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Plant Disease Mar 2024In February 2022, leaf zonate spot disease afflicted Aloe vera L. in Yunnan, China, endangering the $39 billion industry with 0.33ha under cultivation (Wan 2015). The...
In February 2022, leaf zonate spot disease afflicted Aloe vera L. in Yunnan, China, endangering the $39 billion industry with 0.33ha under cultivation (Wan 2015). The disease manifested with watery spots progressing into oval or circular necrosis lesions, characterized by a dark center surrounded by a gray-brown zone. In the late stage of the disease, lesions regress in size and several small dark picnidia dots appeared on the gray-brown zone. The disease incidence ranged from 10% to 15% in three commercial plantations. If left uncontrolled, the disease could diminish the commercial value of Aloe vera plants. Eighteen symptomatic leaf samples underwent morphological and genetic identification. The samples were carefully washed with distilled water and 1×1 cm2 sections of tissue were excised using a sterile scalpel. The sections underwent surface-disinfection with 3% NaOCl for 3 min and 75% ethanol for 30 s. After three sterile water rinses the sections were air-dried. Subsequently, they were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) before being incubated at 25 ℃ in the dark. Of the 18 samples, eight produced the colonies with similar morphological characteristics, named LH7. Isolate LH7 had downy to woolly aerial mycelia, initially pinkish white on the surface, and gradually turned greenish-olivaceous from the middle, and eventually turned dark brown to black after seven days. The fungus formed arthric chains in the aerial mycelium on PDA but did not produce conidiomata. The conidia, which occurred in arthric chains were 5.50-9.9 × 4.08-7.51 μm (mean 7.09× 5.26 μm, n=50) in size, cylindrical, brown, and 0-1 septate. To ascertain LH7's pathogenicity, three healthy one-year old aloe plants were surface-sanitized with a 1% aqueous chlorine solution, rinsed with sterile water, and dried. Three leaves from each plant were punctuated and inoculated using conidial suspension (100 μl of 1x 106 conidial mL-1), while three control plants were inoculated with sterile distilled water. The pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. The inoculated plants were kept at 25 ℃ with a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. After seven days, symptoms observed in the field appeared in the plants, while no disease occurred in the control plants. After 21 days, conidiomata formed on the inoculated leaves, averaging 116.92 μm (n=20) in diameter. These conidiomata were globose to subglobose, and brown to sub-brown. The fungus was successfully re-isolated from symptomatic tissue and the resulting colonies were morphologically consistent with isolate LH7. Based on the characteristics, the fungus was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (Philips et al. 2013). The specimen was deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection ( CCTCC AF 2024001). This identification was confirmed through sequencing of ITS gene region of rDNA using ITS1/ITS4 (Imran et al. 2022). The sequence was submitted into GenBank database (ON878059). BLAST analysis of the LH7's ITS amplicon showed 100% similarity with that of JN093303.1. A phylogenetic tree constructed using the maximum likelihood method revealed that ON878059 was clustered with JN093303.1. Previous studies have documented that pathogens such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.), Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus oryzae can also cause diseases in A. vera in China (Zhou et al. 2008; Ding et al. 2015). Additinonally, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae, and Lasiodiplodia theobromae have been identified as causal agents of aloe leaf spot diseases in India, Bangladesh and Malaysia (Avasthi et al. 2016; Ahmmed et al. 2022; Khoo et al. 2022). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum causing leaf necrosis of aloe in China. Vigilant surveillance and disease control measures are imperative to mitigate potential losses in this region.
PubMed: 38499972
DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-09-23-1911-PDN -
Journal of Pediatric Surgery Feb 2024Chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy (including total body irradiation) and novel compounds used to treat children and teenagers with benign or malignant diseases can lead...
BACKGROUND
Chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy (including total body irradiation) and novel compounds used to treat children and teenagers with benign or malignant diseases can lead to impaired fertility. For prepubertal female patients at high risk of treatment-related infertility, upfront storage of ovarian tissue is increasingly being recognised as standard of care. No surgical guidelines exist to ensure best practice technique. We reviewed current UK practice to assess surgical management.
METHODS
A ten-item, anonymous multiple-choice survey was distributed to the lead surgeons in all paediatric centres in England/Wales undertaking ovarian procurement for cryopreservation.
RESULTS
There are currently 18 centres in England and Wales that provide ovarian procurement for cryopreservation. Responses were received from 100% of the invited paediatric surgical oncology centres in England and Wales. 39.3% of participants stated that in their centre <10 cases of ovarian harvest are performed annually. In 32.1% of centres >20 cases are undertaken per year. In 64% of centres surgery is performed by a paediatric surgeon with interest in oncology or fertility preservation. The majority of cases were performed by a Consultant or Senior Registrar (89%). Regarding the surgical technique, 82% of respondents stated they gain access to the abdominal cavity using standard 3-port laparoscopy, 7% use single-port laparoscopy. Most frequently used energy devices for ovary/ovarian tissue resection were Ligasure™ (44%) and Harmonic Scalpel™ (18.5%). 96% of respondents perform a total oophorectomy, 1 respondent stated they perform a hemi-oophorectomy. 53% stated they place the ovary into a retrieval bag only if the ovary was too big for easy removal via the camera port, 28.5% always place it in a retrieval bag. Most surgeons use the umbilical port site for retrieval (82%).
CONCLUSION
This national survey shows significant heterogeneity in the surgical management of ovarian procurement for cryopreservation. To ensure best outcomes, research into the various surgical methods is necessary to provide data for a standardised best practice approach.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
This is a level II evidence study. In itself, it is a national survey of specialists, which was undertaken in a prospective manner.
PubMed: 38480030
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.02.013 -
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons Mar 2024Spinal arachnoid webs (SAWs) are rare pathologies of the spinal meninges often associated with syringomyelia and the radiographic "scalpel sign." Patients can experience...
BACKGROUND
Spinal arachnoid webs (SAWs) are rare pathologies of the spinal meninges often associated with syringomyelia and the radiographic "scalpel sign." Patients can experience pain, numbness, gait disturbances, or no symptoms at all. They are typically diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging and treated with laminectomy and excision.
OBSERVATIONS
A 61-year-old male presented after a mechanical fall and had an incidentally discovered SAW on imaging. He was initially asymptomatic and was therefore conservatively managed. Several years later, however, the patient experienced new-onset back pain, paresthesia, and balance problems, with interval imaging demonstrating worsening of the edema surrounding his SAW. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the SAW, which led to significant resolution of his symptoms.
LESSONS
An SAW can be asymptomatic or can manifest with a wide variety of symptoms. When this condition is incidentally discovered in asymptomatic patients, neurosurgeons should guide these patients to follow-up urgently if they develop any neurological symptoms. At that time, further imaging can be performed to determine if surgical treatment is indicated. Although SAW is rare, clinicians should be aware of the signs and symptoms, because prompt surgical intervention can significantly improve neurological symptoms.
PubMed: 38467042
DOI: 10.3171/CASE23701 -
Acta Microbiologica Et Immunologica... Mar 2024We report a case of exposure to Coxiella burnetii in a surgical nurse who underwent an injury of her finger with a scalpel blade during a native aortic valve replacement... (Review)
Review
We report a case of exposure to Coxiella burnetii in a surgical nurse who underwent an injury of her finger with a scalpel blade during a native aortic valve replacement with a bio-prosthetic cardiac valve conducted on a patient suffering from C. burnetii aortic endocarditis. Given the positivity of C. burnetii culture and PCR from the patient's aortic valve, she was prescribed prophylactic doxycycline 100 mg twice a day for 10 days. Q fever is an occupational zoonosis resulting usually of exposure to infected animals by inhalation of infected aerosols or consumption of contaminated raw milk. Apart from materno-foetal transmission, about 180 cases of human-to-human C. burnetii transmission have been published from 1949 to today, including transmission by blood transfusion, sexual relations, transmission in the healthcare setting to staff, patient attendants and other patients that were likely infected from inhalation of aerosol from respiratory or placental products, transmission to staff during autopsies of patients with Q fever and transmission in familial settings. As C. burnetii is a highly infectious bacterium, that may cause infection with a low inoculum, it should be added to the list of organisms which may be of concern following blood exposure among healthcare professionals.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Female; Pregnancy; Coxiella burnetii; Q Fever; Placenta; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Occupational Exposure
PubMed: 38466372
DOI: 10.1556/030.2024.02240 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jan 2024The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) is composed of three parts: the anterior branch or band (AB), the axillary pouch and the posterior band (PB). The latter has...
PURPOSE
The inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) is composed of three parts: the anterior branch or band (AB), the axillary pouch and the posterior band (PB). The latter has rarely been studied. We aim to describe the PB of the IGHL and its dynamic behaviour in different arm positions.
METHODS
Twelve fresh cadaveric shoulders were used and the two bands (AB and PB) of the IGHL were dissected and isolated, taking away all muscle, ligaments and capsule. Characteristics of the bands were studied in five positions: maximum external rotation (ER1), abduction (ABD), internal rotation (IR), ABD external rotation (ER2) and anterior elevation-adduction-IR (Hawkins-Kennedy test position). Progressive and randomized sectioning of the bands and capsule with a scalpel was performed to study its impact on mobility and translation of the glenohumeral joint.
RESULTS
The bands that tensioned first were in ER1, the AB at 97 ± 9° (80-110); in ER2, the AB at 81 ± 19° (30-100); in IR, the PB at 64 ± 9° (50-80); and in ABD, the PB at 87 ± 10° (70-105). Isolated sectioning of the AB had no effect on ABD, whilst isolated sectioning of the PB allowed greater ABD. In ER2, the AB limited anterior translation. After sectioning the AB, anterior translation remained limited by the PB, which wrapped around the humeral head and locked the joint by pressing the two joint surfaces tightly together. In Hawkins-Kennedy position anterior elevation-adduction-IR, the AB is the first constraint and the posterior translation was limited by the PB alone only in four cases.
CONCLUSIONS
When the IGHL is isolated, ligament limitation of glenohumeral ABD seems to be uniquely dependent on the PB. In the Hawkins and Kennedy position, the AB is the first constraint. In the case of an isolated lesion to the AB, the PB participates in anterior stabilization of the shoulder by wrapping around the humeral head that cannot dislocate. These findings confirm the role of the PB in glenohumeral joint stability.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV.
PubMed: 38464506
DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12014 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Mentors; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Surgical Oncology
PubMed: 38436773
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-15082-6 -
Cureus Jan 2024Background India, with a population exceeding 1.43 billion, faces significant demographic challenges, necessitating effective family planning measures. Non-scalpel...
Background India, with a population exceeding 1.43 billion, faces significant demographic challenges, necessitating effective family planning measures. Non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) is a less complex and cost-effective male contraceptive, yet its acceptance remains low, especially compared to female sterilization. Understanding the determinants of NSV acceptance is crucial for informed decisions on family planning methods. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated NSV acceptance among males who underwent non-scalpel vasectomy (acceptors of NSV) and spouses of women who underwent tubectomy (non-acceptors of NSV). The study was conducted among 116 NSV acceptors and 116 non-acceptors from rural Central India. Data were collected over six months, employing a pre-designed questionnaire covering socio-demographic details, reasons for acceptance/non-acceptance, and information sources for the same. Statistical analysis was done utilizing Epi Info 7.2.6 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], Atlanta, GA), employing descriptive statistics and tests of association. Results Significant associations were found between NSV acceptance (p<0.05) and the age and education of study subjects, age of wife, duration since marriage, and total number of children. Incentives also played a significant role (p=0.014). Opposition to NSV, mainly from wives, was a key factor for non-acceptance (38%). Reasons for acceptance included a previous cesarean section (40.52%), the simplicity of the NSV procedure (26.72%), and the wife's illness (23.28%). Non-acceptance reasons comprised family/friend opposition (38%), lack of awareness/ignorance (25.00%), and fear of surgery (23.28%). Study subjects perceived community reluctance to NSV as mainly due to misbeliefs (30.17%), fear of surgery (27.58%), and illiteracy (26.29%). Conclusion The study highlights socio-demographic factors influencing NSV acceptance and identifies key reasons for acceptance/non-acceptance. Community-based interventions, increased advertisement, and health provider counseling were suggested for enhancing acceptance. Despite challenges, participant satisfaction with NSV was high. These findings contribute to understanding the complex dynamics surrounding NSV acceptance in rural Central India, informing future family planning strategies.
PubMed: 38435918
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53311 -
Life Science Alliance May 2024Detecting structural variants (SVs) in whole-genome sequencing poses significant challenges. We present a protocol for variant calling, merging, genotyping, sensitivity...
Detecting structural variants (SVs) in whole-genome sequencing poses significant challenges. We present a protocol for variant calling, merging, genotyping, sensitivity analysis, and laboratory validation for generating a high-quality SV call set in whole-genome sequencing from the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project comprising 578 individuals from 111 families. Employing two complementary pipelines, Scalpel and Parliament, for SV/indel calling, we assessed sensitivity through sample replicates (N = 9) with in silico variant spike-ins. We developed a novel metric, D-score, to evaluate caller specificity for deletions. The accuracy of deletions was evaluated by Sanger sequencing. We generated a high-quality call set of 152,301 deletions of diverse sizes. Sanger sequencing validated 114 of 146 detected deletions (78.1%). Scalpel excelled in accuracy for deletions ≤100 bp, whereas Parliament was optimal for deletions >900 bp. Overall, 83.0% and 72.5% of calls by Scalpel and Parliament were validated, respectively, including all 11 deletions called by both Parliament and Scalpel between 101 and 900 bp. Our flexible protocol successfully generated a high-quality deletion call set and a truth set of Sanger sequencing-validated deletions with precise breakpoints spanning 1-17,000 bp.
Topics: Humans; Alzheimer Disease; Whole Genome Sequencing
PubMed: 38418088
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302181 -
Bioinformation 2023Four surgical treatment modalities namely cryosurgery, scalpel and blade surgery, diode LASER surgery and CO2 LASER surgery in the management of oral potentially...
Four surgical treatment modalities namely cryosurgery, scalpel and blade surgery, diode LASER surgery and CO2 LASER surgery in the management of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) in terms of healing outcomes post operatively and recurrence is evaluated. The study included sixty outpatients whose biopsies revealed OPMDs (oral lichen planus, homogeneous leukoplakia, non-homogenous leukoplakia and erythroplakia). There is decrease in post-operative pain and oedema in all four treatment categories at one week follow up and two week follow up. It was observed that pain was low in cryosurgery treatment category at day of surgery as well as at one week of follow up as compared to diode LASER and CO2 LASER. Observations from the study highlights that all four surgical modalities used in this study were effective for treatment of OPMDs, and the overall summation of the results of the study showed that cryotherapy seems to offer better clinically significant results than laser therapy.
PubMed: 38415031
DOI: 10.6026/973206300191377 -
Journal of Korean Medical Science Feb 2024This study evaluated the difference in brain metabolite profiles between normothermia and hypothermia reaching 25°C in humans in vivo.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated the difference in brain metabolite profiles between normothermia and hypothermia reaching 25°C in humans in vivo.
METHODS
Thirteen patients who underwent thoracic aorta surgery under moderate hypothermia were prospectively enrolled. Plasma samples were collected simultaneously from the arteries and veins to estimate metabolite uptake or release. Targeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry and direct flow injection were performed, and changes in the profiles of respective metabolites from normothermia to hypothermia were compared. The ratios of metabolite concentrations in venous blood samples to those in arterial blood samples (V/A ratios) were calculated, and log transformation of the ratios [log(V/A)] was performed for comparison between the temperature groups.
RESULTS
Targeted metabolomics were performed for 140 metabolites, including 20 amino acids, 13 biogenic amines, 10 acylcarnitines, 82 glycerophospholipids, 14 sphingomyelins, and 1 hexose. Of the 140 metabolites analyzed, 137 metabolites were released from the brain in normothermia, and the release of 132 of these 137 metabolites was decreased in hypothermia. Two metabolites (dopamine and hexose) showed constant release from the brain in hypothermia, and 3 metabolites (2 glycophospholipids and 1 sphingomyelin) showed conversion from release to uptake in hypothermia. Glutamic acid demonstrated a distinct brain metabolism in that it was taken up by the brain in normothermia, and the uptake was increased in hypothermia.
CONCLUSION
Targeted metabolomics demonstrated various degrees of changes in the release of metabolites by the hypothermic brain. The release of most metabolites was decreased in hypothermia, whereas glutamic acid showed a distinct brain metabolism.
Topics: Humans; Hypothermia; Brain; Amino Acids; Hypothermia, Induced; Hexoses; Glutamates
PubMed: 38412613
DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e79