Pearl millet genome sequence provides a resource to improve agronomic traits in arid environments

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., syn. Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone], is a staple food for over 90 million poor farmers in arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. We report the ~1.79 Gb genome sequence of reference genotype Tift 23D2B1-P1-P5, which contains an estimated 38,579 genes. Resequencing analysis of 994 (963 inbreds of the highly cross-pollinated cultigen, and 31 wild accessions) provides insights into population structure, genetic diversity, evolution and domestication history. In addition we demonstrated the use of re-sequence data for establishing marker trait associations, genomic selection and prediction of hybrid performance and defining heterotic pools. The genome wide variations and abiotic stress proteome data are useful resources for pearl millet improvement through deploying modern breeding tools for accelerating genetic gains in pearl millet.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Development of a High-Density Linkage Map and Tagging Leaf Spot Resistance in Pearl Millet Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing Markers

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br; also Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone] is an important crop throughout the world but better genomic resources for this species are needed to facilitate crop improvement. Genome mapping studies are a prerequisite for tagging agronomically important traits. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) markers can be used to build high-density linkage maps, even in species lacking a reference genome. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) mapping population was developed from a cross between the lines ‘Tift 99D2B1’ and ‘Tift 454’. DNA from 186 RILs, the parents, and the F1 was used for 96-plex ApeKI GBS library development, which was further used for sequencing. The sequencing results showed that the average number of good reads per individual was 2.2 million, the pass filter rate was 88%, and the CV was 43%. High-quality GBS markers were developed with stringent filtering on sequence data from 179 RILs. The reference genetic map developed using 150 RILs contained 16,650 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 333,567 sequence tags spread across all seven chromosomes. The overall average density of SNP markers was 23.23 SNP/cM in the final map and 1.66 unique linkage bins per cM covering a total genetic distance of 716.7 cM. The linkage map was further validated for its utility by using it in mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for flowering time and resistance to Pyricularia leaf spot [Pyricularia grisea (Cke.) Sacc.]. This map is the densest yet reported for this crop and will be a valuable resource for the pearl millet community

Cranio-spinal granulocytic sarcomas in childhood acute myeloid leukemia

Granulocytic sarcomas (GS) are extra-medullary tumors of myeloblasts. These tumors constitute a rare, though well-documented, manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Their frequency in patients with AML varies from 0.7-5%(1,2). GS may occur in any part of the body, the common sites being the subcutaneous tissue, eye orbits and paranasal sinuses(2). Cranio-spinal involvement is however uncommon. We report here two cases with such involvement

Prospective analysis of 164 fires of da Vinci SureForm SmartFire stapler in oncological cases: Indian cohort of 76 consecutive cases

Background: The application of robotic staplers in surgeries has increased in recent years. Robotic platform enhances ability of the surgeon to directly control and manoeuvre staplers to achieve required angulation and sealing within the confines of the thorax and pelvis. Hence, in this study, we intended to learn the effectiveness of the SureForm™ SmartFire™ technology stapling system in various oncological procedures. Patients and Methods: Prospective study of 76 patients who underwent robotic-assisted total oesophagectomy, gastrectomies, hemicolectomies, low anterior resection/abdominoperineal resection and lobectomies/metastasectomy for respective malignancies for 16 months. Internal data log of the da Vinci surgical system for reload colour, reloads used, clamp attempts and staple fires used during each procedure along with patient's post-operative outcomes were recorded. Results: One hundred and sixty-four firings have been made in 76 cases, with the majority being green reloads (76.8%) and average reloads for radical cystectomy 3.5, lobectomies/metastasectomy 3.44 and oesophagectomy 2.55. None of the cases had incomplete firings and required force-fire activation. In forty per cent of cases, the robotic stapler had to pause for sequential compression and seal. Seventy per cent of anterior resection procedures had at least one firing >45° beyond the laparoscopy limit. Collectively 52% SureForm stapler fires in anterior resection with >45° angle of fire. None of the cases had bleed or leak. Conclusion: SureForm™ SmartFire™ robotic staplers can be used for various oncological surgeries with minimal peri-operative leak and bleeding and has better articulation in closed spaces. Further case-matched comparative studies with laparoscopic or handheld powered staplers would be required for useful operative decision-making and analyse the clinical outcomes