Identifying SNP markers associated with distinctness, uniformity, and stability testing in Egyptian fenugreek genotypes.

Distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) test is the legal requirement in crop breeding to grant the intellectual property right for new varieties by evaluating their morphological characteristics across environments. On the other hand, molecular markers accurately identify genetic variations and validate the purity of the cultivars. Therefore, genomic DUS can improve the efficiency of traditional DUS testing. In this study, 112 Egyptian fenugreek genotypes were grown in Egypt at two locations: Wadi El-Natrun (Wadi), El-Beheira Governorate, with salty and sandy soil, and Giza, Giza governorate, with loamy clay soil. Twelve traits were measured, of which four showed a high correlation above 0.94 over the two locations. We observed significant genotype-by-location interactions (GxL) for seed yield, as it was superior in Wadi, with few overlapping genotypes with Giza. We attribute this superiority in Wadi to the maternal habitat, as most genotypes grew in governorates with newly reclaimed salty and sandy soil. As a first step toward genomic DUS, we performed an association study, and out of 38,142 SNPs, we identified 39 SNPs demonstrating conditional neutrality and four showing pleiotropic effects. Forty additional SNPs overlapped between both locations, each showing a similar impact on the associated trait. Our findings highlight the importance of GxL in validating the effect of each SNP to make better decisions about its suitability in the marker-assisted breeding program and demonstrate its potential use in registering new plant varieties.

Stress effect on the mandibular dental arch by mentalis muscle over activity, finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The perioral muscles postural and functional abnormality should be clearly evaluated. The influence of the abnormal function of mentalis muscle on the shape and posture of the mandible was evaluated using a finite element approach. METHODS: Finite element analysis was used to create a three-dimensional representation of a human mandible that represents a dry normal mandible with teeth (33-36 gm/cm2). Pressures were applied directly to the labial surface of the mandible's lower anterior dento-alveolar structure reflecting the normal lips muscle function. While on abnormal swallowing pattern, lip muscle force (300 gm\cm2) had been assumed. RESULTS: Shape and postural abnormality of the mandible with malocclusion particularly at the anterior dentoalveolar and basal bone region in sagittal direction as well as inward pressure on the mandibular posterior region. CONCLUSION: Abnormal perioral muscle function throughout growth and development may result in a shape and postural abnormality of the mandible and a companying malocclusion.

High-Density SNP-Based Association Mapping of Seed Traits in Fenugreek Reveals Homology with Clover.

Fenugreek as a self-pollinated plant is ideal for genome-wide association mapping where traits can be marked by their association with natural mutations. However, fenugreek is poorly investigated at the genomic level due to the lack of information regarding its genome. To fill this gap, we genotyped a collection of 112 genotypes with 153,881 SNPs using double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing. We used 38,142 polymorphic SNPs to prove the suitability of the population for association mapping. One significant SNP was associated with both seed length and seed width, and another SNP was associated with seed color. Due to the lack of a comprehensive genetic map, it is neither possible to align the newly developed markers to chromosomes nor to predict the underlying genes. Therefore, systematic targeting of those markers to homologous genomes of other legumes can overcome those problems. A BLAST search using the genomic fenugreek sequence flanking the identified SNPs showed high homology with several members of the Trifolieae tribe indicating the potential of translational approaches to improving our understanding of the fenugreek genome. Using such a comprehensively-genotyped fenugreek population is the first step towards identifying genes underlying complex traits and to underpin fenugreek marker-assisted breeding programs.

Natural history of asymptomatic gallstones: differential behaviour in male and female subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The natural history of asymptomatic (silent) gallstones has been inadequately studied. Existing information derives from studies based on oral cholecystography or relatively small sample sizes. We planned a retrospective cohort study in subjects with gallstones to determine conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic. METHODS: We extracted data from computerised databases of one government hospital and two private clinics in Malaysia. Files were scrutinised to ensure that criteria for asymptomatic gallstones were fulfilled. Patients were called on telephone, further questioned to confirm that the gallstones at detection were truly asymptomatic, and asked about symptoms that were consistent with previously defined criteria for biliary colic. Appropriate ethical clearances were taken. RESULTS: 213 (112 males) patients fulfilled the criteria for asymptomatic gallstones and could be contacted. 23 (10.8%) developed pain after an average follow up interval of 4.02 years (range 0.1-11 years). Conversion rates from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstones were high in the first two years of follow up, averaging 4.03±0.965 per year. Over time the conversion rates slowed, and by year 10 the annual conversion rate averaged only 1.38±0.29. Conversion rates were much higher for females compared to males (F:M hazard ratio 3.23, SE 1.54, p>z 0.014). The lifetime risks for conversion approached 6.15% for males, and 22.1% for females. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, asymptomatic gallstones are much more likely to convert to symptomatic in females than in males. Males in whom asymptomatic stones are discovered should be advised conservative treatment. Surgery may be preferable to conservative management if the subject is a young female.

Economic cost of malaria on households during a transmission season in Khartoum State, Sudan.

This study was conducted in 2004 among 1200 households in Khartoum to estimate the direct and indirect economic costs of malaria for households. Information on the household and the malaria episodes was collected (care-seeking behaviour, working days lost and expenditure on malaria treatment). There were 327 episodes of malaria; 25.2% of the households reported at least 1 malaria episode during the month preceding the survey. In only 18.0% of malaria episodes was the individual economically active. The average treatment expenditure per fully cured case was US$ 6.3 (SD 5.9). The average indirect cost per fully cured case was U.S. $3.2 (SD 9.2); it was higher for individuals working in the informal sector than those employed in the formal sector.

Economic cost of malaria on households during a transmission season in Khartoum State, Sudan

This study was conducted in 2004 among 1200 households in Khartoum to estimate the direct and indirect economic costs of malaria for households. Information on the household and the malaria episodes was collected [care-seeking behaviour, working days lost and expenditure on malaria treatment]. There were 327 episodes of malaria; 25.2% of the households reported at least 1 malaria episode during the month preceding the survey. In only 18.0% of malaria episodes was the individual economically active. The average treatment expenditure per fully cured case was US$ 6.3 [SD 5.9]. The average indirect cost per fully cured case was US$ 3.2 [SD 9.2]; it was higher for individuals working in the informal sector than those employed in the formal sector

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma causing cord compression after streptokinase and heparin therapy for acute coronary artery occlusion.

We have reported a case of spinal epidural hematoma with cord compression in a 49-year-old man treated with short-term streptokinase and continuous heparin infusion. The sudden onset of back pain with subsequent neurologic deficits in a patient treated with fibrinolytic therapy alone or in combination with an anticoagulant should prompt an evaluation for spinal epidural hematoma with associated cord compression. The risk of combined fibrinolytic and anticoagulant therapy is not clear and warrants further evaluation.