Evaluation of selected promising land races of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) in South India

Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton.), often referred to as the 'queen of spices' is believed to have originated in the moist evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of South India. The present study was conducted at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara, Idukki Dt. of Kerala. Different farmer's varieties, nine landraces viz., Njallani Green Gold, Thiruthali, Panikulangara Green Bold No.1, Wonder Cardamom, Elarajan, Arjun, Pappalu, PNS Vaigai, Pachaikkai and ICRI-5 as control were evaluated in the cardamom tract of Idukki District. The selected genotypes were evaluated in the field for three consecutive years. The data on growth and yield were recorded, pooled and analyzed. From the analysis, it was found that the genotype Njallani Green Gold performed well compared to other varieties with respect to the yield (1271.80 kg/ha) followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (1134.67 kg/ha) and more tillers (74.46) were found in the same clone also. The plant height was significantly higher in Elarajan (316.24 cm), followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (312.45 cm). The number of leaves was greater in Elarajan (16.72), followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (16.43). More vegetative buds were observed in Pappalu followed by Wonder Cardamom. Panicles per clump were more in Thiruthali (47.98), followed by Njallani Green Gold (46.59). Racemes per panicle were greater in Pachaikkai (26.57), followed by Njallani Green Gold (26.19). The number of capsules per racemes was more in Njallani Green Gold (9.59) followed by Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 (8.59). The results pointed out that each clone in the trial differs from another with respect to the characters studied. The findings could be used for further breeding studies in small cardamom

In-depth genome characterization of a Brazilian common bean core collection using DArTseq high-density SNP genotyping

Background: Common bean is a legume of social and nutritional importance as a food crop, cultivated worldwide especially in developing countries, accounting for an important source of income for small farmers. The availability of the complete sequences of the two common bean genomes has dramatically accelerated and has enabled new experimental strategies to be applied for genetic research. DArTseq has been widely used as a method of SNP genotyping allowing comprehensive genome coverage with genetic applications in common bean breeding programs. Results: Using this technology, 6286 SNPs (1 SNP/86.5 Kbp) were genotyped in genic (43.3%) and non-genic regions (56. 7%). Genetic subdivision associated to the common bean gene pools (K = 2) and related to grain types (K = 3 and K = 5) were reported. A total of 83% and 91% of all SNPs were polymorphic within the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, respectively, and 26% were able to differentiate the gene pools. Genetic diversity analysis revealed an average HE of 0.442 for the whole collection, 0.102 for Andean and 0.168 for Mesoamerican gene pools (FST = 0.747 between gene pools), 0. 440 for the group of cultivars and lines, and 0.448 for the group of landrace accessions (FST = 0.002 between cultivar/line and landrace groups). The SNP effects were predicted with predominance of impact on non-coding regions (77.8%). SNPs under selection were identified within gene pools comparing landrace and cultivar/line germplasm groups (Andean: 18; Mesoamerican: 69) and between the gene pools (59 SNPs), predominantly on chromosomes 1 and 9. The LD extension estimate corrected for population structure and relatedness (r2 SV) was~88 kbp, while for the Andean gene pool was~395 kbp, and for the Mesoamerican was ~ 130 kbp. Conclusions: For common bean, DArTseq provides an efficient and cost-effective strategy of generating SNPs for large-scale genome-wide studies. The DArTseq resulted in an operational panel of 560 polymorphic SNPs in linkage equilibrium, providing high genome coverage. This SNP set could be used in genotyping platforms with many applications, such as population genetics, phylogeny relation between common bean varieties and support to molecular breeding approaches

The genomics of heart failure: design and rationale of the HERMES consortium

Aims The HERMES (HEart failure Molecular Epidemiology for Therapeutic targets) consortium aims to identify the genomic and molecular basis of heart failure.Methods and results The consortium currently includes 51 studies from 11 countries, including 68 157 heart failure cases and 949 888 controls, with data on heart failure events and prognosis. All studies collected biological samples and performed genome-wide genotyping of common genetic variants. The enrolment of subjects into participating studies ranged from 1948 to the present day, and the median follow-up following heart failure diagnosis ranged from 2 to 116 months. Forty-nine of 51 individual studies enrolled participants of both sexes; in these studies, participants with heart failure were predominantly male (34-90%). The mean age at diagnosis or ascertainment across all studies ranged from 54 to 84 years. Based on the aggregate sample, we estimated 80% power to genetic variant associations with risk of heart failure with an odds ratio of >1.10 for common variants (allele frequency > 0.05) and >1.20 for low-frequency variants (allele frequency 0.01-0.05) at P Conclusions HERMES is a global collaboration aiming to (i) identify the genetic determinants of heart failure; (ii) generate insights into the causal pathways leading to heart failure and enable genetic approaches to target prioritization; and (iii) develop genomic tools for disease stratification and risk prediction.</p

The genomics of heart failure: design and rationale of the HERMES consortium

Aims: The HERMES (HEart failure Molecular Epidemiology for Therapeutic targetS) consortium aims to identify the genomic and molecular basis of heart failure. Methods and results: The consortium currently includes 51 studies from 11 countries, including 68 157 heart failure cases and 949 888 controls, with data on heart failure events and prognosis. All studies collected biological samples and performed genome‐wide genotyping of common genetic variants. The enrolment of subjects into participating studies ranged from 1948 to the present day, and the median follow‐up following heart failure diagnosis ranged from 2 to 116 months. Forty‐nine of 51 individual studies enrolled participants of both sexes; in these studies, participants with heart failure were predominantly male (34–90%). The mean age at diagnosis or ascertainment across all studies ranged from 54 to 84 years. Based on the aggregate sample, we estimated 80% power to genetic variant associations with risk of heart failure with an odds ratio of ≥1.10 for common variants (allele frequency ≥ 0.05) and ≥1.20 for low‐frequency variants (allele frequency 0.01–0.05) at P &lt; 5 × 10−8 under an additive genetic model. Conclusions: HERMES is a global collaboration aiming to (i) identify the genetic determinants of heart failure; (ii) generate insights into the causal pathways leading to heart failure and enable genetic approaches to target prioritization; and (iii) develop genomic tools for disease stratification and risk prediction

High-Precision Measurement of the ²³⁸Pu/²³⁹Pu Isotope Ratio by TIMS

With an aim to improve the precision of isotopic standards of special nuclear materials like uranium and plutonium, National Bureau of Standards (NBS) undertook the recertification of isotopic standards prepared between 1960 and 1970. In a recent initiative, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in collaboration with New Brunswick Laboratory Program Office (NBL PO) undertaken efforts to recertify SRM 946, SRM 947, and SRM 948. The primary goal of this drive is to lower the uncertainties associated with the isotopic compositions of plutonium standards. The drive is also aims to minimize the uncertainty associated with measurement of the 238Pu content from 2% to ∼0.3%. In this connection, our laboratory at the Fuel Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, proposes a novel indicator “minima in the (RMO254/(i + 16))/(RM238/i) curve” (where i = m/z 233 or 235 amu), which is the ratio of the isotope ratio of metal oxides (238M16O/iM16O) to that of metal ions (238M/iM) of uranium in determining the accurate 238Pu content by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Various enriched uranium spikes have been employed to study the efficacy of the minima in the (RMO(254)/(i + 16))/(RM238/i) curve. With the combination of monitoring the minima in the (RMO(254)/(i + 16))/(RM238/i) curve and the application of the 233U spike (with an isotope abundance of 238U ∼ 0.05%), an external precision of 0.2% has been achieved in the determination of the 238Pu/239Pu isotope ratio for isotopic standard SRM 947

IJCM_139A: Prevalence of Hypertension among the Urban Adolescents: A Prospective Robust Survey

Background: Childhood Blood pressure (BP) is a strong indicator of adult blood pressure (BP), hence, early detection and intervention is important in adolescents. Studies from China and United States have shown BP in adolescents to be variable and has indeed outlined the need to obtain three separate readings before diagnosing hypertension. There is a dearth of this documentation of blood pressure readings at different occasions in adolescents from the Indian settings. Objective: To determine the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among 10-18 years school going adolescents. Methodology: This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted across the five urban schools of Bhopal amongst 10-18 years adolescents. Multistage cluster sampling was adopted to cover an estimated sample size of 780 over a one-year period. Those adolescents who were present during the time of survey following their parent’s consent were included. Those who were absent at two occasions during the follow up visit and those who were diagnosed with secondary hypertension were excluded. Those who satisfied the study criteria were given a self-administered WHO STEPS questionnaire initially. The height and weight were obtained followed by measurement of three auscultatory BP readings at an interval of one week apart (American Academy of paediatrics (Updated guidelines 2017) in each student. The R shiny app calculator was used for classifying hypertension in adolescents. The study was funded by AIIMS Bhopal and ethical clearance was obtained from the institute. Results: The overall prevalence of elevated BP/hypertension in adolescents was 1.4% (N=795). There was a positive correlation between BMI and (SBP & DBP). The generalised linear mixed model showed age, BMI and boys to have higher predisposition to elevated BP/HTN. There was a significant difference in the SBP and DBP between the 3 visits stratified by sex. Also, the change in SBP and DBP between the readings were significant by ANOVA. Conclusion: The prevalence of elevated BP/HTN was 1.4% with girls being protective for girls. The study cannot be generalised as it is limited to the Government schools with relatively small sample size

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in Brazil: report of 11 cases in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients

Background Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis is an uncommon infectious disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii affecting immunosuppressed as well as immunocompetent patients. It is often misdiagnosed as it may mimic other cutaneous diseases. Materials and methods We report a series of cases diagnosed from 2005 to 2010 in two general hospitals. The diagnosis in all patients was made on the basis of histopathology and culture. Phenoloxidase and canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue tests were used in order to identify the Cryptococcus species. Systematic investigation ruled out the systemic involvement in every case. Results Eleven patients, 81.8% male, were diagnosed during this study. The immunosuppression status was identified in 54.5% of patients, and all of them were under corticosteroid therapy due to a variable set of diseases. All patients presented with circumscribed lesions on their upper limbs. Most lesions showed an infiltrative or tumoral aspect with up to 40 cm diameter. Fluconazole, up to 400 mg/daily, was the main therapeutic regimen and proved to be efficient. Conclusions Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis has been diagnosed in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients. Its peculiar clinical aspect could facilitate early diagnosis. Culture and biochemical tests should be performed in order to define the species involved