Genome Sequence of the Versatile Fish Pathogen Edwardsiella tarda Provides Insights into its Adaptation to Broad Host Ranges and Intracellular Niches

BACKGROUND:Edwardsiella tarda is the etiologic agent of edwardsiellosis, a devastating fish disease prevailing in worldwide aquaculture industries. Here we describe the complete genome of E. tarda, EIB202, a highly virulent and multi-drug resistant isolate in China. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:E. tarda EIB202 possesses a single chromosome of 3,760,463 base pairs containing 3,486 predicted protein coding sequences, 8 ribosomal rRNA operons, and 95 tRNA genes, and a 43,703 bp conjugative plasmid harboring multi-drug resistant determinants and encoding type IV A secretion system components. We identified a full spectrum of genetic properties related to its genome plasticity such as repeated sequences, insertion sequences, phage-like proteins, integrases, recombinases and genomic islands. In addition, analysis also indicated that a substantial proportion of the E. tarda genome might be devoted to the growth and survival under diverse conditions including intracellular niches, with a large number of aerobic or anaerobic respiration-associated proteins, signal transduction proteins as well as proteins involved in various stress adaptations. A pool of genes for secretion systems, pili formation, nonfimbrial adhesions, invasions and hemagglutinins, chondroitinases, hemolysins, iron scavenging systems as well as the incomplete flagellar biogenesis might feature its surface structures and pathogenesis in a fish body. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:Genomic analysis of the bacterium offered insights into the phylogeny, metabolism, drug-resistance, stress adaptation, and virulence characteristics of this versatile pathogen, which constitutes an important first step in understanding the pathogenesis of E. tarda to facilitate construction of a practical effective vaccine used for combating fish edwardsiellosis

Qualitative Dermatoglyphics In Idiopathic Epilepsy

Genetic aetiology has been proposed for both idiopathic epilepsy and dermatoglyphics. Hence, the present study has been undertaken to find out the existence of any correlation between dermatoglyphics and idiopathic epilepsy. Material consisted of 100 patients (58 males and 42 females) and 100 controls (52 males and 48 females). Patient′s age ranged from 5 to 40 years and controls were between 18 and 25 years. Dermatoglyphics were obtained by painting method. Qualitative parameters observed were percentage frequency of fingerprint patterns (loops, whorls and arches,), patterns in hypothenar area/ interdigital are and flexion creases (Simian crease, sydney line). On comparison with controls, in males, with hands combined, loops (52.24%) and arches (7.93%) were increased and whorls (39.83%) were decreased (p<0.05). In females, with hands combined, arches (13.1%) and whorls (36.43%) were increased and loops (50.48%) were decreased (p< 0.03). Significant differences have not been observed for the patterns in hypothenar area /interdigital area and flexion creases. These dermatoglyphics features could be used as additional markers to evaluate patients of epilepsy

An epidemiological study of sheep pox infection in Karnataka State, India.

Analysis of retrospective quantitative sheep pox epidemiological data from the Government Animal Husbandry Department, Karnataka, India, covering 24 years revealed significant information on sheep pox. The state has a dense sheep population including some valuable breeds. Data revealed the endemicity of the disease: there were a considerable number of outbreaks and attacks, high mortality and case fatality rates and low immunisation coverage. None of the years studied were free from infection. Temporally, the disease was most prevalent between November and May. Spatially, the disease was recorded in 19 out of 27 districts; in some of these districts sheep pox was highly endemic, in some it was endemic at low levels and in the remaining districts outbreaks occurred sporadically. Environmental factors influenced disease occurrence. Vaccine production met only one tenth of the requirement, and its peak utilisation was in the dry season

Early intravenous cannulation in children during sevoflurane induction.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that early placement of an intravenous line in children anesthetized with halothane is equally safe compared with later placement. Whether this is true of sevoflurane is not known. METHODS: Pediatric patients, age 1-18 years