Optimization of genetic transformation protocol mediated by biolistic method in some elite genotypes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

We report here an efficient genotype-independent genetic transformation system in wheat. Highly regenerable embryogenic calli obtained from mature seeds were employed as the target tissue for the genetic transformation of three bread wheat varieties viz C306, HDR77 and PBW343 representing diverse genetic background. The plasmid pDM803 containing GUS and BAR genes driven by rice Act1 and maize Ubiqutin promoter, respectively was transferred into a month-old calli employing particle delivery system. The bombarded calli were transferred to medium supplemented with phosphinothricin at 4 mg L-1 for the selection of the transformed calli. The transgenic calli were confirmed for the expression of GUS by histochemical analysis of β-glucuronidase. Transformation efficiency of the genotypes was calculated based on the number of calli bombarded and the number of plants that were resistant to Basta. Among the three genotypes studied, C306 had a higher efficiency of 0.56% followed by HDR77 with 0.5% and PBW343 with 0.22%. The transformation system developed in this study may facilitate studies on functional genomics and crop improvement via transgenic development.Keywords: Wheat, biolistic, transgenics, bar, phosphinothricin, transformation efficiencyAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(6), pp. 531-53

Cross pinning versus lateral pinning in type III supracondylar fracture: a retrospective analysis

Background: The commonly accepted treatment of type III supracondylar fractures of humerus in children is closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP). There is a long debate over stability and complications associated with cross and lateral pinning. The present study compares the functional outcome and complications of both pinning techniques.Methods: A retrospective analysis of results with regard to ulnar nerve injury, carrying angle and range of movements was made in 27 children with lateral pinning and 28 children with crossed pinning was done in our institution. Functional outcome was graded according to Flynn’s criteria and loss of reduction by Skagg’s criteria.Results: There was no statistically significant difference with regard to functional outcome and loss of reduction between the two groups. Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury (IUNI) occurred in three cases (11%) after crossed pinning in which two had significant palsy, which recovered by three months and the other had only  transient paraesthesia.Conclusions: Lateral pinning technique is reliably safe method in terms of stability as it avoids IUNI, we recommend it

Left subclavian artery coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair and risk of perioperative stroke or death

IntroductionLeft subclavian artery (LSA) coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is often necessary due to anatomic factors and is performed in to up to 40% of procedures. Despite the frequency of LSA coverage during TEVAR, reported associations with risk of periprocedural stroke or death are inconsistent in reported literature. We examined the 2005-2008 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data file to determine associations between LSA coverage during TEVAR and risk of perioperative stroke or death.MethodsCurrent procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patients undergoing TEVAR, LSA coverage, and subclavian revascularization. Patients undergoing coronary bypass, ascending aortic repair, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, or nonvascular intra-abdominal procedures during the same operation were excluded. Perioperative stroke and mortality associations with LSA coverage were examined using logistic regression models for each outcome. Significance was assessed at α = 0.05, with univariable P < .05 required for multivariable model entry.ResultsEight hundred forty-five TEVAR procedures were identified, of which 52 patients were excluded due to additional major procedures performed with TEVAR. Seven hundred thirty-three of the remaining 793 procedures included CPT codes indicating primary placement of an initial thoracic endograft and form the basis of this analysis. LSA coverage occurred in 279 procedures (38%). Thirty-day stroke and mortality rates were 5.7% and 7.0%, respectively. LSA coverage was associated with increased 30-day risk of stroke in multivariable modeling (odds ratio [OR], 2.17 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.14; P = .019). Other significant multivariable risk factors for stroke included proximal aortic cuff placement during TEVAR (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.30-5.16; P = .007) and emergency procedure status (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.87-6.94; P < .001). No significant association between LSA coverage and perioperative mortality was identified (univariable OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.98-2.93; P = .0578).ConclusionLSA coverage during thoracic endovascular repair is associated with increased risk of perioperative stroke following TEVAR. Further evidence is needed to determine whether procedural modifications, including LSA revascularization, reduce the incidence of stroke associated with TEVAR

Characterization of resident surgeon participation during carotid endarterectomy and impact on perioperative outcomes

IntroductionThe impact of resident surgeon participation during vascular procedures on postoperative outcomes is incompletely understood. We characterized resident physician participation during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures within the 2005-2009 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Participant Use Datafile and evaluated associations with procedural characteristics and perioperative adverse events.MethodsCEAs were identified using primary current procedural terminology codes; those performed simultaneously with other major procedures or unknown resident participation status were excluded. Group-wise comparisons based on resident participation status were performed using χ2 or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and t tests or nonparametric methods for continuous variables. Associations with perioperative adverse events (major = stroke, death, myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrest; minor = peripheral nerve injury, bleeding requiring transfusion, surgical site infection, or wound disruption) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for other known risk factors.ResultsA total of 25,280 CEA procedures were analyzed, of which residents participated in 13,705 (54.2%), while residents were absent in 11,575 (45.8%). Among CEAs with resident physician participation, resident level was categorized as junior (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-2) in 21.9%, senior (PGY 3-5) in 52.7%, and fellow (PGY ≥6) in 25.3%. Major adverse event rates with and without resident participation were 1.9% versus 2.1%, and minor adverse event rates with and without resident participation were 0.9% versus 1.0%, respectively. In multivariable models, resident physician participation was not associated with perioperative risk for major adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.08) or minor adverse events (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.72-1.21).ConclusionsResident surgeon participation during CEA is not associated with risk of adverse perioperative events