Pyramiding of blast and bacterial leaf blight resistance genes into rice cultivar RD6 using marker assisted selection

Blast caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae (Hebert) Barr. and bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) are two major diseases of rice (Oryza sativa). The use of varietal resistance is the most appropriate strategy for controlling the diseases, and molecular assisted selection can potentially accelerate breeding programs. The objective of this study was to pyramid genes conferring resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight diseases to rice cultivar RD6, using molecular assisted selection. Near-isogenic lines (NIL) derived from two blast resistant crosses (RD6 × P0489 and RD6 × Jao Hom Nin) were pyramided with IR62266 (xa5), to transfer bacterial leaf blight resistance to RD6 introgression lines. Five flanking sets of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers (RM319/RM212, RM48/RM207, RM224/RM144, RM313/RM277 and RM122/RM159: four for blast and one for BLB resistance) were used for screening of introgression lines carrying five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from the BC1F2 generation through to BC2F2:3 generation, and 12 pyramiding lines were identified. Gene validation for blast and bacterial leaf blight diseases was accomplished using artificial inoculation under greenhouse conditions. BC2F2:3 2-8-2-24 and BC2F2:3 2-8-2-25 showed greater levels of blast broad spectrum resistance (BSR) whereas BC2F2:3 2-8-2-36 expressed the highest of bacterial leaf blight resistance with a high blast BSR.Keywords: Gene pyramiding, introgression lines, molecular marker, Near-isogenic lines, SSR.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(28), pp. 4432-443

The Clinical Frailty Scale is a useful tool for predicting postoperative complications following elective colon cancer surgery at the age of 80 years and above: A prospective, multicentre observational study

Aim Identification of the risks of postoperative complications may be challenging in older patients with heterogeneous physical and cognitive status. The aim of this multicentre, observational study was to identify variables that affect the outcomes of colon cancer surgery and, especially, to find tools to quantify the risks related to surgery. Method Patients aged >= 80 years with electively operated Stage I-III colon cancer were recruited. The prospectively collected data included comorbidities, results of the onco-geriatric screening tool (G8), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), and operative and postoperative outcomes. Results A total of 161 patients (mean 84.5 years, range 80-97, 60% female) were included. History of cerebral stroke (64% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), albumin level 31-34 g/l compared with >= 35 g/l (57% vs. 32%, p = 0.007), CFS 3-4 and 5-9 compared with CFS 1-2 (49% and 47% vs. 16%, respectively) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (77% vs. 28%, P = 0.006) were related to a higher risk of complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis CFS >= 3 (OR 6.06, 95% CI 1.88-19.5, p = 0.003) and albumin level 31-34 g/l (OR 3.88, 1.61-9.38, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Severe complications were more common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (43% vs. 13%, p = 0.047), renal failure (25% vs. 12%, p = 0.021), albumin level 31-34 g/l (26% vs. 8%, p = 0.014) and CCI >6 (23% vs. 10%, p = 0.034). Conclusion Surgery on physically and cognitively fit aged colon cancer patients with CFS 1-2 can lead to excellent operative outcomes similar to those of younger patients. The CFS could be a useful screening tool for predicting postoperative complications.Peer reviewe

Laparoscopic versus hybrid approach for treatment of incisional ventral hernia : a 5–10-year follow-up of the randomized controlled multicenter study

Purpose: In this long-term follow-up of a prospective, randomized, and multicenter study, we compare the results of a group receiving laparoscopic incisional ventral hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (LG) to a group receiving a hybrid hernia repair where open closure of fascial defect was added to intraperitoneal mesh placement (HG). Methods: Originally, 193 patients with 2–7 cm incisional hernias were randomly assigned to either the LG or HG during the 30-month recruitment period in 2012 to 2015. Long-term follow-up was conducted 5–10 years after surgery to evaluate hernia recurrence rate and quality of life (QoL). Results: In all, 65 patients in the LG and 60 in the HG completed the long-term follow-up with a median follow-up period of 87 months. Recurrent hernia was detected in 11 of 65 patients (16.9%) in the LG and 10 of 60 patients (16.7%) in the HG (p > 0.9). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated a recurrence rate approaching 20% in both groups, with similar curves. Three patients in the LG (4.6% and five patients in the HG (8.1%) had undergone re-operation due to recurrence (p = 0.48). There was no difference in patient-reported QoL measured using the SF-36 questionnaire. Mean pain scores were similar between groups, mean numeric rating scale (NRS) 0 to 10 being 1.1 in the LG and 0.7 in the HG (p = 0.43). Conclusion: Fascial closure did not reduce hernia recurrence rate in this study population, even though it has been shown to be beneficial and recommended in surgery guidelines. In the long term, recurrence rate for both groups is similar.Peer reviewe

Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks

In this chapter, we present a literature survey of an emerging, cutting-edge, and multi-disciplinary field of research at the intersection of Robotics and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) which we refer to as Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks (RWSN). We define a RWSN as an autonomous networked multi-robot system that aims to achieve certain sensing goals while meeting and maintaining certain communication performance requirements, through cooperative control, learning and adaptation. While both of the component areas, i.e., Robotics and WSN, are very well-known and well-explored, there exist a whole set of new opportunities and research directions at the intersection of these two fields which are relatively or even completely unexplored. One such example would be the use of a set of robotic routers to set up a temporary communication path between a sender and a receiver that uses the controlled mobility to the advantage of packet routing. We find that there exist only a limited number of articles to be directly categorized as RWSN related works whereas there exist a range of articles in the robotics and the WSN literature that are also relevant to this new field of research. To connect the dots, we first identify the core problems and research trends related to RWSN such as connectivity, localization, routing, and robust flow of information. Next, we classify the existing research on RWSN as well as the relevant state-of-the-arts from robotics and WSN community according to the problems and trends identified in the first step. Lastly, we analyze what is missing in the existing literature, and identify topics that require more research attention in the future

One-year functional outcomes of patients aged 80 years or more undergoing colonic cancer surgery: prospective, multicentre observational study

Background: Older patients are at high risk of experiencing delayed functional recovery after surgical treatment. This study aimed to identify factors that predict changes in the level of support for activities of daily living and mobility 1 year after colonic cancer surgery.Methods: This was a multicentre, observational study conforming to STROBE guidelines. The prospective data included pre-and postoperative mobility and need for support in daily activities, co-morbidities, onco-geriatric screening tool (G8), clinical frailty scale (CFS), operative data, and postoperative surgical outcomes.Results: A total of 167 patients aged 80 years or more with colonic cancer were recruited. After surgery, 30 per cent and 22 per cent of all patients had increased need for support and decreased motility. Multivariableanalysis with all patients demonstrated that preoperative support in daily activities outside the home (OR 3.23, 95 per cent c.i. 1.06 to 9.80, P = 0.039) was associated with an increased support at follow-up. A history of cognitive impairment (3.15, 1.06 to 9.34, P = 0.038) haemoglobin less than 120 g/l (7.48, 1.97 to 28.4, P = 0.003) and discharge to other medical facilities (4.72, 1.39 to 16.0, P = 0.013) were independently associated with declined mobility. With functionally independent patients, haemoglobin less than 120 g/l (8.31, 1.76 to 39.2, P = 0.008) and discharge to other medical facilities (4.38, 1.20 to 16.0, P = 0.026) were associated with declined mobility.Conclusion: Increased need for support before surgery, cognitive impairment, preoperative anaemia, and discharge to other medical facilities predicts an increased need for support or declined mobility 1 year after colonic cancer surgery. Preoperative assessment and optimization should focus on anaemia correction, nutritional status, and mobility with detailed rehabilitation plan.Greater increased need for support before surgery, cognitive impairment, preoperative anaemia, and discharge to other medical facilities predicted an increased need for support or declined mobility 1 year after colonic cancer surgery. Preoperative assessment and optimization should especially focus on anaemia correction, nutritional status, and mobility with a detailed rehabilitation plan.</p

Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus sp.nov., an aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading purple betaproteobacterium

A brown-coloured bacterium was isolated from photoheterotrophic (benzoate) enrichments of flooded paddy soil from Andhra Pradesh, India. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain JA2(T) was shown to belong to the class Betaproteobacteria, related to Rubrivivax gelatinosus (99 % sequence similarity). Cells of strain JA2(T) are Gram-negative, motile rods with monopolar single flagella. The strain contained bacteriochlorophyll a and most probably the carotenoids spirilloxanthin and sphaeroidene, but did not have internal membrane structures. Intact cells had absorption maxima at 378, 488, 520, 590, 802 and 884 nm. No growth factors were required. Strain JA2(T) grew on benzoate, 2-aminobenzoate (anthranilate), 4-aminobenzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoate, phthalate, phenylalanine, trans-cinnamate, benzamide, salicylate, cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexane-2-carboxylate as carbon sources and/or electron donors. The DNA G+C content was 74.9 mol%. Based on DNA-DNA hybridization studies, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and morphological and physiological characteristics, strain JA2(T) is different from representatives of other photosynthetic species of the Betaproteobacteria and was recognised as representing a novel species, for which the name Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA2(T) (=ATCC BAA-35(T)=JCM 13220(T)=MTCC 7087(T))

Imaging standardisation in metastatic colorectal cancer: A joint EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR expert consensus recommendation

Background: Treatment monitoring in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) relies on imaging to evaluate the tumour burden. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors provide a framework on reporting and interpretation of imaging findings yet offer no guidance on a standardised imaging protocol tailored to patients with mCRC. Imaging protocol hetero-geneity remains a challenge for the reproducibility of conventional imaging end-points and is an obstacle for research on novel imaging end-points.Patients and methods: Acknowledging the recently highlighted potential of radiomics and arti-ficial intelligence tools as decision support for patient care in mCRC, a multidisciplinary, international and expert panel of imaging specialists was formed to find consensus on mCRC imaging protocols using the Delphi method.Results: Under the guidance of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Imaging and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Groups, the European Society of Oncologic Imaging (ESOI) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR), the EORTC-ESOI-ESGAR core imaging protocol was identified.Conclusion: This consensus protocol attempts to promote standardisation and to diminish variations in patient preparation, scan acquisition and scan reconstruction. We anticipate that this standardisation will increase reproducibility of radiomics and artificial intelligence studies and serve as a catalyst for future research on imaging end-points. For ongoing and future mCRC trials, we encourage principal investigators to support the dissemination of these im-aging standards across recruiting centres. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Prognostic value of Goseki histological classification in adenocarcinoma of the cardia

Various histologic classification systems have been proposed as prognostic factors for gastric cancer. We assessed the prognostic value of Goseki classification as well as the TNM staging system, histological tumour grading, Lauren, WHO, Goseki and Siewert classifications in 100 patients with cardia carcinoma undergoing curative surgery. Two patients were lost at follow-up. The median time of follow-up in the remaining patients was 32.9 months after surgery (range: 0.1–142.1 months). No differences in survival rates were observed according to tumour grading, Lauren or WHO histologic or Siewert topographical classification. No differences were found according to Goseki classes, when considering either the mucin content of the carcinoma (types I and III vs II and IV) or the differentiation grade (types I and II vs III and IV). Multivariate analysis showed that the only lymph node positivity was a significant predictor of survival: 7.2% of patients with, but 41.5% of those without nodal involvement were alive after five years (P=0.0001). In conclusion, we found no prognostic role for Goseki or the traditional histological indexes, while the TNM staging system and particularly lymph node positivity were the main predictors of survival in patients with cardia adenocarcinoma

Personalizing Cancer Pain Therapy: Insights from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) Group

Introduction: A previous Delphi survey from the Rational Use of Analgesics (RUA) project involving Italian palliative care specialists revealed some discrepancies between current guidelines and clinical practice with a lack of consensus on items regarding the use of strong opioids in treating cancer pain. Those results represented the basis for a new Delphi study addressing a better approach to pain treatment in patients with cancer. Methods: The study consisted of a two-round multidisciplinary Delphi study. Specialists rated their agreement with a set of 17 statements using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = totally disagree and 4 = totally agree). Consensus on a statement was achieved if the median consensus score (MCS) (expressed as value at which at least 50% of participants agreed) was at least 4 and the interquartile range (IQR) was 3–4. Results: This survey included input from 186 palliative care specialists representing all Italian territory. Consensus was reached on seven statements. More than 70% of participants agreed with the use of low dose of strong opioids in moderate pain treatment and valued transdermal route as an effective option when the oral route is not available. There was strong consensus on the importance of knowing opioid pharmacokinetics for therapy personalization and on identifying immediate-release opioids as key for tailoring therapy to patients’ needs. Limited agreement was reached on items regarding breakthrough pain and the management of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction. Conclusion: These findings may assist clinicians in applying clinical evidence to routine care settings and call for a reappraisal of current pain treatment recommendations with the final aim of optimizing the clinical use of strong opioids in patients with cancer