohmann Brown hens from five commercial free-range flocks housed in identical houses on the same farm were individually weighed at 16 weeks of age and allocated to five replicate areas within each house. Hen movement in the multi-tier aviary system and on the range was individually monitored using radio frequency identification (RFID). All hens had access to the range from 18 to 22 weeks of age and were exposed to the same management conditions.3. Whilst only one flock significantly changed its flock uniformity with time, they differed from each other in uniformity and body weight (P = 0.001).4. Hens spent most of their available time on the lower aviary tier (7.29 ± 0.029 h/hen/day) and on the upper aviary tier (4.29 ± 0.024 h/hen/day) while the least amount of time was spent on the range and in the nest boxes (0.93 ± 0.005 h/hen/day and 1.48 ± 0.007 h, respectively, P = 0.001).5. Range use was negatively correlated (r = -0.30) to the time spent on the upper aviary tier and positively correlated (r = 0.46) to the time spent on the lower aviary tier (P = 0.001). Bivariate analysis revealed that range and upper aviary resp. lower aviary tier usage had a significant curvilinear association.6. In conclusion, the study showed that range use was associated to the time hens spent on the different tiers of the aviary system. Flock uniformity varied between flocks but was not associated with either range and aviary system usage.

Comparison of chemical extraction methods for determination of 146S content in foot-and-mouth disease oil-adjuvanted vaccine

AIMS

To compare antigen extraction efficiency of chemical methods such as benzyl alcohol, chloroform, sodium citrate, extraction buffer with Tween-20 (EBT) and isopropyl myristate for determination of 146S content in the fresh and stored FMD oil-adjuvanted vaccines.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Standard vaccine with antigen payload of 10, 5 and 5 µg per cattle dose (2 ml) for serotypes O, A and Asia1, respectively, was used to compare the antigen extraction efficiency of five chemical methods: benzyl alcohol, chloroform, sodium citrate, EBT buffer and isopropyl myristate. The purity of the extracted 146S antigen was quantified by caesium chloride (CsCl) ultracentrifugation. Serotype-specific sandwich ELISA (sELISA) was developed to identify the serotype and to compare the 146S in aqueous phase and ultrafractions. The antigen recovery was also tested in stored trivalent vaccine. Coefficient of regression was calculated to assess the predictive power of the benzyl alcohol extraction method. Of the five methods, benzyl alcohol showed consistent antigen recovery of >90% in monovalent as well as trivalent vaccines. Ultrafraction showed a 1·4 ratio at A259/239 nm in UV spectrophotometry indicating the presence of 146S. sELISA revealed that the antigen recovery was significantly less in ultrafractions than that of aqueous phase. Further, there was no significant difference in antigen recovery from stored trivalent vaccine for 12 months, indicating the usefulness of the benzyl alcohol method. Linear regression model revealed R²  = 0·99 with a narrow band of predictive interval.

CONCLUSIONS

The benzyl alcohol method was efficient in extracting 146S from the monovalent and trivalent fresh and stored FMD vaccines. CsCl density gradient precisely quantified the 146S, while sELISA identified the serotype of the vaccine.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

When the benzyl alcohol method is coupled with CsCl density gradient and sELISA, it has the potential to determine the 146S content of FMD vaccine.

The antisense 5' end of the V2 gene confers enhanced resistance against the monopartite begomovirus cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus-Burewala strain

Whitefly-transmitted viruses of the genus Begomovirus (the family Geminiviridae) have become a limiting factor for agricultural productivity in many warmer parts of the world. The economies of Pakistan and India have, since the early 1990s, suffered losses due to cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD). The disease is caused by begomoviruses, the most important of which at this time is cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus strain Burewala (CLCuKoV-Bu), and a disease-specific betasatellite, cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). Efforts to minimize losses due to CLCuD rely mainly on the use of insecticides to kill the whitefly vector; no resistant cotton varieties are currently commercially available. The study described here has investigated RNA interference technology for its potential to yield resistance against CLCuKoV-Bu and three other begomoviruses; CLCuKoV, tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) and Pedilanthus leaf curl virus (PeLCV). Three fragments of the virion-sense V2 gene of CLCuKoV-Bu were transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana in antisense orientation and transgenic lines expressing virus-specific short RNAs were assessed for their ability to yield resistance. Only CLCuKoV-Bu with the V2 sequence closest to the promoter was resistant. Inoculation of CLCuKoV-Bu with CLCuMuB into transgenic plants did not significantly affect the outcome, although viral DNA was detected in number of plants, suggesting that the betasatellite may impair RNAi resistance. Overall the results indicate that targeting the 5' end of V2 gene using antisense-RNA has the potential to deliver resistance against begomoviruses and that RNAi-based resistance imparts some degree of resistance to heterologous viruses. Keywords: geminivirus; begomovirus; RNAi; resistance; CLCuKoV-Burewala; CLCuMuB.

An insight into the ecobiology, vector significance and control of Hyalomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): A review

Ticks (Acari:Ixodoidea) are important ectoparasites infesting livestock and human populations around the globe. Ticks can cause damage directly by affecting the site of infestation, or indirectly as vectors of a wide range of protozoa, bacteria and viruses which ultimately lead to lowered productivity of livestock populations. Hyalomma is a genus of hard ticks, having more than 30 species well-adapted to hot, humid and cold climates. Habitat diversity, vector ability, and emerging problem of acaricidal resistance in enzootic regions typify this genus in various countries around the world. This paper reviews the epidemiology, associated risk factors (temperature, climate, age, sex, breed etc.), vector role, vector-pathogen association, and reported control strategies of genus Hyalomma. The various proteins in saliva of Hyalomma secreted into the blood stream of host and the prolonged attachment are responsible for the successful engorgement of female ticks in spite of host immune defense system. The various immunological approaches that have been tried by researchers in order to cause tick rejection are also discussed. In addition, the novel biological control approaches involving the use of entomo-pathogenic nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis (B. thuringiensis) serovar thuringiensis H14; an endotoxin, for their acaricidal effect on different species and life cycle stages of Hyalomma are also presented.

Pasture, multi-enzymes, benzoic acid and essential oils positively influence performance, intestinal organ weight and egg quality in free-range laying hens

1. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of range type, multi-enzyme applications, and a combination of benzoic acid (BA) and essential oils (EO) on the productive performance, organ weight and egg quality of free-range laying hens. 2. Three hundred laying hens were evaluated for the short-term (6 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks) effects of range type (G = no pasture, P = pasture) and feed additives (T1 = control; T2 = betaglucanase/pectinase/protease; T3 = BA/EO). Body weight, feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg production (EP), digestive organ weight, and egg quality (EQ) were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS 2.2 in a 2×2×3 factorial arrangement. 3. Hens that ranged on pasture were significantly heavier (2043 g vs. 1996 g; p < 0.001), laid heavier eggs (61.9 g vs. 60.3 g; p < 0.001) and produced darker yolk colour (4.3 vs. 7.0; p < 0.001) compared to hens ranged on gravel. Hens fed T2 were significantly heavier (2050 g) compared to hens fed T1 (2005 g) or T3 (2008 g). Organ weights (gizzard, liver and pancreas) were significantly heavier in hens ranged on pasture (16.8 g/kg BW, 22.3 g/kg BW and 1.89 g/kg BW, respectively) compared to hens ranged on gravel (14.2 g/kg BW, 21.7 g/kg BW and 1.83 g/kg BW, respectively). Over time, body weight (1970-2070 g; p < 0.001) and egg weight (59.5-62.8 g; p < 0.001) increased, FI (123-120 g; p = 0.024) was reduced and FCR (2.36-2.10; p = 0.002) improved 4. In conclusion, hens housed on pasture and fed multi-enzyme supplemented diets had significantly heavier body weight and produced heavier eggs with darker yolk colour. Pasture intake and enzyme supplementation increased digestive organ weight significantly.

Consumer segmentation and time interval between types of hospital admission: a clinical linkage database study

Background

Healthcare policies target unplanned hospital admissions and 30-day re-admission as key measures of efficiency, but do not focus on factors that influence trajectories of different types of admissions in the same patient over time.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of consumer segmentation and patient factors on the time intervals between different types of hospital admission.

Research design, subjects and measures

A cohort design was applied to an anonymised linkage database for adults aged 40 years and over (N = 58 857). Measures included Mosaic segmentation, multimorbidity defined on six chronic condition registers and hospital admissions over a 27-month time period.

Results

The shortest mean time intervals between two consecutive planned admissions were: 90 years and over (160 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 146-175)), Mosaic groups 'Twilight subsistence' (171 days (164-179)) or 'Welfare borderline' and 'Municipal dependency' (177 days (172-182)) compared to the reference Mosaic groups (186 days (180-193)), and multimorbidity count of four or more (137 days (130-145)). Mosaic group 'Twilight subsistence' (rate ratio (RR) 1.22 (95% CI: 1.08-1.36)) or 'Welfare borderline' and 'Municipal dependency' RR 1.20 (1.10-1.31) were significantly associated with higher rate to an unplanned admission following a planned event. However, associations between patient factors and unplanned admissions were diminished by adjustment for planned admissions.

Conclusion

Specific consumer segmentation and patient factors were associated with shorter time intervals between different types of admissions. The findings support innovation in public health approaches to prevent by a focus on long-term trajectories of hospital admissions, which include planned activity.

Vitamin D receptor-targeted treatment to prevent pathological dedifferentiation of pancreatic β cells under hyperglycaemic stress

Dedifferentiation has been identified as one of the causes of β-cell failure resulting in type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study tested whether increasing vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression prevents dedifferentiation of β cells in a high-glucose state in vitro. Culturing a mouse insulinoma cell line (MIN6) in a high-glucose environment decreased VDR expression. However, increased VDR following vitamin D3 (VD3) treatment improved insulin release of early-passage MIN6 and insulin index of db/- (heterozygous) islets to levels seen in normal functional islets. Treatment with VD3, its analogues and derivatives also increased the expression of essential transcription factors, such as Pdx1, MafA and VDR itself, ultimately increasing expression of Ins1 and Ins2, which might protect β cells against dedifferentiation. VD3 agonist lithocholic acid (LCA) propionate was the most potent candidate molecule for protecting against dedifferentiation, and an e-pharmacophore mapping model confirmed that LCA propionate exhibits a stabilizing conformation within the VDR binding site. This study concluded that treating db/+ islets with a VD3 analogue and/or derivatives can increase VDR activity, preventing the pathological dedifferentiation of β cells and the onset of T2D.

Determination of renal handling of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep (Ovis aries) following a single intravenous administration

The objective of present study was to investigate renal clearance, urinary excretion and underlying excretory mechanism of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep. For this purpose, marbofloxacin was administered intravenously (IV) as single bolus dose (2.5 mg/kg body weight) to eight healthy sheep of Lohi breed. After start of experiment, blood and urine samples were drawn at predetermined time intervals and marbofloxacin concentrations in the samples were measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using UV/Vis detector. The mean ± SD values of creatinine in plasma and urine were 15.37 ± 0.65 µg/ml and 246.7 ± 48.05 µg/ml, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate was 1.29 ± 0.22 ml/min/kg whereas urinary flow rate was observed to be 0.084 ± 0.016 ml/min/kg. The renal clearance of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep was 9.45 ± 2.12 ml/min/kg. Cumulative percentage dose excreted was seen to be maximum at 24 h post drug administration. It was concluded that renal handling of marbofloxacin in Lohi sheep involved both glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion.