Molecular profiling of bacterial blight resistance in Malaysian rice cultivars.

Bacteria blight is one of the most serious bacterial diseases of rice worldwide. The identification of genetic potential against bacterial blight in the existing rice resources is a prerequisite to develop multigenic resistance to combat the threat of climate change. This investigation was conducted to evaluate alleles variation in 38 Malaysian cultivars using thirteen Simple Sequences Repeats markers and one Sequence Tagged Sites (STS) marker which were reported to be linked with the resistance to bacterial blight. Based on molecular data, a dendrogram was constructed which classified the rice cultivars into seven major clusters at 0.0, 0.28 and 0.3 of similarity coefficient. Cluster 5 was the largest group comprised of ten rice cultivars where multiple genes were identified. However, xa13 could not be detected in the current rice germplasm, whereas xa2 was detected in 25 cultivars. Molecular analysis revealed that Malaysian rice cultivars possess multigenic resistance.

Organism-specific platelet response and factors affecting survival in thrombocytopenic very low birth weight babies with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To study organism-specific platelet response and factors affecting survival in thrombocytopenic very low birth weight (VLBW) babies with sepsis. STUDY DESIGN: Very low birth weight babies (birth weight <1500 g) admitted to a single level-three intensive care unit from January 2000 to December 2005 were prospectively evaluated for sepsis by rapid screen test, blood counts and blood culture. In thrombocytopenic babies, organism-specific platelet response and its effect on various platelet parameters were evaluated. In addition, morbidity, mortality and factors affecting survival were studied. RESULT: Sepsis was diagnosed in 230 of 620 (37%) patients. Gram-positive sepsis occurred in 20% (46/230), Gram-negative in 71% (164/230) and fungal in 8.6% (20/230) of patients. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 67% (155/230) of babies. The frequency and duration of thrombocytopenia were more with Gram-negative and fungal infections. The incidence of persistent bacteremia, multiorgan failure and death was more in thrombocytopenic neonates (P<0.01). The incidence of multiorgan failure and death was directly related to the duration of thrombocytopenia. On multiple logistic regression analysis, poor prognostic factors include a high SNAP score at admission, a severe drop in platelet count at onset of sepsis, a low platelet nadir, a prolonged duration of thrombocytopenia, a need for platelet transfusion, less number of days off ventilation and a prolonged stay in the hospital. CONCLUSION: In thrombocytopenic VLBW babies with sepsis, organism-specific platelet response is seen. In addition, persistent bacteremia, multiorgan failure and death are more in these babies, and survival decreases with the increased severity and duration of thrombocytopenia, with prolonged ventilation and increased need for platelet transfusions.

An epidemiological study of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVE: To study epidemiology including various risk factors incorporated in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in Kashmir. METHODS: A retrospective hospital based study on 3235 neonates admitted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Sheri-Kashmir Institute, were evaluated. Forty two were diagnosed as cases of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis on the basis of various clinical and radiological parameters and grouped in 3 stages as per modified Bell's classification. The case records of these 42 babies and 303 of the control group were reviewed for the purported risk factors and recorded on pretested proforma and finally statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Over a period of 10 years, we documented necrotizing enterocolitis in 42 neonates, with an incidence of 1% of all Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions and 1% of all live births. Eighty one percent were less than 2000 gms and 76% less than 36 weeks of gestation. Twenty four percent had stage I disease, 33% had stage II, and 43% babies had stage III disease. Multiple risk factors were present in these babies, with significant differences among Necrotizing Enterocolitis and the control group of patients, particularly hypothermia (P < 0.001), respiratory distress (P < 0.05), polycythemia (P < 0.001) acidosis (P < 0.01), sepsis (P < 0.001), enteral feeding and asphyxia (P < 0.001). Of the 59 babies (< 2000 gms) with hypothermia (< 35 degrees C), 39% developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis, compared to 4% babies (11/278), who did not have hypothermia, statistically a significant finding. Mean birth weight and gestational age were lower than in control group (P < 0.05). The age of presentation was 5.2 +/- 4.0 days and majority (81%) presented during first week of life, most severe cases presenting earlier than the mild cases. Severity of Necrotizing Enterocolitis as per modified Bell's classification and mortality was inversely related to birth weight and gestational age. One hundred percent mortality was noted in the babies, with birth weight less than 1000 gms and gestational age less than 28 weeks. The overall mortality was 45%, for stage I, 20%; for stage II, 36% and 67% for stage III. Necrotizing Enterocolitis cases accounted for maximum mortality in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit than in control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Recognition of factors such as prematurity, low birth weight, hypothermia, asphyxia and their timely prevention would help in reducing morbidity and mortality due to Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Meconium peritonitis--a leading cause of neonatal peritonitis in Kashmir.

Meconium peritonitis is a chemical reaction of peritonium to meconium which occurs due to leakage of meconium into peritoneal cavity as a result of perforation of intestines antinatally which gets subsequently sealed. In the present retrospective study, 39 cases of neonatal peritonitis were studied. Meconium peritonitis was diagnosed if a) abdominal X-ray showed diffuse calcifications (b) abdominal paracentesis showed meconium aspirate and c) leprotomy examination. Twenty (51.3%) out of 39 cases of neonatal peritonitis were found to have meconium peritonitis. These included 14 boys and 6 girls, birth weight ranged from 1500 gms to 3200 gms and mean age of presentation included abdominal distension in 100% cases, H/O not passing meconium in 50% cases, Ascites in 45% cases and vomiting in 40% cases, 30% presented with abdominal mass. Pseudocyst formation on X-ray was seen in 23% cases which was much higher than reported in world literature. Overall mortality in meconium peritonitis was 80%. The incidence of meconium peritonitis in this part of country in much higher than reported in Western and Indian literature. The high incidence may be due to underlying cystic fibrosis because Kashmir has a more homogenous population and consanguinity is very common. A prospective study including sweat chloride testing needs to be undertaken to look into the cause for proportionately higher occurrence of meconium peritonitis in Kashmir with particular reference to cystic fibrosis.

Models for the effects of individual size and spatial scale on competition between species in heterogeneous environments.

A spatially explicit model for competition with dispersal in a heterogeneous environment is used to study the effects of individual size and the spatial scale of the environment on the competitive interactions between species. The model is a Lotka-Volterra competition system with diffusion and with spatial variation in some coefficients. The coefficients in the model are taken to reflect a situation where the larger competitor typically disperses farther in unit time than the smaller and reproduces less rapidly, but has an advantage in contests or other forms of interference competition. The environment is assumed to be closed, i.e., it is assumed that individuals do not leave through the boundary. The environment is generally assumed to consist of a patch of favorable habitat surrounded by less favorable regions. The effects of spatial scale are studied by examining how the predictions of the model change as the size of the favorable patch is varied. The predictions turn out to be in qualitative agreement with the results of some empirical studies.

Expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the cervix. An immunohistochemical study.

The expression of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (subfamilies) CYP1A, CYP2B, CYP2C, CYP3A and CYP4A in the histologically normal cervix was explored using a panel of polyclonal antibodies. There was variation in the intensity of immunohistochemical reaction between the isoenzymes and between the various components of the cervix. Half the subjects tested were smokers and had increased urinary cotinine levels. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers in the expression of these isoenzymes. The implications of these observations in relation to cervical carcinogenesis are discussed.

Results of CO2 laser cylinder vaporization of cervical intraepithelial disease in 1234 patients. An analysis of failures.

This report analyses 1234 patients with CIN and non-condylomatous wart virus infection (NCWVI) managed by CO2 laser ablation in the Regional Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead from 1979 to 1983. Thirty-five patients (3%) were lost to follow-up. Of the 1157 patients currently under review and with at least 1 year of follow-up, 44 (3.8%) were laser treatment failures. This group is analysed and the results compared with other series.