Analysis of IS6110 insertion sites provide a glimpse into genome evolution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Insertion sequence (IS) 6110 is found at multiple sites in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome and displays a high degree of polymorphism with respect to copy number and insertion sites. Therefore, IS6110 is considered to be a useful molecular marker for diagnosis and strain typing of M. tuberculosis. Generally IS6110 elements are identified using experimental methods, useful for analysis of a limited number of isolates. Since short read genome sequences generated using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms are available for a large number of isolates, a computational pipeline for identification of IS6110 elements from these datasets was developed. This study shows results from analysis of NGS data of 1377 M. tuberculosis isolates. These isolates represent all seven major global lineages of M. tuberculosis. Lineage specific copy number patterns and preferential insertion regions were observed. Intra-lineage differences were further analyzed for identifying spoligotype specific variations. Copy number distribution and preferential locations of IS6110 in different lineages imply independent evolution of IS6110, governed mainly through ancestral insertion, fitness (gene truncation, promoter activity) and recombinational loss of some copies. A phylogenetic tree based on IS6110 insertion data of different isolates was constructed in order to understand genome level variations of different markers across different lineages

Evaluation of mustard genotypes [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] for quantitative traits and character association of seed yield and yield components at sub Himalayan region of West Bengal (India)

Brassica juncea is an important industrial and commercial oilseed crop grown primarily in India. This study aimed to assess 56 genotypes of Indian mustard to quantify genetic diversity, which aids the breeder in identifying genetically divergent parents to evaluate the proportional contributions of various components towards overall divergence. All the 56 Indian mustard genotypes were tested in RBD with three replications for 2 consecutive years i.e. 2016-17 and 2017-18 during the rabi season. Observations were recorded for 11 yield and its attributing traits. The findings revealed that height up to first branching, aphid count, penetration force and seed yield per plant had maximum PCV and GCV signifying that genetic factors have a greater impact on the inflow of these traits. Height up to first branching, secondary branches per plant, primary branches per plant, siliquae per plant, aphid count and 1000 seed weight had strong heritability combined with GA as % of mean. These indicate that the traits were controlled by additive gene action. Seed yield per plant was significantly correlated with penetration force and siliquae per plant. As a result, it's reasonable to predict that improving these traits by selection, could lead to significant yield gains. Four of the eleven PCs had eigen values greater than 1.0, accounting for 69.94% of the variance. PC I, which explained 30.31% of the overall variance. Mahalanobis D2 statistics revealed considerable genetic diversity among the genotypes. 56 genotypes were distributed into 7 clusters. This is anticipated that genotypes within a cluster are almost genetically related to one another. Cluster VII and II showed maximum inter-cluster divergence. From a breeding perspective, a divergence analysis revealed that genotypes like SKJM-05, RNWR-09-3, RW-351, B-85, DRMR-4001, RGN-386, TM52 276 and SKM-1313 can be selected as genetically divergent parents for hybridization to obtain desirable segregants

Spontaneous esophagopleural fistula in a high-risk individual (trumpet blower)

A middle-age male patient, trumpet blower by occupation, presented with progressive dyspnea with chest heaviness since 2 weeks and low grade fever since 1 week. It started with sudden severe retrosternal chest discomfort and episodic vomiting while practicing trumpet blowing. Patient was toxic with high fever, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Clinicoradiologically, patient was diagnosed as left-sided hydropneumothorax. Intercostal chest (ICD) tube was inserted at left 5th. intercostal space at midaxillary line following which pus and air came out. Pleural fluid was acidic with high amylase level and polymicrobial growth. Repeat chest X-ray showed partial resolution of left-sided hydropneumothorax. From 4th Day, food particles were noticed in the drainage bag. For screening, 0.1% sterile methylene blue was given orally which came in ICD tube and bag within 24 hours. Subsequently, barium swallow esophagus, CT thorax with oral and intravenous contrast, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed left-sided esophagopleural fistula

Concomitant tuberculosis and carcinoma colon: Coincidence or causal nexus?

Two rare cases of adenocarcinoma of the caecum and ascending colon concomitant with tuberculosis at the same site are reported. The plausibility of an aetiological relationship between the two pathological conditions has been discussed along with a review of the relevant literature. Tuberculosis complicating malignant disease is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge; and the likelihood of the two occurring together should be kept in mind especially in tuberculosis endemic areas and in patients with equivocal symptoms

Study of Significant Factors Affecting Construction Productivity Using Relative Importance Index in Indian Construction Industry

The construction industry of India is the second-largest contributor to the GDP and provides employment to a large population in the country. Its contribution to the GDP is about 8-10% on an average in the last decade. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze the significant factors affecting construction productivity using relative importance index method with a special focus on the Indian construction industry. A structured questionnaire survey method is used to collect the data from the primary stakeholders of the Indian construction industry including but not limited to consultants, architects, civil contractor, developer, PMC, and academia people. Total of 201 valid responses were received with a response rate of 32%. The value of reliability analysis is above 0.95, which is considered highly reliable for data-based studies. The findings of the study provide a ranking of factors affecting construction productivity. Most significant factors affecting construction productivity are availability of resources, contractual disputes, scope clarity of the project, design capability, and frequent design changes having the value on relative importance index scale 0.801, 0.799, 0.790, 0.785, and 0.776 respectively. This research paper concludes that the productivity can be achieved by changing the work culture and reviewing the management process for execution. Which suggests the implementation of best practices and motivation towards achieving the goal of having higher productivity by looking at the factor and analyzing how to promote productivity improvement