Horizontal transfer of domains in ssrA gene among Enterobacteriaceae.

The tmRNA (transfer messenger RNA), encoded by ssrA gene, is involved in rescuing of stalled ribosomes by a process called trans-translation. Additionally, regions of the ssrA gene (coding for tmRNA) were reported to serve as integration sites for various bacteriophages. Though variations in ssrA genes were reported, their functional relevance is less studied. In this study, we investigated the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ssrA among the members of Enterobacteriaceae. This was done by predicting recombination signals in ssrA gene (belonging to Enterobacteriaceae) using RDP5 (Recombination Detection Program 5). Our results revealed 7 recombination signals in ssrA gene belonging to different species. We further showed that the recombination signals were more in the domains present in the 3' end than 5' end of tmRNA. Of note, the mRNA region was reported in many recombination signals. Further, members belonging to genera Yersinia, Erwinia, Dickeya and Enterobacter were highly represented in the recombination signals. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of integration sites for different class of bacteriophages in ssrA gene. The locations of phage recognition sites are comparable with recombination signals. Taken together, our results revealed a diverse nature of HGT and recombination which possibly due to transduction mediated by phages.

A conserved SNP variation in the pre-miR396c flanking region in Oryza sativa indica landraces correlates with mature miRNA abundance.

Plant precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNA) have conserved evolutionary footprints that correlate with mode of miRNA biogenesis. In plants, base to loop and loop to base modes of biogenesis have been reported. Conserved structural element(s) in pre-miRNA play a major role in turn over and abundance of mature miRNA. Pre-miR396c sequences and secondary structural characteristics across Oryza species are presented. Based on secondary structure, twelve Oryza pre-miR396c sequences are divided into three groups, with the precursor from halophytic Oryza coarctata forming a distinct group. The miRNA-miRNA* duplex region is completely conserved across eleven Oryza species as are other structural elements in the pre-miRNA, suggestive of an evolutionarily conserved base-to-loop mode of miRNA biogenesis. SNPs within O. coarctata mature miR396c sequence and miRNA* region have the potential to alter target specificity and association with the RNA-induced silencing complex. A conserved SNP variation, rs10234287911 (G/A), identified in O. sativa pre-miR396c sequences alters base pairing above the miRNA-miRNA* duplex. The more stable structure conferred by the 'A10234287911' allele may promote better processing vis-à-vis the structure conferred by 'G10234287911' allele. We also examine pri- and pre-miR396c expression in cultivated rice under heat and salinity and their correlation with miR396c expression.

Evaluation of Lymphedema Prevention Protocol on Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients with Mastectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphedema is a widespread complication after surgery or radiation therapy due to the damage and obstruction of the lymphatic vessels. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of lymphedema prevention protocol on quality of life among breast cancer patients with mastectomy at a selected hospital in Tamil Nadu. Objectives of the study were to identify the effect of lymphedema prevention protocol on lymphedema occurrence and quality of life. METHODS: A quantitative research approach of quasi experimental non-equivalent with control group before -after design (Non randomized) was used. The investigator had included 120 participants by using purposive sampling technique which included 60 each in study and comparison group. Pre test was done before the intervention of lymphedema prevention protocol to both comparison and study group participants. Lymphedema prevention protocol was implemented for study group whereas comparison group received routine care. Post tests 1, 2, 3, and 4 were done by using the structured questionnaire at 10th day, 30th, 60th and 90th post operative day respectively. Subjects' responses were coded and statistically analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: The comparison of quality of life between study and comparison group over a period of time were statistically significant at p< 0.001 whereas lymphedema occurrence was significant at p< 0.01. CONCLUSION: The early execution of preventive measures of lymphedema prevents the lymphedema occurrence and promotes the quality of life among patients undergone mastectomy.