A genetic network that suppresses genome rearrangements in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and contains defects in cancers.

Gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) play an important role in human diseases, including cancer. The identity of all Genome Instability Suppressing (GIS) genes is not currently known. Here multiple Saccharomyces cerevisiae GCR assays and query mutations were crossed into arrays of mutants to identify progeny with increased GCR rates. One hundred eighty two GIS genes were identified that suppressed GCR formation. Another 438 cooperatively acting GIS genes were identified that were not GIS genes, but suppressed the increased genome instability caused by individual query mutations. Analysis of TCGA data using the human genes predicted to act in GIS pathways revealed that a minimum of 93% of ovarian and 66% of colorectal cancer cases had defects affecting one or more predicted GIS gene. These defects included loss-of-function mutations, copy-number changes associated with reduced expression, and silencing. In contrast, acute myeloid leukaemia cases did not appear to have defects affecting the predicted GIS genes

Structure and evolution of a proviral locus of Glyptapanteles indiensis bracovirus

Background. Bracoviruses (BVs), a group of double-stranded DNA viruses with segmented genomes, are mutualistic endosymbionts of parasitoid wasps. Virus particles are replication deficient and are produced only by female wasps from proviral sequences integrated into the wasp genome. Virus particles are injected along with eggs into caterpillar hosts, where viral gene expression facilitates parasitoid survival and therefore perpetuation of proviral DNA. Here we describe a 223 kbp region of Glyptapanteles indiensis genomic DNA which contains a part of the G. indiensis bracovirus (GiBV) proviral genome. Results. Eighteen of ∼24 GiBV viral segment sequences are encoded by 7 non-overlapping sets of BAC clones, revealing that some proviral segment sequences are separated by long stretches of intervening DNA. Two overlapping BACs, which contain a locus of 8 tandemly arrayed proviral segments flanked on either side by ∼35 kbp of non-packaged DNA, were sequenced and annotated. Structural and compositional analyses of this cluster revealed it exhibits a G+C and nucleotide composition distinct from the flanking DNA. By analyzing sequence polymorphisms in the 8 GiBV viral segment sequences, we found evidence for widespread selection acting on both protein-coding and non-coding DNA. Comparative analysis of viral and proviral segment sequences revealed a sequence motif involved in the excision of proviral genome segments which is highly conserved in two other bracoviruses. Conclusion. Contrary to current concepts of bracovirus proviral genome organization our results demonstrate that some but not all GiBV proviral segment sequences exist in a tandem array. Unexpectedly, non-coding DNA in the 8 proviral genome segments which typically occupies ∼70% of BV viral genomes is under selection pressure suggesting it serves some function(s). We hypothesize that selection acting on GiBV proviral sequences maintains the genetic island-like nature of the cluster of proviral genome segments described herein. In contrast to large differences in the predicted gene composition of BV genomes, sequences that appear to mediate processes of viral segment formation, such as proviral segment excision and circularization, appear to be highly conserved, supporting the hypothesis of a single origin for BVs. © 2007 Desjardins et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

The aesthetic items scale: A tool for the evaluation of aesthetic outcome after breast reconstruction

__Background:__ Valid tools to assess aesthetic outcomes after breast reconstructive surgery are scarce. Previously a professional aesthetic assessment scale was introduced, the Aesthetic Items Scale (AIS). We aim to determine if this method is a valid and reliable tool to assess aesthetic outcome after breast reconstructive surgery. __Methods:__ The study population was consenting women who underwent prophylactic mastectomy with subsequent implant-based breast reconstruction. The aesthetic outcome with regard to breast volume, shape, symmetry, scars, and nipple areola complex was rated on a 5-point scale using standardized photographs to give a summed total score. Photographs were evaluated by the patient, 5 plastic surgeons, and 3 mammography nurses. An overall rating of aesthetic outcome on a 1-10 scale was given separately. We determined the intraclass correlation coefficient and assessed interobserver agreement. To assess validity, we calculated the correlation between total score and overall rating of aesthetic outcome. __Results:__ Interobserver reliability was highest between plastic surgeons for the subitem and overall scores and ranged between 0.56 and 0.82. The summed score of the AIS correlates strongly with the overall rating in professionals but not in patients. __Conclusions:__ The AIS is a valid and reliable method for evaluating aesthetic outcome of breast reconstruction by plastic surgeons. The results indicate that patients judge aesthetic outcome differently, taking into account factors that are not represented in the AIS. Professionals can use this method to evaluate surgical results, but other measurements are needed to map satisfaction of the patient with her breasts

Induction of humoral immune response to multiple recombinant Rhipicephalus appendiculatus antigens and their effect on tick feeding success and pathogen transmission

BACKGROUND: Rhipicephalus appendiculatus is the primary vector of Theileria parva, the etiological agent of East Coast fever (ECF), a devastating disease of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesized that a vaccine targeting tick proteins that are involved in attachment and feeding might affect feeding success and possibly reduce tick-borne transmission of T. parva. Here we report the evaluation of a multivalent vaccine cocktail of tick antigens for their ability to reduce R. appendiculatus feeding success and possibly reduce tick-transmission of T. parva in a natural host-tick-parasite challenge model. METHODS: Cattle were inoculated with a multivalent antigen cocktail containing recombinant tick protective antigen subolesin as well as two additional R. appendiculatus saliva antigens: the cement protein TRP64, and three different histamine binding proteins. The cocktail also contained the T. parva sporozoite antigen p67C. The effect of vaccination on the feeding success of nymphal and adult R. appendiculatus ticks was evaluated together with the effect on transmission of T. parva using a tick challenge model. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the first evaluation of the anti-tick effects of these antigens in the natural host-tick-parasite combination. In spite of evidence of strong immune responses to all of the antigens in the cocktail, vaccination with this combination of tick and parasite antigens did not appear to effect tick feeding success or reduce transmission of T. parva. CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlight the importance of early evaluation of anti-tick vaccine candidates in biologically relevant challenge systems using the natural tick-host-parasite combination

Indications of primary caesarean section in multiparous women in patients of rural area of Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Caesarean section is commonly performed operation in women in last few decades and can be life saving for the child, the mother or both in certain cases. Primary caesarean section in the multipara means first caesarean section done in the patients who had previously delivered vaginally once or more. Aims and objectives of this study were to know the incidence and various indications of primary caesarean section in multipara.Methods: This was a prospective study of primary caesarean section in multipara women admitted at tertiary care hospital in western rural Maharashtra during the period of 6 months from January 2018 to June 2018. Multipara with pregnancy of >28 weeks gestation (gravida 2 and above), each of whom has had a previous vaginal delivery of >20 weeks gestation were included. Women with previous abortions and previous section were excluded.Results: Total no. of deliveries during this period were 4648.Total 1705 sections were performed during the same period. Thus, the incidence caesarean sections are 36.68%. Out of these sections 194 sections were performed in multipara for the first time, thus giving the incidence of 0.42% of total deliveries and 11.38% of total caesarean sections. Most common indication for caesarean section in multipara was malpresentation (19.6%) followed by foetal distress (16.49%) and severe pre-eclampsia (13.4%).Conclusions: Present study concludes that proper antenatal care should always be given to multipara even though there was history of previous vaginal deliveries.

Estimation of various associated factors in multiparous females undergoing primary caesarean sections at a tertiary care health centre in rural Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Caesarean section is one of the commonly performed operation in women due to safety reason and modern techniques. Primary caesarean section in the multipara means first caesarean section done in the patients who had previously delivered vaginally once or more. Aims and objectives of this study were to know association of various parameters like Age, Parity, Haemoglobin, Blood Pressure, Baby weight, Perinatal and Maternal Mortality with primary caesarean section among multipara.Methods: This was a prospective study of primary caesarean section in multipara women admitted at tertiary care hospital in western rural Maharashtra during the period of 6 months from January 2018 to June 2018. Multipara with pregnancy of >28 weeks gestation (gravida 2 and above), each of whom has had a previous vaginal delivery of >20 weeks gestation were included. Women with previous abortions and previous section were excluded.Results: Total 1705 sections were performed during the same period out of total 4648 deliveries. Out of these sections 194 sections were performed in multipara for the first time. Maximum numbers of patients (58%) were in the age group of 15-24 years and Parity 2 (68%). Almost 70% women among multipara have Hb <11 Mgm/dl. Most of the patients (84.53%) have normal Blood pressure readings. Most of the babies’ i.e.70 (36.08%) have birth weight in the range of 2.5-3 kg. Out of 194 deliveries, there were only 3 neonatal deaths (1.54%) and 1 maternal death (0.51%).Conclusions: Proper antenatal and intrapartum care and early referral can reduce the maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in multipara.

Effects of Soil Solarization on Nematodes Parasitic to Chickpea and Pigeonpea

Solarization by covering the soil with transparent polyethylene sheets during the summer months (April, May, June) in 1984 and 1985 significantly (P = 0.01) reduced the population densities of nematodes (Heterodera cajani, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Helicotylenchus retusus, Pratylenchus sp., and Tylenchorhynchus sp.) parasitic to chickpea and pigeonpea. Population density reductions of 93% of Heterodera cajani eggs and juveniles, 99% ofHelicotylenchus retusus, 98% ofPratylenchus sp., and 100% ofR. reniformis were achieved by solarization in 1984. Irrigation before covering soil with polyethylene improved (P = 0.01) the effects of solarization in reducing the population densities of Heterodera cajani. Similar trends in population density reductions were observed in 1985, but the solarization effects were not the same. Nematode population reductions in the 1984-85 season were evident until near crop harvest, but in the 1985-86 season the effects on nematode populations were not as great and did not last until harvest. Factors such as rains during the solarization, duration of solarization, and sunshine hours may have influenced the efficacy of solarization. Solarization for two seasons reduced the population densities each year about the same as single season solarization, and residual effects of solarization on nematode populations did not last for more than a crop season

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes on Pigeonpea in Alfisols and Vertisols

Populations of Heterodera cajani, Rotylenchulus reniformis, and other plant-parasitic nematodes associated with field-grown pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) were monitored monthly for 12 months at three depths in alfisol and vertisol soils. Heterodera cajani and R. reniformis were the predominant nematodes in the vertisol and the alfisol, respectively. Hoplolaimus seinhorsti and R. reniformis in alfisol, and H. cajani, Helicotylenchus retusus, and R. reniformis in vertisol, were 0-45 cm deep throughout the year. Populations of Pratylenchus zeae and H. seinhorsti declined with sampling depth. Cysts of H. cajani, however, were found at a soil depth of 75-90 cm. Highest population densities of R. reniformis and H. cajani occurred at crop maturity and harvest (January-February). Summer fallow (February-June) reduced R. reniformis populations 70% and 36% at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths, respectively. Summer fallow reduced densities of H. cajani juveniles by 45% at 0-15 cm but densit

Extraction of Heterodera cajani cysts using modified sieving technique

A soil suspension was sieved through 60, 80 and 100 mesh sieves to remove H. cajani cysts. Approximately 10-22% of the cysts passed through the 60 mesh but were recovered on the 80 mesh. It is therefore suggested that this mesh should be used instead of a 60 mesh for estimating the cyst number of H. cajani