Marker-assisted Backcrossing for Identification of Salt Tolerant Rice Lines

SSR or microsatellite markers are proved to be ideal for making genetic maps, assisting selection and studying genetic diversity in germplasm. SSR markers are playing important role to identify gene for salt tolerance that can be helpful for plant breeders to develop new cultivars. The experiment was conducted during the period from July 2009 to November 2010 in the experimental field and Biotechnology Laboratory of Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh to identify salt tolerant rice line of BC1F1 progenies of Binadhan-5 x FL-478 using SSR markers. Salt tolerant genotype, FL-478 was crossed with high yielding variety, Binadhan-5. Randomly selected 40 BC1F1 progenies along with their two parents (Binadhan-5, FL-478 and F1) were genotyped with microsatellite or SSR markers for identification of salt tolerant rice lines. Parental polymorphism survey was assayed by 10 SSR markers and three polymorphic SSR markers viz., RM 336, RM 510, and RM 585 were selected to evaluate BC1F1 rice lines for salt tolerance. In respect of Primer RM 336, 11 lines were found as salt tolerant and 25 lines were heterozygous and 3 lines were susceptible. Primer RM 510 identified two tolerant, 14 heterozygous and 22 susceptible lines. And primer RM 585 identified 4 lines as tolerant and 35 lines as susceptible. Thus, these markers could be efficiently used in tagging salt tolerant genes, in marker-assisted selection and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping. The selected BC1F1 could be used for developing BC2F1 and BC2F2 and mapping genes for salinity tolerance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v2i2.14008 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 2 (2): 1-8, December, 201

A bibliometric study of the top 100 most-cited randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in endodontic journals

Aim To identify and analyse the main features of the top 100 most‐cited randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses published in endodontic journals from 1961 to 2018. Methodology The Clarivate Analytics’ Web of Science ‘All Databases’ was used to search and analyse the 100 most frequently cited randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses having ‘randomized’, ‘randomised’, ‘randomized controlled’, ‘randomised controlled’, ‘randomized controlled trial’, ‘randomized controlled trials’, ‘clinical trial’, ‘systematic’, ‘systematic review’, ‘meta‐analysis’, and ‘meta‐analyses’ in the title section. The ‘International Endodontic Journal’, ‘Journal of Endodontics’, ‘Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology’, ‘Australian Endodontic Journal’, ‘Endodontics & Dental Traumatology’, ‘Endo‐Endodontic Practice Today’ and ‘European Endodontic Journal’ were included in the publication name section. After ranking the articles in a descending order based on their citation counts, each article was cross‐matched with the citation counts in Elsevier's Scopus and Google Scholar. The articles were analysed, and information on citation counts, citation density, year of publication, contributing authors, institutions and countries, journal of publication, study design, topic of the article and keywords was extracted. Results The citation counts of the 100 most‐cited articles varied from 235 to 20 (Web of Science), 276 to 17 (Scopus) and 696 to 1 (Google Scholar). The year in which the top 100 articles were published was 2010 (n = 13). Among 373 authors, the greatest number of articles was associated with three individuals namely Reader A (n = 5), Beck M (n = 5) and Kvist T (n = 5). Most of the articles originated from the United States (n = 24) with the greatest contribution from Ohio State University (USA) (n = 5). Randomized controlled trials were the most frequent study design (n = 45) followed by systematic reviews (n = 30) with outcome studies of root canal treatment being the major topic (n = 35). The Journal of Endodontics published the largest number of included articles (n = 70) followed by the International Endodontic Journal (n = 27). Among 259 unique keywords, meta‐analysis (n = 23) and systematic review (n = 23) were the most frequently used. Conclusion This study has revealed that year of publication had no obvious impact on citation count. The bibliometric analysis highlighted the quantity and quality of research, and the evolution of scientific advancements made in the field of Endodontology over time. Articles before 1996, that is prior to the CONSORT statement that encouraged authors to include specific terms in the title and keywords, may not have been included in this electronic search

Microstructural controls on reservoir quality in tight oil carbonate reservoir rocks

In carbonate reservoir rocks the complex interaction between the petrophysical properties corresponds to the various depositional microstructures which are modified by various diagenetic processes that ultimately define the reservoir quality, and pose challenges to the prediction of permeability. The permeability heterogeneity in the carbonate oil reservoirs of northern Iraq varies widely and is thought to be controlled by a number of different factors. In this work, controls of matrix permeability for the Cretaceous Kometan formation selected from five oil fields in Kirkuk embayment zone have been investigated. Helium porosity, helium pulse decay permeability , brine permeability, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mercury Injection Capillary pressure (MICP) , Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and photomicrography of thin section have been used to investigate the effect of microstructure on the variation of permeability in the Kometan Formation. The formation has porosities and permeabilities which range from 0.5±0.5% to 29±0.5% and from 0.65±0.08 μD to 700±0.08 μD respectively. Three types of pore systems have been investigated using pore type, pore size and pore-throat size as characterizing parameters. We have recognized three microstructural types: (i) matrix composed of nano-intercrystalline pores (pore diameter dp smaller than 1 μm and a nanoporous pore-throat size), (ii) matrix composed of micro-intercrystalline pores (110 μm) also with microporous pore-throat radii. The nano-intercrystalline pore system is common across northern Iraq and represents the effective pore system type in the reservoirs of the Kirkuk embayment zone. For these tight carbonate reservoirs, the mineralogy, especially of quartz and clay minerals (illite and smectite), has little relationship with the measured Klinkenberg-corrected permeability. Consequently, mineralogy is not a useful controlling factor for permeability. Diagenetic processes have altered the depositional texture significantly, resulting in changes to the pore size and pore-throat size distribution and affecting the permeability. In addition the matrix permeability is sensitive to stress, with permeability decreases between -4×10‾⁴mD/psi and -4 ×10‾⁵mD/psi in the effective stress range from 0 psi to 4000 psi. It has been found that of the three microstructure pore types the nano-intercrystalline pore system is more sensitive to increasing effective stress compared to the micro-intercrystalline and meso-intragranular pore systems. Laboratory experiments have shown that stylolisation resulting from regional fluid movements has also affected matrix permeability, with the stylolites acting as barriers to fluid flow and considered to be an important source of tightness of the Kometan formation in the Kirkuk embayment fields

Microstructural controls on reservoir quality in tight oil carbonate reservoir rocks

In carbonate reservoir rocks the complex interaction between the petrophysical properties corresponds to the various depositional microstructures which are modified by various diagenetic processes that ultimately define the reservoir quality, and pose challenges to the prediction of permeability. The permeability heterogeneity in the carbonate oil reservoirs of northern Iraq varies widely and is thought to be controlled by a number of different factors. In this work, controls of matrix permeability for the Cretaceous Kometan formation selected from five oil fields in Kirkuk embayment zone have been investigated. Helium porosity, helium pulse decay permeability , brine permeability, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mercury Injection Capillary pressure (MICP) , Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and photomicrography of thin section have been used to investigate the effect of microstructure on the variation of permeability in the Kometan Formation. The formation has porosities and permeabilities which range from 0.5±0.5% to 29±0.5% and from 0.65±0.08 μD to 700±0.08 μD respectively. Three types of pore systems have been investigated using pore type, pore size and pore-throat size as characterizing parameters. We have recognized three microstructural types: (i) matrix composed of nano-intercrystalline pores (pore diameter dp smaller than 1 μm and a nanoporous pore-throat size), (ii) matrix composed of micro-intercrystalline pores (110 μm) also with microporous pore-throat radii. The nano-intercrystalline pore system is common across northern Iraq and represents the effective pore system type in the reservoirs of the Kirkuk embayment zone. For these tight carbonate reservoirs, the mineralogy, especially of quartz and clay minerals (illite and smectite), has little relationship with the measured Klinkenberg-corrected permeability. Consequently, mineralogy is not a useful controlling factor for permeability. Diagenetic processes have altered the depositional texture significantly, resulting in changes to the pore size and pore-throat size distribution and affecting the permeability. In addition the matrix permeability is sensitive to stress, with permeability decreases between -4×10‾⁴mD/psi and -4 ×10‾⁵mD/psi in the effective stress range from 0 psi to 4000 psi. It has been found that of the three microstructure pore types the nano-intercrystalline pore system is more sensitive to increasing effective stress compared to the micro-intercrystalline and meso-intragranular pore systems. Laboratory experiments have shown that stylolisation resulting from regional fluid movements has also affected matrix permeability, with the stylolites acting as barriers to fluid flow and considered to be an important source of tightness of the Kometan formation in the Kirkuk embayment fields

Trend and status of air quality at three different monitoring stations in the Klang Valley, Malaysia

Over the last decades, the development of the Klang Valley (Malaysia), as an urban commercial and industrial area, has elevated the risk of atmospheric pollutions. There are several significant sources of air pollutants which vary depending on the background of the location they originate from. The aim of this study is to determine the trend and status of air quality and their correlation with the meteorological factors at different air quality monitoring stations in the Klang Valley. The data of five major air pollutants (PM10, CO, SO2, O3, NO2) were recorded at the Alam Sekitar Sdn Bhd (ASMA) monitoring stations in the Klang Valley, namely Petaling Jaya (S1), Shah Alam (S2) and Gombak (S3). The data from these three stations were compared with the data recorded at Jerantut, Pahang (B), a background station established by the Malaysian Department of Environment. Results show that the concentrations of CO, NO2 and SO2 are higher at Petaling Jaya (S1) which is due to influence of heavy traffic. The concentrations of PM10 and O3, however, are predominantly related to regional tropical factors, such as the influence of biomass burning and of ultra violet radiation from sunlight. They can, though, also be influenced by local sources. There are relatively stronger inter-pollutant correlations at the stations of Gombak and Shah Alam, and the results also suggest that heavy traffic flow induces high concentrations of PM10, CO, NO2 and SO2 at the three sampling stations. Additionally, meteorological factors, particularly the ambient temperature and wind speed, may influence the concentration of PM10 in the atmosphere

Outcome of major cardiac injuries at a Canadian trauma center

BACKGROUND: Canadian trauma units have relatively little experience with major cardiac trauma (disruption of a cardiac chamber) so injury outcome may not be comparable to that reported from other countries. We compared our outcomes to those of other centers. METHODS: Records of patients suffering major cardiac trauma over a nine-year period were reviewed. Factors predictive of outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (11 blunt and 16 penetrating) with major cardiac trauma were evaluated. Injury severity scores (ISS) were similar for blunt (49.6 ± 16.6) and penetrating (39.5 ± 21.6, p = 0.20) injuries. Five of 11 blunt trauma patients, and 9 of 16 penetrating trauma patients, had detectable vital signs on hospital arrival (p = 0.43). Ten patients underwent emergency department thoracotomy and 11 patients had cardiac repair in the operating theatre. Eleven patients survived and 16 died. Survivors had a lower ISS (33.7 ± 15.4) than non-survivors (50.4 ± 20.4; p = 0.03). Two of 11 blunt trauma patients and 9 of 16 penetrating trauma patients survived (p = 0.06). Eleven of 14 patients with detectable vital signs survived; all 13 without detectable vital signs died (p = 0.00003). Ten of eleven patients treated in the operating theatre survived, while only one of the other 16 patients survived (p = 0.00002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with major cardiac injuries and detectable vital signs on hospital arrival can be salvaged by prompt surgical intervention in the operating theatre. Major cardiac injuries are infrequently encountered at our center but patient survival is comparable to that reported from trauma units in other countries

Inhibition of activin/nodal signalling is necessary for pancreatic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Access to Artemisinin-Based Anti-Malarial Treatment and its Related Factors in Rural Tanzania.

Artemisinin-based combination treatment (ACT) has been widely adopted as one of the main malaria control strategies. However, its promise to save thousands of lives in sub-Saharan Africa depends on how effective the use of ACT is within the routine health system. The INESS platform evaluated effective coverage of ACT in several African countries. Timely access within 24 hours to an authorized ACT outlet is one of the determinants of effective coverage and was assessed for artemether-lumefantrine (Alu), in two district health systems in rural Tanzania. From October 2009 to June 2011we conducted continuous rolling household surveys in the Kilombero-Ulanga and the Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSS). Surveys were linked to the routine HDSS update rounds. Members of randomly pre-selected households that had experienced a fever episode in the previous two weeks were eligible for a structured interview. Data on individual treatment seeking, access to treatment, timing, source of treatment and household costs per episode were collected. Data are presented on timely access from a total of 2,112 interviews in relation to demographics, seasonality, and socio economic status. In Kilombero-Ulanga, 41.8% (CI: 36.6-45.1) and in Rufiji 36.8% (33.7-40.1) of fever cases had access to an authorized ACT provider within 24 hours of fever onset. In neither of the HDSS site was age, sex, socio-economic status or seasonality of malaria found to be significantly correlated with timely access. Timely access to authorized ACT providers is below 50% despite interventions intended to improve access such as social marketing and accreditation of private dispensing outlets. To improve prompt diagnosis and treatment, access remains a major bottle neck and new more innovative interventions are needed to raise effective coverage of malaria treatment in Tanzania

Chronic typhoid infection and the risk of biliary tract cancer and stones in Shanghai, China

Previous studies have shown a positive association between chronic typhoid carriage and biliary cancers. We compared serum Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi antibody titers between biliary tract cancer cases, biliary stone cases without evidence of cancer, and healthy subjects in a large population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China

A program of nurse algorithm-guided care for adult patients with acute minor illnesses in primary care

Background: Attention to patients with acute minor-illnesses requesting same-day consultation represents a major burden in primary care. The workload is assumed by general practitioners in many countries. A number of reports suggest that care to these patients may be provided, at in least in part, by nurses. However, there is scarce information with respect to the applicability of a program of nurse management for adult patients with acute minor-illnesses in large areas. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a program of nurse algorithm-guided care for adult patients with acute minor illnesses requesting same-day consultation in primary care in a largely populated area. Methods: A cross-sectional study of all adult patients seeking same day consultation for 16 common acute minor illnesses in a large geographical area with 284 primary care practices. Patients were included in a program of nurse case management using management algorithms. The main outcome measure was case resolution, defined as completion of the algorithm by the nurse without need of referral of the patient to the general practitioner. The secondary outcome measure was return to consultation, defined as requirement of new consultation for the same reason as the first one, in primary care within a 7-day period. Results: During a two year period (April 2009-April 2011), a total of 1,209,669 consultations were performed in the program. Case resolution was achieved by nurses in 62.5% of consultations. The remaining cases were referred to a general practitioner. Resolution rates ranged from 94.2% in patients with burns to 42% in patients with upper respiratory symptoms. None of the 16 minor illnesses had a resolution rate below 40%. Return to consultation during a 7-day period was low, only 4.6%. Conclusions: A program of algorithms-guided care is effective for nurse case management of patients requesting same day consultation for minor illnesses in primary care