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Background: Groundnut is mainly grown in the semi-arid tropic (SAT) regions worldwide, where abiotic stress like drought is persistent. However, a major research gap exists regarding exploring the genetic and genomic underpinnings of tolerance to drought. In this study, a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population was developed and evaluated for five seasons at two locations for three consecutive years (2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21) under drought stress and normal environments. Results: Phenotyping data of drought tolerance related traits, combined with the high-quality 10,556 polymorphic SNPs, were used to perform multi-locus model genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis. We identified 37 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) (Bonferroni-corrected) accounting, 0.91- 9.82% of the phenotypic variance. Intriguingly, 26 significant MTAs overlap on four chromosomes (Ah03, Ah07, Ah10 and Ah18) (harboring 70% of MTAs), indicating genomic hotspot regions governing drought tolerance traits. Furthermore, important candidate genes associated with leaf senescence (NAC transcription factor), flowering (B3 domain-containing transcription factor, Ulp1 protease family, and Ankyrin repeat-containing protein), involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis (FAR1 DNA-binding domain protein), stomatal regulation (Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factor; Galacturonosyltransferases), and associated with yield traits (Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein 11 and Fasciclin-like arabinogalactan protein 21) were found in the vicinity of significant MTAs genomic regions. Conclusion: The findings of our investigation have the potential to provide a basis for significant MTAs validation, gene discovery and development of functional markers, which could be employed in genomics-assisted breeding to develop climate-resilient groundnut varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A GWAS in an elite diversity panel, evaluated across 10 environments, identified genomic regions regulating six fiber quality traits, facilitating genomics-assisted breeding and gene discovery in upland cotton. In this study, an elite diversity panel of 348 upland cotton accessions was evaluated in 10 environments across the US Cotton Belt and genotyped with the cottonSNP63K array, for a genome-wide association study of six fiber quality traits. All fiber quality traits, upper half mean length (UHML: mm), fiber strength (FS: g tex−1), fiber uniformity (FU: %), fiber elongation (FE: %), micronaire (MIC) and short fiber content (SFC: %), showed high broad-sense heritability (> 60%). All traits except FE showed high genomic heritability. UHML, FS and FU were all positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with FE, MIC and SFC. GWAS of these six traits identified 380 significant marker–trait associations (MTAs) including 143 MTAs on 30 genomic regions. These 30 genomic regions included MTAs identified in at least three environments, and 23 of them were novel associations. Phenotypic variation explained for the MTAs in these 30 genomic regions ranged from 6.68 to 11.42%. Most of the fiber quality-associated genomic regions were mapped in the D-subgenome. Further, this study confirmed the pleiotropic region on chromosome D11 (UHML, FS and FU) and identified novel co-localized regions on D04 (FU, SFC), D05 (UHML, FU, and D06 UHML, FU). Marker haplotype analysis identified superior combinations of fiber quality-associated genomic regions with high trait values (UHML = 32.34 mm; FS = 32.73 g tex−1; FE = 6.75%). Genomic analyses of traits, haplotype combinations and candidate gene information described in the current study could help leverage genetic diversity for targeted genetic improvement and gene discovery for fiber quality traits in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the management of fetal cardiac resuscitation during fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) in cases of severely obstructed left heart and a restrictive or intact atrial septum. The study reports on five fetal cases that underwent cardiac compressions, including one fetus that required resuscitation after ventricular fibrillation. The authors describe their institutional resuscitation strategy, which involves using ultrasound guidance to assess the depth and quality of compressions. The article also highlights the success of cardiac compressions in restoring normal sinus rhythm in all five fetuses. The authors recommend standardized dilutions of resuscitative drugs for fetal resuscitation during FCI. [Extracted from the article]

Cotton grown in the United States are day‐length insensitive annuals and are grown under long‐day summers. Photoperiod sensitivity, present in tropical wild and landraces endemic to the center of origin and diversity, is a major barrier for the introgression of tropical gene pool into the US cotton. Previously, we mapped the major photoperiod response locus Gb_Ppd1 on chromosome D06 of Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.). In the current study, an F2 population of 2112 gametes was used to fine map the Gb_Ppd1 locus. Two sequence‐tagged‐site and nine kompetitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) markers were developed and the Gb_Ppd1 locus was fine mapped to 1.1 cM region flanked by novel markers 17‐KASP‐8, 17‐KASP‐10, and 15‐PR‐10A. The closely linked markers identified 2.10 Mb region in the G. barbadense genome that contained 18 putative gene sequences. A candidate gene Gbar_D06G014560 showed high homology to VASCULAR PLANT ONE ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 1 involved in photoperiodism in Arabidopsis. We evaluated the diagnostic polymorphisms for the flanking markers on a diversity panel of 91 Pima accessions. These markers would be useful in marker‐assisted selection of photoperiod response in cotton breeding. Further, quantitative gene expression analysis indicated that the CONSTANS (CO)/FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) system is conserved in the photoperiod response pathway in Pima cotton, while CO and FT are likely not the causal genes underlying flowering time at the Gb_Ppd1 locus. The Gb_Ppd1 gene may be an upstream regulatory sequence in the FT gene pathway that controls photoperiodism in photoperiod‐sensitive cotton by affecting the CO/FT interaction under long‐day‐length conditions. Core Ideas: The major effect photoperiod response locus (Gb_Ppd1) of Pima cotton was fine mapped to a 1.1 cM region flanked by new markers 15‐PR‐10A and 17‐KASP‐10.Targeted genomic mapping of Gb_Ppd1 locus identified 18 putative genes in 2.10 Mb region of Gossypium barbadense genome.Candidate gene analyses identified a homolog of VASCULAR PLANT ONE ZINC FINGER PROTEIN 1 as a candidate gene for Gb_Ppd1 locus.Quantitative expression analysis indicated that the CO/FT system in the photoperiod response pathway is likely conserved in Pima cotton, while CO is likely not the causal gene at the Gb_Ppd1 locus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Genetic diversity and population structure analyses showed progressively narrowed diversity in US Upland cotton compared to land races. GWAS identified genomic regions and candidate genes for photoperiod sensitivity in cotton. Six hundred fifty-seven accessions that included elite cotton germplasm (DIV panel), lines of a public cotton breeding program (FB panel), and tropical landrace accessions (TLA panel) of Gossypium hirsutum L. were genotyped with cottonSNP63K array and phenotyped for photoperiod sensitivity under long day-length conditions. The genetic diversity analysis using 26,952 polymorphic SNPs indicated a progressively narrowed diversity from the landraces (0.230) to the DIV panel accessions (0.195) and FB panel (0.116). Structure analysis in the US germplasm identified seven subpopulations representing all four major regions of the US cotton belt. Three subpopulations were identified within the landrace accessions. The highest fixation index (FST) of 0.65 was found between landrace accessions of Guatemala and the Plains-type cultivars from Southwest cotton region while the lowest FST values were between the germplasms of Mid-South and Southeastern regions. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) of photoperiod response using 600 phenotyped accessions identified 14 marker trait associations spread across eight Upland cotton chromosomes. Six of these marker trait associations, on four chromosomes (A10, D04, D05, and D06), showed significant epistatic interactions. Targeted genomic analysis identified regions with 19 candidate genes including Transcription factor Vascular Plant One-Zinc Finger 1 (VOZ1) and Protein Photoperiod-Independent Early Flowering 1 (PIE1) genes. Genetic diversity and genome wide analyses of photoperiod sensitivity in diverse cotton germplasms will enable the use of genomic tools to systematically utilize the tropical germplasm and its beneficial alleles for broadening the genetic base in Upland cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The extent of parotidectomy in the management of regional metastatic disease is controversial. This systematic review aimed to appraise data from studies evaluating superficial and total parotidectomy in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and cutaneous malignant melanoma of the head and neck. Method: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed. The protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD42020217962). Results: A total of five studies evaluated cutaneous malignant melanoma. Only one compared outcomes of superficial and total parotidectomy: they found higher parotid area recurrence following superficial parotidectomy. Seven studies reported outcomes following cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; some studies found higher regional recurrence and reduced survival in total parotidectomy, but there was likely selection bias in these studies. Others found no difference in survival between superficial and total parotidectomy. Conclusion: The effect of the extent of parotidectomy on outcomes is unclear in cutaneous malignant melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This systematic review highlights the need for well-designed studies to direct better care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cotton, most agronomic traits are controlled by polygenes. In this study, 110 F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from Upland cotton cross NC05AZ06 x NC11‐2100, were used to develop a linkage map and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for six fiber quality traits, three yield traits, and plant height. These RILs were genotyped using the CottonSNP63K array and phenotyped for fiber quality, yield traits, and plant height in 2‐year field trials. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences among RILs for all traits studied, and the heritability estimates were moderate (30%–60%) to high (> 60%). Both positive and negative correlations were observed for fiber quality and yield traits. A total of 3,774 polymorphic SNP markers were used to develop a genetic map with an average marker density of 1.54 SNP/cM. Thirty QTL for fiber quality traits, yield traits, and plant height were detected on 15 different chromosomes, explaining 6.80%–20.02% of the phenotypic variance (PVE). Of these, 14 were major QTL (PVE > 10%), and three major QTL were detected in both years. Candidate gene analysis in the major QTL detected in both years and plant height QTL with PVE of 20.02% revealed five putative genes for fiber quality traits and one putative gene for plant height. The linkage map and identified QTL along with the candidate genes in the study could serve as additional breeding resources for Upland cotton genetic improvement. Core Ideas: A RIL population derived from accessions with maximum allele diversity was used for QTL mapping of fiber quality and yield traits, and plant height in cotton.Broad sense heritability of the 10 agronomic traits studied ranged from moderate (30%–60%) to high (>60%) values.Thirty QTL, including 14 major QTL, of which 3 major stable QTL, were detected for fiber quality and yield traits, and plant height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic regions governing water deficit stress tolerance were identified in peanut using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an elite variety TMV 2 and its narrow leaf mutant TMV 2-NLM, which was evaluated over six-seasons at Dharwad (non-stress) and Tirupati (water-stress) in India. Stress condition could differentiate the RILs much better than the non-stress condition for the physiological traits. A linkage map with 700 markers was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Three sets of best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) were estimated for the drought tolerance traits for the rainy and post-rainy seasons at Dharwad and post-rainy seasons at Tirupati, and employed for single marker analysis, composite interval mapping and multiple QTL mapping. Of the 305 significant marker-trait associations for the 11 traits, only 21 were of major effect for pod yield per plant (PYPP), specific dry weight at 70 days after sowing (SDW_70) and specific leaf area at 70 DAS (SLA_70). Three major main effect QTLs were identified for PYPP with the highest phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 10.5%. Nine QTLs with the highest PVE of 18.4% were identified for SDW_70, of which four QTLs were also governing SLA_70 with the highest PVE of 15.7%. A few of them were also involved in epistatic interactions, and formed multiple QTL mapping models. Five major QTLs for SDW_70 were stable over both the locations. Candidate genes with SNPs and AhMITE1 insertion were identified for the major QTL regions. A rare nonsynonymous SNP at Ah02_1558700 within the gene ArahyW1P0U6 governing PYPP was detected. Functional analysis of these candidate genes may be useful for future genetic modifications in addition to validating and using the linked markers for improving drought tolerance in peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Identification and genomic characterization of major resistance locus against cotton bacterial blight (CBB) using GWAS and linkage mapping to enable genomics-based development of durable CBB resistance and gene discovery in cotton. Cotton bacterial leaf blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum (Xcm), has periodically been a damaging disease in the USA. Identification and deployment of genetic resistance in cotton cultivars is the most economical and efficient means of reducing crop losses due to CBB. In the current study, genome-wide association study (GWAS) of CBB resistance using an elite diversity panel of 380 accessions, genotyped with the cotton single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 63 K array, and phenotyped with race-18 of CBB, localized the CBB resistance to a 2.01-Mb region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Molecular genetic mapping using an F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population showed the CBB resistance in cultivar Arkot 8102 was controlled by a single locus (BB-13). The BB-13 locus was mapped within the 0.95-cM interval near the telomeric region in the long arm of chromosome D02. Flanking SNP markers, i04890Gh and i04907Gh of the BB-13 locus, identified from the combined linkage analysis and GWAS, targeted it to a 371-Kb genomic region. Candidate gene analysis identified thirty putative gene sequences in the targeted genomic region. Nine of these putative genes and two NBS-LRR genes adjacent to the targeted region were putatively involved in plant disease resistance and are possible candidate genes for BB-13 locus. Genetic mapping and genomic targeting of the BB13 locus in the current study will help in cloning the CBB-resistant gene and establishing the molecular genetic architecture of the BB-13 locus towards developing durable resistance to CBB in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wire-localised wide local excision (W-WLE) has been standard of care for impalpable breast lesions. Logistics and risks of wire localisation can be challenging. Magseed-localised wide local excision (M-WLE) is an alternative to W-WLE. We compare safety parameters and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing M-WLE to W-WLE. All M-WLEs performed at single institution over an 8-month period were included and compared to historic matched cohort of W-WLEs who would have been suitable for Magseed localisation. Data including patient demographics, successful placements, re-excision rates, tumour size, and length of stay (LOS) was analysed. Two hundred thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Cancers were safely excised in all cases. A significant difference in re-excisions rates favouring M-WLE group was seen (2.9% vs 10.4%). Median waiting time to surgery was significantly shorter in M-WLE group (4 h 15 min vs 7 h 3 min). No significant difference in median LOS between the two groups was seen. M-WLE has been shown to be oncologically safe and non-inferior to W-WLE with significantly lower re-excision rate. Reduced pre-operative waiting time in the M-WLE group will have a positive effect on patient journey. Further research should focus on potential impact on day-bed utilisation and theatre efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) outcomes are comparable to mastectomy in breast cancer treatment. However, patients with large tumours were offered mastectomy due to the resulting poor cosmetic sequelae after standard BCS. With the introduction of chest wall perforator flaps (CWPF), BCS is an option in patients with large tumour:breast ratio. The objective of our study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of CWPFs and their impact on mastectomy rates. In order to assess the impact of CWPF on mastectomy rates, patients who underwent breast cancer surgery from January 2016 to December 2019 were included in a cohort named group A. In group A, the type of surgery performed was collected for each year from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients who underwent BCS and CWPF from July 2016 to June 2021 were included in another cohort named group B. In group B, patient-related and disease-specific details including post-operative complications were collected and analysed. In group A, following the introduction of CWPF, the mastectomy rates dropped by 10.69% and the mastectomy with reconstruction rates dropped by 23.29%. In group B, a total of 152 patients underwent CWPF reconstructions. The median tumour size was 20 mm (range = 0–80). A majority of patients were discharged within 24-h hospital stay (98.2%). Seventeen patients (11.11%) had a re-operation for margin positivity. Sixteen patients (10.46%) developed early complications and 19 patients (12.42%) developed delayed complications. CWPFs expand indications for BCS thus reducing mastectomy rates. It also has less morbidity when compared to reported mastectomy and reconstruction rates, thus making it a safe option for suitable patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Care delivery in neonatology is dependent on an interprofessional team. Collaborative learning and education amongst professionals can lead to successful management of critically ill patients. This focused BEME review synthesized the components, outcomes, and impact of such interprofessional education (IPE) programs in neonatal medicine. The authors systematically searched four online databases and hand-searched MedEdPublish up to 10 September 2020. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, full-texts, performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment related to study methodology and reporting. Discrepancies were resolved by a third author. We reported our findings based on BEME guidance and the STORIES (STructured apprOach to the Reporting in health education of Evidence Synthesis) statement. We included 17 studies on IPE in neonatal medicine. Most studies were from North America with varying learners, objectives, instruction, and observed outcomes. Learners represented nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatal nurse practitioners, patient care technicians, parents, early interventionists, physicians, and medical trainees amongst others. Risk of bias assessment in reporting revealed poor reporting of resources and instructor training. Bias assessment for study methodology noted moderate quality evidence with validity evidence as the weakest domain. IPE instruction strategies included simulation with debriefing, didactics, and online instruction. Most studies reported level 1 Kirkpatrick outcomes (76%) and few reported level 3 or 4 outcomes (23%). Challenges include buy-in from leadership and the negative influence of hierarchy amongst learners. This review highlights IPE program components within neonatal medicine and exemplary practices including a multimodal instructional approach, asynchronous instruction, an emphasis on teamwork, and elimination of hierarchy amongst learners. We identified a lack of reporting on program development and instructor training. Future work should address long term knowledge and skill retention and impact on patient outcomes and organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recombinant inbred lines of inter-specific cross, Gossypium hirsutum cv. DS-28 × G. barbadense cv. SBYF-425 was evaluated in three consecutive rainy seasons of 2017–18 (F13), 2018–19 (F14) and 2019–20 (F15) in an augmented design. The preponderance of huge continuous variability for both productivity and fiber quality traits was recorded. The principal component analysis revealed that the mapping population was well suited for mapping of productivity and fiber quality traits. On the basis the Z-scores for skewness and kurtosis, 178 RILs with normal distribution were selected for genetic linkage mapping. A high-density saturated linkage map was constructed using SNP arrays of CottonSNP63K, an Illumina's infinium array and CottonSNP50K, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute's Axiom array with a total spanned length of 2402.65 cM, an average marker density of 1.54 and with map coverage of 96.99% of the reference genome. The developed genetic map of inter specific cross of Indian cotton varieties is a highly saturated in terms of coverage and highly comparable to the published maps. In QTL analysis, altogether 99 QTLs were identified for productivity and fiber quality traits. Among those, eight were stable and 38 were major QTLs. Cluster 1, 4 and 6 respectively on chromosome AD_chr.03, AD_chr.14 and AD_chr.18 were the biggest QTL clusters each with four QTLs and cluster 4 and 6 were QTL hotspots for fiber quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fever is a common symptom with multifactorial etiologies. In tropical country like India, most of the cases of acute febrile illness are due to seasonal viral diseases and vector-borne infections. Aim: To know the causes of acute onset fever in immunocompetent adults and to study the prevalence of neutropaenia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 403 patients presenting with Acute Febrile Illness (AFI) of <14 days duration admitted to a tertiary care hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India from January 2019 to January 2020. Total Leukocyte Count (TLC), Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) and investigations for dengue, malaria, leptospirosis, enteric fever, atypical infections like brucella, rickettsia and relevant body fluid cultures were done. The categorical and continuous variables were expressed as frequency, percentage, and standard deviation. Results: Out of 403 patients, 214 were males (53.1%) and 189 females (46.9%) with mean age of 28.57±11.26 years. Cause of fever was found in 254 (63%) patients. Dengue fever was the most common cause in 221 (54.8%) followed by Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI) in 149 (37%). Transient neutropaenia was present in 38.5% cases, mostly with dengue. Only 5.2% patients with AFI required antibiotics. Conclusion: Dengue fever, the most common cause of AFI chiefly affecting young adults. Neutropaenia in AFI in immunocompetent adult is transient and benign. Antibiotics are not required in majority of the cases of AFI without organ specific aetiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fibre quality improvement in Gossypium hirsutum is one of the long thought objectives for sustainability of cotton improvement. The efforts to transfer G. barbadense alleles in to G. hirsutum for enhanced fibre quality is still under process across the world. To meet the future fibre quality demand in India, here we report development of G. barbadense × G. barbadense recombinant inbred mapping population that has huge potential for precise mapping of extra-long staple traits. The two-location evaluation and variability analysis for extra-long staple traits such as fibre length (24.91 to 34.06 mm), fibre strength (25.02 to 35.86 g/tex), micronaire (2.89–4.57), uniformity index (64.08–98.83), fibre elongation (5.37–6.60) and maturity ratio (0.48–0.76) were highly satisfactory. The principal component analysis indicates that the principal component-1 explaining 23.12% variance had maximum values of Eigen vectors explained by fibre strength (–0.464), length (–0.469), elongation (–0.448), maturity ratio (0.312) and micronaire value (0.306) indicating the worth of the population for which it was developed. The correlation analysis indicated that the fibre length and strength could be simultaneously improved without any impact on seed cotton yield since both traits were positively associated with each other and also showed nonsignificant association with seed cotton yield. A total of 255 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) showed normal distribution from both Z-score of skewness/kurtosis analysis and quartile-quartile plots indicating that they can be readily utilized for genotyping with latest available technologies such as genotype-by-sequencing for effective mapping of extra-long staple traits in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: MRI is generally performed to assess response to Neo-adjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) in breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To assess role of MRI in determining the probability of having residual disease in patients undergoing NAST. We also evaluated synchronous cancers diagnosed following MRI. METHODS: This is a retrospective study which included all patients who had pre-and post-NAST MRI between June 2014 and December 2019. Data on demographics, tumour characteristics and pathology were collected and analysed. Pre- and post-MRI probability were calculated and depicted on nomograms. RESULTS: The study included 205 patients. Overall pre-MRI probability of having residual disease was 55% (OR:1.2). The post-MRI probability was 78% (95% CI 72–83%; OR:3.5) if MRI showed residual disease and 23% (95% CI 16–31%, OR:0.3) if imaging showed complete response. The absolute benefit was higher in TNBC and HR-HER2. Additional cancers were identified in 8.78% of patients. CONCLUSION: MRI is beneficial in evaluating response to NAST specifically in TNBC and HR-HER2 cancers. Pre- and post-MRI probabilities of residual disease depicted on nomograms are a useful tool for clinicians. MRI can potentially impact the treatment decisions by identification of synchronous cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Patients with ischemic heart disease are on antiplatelet drugs or injectable heparin when referred for a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Hence, they have an increased tendency for bleeding during the procedure. We conducted a study to estimate the actual amount of blood loss both during sternotomy and entire off-pump CABG procedure (OPCAB). Methods The present study was conducted in the accrual period between July 2017 till June 2019 at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Bengaluru, enrolling 50 consecutive patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Blood loss was estimated using gravimetric method by weighing the blood soaked mops and gauzes used during the entire procedure. Results The average blood loss during sternotomy and at the end of the CABG was estimated in 50 patients and it was found to be 294 ml and 797 ml respectively. Patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) who were on intravenous heparin pre-operatively bled 6.3% more than nonLMCA patients who were only on aspirin prior to surgery. Patients who received 1 and 2 grafts bled 53% (p<0.0128) and 5% (p<0.036) lesser respectively than the average of the study population and statistically significant difference was found (p≤ 0.001). Patients who received 3 and 4 grafts bled about 4% and 16% respectively more than the average (p≥0.01). Conclusion Inevitable use of antiplatelet drugs and heparin in the pre-operative period increases blood loss during surgery. Subset of females, patients with LMCA disease and those who required 3 or 4 bypass grafts had a significantly increased amount of blood loss at the end of surgery in the study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the resequencing of cultivars, Suvin and BCS-23-18-7 belonging to Gossypium barbadense which are distinctly differing in fiber qualities and seed cotton yield using Illumina Hiseq2500 sequencer. A total of 2,604,107 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and 592,364 insertion and deletions (INDELs) were identified when compared with G. barbadense reference genome. Among the 14,075 preferentially expressed genes of agronomically important traits of cotton, we have identified 33,637 markers in the genic regions. Comparing between the variants of Suvin and BCS-23-18-7, among the 4,929 preferentially expressed genes in fiber, only 1,128 genes have 2,453 variants and of these 1,512 variants are non-synonymous types, leading to change at the protein level. In order to validate the presence of these markers in the expressed genes could tag the expression and/or phenotypic variation bought by alleles of Suvin/BCS-23-18-7, among 51 fiber elongation genes, ten genes that had high effect SNPs were utilized for real-time PCR, which showed an extended period of expression up to 15 days post-anthesis (DPA) in Suvin. Hence, utilization of such markers for the construction of SNP array / linkage maps would provide greater value to quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping instead of random genomic markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ventra hernias are increasing in prevalence and many recur despite attempted repair. To date, much of the literature is underpowered and divergent. As a result there is limited high quality evidence to inform surgeons succinctly which perioperative variables influence postoperative recurrence. This systematic review aimed to identify predictors of ventral hernia recurrence. Methods: PubMed was searched for studies reporting prognostic data of ventral hernia recurrence between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2018. Extracted data described hernia type (primary/incisional), definitions of recurrence, methods used to detect recurrence, duration of follow-up, and co-morbidity. Data were extracted for all potential predictors, estimates and thresholds described. Random-effects meta-analysis was used. Bias was assessed with a modified PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool). Results: Screening of 18 214 abstracts yielded 274 individual studies for inclusion. Hernia recurrence was defined in 66 studies (24.1 per cent), using 41 different unstandardized definitions. Three patient variables (female sex, age 65 years or less, and BMI greater than 25, 30, 35 or 40 kg/m²), five patient co-morbidities (smoking, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ASA grade III-IV, steroid use), two hernia-related variables (incisional/primary, recurrent/primary), six intraoperative variables (biological mesh, bridged repair, open versus laparoscopic surgery, suture versus mesh repair, onlay/retrorectus, intraperitoneal/retrorectus), and six postoperative variables (any complication, surgical-site occurrence, wound infection, seroma, haematoma, wound dehiscence) were identified as significant prognostic factors for hernia recurrence. Conclusion: This study summarized the current evidence base for predicting ventral hernia recurrence. Results should inform best practice and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) there is narrowing and obstruction of the veins of the hepatic veins. Patients have upper quadrant abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and/or ascites. Authors hereby, discuss a case report of a 20-year-old male with history of abdominal pain, progressive distension of abdomen and mild jaundice for two months. He had hepatic vein thrombosis as well as lupus anticoagulant and was positive for anti beta 2-glycoprotein I antibody indicative of antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient was worked up for hypercoagulable states in view of unusual site of venous thrombus. Patient recovered after being treated with prolonged anticoagulation and hepatic vein stenting. The link between antiphospholipid syndrome and BCS is well documented in the literature, but occurrence of BCS due to primary antiphospholipid syndrome is rare. Early identification, treatment of underlying cause can prevent chronic BCS and liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural sweeteners made from sugarcane and palmyra palm are widely used for their high nutritional value and claimed health benefits. In the present study, sugarcane liquid sweeteners namely refined sugar syrup, liquid jaggery prepared from Co 62175, Co 86032 and VCF-517 sugarcane varieties and palmyra palm liquid jaggery were evaluated for physico-chemical properties including DPPH radical scavenging activity and sensory characteristics. Results of the physico-chemical analysis indicated neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.06-7.68) in all the samples. Among the sweeteners, palmyra palm liquid jaggery had highest conductivity, colour, reducing sugars, total phenol and protein content. High sucrose content was observed in refined sugar syrup (69.6 %) whereas low sucrose content was noted in palmyra palm liquid jaggery (51.6%). Sugarcane liquid jaggery of VCF 517 variety showed highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (17.3%) followed by palmyra palm liquid jaggery (16.3%). Sensory evaluation revealed higher scores for palmyra palm liquid jaggery for sweetness (>13 units) and overall acceptance attributes (>12 units). These research findings support the use of palmyra palm liquid jaggery over sugarcane liquid sweeteners for better health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Management of extremity sarcoma has shifted from amputation to limb salvage surgery with improvements in surgical techniques and multimodality treatment protocols. For tumors involving major neurovascular bundles, it has not been accepted as a routine practice uniformly due to fear of oncological outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and lack of expertise in microvascular surgery. We analyzed our experience of limb salvage surgery with vascular reconstruction for extremity sarcomas. Retrospective analysis of patients with extremity sarcomas undergoing limb salvage surgery through vascular reconstruction was done. The feasibility, surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes of these patients was studied. Out of 176 patients undergoing limb preserving surgery for extremity sarcoma, limb salvage using vascular resection and reconstruction was done in 14 patients. Mean age of these 14 patients was 35.4 years (19–49). Arterial reconstruction was done in 7 patients, venous in 5, and in 2 patients both arterial and venous reconstructions were performed. All the 14 patients had tumor-free margins, and none had immediate post-operative graft failure requiring amputation. Post radiation graft exposure occurred in one patient. Involvement of major vascular bundle in extremity sarcomas should not always be considered a contraindication for limb preservation. Optimal oncological outcome with preserved limb function can be achieved by arteriovenous reconstructive procedures. In places with limited resources, autologous grafts are preferred because of constraints of availability and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 has brought about complex challenges in healthcare delivery. With the new rules of lockdown and social distancing and with resources diverted to the management of COVID-19, there are difficulties in continuing usual cancer care. Patients are at risk of contracting COVID-19 with a high chance of patient to healthcare transmission and vice versa. Hospital visits, investigations and all modalities of treatment have potential complications that put patients at risk, some more than others. In this situation, there is a need to change our approach in the management of breast cancer to deliver it safely. We present modified guidelines based on the available consensus statements and evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze two techniques of papaverine application, topical spray on the harvested left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and perivascular injection, to find out their ability to improve LIMA flow. Methods: Forty patients were randomized into two groups. In Group 1, papaverine was sprayed on the harvested pedunculated LIMA. In Group 2, papaverine was delivered into the perivascular plane. Drug dosage was the same for both groups. LIMA flow was measured 20 minutes after applying papaverine. Blood flow was recorded for 20 seconds and flow per minute was calculated. The systemic mean pressures were maintained at 70 mmHg during blood collection. The data collected was statistically evaluated and interpreted. Results: The LIMA blood flow before papaverine application in the Group 1 was 51.9±13.40 ml/min and in Group 2 it was 55.1±15.70 ml/min. Statistically, LIMA flows were identical in both groups before papaverine application. The LIMA blood flow, post papaverine application, in Group 1 was 87.20±13.46 ml/min and in Group 2 it was 104.7±20.19 ml/min. The Group 2 flows were statistically higher than Group 1 flows. Conclusion: Papaverine delivery to LIMA by the perivascular injection method provided statistically significant higher flows when compared to the topical spray method. Hence, the perivascular delivery of papaverine is more efficient than the spray method in improving LIMA blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) across different environments is a prerequisite for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in crop improvement programmes. CottonSNP63k Illumina infinium array was used for genotyping 178 inter‐specific recombinant inbred lines and the parents, and identified 1,667 homozygous polymorphic markers between the parents. Of these, 1,430 markers were used for the construction of linkage map after removing 237 redundant markers. The genetic map spans a total genetic length of 3,149.8 cM with an average marker interval size of 2.2 cM. The phenotypic data from five environments were analysed separately using inclusive composite interval mapping which identified a total of 56 QTL explaining phenotypic variances (PVE) in the range of 8.18%–28.91%. There were 11 and 24 major QTL found for fibre quality and yield components, respectively. A total of 64 QTL were identified through Multi‐Environment Trials analysis, of which 34 recorded QTL × Environment interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid peroxidation by ROS at the membrane level disturbs the inherit integrity of components activating subsequent alterations in the function. In this study, the protective effect of purified Sundakai (Solanum torvum) seed protein (SP) was tested against oxidative membrane damage in erythrocyte membrane. SP prevented oxidative RBC lysis induced by pro-oxidants; Fe:As (2:20 μmol), periodate (0.4 mM), and t-BOOH (1 mM) up to 86, 81, and 86 %, respectively. Further, SP prevented the Fe:As-induced K(+) leakage up to the tune of 95 %. The inhibition offered by SP on K(+) leakage was comparable to inhibition offered by quinine sulfate, a known K(+) channel blocker. SP dose dependently restored Na(+)K(+) ATPase and Ca(2+)Mg(2+) ATPase activities in erythrocyte membrane. The restoration of ATPase activity by SP was two times more than standard antioxidants BHA and α-tocopherol. Besides, SP at 1.6 μmol restored the membrane proteins over Fe:As induction when analyzed by SDS-PAGE, which was comparable to protection offered by BHA. In conclusion, SP is an effective antioxidant in preventing oxidative membrane damage and associated functions mediated by ROS. As SP is non-toxic, it can be used as an effective bioprotective antioxidant agent to cellular components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaves of Exacum bicolor are traditionally used as a remedy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in the form of a tonic by the tribal community of Western Ghats of Karnataka. The present study was designed to evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of the methanol extract of Exacum bicolor leaf using the carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema model. The methanol extract which was shown earlier to possess in vitro antiinflammatory activity was further screened for in vivo antiinflammatory activity at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Diclofenac sodium 10 mg/kg was used as the reference standard. The plant extract showed significant dose-dependent reduction in paw oedema when compared to the control at all the time intervals, which was also comparable to that produced by diclofenac. Histopathological analysis revealed clear and distinguished cellular damage for all the groups. The results of the current study showed that the methanol extract of the leaf of Exacum bicolor possessed significant antiinflammatory potential, which provided supporting evidence to the folklore use of the plant leaves as an antiinflammatory drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sugarcane juices of four genotypes resistant to internode borer namely Co 86032, Co 62175, Co 419 and Co 7804 were evaluated for antioxidant activity using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays. In addition, antioxidant enzymes (Catalase [CAT], Superoxide dismutase [SOD], Peroxidase [POX] and Polyphenol oxidase [PPO]), total flavonoid and total phenol content were also determined. Results indicated higher DPPH radical scavenging activity in Co 7804 followed by Co 86032, Co 62175 and Co 419. Co 7804 exhibited higher reducing power compared to other sugarcane varieties. The total flavonoid content in Co 7804 was higher (183.13 µg/mL) compared to other sugarcane varieties (153.02 to 159.3813 µg/ml). The total phenolic content in Co 62175, Co 7804, Co 86032 and Co 419 sugarcane varieties are 3.092, 2.636, 1.52 and 2.351 mg/ml, respectively. The sugarcane genotype Co7804 showed higher CAT, SOD and PPO enzyme activity than Co 62175, Co 86032 and Co 419. The SOD and PPO activity exhibited by Co 86032 and Co 419 were almost similar. Peroxidase activity was higher in Co 62175 compared to other genotypes. These results signify the influence of genotype on the occurrence of varied antioxidant enzymes/molecules in internode borer resistant sugarcanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector transmission is an important part of the viral infection cycle, yet for many viruses little is known about this process, or how viral sequence variation affects transmission efficacy. Here we examined the effect of substituting genes from the highly transmissible FS577 isolate of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in to the poorly transmissible T36-based infectious clone. We found that introducing p65 or p61 sequences from FS577 significantly increased transmission efficacy. Interestingly, replacement of both genes produced a greater increase than either gene alone, suggesting that CTV transmission requires the concerted action of co-evolved p65 and p61 proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a silent disease - many sufferers, become aware that they have diabetes, only when they develop one of its life-threatening complications. Knowledge of diabetes mellitus can assist in early detection of the disease and reduce the incidence of complications. An understanding of the level of public awareness is helpful for health educators to plan for future programmes. AIMS: The present study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program me on life style modifications among diabetic patients in Kempe Gowda institute of Medical sciences hospital and research centre, Bangalore MATERIAL AND METHOD: A pre experimental study with single group pre-test and post-test design by using non probability convenient sampling. 500 diabetes type 2 patients were selected. Structured interview schedule was used to establish the pre-test knowledge score and structured teaching programme was administered for selected type 2 diabetes patients and post-test was conducted to establish the effectiveness of the teaching programme on diabetes lifestyle modification RESULT: It is evident from the result that the pre test knowledge mean score was found to be 19.21 as compared to post test mean score of 46.02. Further the enhancement of mean knowledge score was found to be 30.01. However, the statistical paired t test indicate the enhancement of knowledge was found to be highly significant (t = 95.60*, p < 0.01) revealing the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on diabetes lifestyle modification. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that teaching program me showed highly significant effect on life style modification among diabetic patients.(t = 95.60, p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine (OC) insecticides are among the most important organotoxins and make a large group of pesticides. Physicochemical properties of these toxins, especially their lipophilicity, facilitate the absorption and storage of these toxins in the meat thus possess public health threat to humans. The presence of these toxins in broiler meat can be a quantitative and qualitative index for the presence of these toxins in animal bodies, which is attributed to Waste water of irrigation after spraying the crops, contaminated animal feeds with pesticides, polluted air are the potential sources of residues in animal products. Thirty broiler meat samples were collected from different retail outlets of Bengaluru city, Karnataka state, in ice cold conditions and later stored under -20°C until analysis. All the samples were subjected to Gas Chromatograph attached to Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD, VARIAN make) screening and quantification of OC pesticides viz; Alachlor, Aldrin, Alpha-BHC, Beta-BHC, Dieldrin, Delta-BHC, o,p-DDE, p,p-DDE, o,p-DDD, p,p-DDD, o,p-DDT, p,p-DDT, Endosulfan-I, Endosulfan-II, Endosulfan Sulphate and Lindane (all the standards were procured from Merck). The reconstituted samples (using n-hexane) (Merck chem) were injected to Gas Chromatograph - Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). The present study reveals that, among the fifty chicken samples subjected for analysis, 30% (9/30), 16% (5/30), 14% (4/30), 10% (3/30) and 8% (2/30) of samples contaminated with DDTs, Delta-BHC, Dieldrin, Aldrin and Alachlor respectively. DDT metabolites, Delta- BHC were the most frequently detected OC pesticides. The detected levels of the pesticides were below the levels of MRL (according to Export Council of India notification for fresh poultry meat). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]