High density linkage mapping of genomic and transcriptomic SNPs for synteny analysis and anchoring the genome sequence of chickpea

This study presents genome-wide discovery of SNPs through next generation sequencing of the genome of Cicer reticulatum. Mapping of the C. reticulatum sequenced reads onto the draft genome assembly of C. arietinum (desi chickpea) resulted in identification of 842,104 genomic SNPs which were utilized along with an additional 36,446 genic SNPs identified from transcriptome sequences of the aforementioned varieties. Two new chickpea Oligo Pool All (OPAs) each having 3,072 SNPs were designed and utilized for SNP genotyping of 129 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs). Using Illumina GoldenGate Technology genotyping data of 5,041 SNPs were generated and combined with the 1,673 marker data from previously published studies, to generate a high resolution linkage map. The map comprised of 6698 markers distributed on eight linkage groups spanning 1083.93 cM with an average inter-marker distance of 0.16 cM. Utility of the present map was demonstrated for improving the anchoring of the earlier reported draft genome sequence of desi chickpea by ~30% and that of kabuli chickpea by 18%. The genetic map reported in this study represents the most dense linkage map of chickpea , with the potential to facilitate efficient anchoring of the draft genome sequences of desi as well as kabuli chickpea varieties

Head CT is of limited diagnostic value in critically ill patients who remain unresponsive after discontinuation of sedation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Prolonged sedation is common in mechanically ventilated patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine the diagnostic value of head computed tomography (CT) in mechanically ventilated patients who remain unresponsive after discontinuation of sedation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A retrospective review of adult (age >18 years of age) patients consecutively admitted to the medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care medical center. Patients requiring mechanical ventilation for management of respiratory failure for longer than 72 hours were included in the study group. A group that did not have difficulty with awakening was included as a control.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The median time after sedation was discontinued until a head CT was performed was 2 days (interquartile range 1.375–2 days). Majority (80%) of patients underwent head CT evaluation within the first 48 hours after discontinuation of sedation. Head CT was non-diagnostic in all but one patient who had a small subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twenty-five patients (60%) had a normal head CT. Head CT findings did not alter the management of any of the patients. The control group was similar to the experimental group with respect to demographics, etiology of respiratory failure and type of sedation used. However, while 37% of subjects in the control group had daily interruption of sedation, only 19% in the patient group had daily interruption of sedation (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In patients on mechanical ventilation for at least 72 hours and who remain unresponsive after sedative discontinuation and with a non-focal neurologic examination, head CT is performed early and is of very limited diagnostic utility. Routine use of daily interruption of sedation is used in a minority of patients outside of a clinical trial setting though it may decrease the frequency of unresponsiveness from prolonged sedation and the need for head CT in patients mechanically ventilated for a prolonged period.</p

Reporting trends, practices, and resource utilization in neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate gland: a survey among thirty-nine genitourinary pathologists

Background: Neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland ranges from clinically insignificant neuroendocrine differentiation detected with markers in an otherwise conventional prostatic adenocarcinoma to a lethal high-grade small/large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The concept of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic adenocarcinoma has gained considerable importance due to its prognostic and therapeutic ramifications and pathologists play a pivotal role in its recognition. However, its awareness, reporting, and resource utilization practice patterns among pathologists are largely unknown. Methods: Representative examples of different spectrums of neuroendocrine differentiation along with a detailed questionnaire were shared among 39 urologic pathologists using the survey monkey software. Participants were specifically questioned about the use and awareness of the 2016 WHO classification of neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate, understanding of the clinical significance of each entity, and use of different immunohistochemical (IHC) markers. De-identified respondent data were analyzed. Results: A vast majority (90%) of the participants utilize IHC markers to confirm the diagnosis of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. A majority (87%) of the respondents were in agreement regarding the utilization of type of IHC markers for small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma for which 85% of the pathologists agreed that determination of the site of origin of a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma is not critical, as these are treated similarly. In the setting of mixed carcinomas, 62% of respondents indicated that they provide quantification and grading of the acinar component. There were varied responses regarding the prognostic implication of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and for Paneth cell-like differentiation. The classification of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was highly varied, with only 38% agreement in the illustrated case. Finally, despite the recommendation not to perform neuroendocrine markers in the absence of morphologic evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation, 62% would routinely utilize IHC in the work-up of a Gleason score 5 + 5 = 10 acinar adenocarcinoma and its differentiation from high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Conclusion: There is a disparity in the practice utilization patterns among the urologic pathologists with regard to diagnosing high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and in understanding the clinical significance of focal neuroendocrine cells in an otherwise conventional acinar adenocarcinoma and Paneth cell-like neuroendocrine differentiation. There seems to have a trend towards overutilization of IHC to determine neuroendocrine differentiation in the absence of neuroendocrine features on morphology. The survey results suggest a need for further refinement and development of standardized guidelines for the classification and reporting of neuroendocrine differentiation in the prostate gland

LEASE PRICE DIFFERENTIATION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE ATTRACTION OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES’ (MSMES) TO MAJOR SHOPPING MALLS IN ZAMBIA

Subject and purpose of work: Based on community-wide charges that shopping malls discriminate against small business tenants, this paper seeks: firstly to identify the principal determinants of shopping mall rentals, and secondly to understand if there exists a statistically significant dispersion in rentals against MSMEs. Materials and methods: Relative Importance Index and SPSS (statistical tests) were used to analyze the survey-based data which was acquired from eleven shopping malls in Lusaka. Results: The MSME tenants pay on average $20.32/m2 more t han anchor tenants and$19.12/m2 more than chain stores, ironically on account of capital limitations. MSMEs also face an additional risk during sudden economic shocks due to untenable lease provisions and poor negotiating influence. Conclusions: The study concludes by acknowledging that the MSME sector is covertly vitiated by the imposition of high rental premiums. It recommends that shopping malls should have an affirmative simpler letting policy. Furthermore, a shopping mall association should-be commissioned to exclusively safeguard the interests of MSMEs

Lease Price Differentiation and its Influence on the Attraction of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises’ (MSMES) to Major Shopping Malls in Zambia

Subject and purpose of work: Based on community-wide charges that shopping malls discriminate against small business tenants, this paper seeks: firstly to identify the principal determinants of shopping mall rentals, and secondly to understand if there exists a statistically significant dispersion in rentals against MSMEs

Over Two Decades of Existence of the Lands Tribunal in Zambia: Review of Progress and Challenges

Context and Background: The specialised land court in Zambia is known as the Lands Tribunal, and it was created in 1996 through the 1995 Lands Act. The Tribunal was established with the objective of achieving speedy, low cost, flexible and efficient means of settling conflicts over land. Inspite of being existence for 27 years, little has been done on the progress and challenges of the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land in the country. Goal and Objectives: This paper aims at establishing the progress made by the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land and investigating the challenges faced by the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land. Methodology: The study incorporated the use of both primary and secondary data collected between January and October 2023. Secondary data were obtained through documents which include peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, books, media, Zambian land laws, and technical reports. Secondary data was supplemented by primary data obtained from three purposively selected institutions: Lands Tribunal, Law Association of Zambia, and Zambia Land Alliance (Kitwe office). The data collection method used with the key informants was in-depth face-to-face interviews. Office management at each institution chose the key informant based on their expertise and experience on the subject. Results: In order to strengthen the Tribunal’s operations, the Lands Tribunal Act of 2010 was enacted, enhancing the Tribunal’s operations by granting it more authority and responsibilities (that is, expanding jurisdiction). Research findings showed that between 2014 and 2023, the Lands Tribunal handled 3318 cases. According to research findings, if the Tribunal was operating efficiently and effectively, it could have handled more than 3,318 cases between 2014 and 2022 considering the numerous problems facing the general courts which adversely affect the general public to resolve their land conflicts. However, the Tribunal could not handle more cases because of various challenges which include inadequate funding, Inadequate staff, poor conditions of service for members of the Tribunal, inadequate transport, delay in the delivery of judgments, low public awareness of the Lands Tribunal, centralised operations of the Lands Tribunal, and forum shopping

Over Two Decades of Existence of the Lands Tribunal in Zambia: Review of Progress and Challenges

Context and Background: The specialised land court in Zambia is known as the Lands Tribunal, and it was created in 1996 through the 1995 Lands Act. The Tribunal was established with the objective of achieving speedy, low cost, flexible and efficient means of settling conflicts over land. Inspite of being existence for 27 years, little has been done on the progress and challenges of the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land in the country. Goal and Objectives: This paper aims at establishing the progress made by the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land and investigating the challenges faced by the Lands Tribunal in resolving conflicts over land. Methodology: The study incorporated the use of both primary and secondary data collected between January and October 2023. Secondary data were obtained through documents which include peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, books, media, Zambian land laws, and technical reports. Secondary data was supplemented by primary data obtained from three purposively selected institutions: Lands Tribunal, Law Association of Zambia, and Zambia Land Alliance (Kitwe office). The data collection method used with the key informants was in-depth face-to-face interviews. Office management at each institution chose the key informant based on their expertise and experience on the subject. Results: In order to strengthen the Tribunal’s operations, the Lands Tribunal Act of 2010 was enacted, enhancing the Tribunal’s operations by granting it more authority and responsibilities (that is, expanding jurisdiction). Research findings showed that between 2014 and 2023, the Lands Tribunal handled 3318 cases. According to research findings, if the Tribunal was operating efficiently and effectively, it could have handled more than 3,318 cases between 2014 and 2022 considering the numerous problems facing the general courts which adversely affect the general public to resolve their land conflicts. However, the Tribunal could not handle more cases because of various challenges which include inadequate funding, Inadequate staff, poor conditions of service for members of the Tribunal, inadequate transport, delay in the delivery of judgments, low public awareness of the Lands Tribunal, centralised operations of the Lands Tribunal, and forum shopping

Simultaneous Priority and Detection Based Carrier Sense Multiple Access Protocol

Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocol, along with collision detection in wired communication, helps in further increasing the efficiency of channel usage. It helps in terminating its transmission over the channel immediately once collision is detected, releasing the channel for other useful transmissions. Whereas in wireless communication, the packet collision cannot be detected until the completion of the entire transmission. To detect the collision immediately, the robust mechanism is requested. In this paper, we introduce Simultaneous Priority and Detection based Carrier Sense Multiple Access (SPD-CSMA) protocol to establish an efficient connection and immediate collision detection. The SPD-CSMA handles the situation using an additional antenna and a unique code message. SPD-CSMA is also supported with Shortest First (SF) algorithm for prioritizing the transmission. The proposed SPD-CSMA approach is validated by using NS3 on Ubuntu 13.10 operating system. The experimental results demonstrate that a reduced collision rate helps with improving the Quality of Service

Clinico-pathological profile of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in an endemic goiter area

Introduction: Anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATCs) usually present in the sixth to seventh decades of life and little is known about the disease in young patients. The aim was to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics diagnosed with ATC in an iodine-deficient area. Material and Methods: The medical records of 100 patients diagnosed with ATC at a tertiary care hospital between 1991 and 2013 were reviewed. Results: The mean age of patient was 58 years. About 34 patients were ≤50 years. The common presentation was that of a rapidly growing fixed and hard mass (64%). Due to rapid expansion, 27% patients experienced severe pain. About one-third presented as sudden enlargement of pre-existing goiter over few weeks. The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 3 months. About 41% presented with lymph node enlargement and 31% with distant metastasis. The diagnosis was established with fine-needle aspiration or core biopsy. Histopathology was available in 32 patients and showed four major patterns: spindle cell (9), giant cell (7), epithelioid (5), squamoid (1), mixed type in 10 patients. Eight patients presenting with stridor required emergency tracheostomy for airway control. Total thyroidectomy with or without lymph node dissection was possible in 21 patients. Patients received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 3 months. Overall survival was significantly better in patients receiving some form of treatment. Conclusion: ATC in endemic goiter areas presents at an earlier age. One-third of ATC is due to anaplastic transformation of pre-existing goiter and majority of the patients refuse treatment due to dismal outcome