Assessment of genotype by year interaction for yield components and physiological traits in cotton under drought stress using multivariate analysis and genetic parameters

The objective of this study was to identify genotype high yielding and drought-tolerant, by understanding the interaction GY pattern for yield, yield components and physiological traits in 24 cotton genotypes over five years under drought stress conditions using AMMI analysis, genetic parameters and multivariate analysis. All assessed traits were significantly impacted by genotypes and GY interaction using the AMMI model, with the exception of chlorophyll b by GY interaction. Meanwhile, seed cotton yield/plant, number of open bolls/plant, lint percentage, lint cotton yield/plant, and number of fruiting branches/plant were significantly affected by the year's factor. High BSH coupled with high GAM% was observed for all studied traits, indicating the heritability due to additive type of gene action and, the importance of these genotypes and the possibility of effective selection for drought-tolerant genotype development. A statistically significant correlation was discovered between cotton yield and most investigated traits under drought stress conditions. Direct selection can be done through these traits based on genetic parameters and Pearson's correlations analyses, which will be effective for drought tolerance and enhancing cotton yield. The results of our study's Pearson's correlation analysis, PCA and cluster analysis could be relevant and appropriate for studying drought tolerance mechanisms and cotton yield improvement. According to PCA and cluster analysis, the genotypes G20 and G19 followed by G5, G4 and G21 genotypes showed the best performance in response to drought stress regarding the yield, yield components and physiological-related traits. The previous genotypes could be used in future cotton breeding efforts in Egypt to promote drought tolerance, improve cotton productivity, and sustainable production during drought stress conditions

The Impact of Antiepileptic Drugs on Thyroid Function in Children with Epilepsy: New Versus Old

 Abstract ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) versus newer AEDs on the thyroid hormone profile of children with epilepsy.Materials & MethodsA total of 80 children with epilepsy were included in this study and were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 40 children with epilepsy on traditional AEDs, and group 2 included 40 children with epilepsy on newer AEDs. Forty healthy children were also included as the control group (group 3). We analyzed the serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).Results: Epileptic children treated with traditional drugs showed a statistically significant decrease in the serum fT4 and increase in TSH concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Whereas epileptic children treated with newer drugs showed no statistically significant changes in the serum fT3, fT4 and TSH concentrations compared to the control group Conclusions: Traditional AEDs have a significant impact in the thyroid hormone profile compared to the newer AEDs

A New High Yielding and Long Staple Egyptian Cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) Variety "Super Giza 94"

The Egyptian long staple cotton variety "Super Giza 94" was developed by Cotton Research Institute CRI, Giza, Egypt, which belongs to Gossypium barbadense L. Super Giza 94 is a novel plant structure improved seed cotton yield, lint percentage and fiber quality traits. Super Giza 94 was developed through one-way hybridization of elite parental cotton genotypes accompanied by pedigree selection method to incorporate the excellent combinations of higher yield potential, early maturity and fiber quality traits with resistance to Fusarium wilt. The superior plant combinations were selected in F2-F6 generations entirely based on phenotypic plant traits and progeny yield potential in the field conditions. The selected strains were evaluated in multilocations yield trials over three years and six locations in a randomized complete block design with six replications. The results of these trials exhibited that the new variety surpassed the three commercial varieties of these locations in most yield traits. Super Giza 94 is characterized by early maturity with high yield potential, fluffy opening and easy to pick, strong resistance to Fusarium wilt disease, high lint percentage (40.2%) with improved fiber traits including fiber length (34.1mm), fiber strength (43.4 g/tex), micronaire reading (4.2), uniformity ratio (86.9%), yellowness +b (8.3), brightness Rd (79.8%) and white lint color. Super Giza 94 can solve maximum challenges of better cotton production in the area and fulfill industrial requisitions. For that, recommended for general cultivation in the Delta region in the 2016 growing season

Intraoperative endomanometric laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication improves postoperative outcomes in large sliding hiatus hernia with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. A retrospective cohort study

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) is the gold standard surgical intervention for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). LNF can be followed by recurrent symptoms or complications affecting patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to assess the value of the intraoperative endomanometric evaluation of esophagogastric competence and pressure combined with LNF in patients with large sliding hiatus hernia (> 5 cm) with severe GERD (DeMeester score >100). Materials and methods: This is a retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Baseline characteristics, postoperative dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome, recurrent symptoms, and satisfaction were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Outcomes analyzed included recurrent reflux symptoms, postoperative side effects, and satisfaction with surgery. Results: 360 patients were stratified into endomanometric LNF (180 patients, LNF+) and LNF alone (180 patients, LNF). Recurrent heartburn (3.9% vs. 8.3%) and recurrent regurgitation (2.2% vs. 5%) showed a lower incidence in the LNF+ group (P=0.012). Postoperative score III recurrent heartburn and score III regurgitations occurred in 0% vs. 3.3% and 0% vs. 2.8% cases in the LNF+ and LNF groups, respectively (P=0.005). Postoperative persistent dysphagia and gas bloat syndrome occurred in 1.75% vs. 5.6% and 0% vs. 3.9% of patients (P=0.001). Score III postoperative persistent dysphagia was 0% vs. 2.8% in the two groups (P=0.007). There was no redo surgery for dysphagia after LNF+. Patient satisfaction at the end of the study was 93.3% vs. 86.7% in both cohorts, respectively (P=0.05). Conclusions: Intraoperative high-resolution manometry (HRM) and endoscopic were feasible in all patients, and the outcomes were favorable from an effectiveness and safety standpoint

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The Valorization of Spent Coffee Ground Extract as a Prospective Insecticidal Agent against Some Main Key Pests of <em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> in the Laboratory and Field

The exploitation of massive amounts of food and agro-waste represents a severe social, economic, and environmental issue. Under the growing demand for food products that are free of toxic synthetic insecticides, a methanolic extract of spent coffee grounds (SCGs), which represent the main byproduct of coffee production, was applied in the current study as a bioinsecticide against the main pests of the green bean: Spodoptera littoralis, Agrotis ipsilon, Bemisia tabaci, Empoasca fabae, and Aphis craccivora. A deterrent assay, contact bioassay, and lethal concentration analysis were performed to reveal the repellent, antifeedant, and oviposition deterrent effects. Parallel to the above-mentioned bioassays, the phytochemical composition of the methanolic SCG extract was investigated via a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Fourteen phenolic acids and five flavonoids, in addition to caffeine (alkaloid), were identified in the extract. Cinnamic, rosmarinic, and gallic acids were the predominant phenolics, while apigenin-7-glucoside was the main flavonoid, followed by naringin, catechin, and epicatechin. The extract of SCGs showed an insecticidal effect, with a mortality between 27.5 and 76% compared to the control (7.4%) and based on the concentration of the extract used. In the same trend, the oviposition efficiency revealed different batches of laid eggs (0.67, 2.33, 7.33, and 8.67 batches/jar) for 100, 50, and 25% of the SCG extract and the control. Finally, the major components of the SCG extract were docked into the insecticide acetylcholinesterase enzyme to explore their potential for inhibition, where apigenin-7-glucoside showed a higher binding affinity, followed by catechin, compared to the control (lannate). The obtained findings could be a starting point for developing novel bioinsecticides from SCGs

First report of detection of the putative receptor of Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Vip3Aa from black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon)

Black cutworm (BCW) Agrotis ipsilon, an economically important lepidopteran insect, has attracted a great attention. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is spore forming soil bacteria and is an excellent environment-friendly approach for the control of phytophagous and disease-transmitting insects. In fact, bio-pesticide formulations and insect resistant transgenic plants based on the bacterium Bt delta-endotoxin have attracted worldwide attention as a safer alternative to harmful chemical pesticides. The major objective of the current study was to understand the mechanism of interaction of Bt toxin with its receptor molecule(s). The investigation involved the isolation, identification, and characterization of a putative receptor – vip3Aa. In addition, the kinetics of vip toxin binding to its receptor molecule was also studied. The present data suggest that Vip3Aa toxin bound specifically with high affinity to a 48-kDa protein present at the brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the midgut epithelial cells of BCW larvae. Keywords: Receptor, vip3Aa, Bacillus thuringiensis, BBM

Preoperative predictive parameters for accurate detection of stage IV endometriosis

Abstract Background Surgery is the main line of treatment of endometriosis. Patients with stage IV endometriosis have more extensive adhesions, which make the surgery difficult. There are no accurate non-invasive predictive preoperative parameters of stage IV endometriosis and no consensus has been reached. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and detect preoperative non-invasive parameters for the detection of stage IV endometriosis. Patients and methods In the present study, we included 150 females admitted for surgical removal of endometriosis. We scored and classified endometriosis into four stages according to the revised ASRM classification. We compared between baseline characteristics of patients with different stages of endometriosis, and then we selected the best combination of diagnostic and predictive parameters of stage IV endometriosis. Results Predictors of stage IV endometriosis and indicators for safety surgery were as follows: VAS ≥ 4 (p < 0.001), fixed uterus (p = 0.005), fixed ovarian cysts (p < 0.001), tender uterosacral ligament nodule (p < 0.001), tender rectovaginal septum nodule (p = 0.003), bilateral endometriosis (p < 0.001), and sum of sizes of endometriotic nodules (p < 0.001). Conclusion Fixed uterus, fixed ovarian cysts, tender uterosacral ligament nodule, tender rectovaginal septum nodule, bilateral endometriosis, and indications for surgery were significantly considered adequate predictive markers for stage IV endometriosis