RAPD analysis of Sclerotium rolfsii isolates causing collar rot of eggplant and tomato

Eight isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii from four strategically geographical sites of Bangladesh were characterized and their cultural properties like average linear mycelial growth, colony colour, colony consistency, growth pattern and sclerotia formation were studied. Isolates varied in mycelial growth and other growth characteristics and were grouped into three. The highest linear growth was displayed by S8. DNA concentration of eight isolates varied from 1150-7200 ng/?l. DNA fingerprinting by RAPD prompted the grouping of isolates. Selected 3 primers generated 20 bands with size ranging from 100-1500 bp. Out of the 20 bands, 9 bands (45%) were polymorphic and 11 bands (55%) were monomorphic among the eight isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii. The co-efficient of gene differentiation (Gst) was 1.000 reflecting the existence of high level of genetic variations among the 8 isolates. The lowest genetic distance and highest inter isolate similarity was found in S1 and S2 which would be homogeneous. The highest genetic distance and lowest inter isolate similarity found in S3, S7 and S3, S8 pair which would be most divergent isolates. The cluster analysis also revealed that S3, S7 and S8 belong to different clusters. All five varieties of eggplant and tomatoes were graded as susceptible when inoculated with eight isolates. Plant mortality 93.33% was recorded in S4, S6 and in S8. Considering the isolate factor the most virulent isolate would be S8 whereas the less virulent isolate would be S2 and S7. Host plant of S8 was tomato collected from Thakurgaon. S2 and S7 were collected from BAU farm and Dinajpur and host plants were lentil and tomato respectively. It is evident that Sclerotium rolfsii from Thakurgaon on host tomato is more virulent.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 6 (1): 47-57, June, 201

Study of genetic variation of some eggplant cultivars through RAPD-PCR molecular markers and its relatedness to phomopsis blight disease reaction

Disease susceptibility and genetic variability in 10 eggplant genotypes were studied after inoculating Phomopsis vexans under confined field conditions. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic variation and relationships among eggplant genotypes. The disease index of leaves ranged 0.208-13.79%, while fruit infection ranged 2.15-42.76%. Two varieties, Dohazari G and Laffa S, were found to be susceptible, 6 were moderately resistant, 1 was moderately susceptible, and BAU Begun-1 was resistant to P. vexans. Amplification of genomic DNA by using 3 RAPD primers produced 20 bands: 14 (70%) were polymorphic and 6 (30%) were monomorphic. The highest intra-variety similarity indices values were found in ISD 006, Ishurdi L, Jessore L, and BAU Begun-1 (100%), while the lowest was in Dohazari G (90%). The lowest genetic distance (0.0513) and the highest genetic identity (0.9500) were observed between the ISD 006 and Ishurdi L combinations. A comparatively higher genetic distance (0.3724) and the lowest genetic identity (0.6891) were observed between the ISD 006 and Dohazari G combinations. A dendogram was constructed based on Nei’s genetic distance, which produced 2 main clusters of the genotypes - Cluster I: ISD 006, Ishurdi L, Marich begun L, BAU Begun-1, Marich begun S, and Chega and Cluster 2: Laffa S, Dohazari G, Jessore L, and Singhnath. Genetic variation and its relationship with disease susceptibility were assessed using RAPD markers, to develop disease-resistant varieties and improve eggplant crops

HIIT’ing or MISS’ing the optimal management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high- versus moderate-intensity exercise prescription

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Exercise is an effective treatment strategy to manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risk. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been suggested as a more efficient exercise mode in PCOS; however, it is not clear whether HIIT is superior to moderate intensity steady state exercise (MISS). Methods: We synthesized available data through a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of isolated HIIT and MISS exercise interventions. Our primary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin resistance, measured using V˙O2max and HOMA-IR respectively. Results: A total of 16 studies were included. Moderate-quality evidence from 16 studies identified significant improvements in V˙O2max following MISS (Δ = 1.081 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001, n = 194), but not HIIT (Δ = 0.641 ml/kg/min, p = 0.128, n = 28). Neither HIIT nor MISS improved HOMA-IR [(Δ = −0.257, p = 0.374, n = 60) and (Δ = −0.341, p = 0.078, n = 159), respectively]. Discussion: A significant improvement in V˙O2max was evident following MISS, but not HIIT exercise in women with PCOS. This contrasts with previous literature in healthy and clinical cohorts that report superior benefits of HIIT. Therefore, based on available moderate-quality evidence, HIIT exercise does not provide superior outcomes in V˙O2max compared with MISS, although larger high-quality interventions are needed to fully address this. Additional dietary/pharmacological interventions may be required in conjunction with exercise to improve insulin sensitivity

Global REACH: Assessment of brady-arrhythmias in Andeans and Lowlanders during apnea at 4330m

BACKGROUND: Ascent to altitude increases the prevalence of arrhythmogenesis in low-altitude dwelling populations (Lowlanders). High altitude populations (ie. Nepalese Sherpa) may have arrhythmias resistant adaptations that prevent arrhythmogenesis at altitude, though this has not been documented in other High altitude groups, including those diagnosed with chronic mountain sickness (CMS). We investigated whether healthy (CMS-) and CMS afflicted (CMS+) Andeans exhibit cardiac arrhythmias under acute apneic stress at altitude. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electrocardiograms (lead II) were collected in CMS- (N=9), CMS+ (N=8), and Lowlanders (N= 13) following several days at 4330m (Cerro de Pasco, Peru). ECG rhythm and HR were assessed at both rest and during maximal volitional apnea (End-Expiratory [EXP]). Both CMS- and CMS+ had similar basal HR (69 ± 8 beats/min vs. 62 ± 11 beats/min), while basal HR was higher in Lowlanders (77 ± 18 beats/min; P<0.05 versus CMS+). Apnea elicited significant bradycardia (nadir -32 ± 15 beats/min; P<0.01) and the development of arrhythmias in 8/13 Lowlanders (junctional rhythm, 3° atrio-venticular block, sinus pause). HR was preserved was prior to volitional breakpoint in both CMS- (nadir -6 ± 1 beat/min) and CMS+ (1 ±12 beats/min), with 2/17 Andeans developing arrhythmias ( 1 CMS+ and 1 CMS-; both Premature Atrial Contraction) prior to breakpoint. CONCLUSIONS: Andeans showed an absence of arrhythmias and preserved HR response to volitional apnea at altitude, demonstrating that potential cardio-resistant adaptations to arrhythmogenesis exist across permanent HA populations. Acclimatized Lowlanders have further demonstrated an increased prevalence of arrhythmias at altitude

Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy and stability of coronary heart disease: a 60 000-patient meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has important implications for clinical outcomes in coronary disease. However, the optimal DAPT duration remains uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: We searched four major databases for randomised controlled trials comparing long-term (≥12 months) with short-term (≤6 months) or shorter (≤3 months) DAPT in patients with coronary syndromes. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were any bleeding and major bleeding (safety), cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, revascularisation and stroke (efficacy). Nineteen randomised controlled trials (n=60 111) satisfied inclusion criteria, 8 assessed ≤3 months DAPT. Compared with long-term (≥12 months), short-term DAPT (≤6 months) was associated with a trend towards reduced all-cause mortality (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.01) and significant bleeding reduction (RR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.83 and RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.77 for major and any bleeding, respectively). There were no significant differences in efficacy outcomes. These associations persisted in sensitivity analysis comparing shorter duration DAPT (≤3 months) to long-term DAPT (≥12 months) for all-cause mortality (RR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.05). In subgroup analysis, short-term DAPT was associated with lower risk of bleeding in patients with acute or chronic coronary syndromes (RR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.54 to 0.81 and RR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.65, respectively), but higher risk of stent thrombosis in acute coronary syndrome (RR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.17 vs RR: 1.25, 95% CI 0.44 to 3.58). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that short (≤6 months) and shorter (≤3 months) durations DAPT are associated with lower risk of bleeding, equivalent efficacy and a trend towards lower all-cause mortality irrespective of coronary artery disease stability

Machine-learning with 18F-sodium fluoride PET and quantitative plaque analysis on CT angiography for the future risk of myocardial infarction

Coronary (18)F-sodium fluoride ((18)F-NaF) PET and CT angiography–based quantitative plaque analysis have shown promise in refining risk stratification in patients with coronary artery disease. We combined both of these novel imaging approaches to develop an optimal machine-learning model for the future risk of myocardial infarction in patients with stable coronary disease. Methods: Patients with known coronary artery disease underwent coronary (18)F-NaF PET and CT angiography on a hybrid PET/CT scanner. Machine-learning by extreme gradient boosting was trained using clinical data, CT quantitative plaque analysis, measures and (18)F-NaF PET, and it was tested using repeated 10-fold hold-out testing. Results: Among 293 study participants (65 ± 9 y; 84% male), 22 subjects experienced a myocardial infarction over the 53 (40–59) months of follow-up. On univariable receiver-operator-curve analysis, only (18)F-NaF coronary uptake emerged as a predictor of myocardial infarction (c-statistic 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.83). When incorporated into machine-learning models, clinical characteristics showed limited predictive performance (c-statistic 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.76) and were outperformed by a quantitative plaque analysis-based machine-learning model (c-statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.84). After inclusion of all available data (clinical, quantitative plaque and (18)F-NaF PET), we achieved a substantial improvement (P = 0.008 versus (18)F-NaF PET alone) in the model performance (c-statistic 0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.91). Conclusion: Both (18)F-NaF uptake and quantitative plaque analysis measures are additive and strong predictors of outcome in patients with established coronary artery disease. Optimal risk stratification can be achieved by combining clinical data with these approaches in a machine-learning model

Association of Lipoprotein(a) With Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, although the mechanism for this observation remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether Lp(a) is associated with adverse plaque progression. METHODS: Lp(a) was measured in patients with advanced stable coronary artery disease undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography at baseline and 12 months to assess progression of total, calcific, noncalcific, and low-attenuation plaque (necrotic core) in particular. High Lp(a) was defined as Lp(a) ≥ 70 mg/dL. The relationship of Lp(a) with plaque progression was assessed using linear regression analysis, adjusting for body mass index, segment involvement score, and ASSIGN score (a Scottish cardiovascular risk score comprised of age, sex, smoking, blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]–cholesterol, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and deprivation index). RESULTS: A total of 191 patients (65.9 ± 8.3 years of age; 152 [80%] male) were included in the analysis, with median Lp(a) values of 100 (range: 82 to 115) mg/dL and 10 (range: 5 to 24) mg/dL in the high and low Lp(a) groups, respectively. At baseline, there was no difference in coronary artery disease severity or plaque burden. Patients with high Lp(a) showed accelerated progression of low-attenuation plaque compared with low Lp(a) patients (26.2 ± 88.4 mm(3) vs −0.7 ± 50.1 mm(3); P = 0.020). Multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed the relation between Lp(a) and low-attenuation plaque volume progression (β = 10.5% increase for each 50 mg/dL Lp(a), 95% CI: 0.7%-20.3%). There was no difference in total, calcific, and noncalcific plaque volume progression. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with advanced stable coronary artery disease, Lp(a) is associated with accelerated progression of coronary low-attenuation plaque (necrotic core). This may explain the association between Lp(a) and the high residual risk of myocardial infarction, providing support for Lp(a) as a treatment target in atherosclerosis