Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Neonatal White Matter Microstructure.

A better understanding of genetic influences on early white matter development could significantly advance our understanding of neurological and psychiatric conditions characterized by altered integrity of axonal pathways. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) phenotypes in 471 neonates. We used a hierarchical functional principal regression model (HFPRM) to perform joint analysis of 44 fiber bundles. HFPRM revealed a latent measure of white matter microstructure that explained approximately 50% of variation in our tractography-based measures and accounted for a large proportion of heritable variation in each individual bundle. An intronic SNP in PSMF1 on chromosome 20 exceeded the conventional GWAS threshold of 5 x 10-8 (p = 4.61 x 10-8). Additional loci nearing genome-wide significance were located near genes with known roles in axon growth and guidance, fasciculation, and myelination.

Study of Clinical Variables Affecting Long Term Outcome after Microdisectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

Background Outcome of lumbar disc herniation are influenced by various clinical, socioeconomic and psychological factors. In the absence of provision of medical insurances, worker's compensation and sick leave, predictors for outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery will be different in Nepalese population. Objective To evaluate different clinical variables that can affect outcome after lumbar disc herniation surgery. Method Among 88 patients who underwent microdisectomy for lumbar disc herniation, 63 patients (43 male, 20 female) with follow up at least six months were retrospectively evaluated for clinical variables which can affect Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, its interpretation and Mcnab classification of post operative outcome. Result Average age of patients was 42.54±8.60 years. Mean follow up period was 34.89±23.80 months (range 6 -111 months). Thirty four patients had follow up period > 24 months. Mean ODI score before surgery and at final follow up was 37.87±8.76 vs 7.78±7.7; (p=0.00). Success rate was 90.47% (change in ODI score at least by 10), 93.65% (ODI score interpretation <40%), and 85.71%. (Mcnab outcome excellent and good). Significant correlation was found between age and ODI at final follow up but not with duration of symptoms. Male, non alcoholic, low level of education, numbness as a predominant symptom, disc at L4-L5 were significantly associated with better ODI at final follow up. For ODI score interpretation, gender, smoking habit, presence of leg pain as a predominant symptom were statistically significant factors whereas smoking and drinking habit, level of education, occupation, back pain and numbness as predominant pre-operative symptom, types of disc in MRI were significantly related to Mcnab outcome. There was 9.5% peri- or post-operative complications and recurrence in seven patients. Conclusion Age, gender, smoking and drinking habit, level of education, occupation, types of disc in MRI are important variables for ODI score, ODI score interpretation and Mcnab outcome.

Association of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive subjects with metabolic syndrome defined by three different definitions.

INTRODUCTION: Different authorities have put forward their criteria to define metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of MetS in hypertensive individuals by the available three different definitions from National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), International diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO and their association with other cardiac risk factors. METHODS: After anthropometric measurements fasting blood was analyzed for glucose, lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and anti-oxidized LDL antibody in 150 hypertensive individuals. A ten-year coronary heart disease risk was predicted using the Framingham risk score (FRS). RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 54.7 % by NCEP, 42.0 % by IDF) and 18.7 % by WHO. As many as 63.4 % had MetS by any definition, while only 9.4 % fulfilled all the criteria of the three definitions. The association of cardiac risk factors also varied according to the definition used. hsCRP was significantly elevated in MetS compared to non-MetS. Body mass index, waist circumference and HDL-C were associated in MetS defined by NCEP and IDF. FRS was higher in MetS defined by Adult Treatment Panel and WHO definitions. An increase in urine albumin and a decrease in eGFR were associated with MetS individuals defined by WHO only. CONCLUSION: There is a wide variation in the prevalence of MetS and associated cardiac risk factors according to three different definitions used. The different cardiac risk factors among MetS also vary with the definitions used. However, hsCRP and emerging risk factor are significantly elevated in hypertensive individuals with MetS as defined by all definitions.

Intramolecular dehydrohalogenation during base-mediated reaction of diols with dihaloalkanes.

Sodium alkoxides of a variety of diols were reacted with dibromoalkanes. It was found that the products of the reaction were alkenyl ethers resulting from intramolecular dehydrohalogenation of the initially formed monobromo ethers.

Population growth and economic development revisited with reference to Asia.

"This article takes another look at the old issue of population growth and economic development in the context of recent developments and with the benefit of the increasing stock of knowledge on the subject. It first presents a demographic perspective; then it analyzes the implications of population growth with respect to such integral aspects of economic development as human capital accumulation, income distribution and poverty, the environment, and sustainable economic growth. The approach in each case is to review the theoretical considerations, survey the empirical evidence, and then draw policy implications. An overall conclusion with implications for policy caps the paper." The geographical focus is on Asia.