Genome and transcriptome based comparative analysis of Tilletia indica to decipher the causal genes for pathogenicity of Karnal bunt in wheat.

Tilletia indica Mitra causes Karnal bunt (KB) in wheat by pathogenic dikaryophase. The present study is the first to provide the draft genomes of the dikaryon (PSWKBGD-3) and its two monosporidial lines (PSWKBGH-1 and 2) using Illumina and PacBio reads, their annotation and the comparative analyses among the three genomes by extracting polymorphic SSR markers. The trancriptome from infected wheat grains of the susceptible wheat cultivar WL711 at 24 h, 48h, and 7d after inoculation of PSWKBGH-1, 2 and PSWKBGD-3 were also isolated. Further, two transcriptome analyses were performed utilizing T. indica transcriptome to extract dikaryon genes responsible for pathogenesis, and wheat transcriptome to extract wheat genes affected by dikaryon involved in plant-pathogen interaction during progression of KB in wheat. A total of 54, 529, and 87 genes at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively were upregulated in dikaryon stage while 21, 35, and 134 genes of T. indica at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively, were activated only in dikaryon stage. While, a total of 23, 17, and 52 wheat genes at 24hai, 48hai, and 7dai, respectively were upregulated due to the presence of dikaryon stage only. The results obtained during this study have been compiled in a web resource called TiGeR ( http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/tiger/ ), which is the first genomic resource for T. indica cataloguing genes, genomic and polymorphic SSRs of the three T. indica lines, wheat and T. indica DEGs as well as wheat genes affected by T. indica dikaryon along with the pathogenecity related proteins of T. indica dikaryon during incidence of KB at different time points. The present study would be helpful to understand the role of dikaryon in plant-pathogen interaction during progression of KB, which would be helpful to manage KB in wheat, and to develop KB-resistant wheat varieties.

Construction of prophage-free and highly-transformable Limosilactobacillus reuteri strains and their use for production of 1,3-propanediol.

The lactic acid bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri (formerly Lactobacillus reuteri) is a desirable host for the production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from glycerol when 1,3-PDO is used in the food or cosmetic industry. However, the production is hindered by strain instability, causing cell lysis, and difficult gene manipulation. This study reveals that the stability of L. reuteri DSM 20016 and its 1,3-PDO production, especially in the alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs)-deletion mutants, are greatly enhanced after the deletion of two prophages (Φ3 and Φ4) present in the L. reuteri's chromosome. The resulting phage-free and ADHs-deletion mutant could produce >825 mM 1,3-PDO in 48 h without cell lysis at the theoretical maximum yield on glucose of ~2 mol/mol. Compared to the wild-type strain, the mutant exhibited a 45.2% increase in 1,3-PDO production titer and a 2.1-fold increase in yield. In addition, this study reports that the transformation efficiency of L. reuteri Δadh2Δadh6 mutant strains were greatly enhanced by >300-fold after the deletion of prophage Φ3, probably due to the removal of a restriction-modification (RM) system which resides in the phage genome. With improved stability and higher transformation efficiency, recombinant L. reuteri DSM 20016 Δadh2Δadh6ΔΦ3ΔΦ4 can be a more reliable and amenable host for industrial applications.

Evaluation of psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of healthcare workers during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study.

BACKGROUND: In light of several recent studies, there is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused various mental health concerns in the general population, as well as among healthcare workers (HCWs). The main aim of this study was to assess the psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment status of HCWs during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to evaluate its predictors. METHODS: This multi-center, cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted on HCWs during the outbreak of COVID-19 from August 2020 to January 2021. HCWs working in hospitals from 48 different countries were invited to participate in an online anonymous survey that investigated sociodemographic data, psychological distress, burnout and structural empowerment (SE) based on Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Conditions for work effectiveness questionnaire (CWEQ_II), respectively. Predictors of the total scores of DASS-21, MBI and CWEQ-II were assessed using unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 1030 HCWs enrolled in this survey, all completed the sociodemographic section (response rate 100%) A total of 730 (70.9%) HCWs completed the DASS-21 questionnaire, 852 (82.6%) completed the MBI questionnaire, and 712 (69.1%) completed the CWEQ-II questionnaire. The results indicate that 360 out of 730 responders (49.3%) reported severe or extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, 422 out of 851 responders (49.6%) reported a high level of burnout, while 268 out of 712 responders (37.6%) reported a high level of structural empowerment based on the DASS-21, MBI, and CWEQ-II scales, respectively. In addition, the analysis showed that HCWs working in the COVID-19 areas experienced significantly higher symptoms of severe stress, anxiety, depression and higher levels of burnout compared to those working in other areas. The results also revealed that direct work with COVID-19 patients, lower work experience, and high workload during the outbreak of COVID-19 increase the risks of negative psychological consequences. CONCLUSION: Health professionals had high levels of burnout and psychological symptoms during the COVID-19 emergency. Monitoring and timely treatment of these conditions is needed.

A mixed methods evaluation of the impact of ECHO® telementoring model for capacity building of community health workers in India.

INTRODUCTION: India has the largest cohort of community health workers with one million Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs). ASHAs play vital role in providing health education and promoting accessible health care services in the community. Despite their potential to improve the health status of people, they remain largely underutilized because of their limited knowledge and skills. Considering this gap, Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)® India, in collaboration with the National Health System Resource Centre (NHSRC), implemented a 15-h (over 6 months) refresher training for ASHAs using a telementoring interface. The present study intends to assess the impact of the training program for improving the knowledge and skills of ASHA workers. METHODS: We conducted a pre-post quasi-experimental study using a convergent parallel mixed-method approach. The quantitative survey (n = 490) assessed learning competence, performance, and satisfaction of the ASHAs. In addition to the above, in-depth interviews with ASHAs (n = 12) and key informant interviews with other stakeholders (n = 9) examined the experience and practical applications of the training. Inferences from the quantitative and qualitative approaches were integrated during the reporting stage and presented using an adapted Moore's Expanded Outcomes Framework. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement in learning (p = 0.038) and competence (p = 0.01) after attending the training. Participants were satisfied with the opportunity provided by the teleECHO™ sessions to upgrade their knowledge. However, internet connectivity, duration and number of participants in the sessions were identified as areas that needed improvement for future training programs. An improvement in confidence to communicate more effectively with the community was reported. Positive changes in the attitudes of ASHAs towards patient and community members were also reported after attending the training. The peer-to-peer learning through case-based discussion approach helped ensure that the training was relevant to the needs and work of the ASHAs. CONCLUSIONS: The ECHO Model ™ was found effective in improving and updating the knowledge and skills of ASHAs across different geographies in India. Efforts directed towards knowledge upgradation of ASHAs are crucial for strengthening the health system at the community level. The findings of this study can be used to guide future training programs. Trial registration The study has been registered at the Clinical Trials Registry, India (CTRI/2021/10/037189) dated 08/10/2021.

Identification and characterization of RuvBL DNA helicase genes for tolerance against abiotic stresses in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and related species.

Recombination UVB (sensitivity) like (RuvBL) helicase genes represent a conserved family of genes, which are known to be involved in providing tolerance against abiotic stresses like heat and drought. We identified nine wheat RuvBL genes, one each on nine different chromosomes, belonging to homoeologous groups 2, 3, and 4. The lengths of genes ranged from 1647 to 2197 bp and exhibited synteny with corresponding genes in related species including Ae. tauschii, Z. mays, O. sativa, H. vulgare, and B. distachyon. The gene sequences were associated with regulatory cis-elements and transposable elements. Two genes, namely TaRuvBL1a-4A and TaRuvBL1a-4B, also carried targets for a widely known miRNA, tae-miR164. Gene ontology revealed that these genes were closely associated with ATP-dependent formation of histone acetyltransferase complex. Analysis of the structure and function of RuvBL proteins revealed that the proteins were localized mainly in the cytoplasm. A representative gene, namely TaRuvBL1a-4A, was also shown to be involved in protein-protein interactions with ten other proteins. On the basis of phylogeny, RuvBL proteins were placed in two sub-divisions, namely RuvBL1 and RuvBL2, which were further classified into clusters and sub-clusters. In silico studies suggested that these genes were differentially expressed under heat/drought. The qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that expression of TaRuvBL genes differed among wheat cultivars, which differed in the level of thermotolerance. The present study advances our understanding of the biological role of wheat RuvBL genes and should help in planning future studies on RuvBL genes in wheat including use of RuvBL genes in breeding thermotolerant wheat cultivars.

Assessment of nurse's perceived just culture: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The non-punitive approach to error investigation in most safety culture surveys have been relatively low. Most of the current patient safety culture measurement tools also lack the ability to directly gauge concepts important to a just culture (i.e. perceptions of fairness and trust). The purpose of this study is to assess nurses' perceptions of the six just culture dimensions using the validated Just Culture Assessment Tool (JCAT). METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2020. Data from 212 staff nurses in a large referral hospital in Qatar were collected. A validated, self-reported survey called the JCAT was used to assess the perception of the just culture dimensions including feedback and communication, openness of communication, balance, quality of event reporting process, continuous improvement, and trust. RESULTS: The study revealed that the overall positive perception score of just culture was (75.44%). The strength areas of the just culture were "continuous improvement" dimension (88.44%), "quality of events reporting process" (86.04%), followed by "feedback and communication" (80.19%), and "openness of communication" (77.55%) The dimensions such as "trust" (68.30%) and "balance" (52.55%) had a lower positive perception rates. CONCLUSION: A strong and effective just culture is a cornerstone of any organization, particularly when it comes to ensuring safety. It places paramount importance on encouraging voluntary error reporting and establishing a robust feedback system to address safety-related events promptly. It also recognizes that errors present valuable opportunities for continuous improvement. Just culture is more than just a no-blame practice. By prioritizing accountability and responsibility among front-line workers, a just culture fosters a sense of ownership and a commitment to improve safety, rather than assigning blame.

Nurse's experience working 12-hour shift in a tertiary level hospital in Qatar: a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: The use of 12-h shifts for nursing staff has become common in many healthcare settings, including tertiary hospitals, due to its potential benefits such as reduced handover time and increased continuity of care. However, there is limited research on the experiences of nurses working 12-h shifts, particularly in the context of Qatar, where the healthcare system and nursing workforce may have unique characteristics and challenges. This study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses working 12-h shifts in a tertiary hospital in Qatar, including their perceptions of physical health, fatigue, stress, job satisfaction, service quality, and patient safety. METHODS: A mixed method study design was applied consisting of a survey and semi-structured interviews. Data was collected from 350 nurses through an online survey and from 11 nurses through semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Shapiro-Wilk test and the difference between demographic variables and scores were examined using Whitney U test and Kruskal- Wallis test. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The results from quantitative study revealed nurses perception in working 12-h shift has negative impact in their wellbeing, satisfaction as well as patient care outcomes. Thematic analysis revealed real stress and burnout and experienced an enormous amount of pressure going for work. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides an understanding of the nurse's experience working 12-h shift in a tertiary level hospital in Qatar. A mixed method approach informed us that, nurses are not satisfied with the 12-h shift and interviews revealed high level of stress and burnout among nurses resulting in job dissatisfaction and negative health concerns. Nurses also reported that it is challenging to stay productive and focused throughout their new shift pattern.

BS-Seq reveals major role of differential CHH methylation during leaf rust resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Epigenetic regulation of the activity of defense genes during onset of diseases or resistance against diseases in plants is an active area of research. In the present study, a pair of wheat NILs for leaf rust resistance gene Lr28 (R) in the background of an Indian cultivar HD2329 (S) was used for a study of DNA methylation mediated regulation of gene expression. Leaf samples were collected at 0 h before (S0 and R0) and 96 h after inoculation (S96 and R96). The DNA samples were subjected to BS-Seq and sequencing data were used for identification of differentially methylated/demethylated regions/genes (DMRs and DMGs). Following four pairs of comparisons were used for this purpose: S0 vs S96; S0 vs R0; R0 vs R96; S96 vs R96. Major role of CHH methylation relative to that of CG and CHG methylation was observed. Some important observations include the following: (i) abundance of CHH methylation among DMRs; (ii) predominance of DMRs in intergenic region, relative to other genomic regions (promoters, exons, introns, TSS and TTS); (iii) abundance of transposable elements (TEs) in DMRs with CHH context; (iv) demethylation mediated high expression of genes during susceptible reaction (S0 vs S96) and methylation mediated low expression of genes during resistant reaction (R0 vs R96 and S96 vs R96); (v) major genes under regulation encode proteins, which differ from those encoded by genes regulated during susceptible reaction and (vi) ~ 500 DMGs carried differential binding sites for H3K4/K27me3 marks suggesting joint involvement of DNA and H3 methylation. Thus, CHH methylation either alone or in combination with histone methylation plays a major role in regulating the expression of genes involved in wheat-leaf rust interaction.

WheatQTLdb V2.0: a supplement to the database for wheat QTL.

We recently developed a database for hexaploid wheat QTL (WheatQTLdb; www.wheatqtldb.net), which included 11,552 QTL affecting various traits of economic importance. However, that database did not include valuable QTL from other wheat species and/or progenitors of hexaploid wheat. Therefore, an updated and improved version of wheat QTL database (WheatQTLdb V2.0) was developed, which now includes information on hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) and the following seven other related species: T. durum, T. turgidum, T. dicoccoides, T. dicoccum, T. monococcum, T. boeoticum, and Aegilops tauschii. WheatQTLdb V2.0 includes a much-improved list of QTL, including 27,518 main effect QTL, 202 epistatic QTL, and 1321 metaQTL. This newly released WheatQTLdb V2.0 also has additional valuable options to search and choose the QTL, category-wise, and trait-wise data for their use in research or breeding programs.

Evaluation of COVID-19 ECHO training program for healthcare workers in India - A Mixed-Method Study.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely challenged healthcare delivery systems worldwide. Healthcare Workers were unable to assess and manage the cases due to limited knowledge of treating the virus and inadequate infrastructure. Digital interventions played a crucial role in the training of healthcare workers to get through the pandemic. Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) initiated the COVID-ECHO telementoring program for strengthening the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers. The study aimed at assessing the effects of the ECHO telementoring model in the capacity building of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19 in India. METHOD: We adopted a mixed-method approach with a parallel combination design. A quantitative survey was used to measure changes in the knowledge and self-efficacy among doctors and nurses. In-depth Interviews were used for qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of all the study participants. Student t-test and ANOVA were used to assess significant differences between mean scores across participant characteristics for different themes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In-depth Interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis. The evaluation followed the first five levels of Moore's model. RESULTS: The results highlighted the strengthening of knowledge and skills of healthcare workers in the assessment and management of COVID-19 after the ECHO training. Learning and performance ratings were high as 96% reported an increase in knowledge and 98% were able to apply it in their clinical practices. The key challenges identified were technical issues like internet connectivity and lack of interaction due to limited visual connection. The hybrid sessions, use of video camera, feedback mechanism, and inclusion of Continuing Medical Education were recommended by participants to improve the model. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study are an important addition to the pre-existing literature supporting the replicability of the ECHO model in the upskilling of healthcare professionals working in underserved and remote areas, not only in the context of COVID-19 but also in other public health domains. To enhance the effectiveness of this ECHO model, the study findings may be used to refine the model and improve the areas of concern.

Patient Satisfaction with Quality of Primary Care Health services-findings from India.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction is an essential indicator for measuring the quality of care. This study assessed patients' satisfaction with primary care services across different public health care system levels. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted across three states in India. We adopted a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique to select the districts(n-13) and facilities (n-55). A total of 4650 patients' exit interviews were conducted. Linear regression and analysis of variance was used to test the association. Analyses was performed using Stata software (version 15.0). RESULTS: Patients visiting the primary facilities were more satisfied within the different domains of quality indicators that is, technical, communication, safety and cleanliness, and cost of services. The highest differences were observed on behaviour of other staff (Reg Coefficient 4.1 ± 0.8) and cleanliness of the ward (Reg Coefficient 4.0 ± 0.9). Significant negative association was observed in patient's satisfaction in the state of Kerala with an increase in age and education level. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests higher satisfaction at primary care facilities as compared to secondary and tertiary level facilities in the three states. Development of standardized tool and specific research on patient experience and its relation to the quality of care is needed in low- and middle-income countries.

A mixed-methods study on the dietary practices of early postpartum women during the summer rainy season in Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

The current mixed-method study uses Food Frequency Questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recalls (n = 41) to assess the food/nutrient intake; and qualitative interviews to identify local perceptions of food among 41 early postpartum women in Belgaum, India. The results show that total energy, protein, and most micronutrient intake were significantly lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance of India (p < .05 individually); ninety percent of mothers restricted the consumption of some specific fruits, vegetables, and other foods during postpartum due to their perceptions of foods, folk medicines, and health beliefs. Culturally sensitive programs relevant to postpartum diet practices for women should be implemented.

MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G Gene Polymorphism in Neural Tube Defect Patients and Its Association with Red Blood Cell Folate Level in Eastern Indian Population.

Introduction: Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a single-nucleotide change in a deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) sequence that occurs in >1% of population. Methylene tetra hydro folate reductase (MTHFR) C677T (rs1801133) and methionine synthase enzyme (MTR) A2756G (rs1805087) are two such SNPs occurring in coding sequence of the respective genes, which are frequently seen with neural tube defects (NTDs). MTHFR and MTR genes are involved in folate metabolism. The folate level in the course of pregnancy is treated as vital in the etiopathogenesis of NTDs. This study aims to explore the association of SNPs of both genes and red blood cell (RBC) folate levels in the predisposition to NTDs. Aims and Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship of NTDs with polymorphisms in MTHFR and MTR genotype and to estimate and compare the RBC folate levels in NTD patients and controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 397 individuals were enrolled (163 patients and 234 controls) for this observational study. Genotyping to find out MTHFR C677T and MTR A2756G was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique from DNA extracted from the subject's blood. RBC folate level was estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay method with the same blood sample. Results: The total RBC folate levels were significantly less among cases compared to controls (P = 0.020). A significant difference for RBC folate was observed between case and control groups of various genotypes of MTHFR C677T, except heterozygote CT (P = 0.459). Among MTR A2756G, genotypes with only homozygous AA have significant difference (P = 0.003) for RBC folate levels. Among different types of NTDs, there were no significant differences for RBC folate levels. Among MTHFR C677T, T allele possessed 1.9 times risk compared to C allele for the occurrence of NTDs. In MTR A2756G polymorphism, the odds of developing NTDs were 1.6 times in heterozygous AG compared to homozygous AA. Similarly, the risk for NTDs was three times higher in subjects with both heterozygous AG and CT genotypes compared to wild-type homozygous AA and CC genotypes. Conclusion: The total RBC folate levels were significantly less among cases compared to controls, and the genotypes had no such effect in decrease in RBC folate levels. The presence of mutant allele in homozygous or heterozygous condition for both SNPs had increased risk associated with NTDs.

WheatQTLdb: a QTL database for wheat.

During the last three decades, QTL analysis in wheat has been conducted for a variety of individual traits, so that thousands of QTL along with the linked markers, their genetic positions and contribution to phenotypic variation (PV) for concerned traits are now known. However, no exhaustive database for wheat QTL is currently available at a single platform. Therefore, the present database was prepared which is an exhaustive information resource for wheat QTL data from the published literature till May, 2020. QTL data from both interval mapping and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been included for the following classes of traits: (i) morphological traits, (ii) N and P use efficiency, (iii) traits for biofortification (Fe, K, Se, and Zn contents), (iv) tolerance to abiotic stresses including drought, water logging, heat stress, pre-harvest sprouting and salinity, (v) resistance to biotic stresses including those due to bacterial, fungal, nematode and insects, (vi) quality traits, and (vii) a variety of physiological traits, (viii) developmental traits, and (ix) yield and its related traits. For the preparation of the database, literature was searched for data on QTL/marker-trait associations (MTAs), curated and then assembled in the form of WheatQTLdb. The available information on metaQTL, epistatic QTL and candidate genes, wherever available, is also included in the database. Information on QTL in this WheatQTLdb includes QTL names, traits, associated markers, parental genotypes, crosses/mapping populations, association mapping panels and other useful information. To our knowledge, WheatQTLdb prepared by us is the largest collection of QTL (11,552), epistatic QTL (107) and metaQTL (330) data for hexaploid wheat to be used by geneticists and plant breeders for further studies involving fine mapping, cloning, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) during wheat breeding.

Vitamin D Status of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates at Baseline and Follow-up after Daily Intake of 800 IU Vitamin D.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is rampant in neonates. Recommendations for supplementation are variable. METHODS: An observational study was done on less than 32 weeks of very low birth weight neonates to find prevalence of VDD (<20 ng/ml) at baseline; at 38 ± 2 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA) after daily intake of 800 IU vitamin D (vit D). Secondary objectives were to find determinants of VDD, to compare growth in deficient; vit D sufficient (VDS) neonates; to find vit D toxicity. RESULTS: Of 83 neonates, 81 (97.6%) were VDD at baseline and 5 (6%) at 38 ± 2 weeks PMA. Determinants for VDD at baseline were inadequate maternal sun exposure (p < 0.001) and vit D supplementation (p = 0.007). Factors for VDD at 38 ± 2 weeks PMA were male gender (p = 0.049), morbidities (p = 0.006), ventilation >24 h (<0.001), sepsis (p = 0.032), caffeine (p ≤ 0.001) and missed supplements (p < 0.001). Weight and length gain of VDD to VDS neonates were (6.70 ± 2.40 to 8.96 ± 2.21 g/day); (0.82 ± 0.34 to 1.08 ± 0.37 cm/week), respectively (p < 0.001). Head circumference gain (cm/week) of VDS; VDD neonates was 0.58 ± 0.09; 0.54 ± 0.06 (p = 0.054), respectively. No neonates developed vit D toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm VLBW neonates, the prevalence of VDD was 97.6% but decreased by >90% at 38 ± 2 weeks with a daily intake of 800 IU vit D. Inadequate maternal vit D intake and sun exposure determined low baseline vit D status of neonates. Male gender, morbidities, ventilation, sepsis, caffeine, missed vitamin D supplements were determinants of poor vit D status at follow-up. Weight gain and length increments were more in the VDS group.

Genome-wide analysis of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 modifications due to Lr28 for leaf rust resistance in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum).

KEY MESSAGE: Present study revealed a complex relationship among histone H3 methylation (examined using H3K4/K27me3 marks), cytosine DNA methylation and differential gene expression during Lr28 mediated leaf rust resistance in wheat. During the present study, genome-wide histone modifications were examined in a pair of near isogenic lines (NILs) (with and without Lr28 in the background of cv. HD2329). The two histone marks used included H3K4me3 (an activation mark) and H3K27me3 (a repression mark). The results were compared with levels of expression (using RNA-seq) and DNA methylation (MeDIP) data obtained using the same pair of NILs. Some of the salient features of the present study include the following: (i) large scale differential binding sites (DBS) were available for only H3K4me3 in the susceptible cultivar, but for both H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in its resistant NIL; (ii) DBSs for H3K27me3 mark were more abundant (> 80%) in intergenic regions, whereas DBSs for H3K4me3 were distributed in all genomic regions including exons, introns, intergenic, TTS (transcription termination sites) and promoters; (iii) fourteen (14) genes associated with DBSs showed co-localization for both the marks; (iv) only a small fraction (7% for H3K4me3 and 12% for H3K27me3) of genes associated with DBSs matched with the levels of gene expression inferred from RNA-seq data; (v) validation studies using qRT-PCR were conducted on 26 selected representative genes; results for only 11 genes could be validated. The proteins encoded by important genes involved in promoting infection included domains generally carried by R gene proteins such as Mlo like protein, protein kinases and purple acid phosphatase. Similarly, proteins encoded by genes involved in resistance included those carrying domains for lectin kinase, R gene, aspartyl protease, etc. Overall, the results suggest a very complex network of downstream genes that are expressed during compatible and incompatible interactions; some of the genes identified during the present study may be used in future validation studies involving RNAi/overexpression approaches.

Complex relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression due to Lr28 in wheat-leaf rust pathosystem.

Differential DNA methylation due to Lr28 was examined in susceptible (S) wheat cv. HD2329 and its resistant (R) near isogenic line (NIL) (HD2329+Lr28) using two approaches: methylation sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP). S/R lines each had a large number of hypomethylated genes and relatively fewer hypermethylated genes at 96 hai (hours after inoculation) relative to 0 hbi (hours before inoculation), suggesting activation of many genes during the passage of time (96 hai), although identity of genes may differ in S and R lines. When R NIL was compared with S cultivar, there were many hypermethylated and fewer hypomethylated genes in R NIL relative to S cultivar, suggesting that many genes that are active in S cultivar are silenced in R NIL, both at 0 hbi and at 96 hai. Level of methylation was generally abundant in intergenic regions followed by that in promoters, transcription termination sites (TTSs) and exons/introns. Hypermethylation in promoter and gene body regions was not always associated with inhibition of gene expression and vice-versa, indicating that more than one regulatory mechanisms may control the expression of genes due to pathogen attack in presence and absence of Lr28. MSAP analysis also showed abundance of mCG methylation in S cultivar and that of mCCG methylation in R NIL (at 96 hai), suggesting differences in methylation context in NILs with and without Lr28. The results of the present study improved our understanding of the epigenetic control of leaf rust resistance in wheat.

Hypophosphataemia in severe acute malnutrition: a prospective observational study.

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major cause of child mortality and morbidity. Children treated for SAM are at risk of refeeding hypophosphataemia (HP). The study was done to find out the incidence and various predictors of moderate/severe HP in SAM among North Indian children. This prospective observational study was conducted from August 2014 to July 2015 in the inpatients' department of Department of Paediatrics at King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, North India, a tertiary care teaching hospital. Before inclusion, ethical approval and written informed consent was obtained. Included in the study were sixty-five children aged 6-59 months of age, who were admitted to the hospital with SAM as per the WHO guidelines. SAM was defined as a mid-upper arm circumference <115 mm and/or weight-for-height/length <-3 z-scores of the WHO growth standards and/or have bilateral oedema. Serum P levels were measured on admission and for five consecutive days after starting feed. HP was defined as mild, moderate and severe with a cut-off of 1·19-0·65, 0·65-0·32 and <0·32 mmol/l, respectively. About 60 % children had HP, with 20 % having moderate/severe HP at admission. The proportion of HP increased to 83·1 %, with 38·5 % having moderate/severe HP on day 3 after feeding. It was concluded that HP is a common biochemical abnormality in SAM. Considering its impact on the health of the child, serum P levels should be monitored in patients with SAM who are treated with enteral feeding.

Electrical Properties of Hollandite-Type Ba1.33Ga2.67Ti5.33O16, K1.33Ga1.33Ti6.67O16, and K1.54Mg0.77Ti7.23O16.

Electrical conductivity and electrochemical catalytic activity for H2 oxidation of Ti-based hollandite-type Ba1.33Ga2.67Ti5.33O16 (BGT), K1.33Ga1.33Ti6.67O16 (KGT), and K1.54Mg0.77Ti7.23O16 (KMT) were investigated, along with the chemical stability of KMT under H2 at elevated temperature. BGT, KGT, and KMT crystallized in a tetragonal structure with the space-group I4/ m. The electrical conductivity in H2 increases with increasing Ti content, and the highest total electrical conductivity of 2 S/cm at 800 °C in H2 was observed for KMT. KGT:Fe (1:1) + 20% LSGM + 30% porosity composite electrode showed the lowest area specific resistance of ca. 1.6 Ω cm2 at 800 °C for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) under the open circuit condition. Moderate catalytic activity for HOR could be attributed to poor oxide ion conductivity and exclusion of potassium and hydrogen uptake in H2 at elevated temperature. Bond valence sum mismatch map calculation showed that the ionic transport happens along the 1D channel of c-axis in the hollandite oxides.

Multimorbidity in South Asian adults: prevalence, risk factors and mortality.

BACKGROUND: We report the prevalence, risk factors and mortality associated with multimorbidity in urban South Asian adults. METHODS: Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease were measured at baseline in a sample of 16 287 adults ages ≥20 years in Delhi, Chennai and Karachi in 2010-11 followed for an average of 38 months. Multimorbidity was defined as having ≥2 chronic conditions at baseline. We identified correlates of multimorbidity at baseline using multinomial logistic models, and we assessed the prospective association between multimorbidity and mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The adjusted prevalence of multimorbidity was 9.4%; multimorbidity was highest in adults who were aged ≥60 years (37%), consumed alcohol (12.3%), body mass index ≥25 m/kg2 (14.1%), high waist circumference (17.1%) and had family history of a chronic condition (12.4%). Compared with adults with no chronic conditions, the fully adjusted relative hazard of death was twice as high in adults with two morbidities (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6, 3.3) and thrice as high in adults with ≥3 morbidities (HR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9, 5.1). CONCLUSION: Multimorbidity affects nearly 1 in 10 urban South Asians, and each additional morbidity carries a progressively higher risk of death. Identifying locally appropriate strategies for prevention and coordinated management of multimorbidity will benefit population health in the region.