Transcriptomic signature reveals mechanism of flower bud distortion in witches'-broom disease of soybean (Glycine max).

BACKGROUND: Soybean (Glycine max L. Merril) crop is major source of edible oil and protein for human and animals besides its various industrial uses including biofuels. Phytoplasma induced floral bud distortion syndrome (FBD), also known as witches' broom syndrome (WBS) has been one of the major biotic stresses adversely affecting its productivity. Transcriptomic approach can be used for knowledge discovery of this disease manifestation by morpho-physiological key pathways. RESULTS: We report transcriptomic study using Illumina HiSeq NGS data of FBD in soybean, revealing 17,454 differentially expressed genes, 5561 transcription factors, 139 pathways and 176,029 genic region putative markers single sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphism and Insertion Deletion. Roles of PmbA, Zn-dependent protease, SAP family and auxin responsive system are described revealing mechanism of flower bud distortion having abnormalities in pollen, stigma development. Validation of 10 randomly selected genes was done by qPCR. Our findings describe the basic mechanism of FBD disease, right from sensing of phytoplasma infection by host plant triggering molecular signalling leading to mobilization of carbohydrate and protein, phyllody, abnormal pollen development, improved colonization of insect in host plants to spread the disease. Study reveals how phytoplasma hijacks metabolic machinery of soybean manifesting FBD. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of transcriptomic signature of FBD or WBS disease of soybean revealing morphological and metabolic changes which attracts insect for spread of disease. All the genic region putative markers may be used as genomic resource for variety improvement and new agro-chemical development for disease control to enhance soybean productivity.

Anterior humeral circumflex artery avulsion with brachial plexus injury following an isolated traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

A 70-year-old man presented to accident and emergency with an isolated anteriorly dislocated shoulder, in the absence of a concomitant fracture. There was no neurovascular deficit at presentation, and the shoulder was reduced under sedation, using the Kocher's technique. Following this, the patient developed signs of hypovolaemic shock. Clinical examination revealed an expanding fullness in the deltopectoral area, with compromise of the limb neurovascular status. CT imaging confirmed an expanding haematoma from the axillary vessels, restricting left lung expansion. Once resuscitated, the patient was transferred to theatre for exploration of the bleeding vessels. Intraoperative findings included an avulsed anterior circumflex humeral artery that was subsequently ligated. Postoperatively, the patient developed axillary, radial, median and ulnar nerve neuropraxia, which improved clinically prior to discharge. The patient was ultimately discharged home after a lengthy inpatient stay.

Is there a sex difference in palm print ridge density?

BACKGROUND: Analysis of fingerprints and palm prints at the crime scene is vital to identify the suspect and establish a crime. Dermatoglyphics can even be valuable in identification of a dismembered hand during medicolegal investigations to establish the identity of an individual in cases of mass disasters/mass homicides. METHODS: The present research studies the variation in ridge density in different areas of the palm prints among men and women. The four prominent areas were analysed on the palm prints that included central prominent part of the thenar eminence (P1), hypothenar region; inner to the proximal axial triradius (P2), medial mount; proximal to the triradius of the second digit (P3) and lateral mount; proximal to the triradius of the fifth digit (P4). RESULTS: The mean palm print ridge density was significantly higher among women than men in all the designated areas in both hands except for the P3 area in the right hand. Statistically significant differences were observed in the palm print ridge density between the different palm areas in men and women in right and left hands. No significant right-left differences were observed in the palm print ridge density in any of the four areas of palm prints among men. In women, right-left differences were observed only in the P3 and P4 areas of palm prints. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that though the palm print ridge density is a sexually dimorphic variable, its utility for estimation of sex in forensic identification may be limited owing to significant overlapping of values.

Variations in the insertion of peroneus longus tendon-a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: The insertion of peroneus longus is traditionally described to the plantar surface of the 1st cuneiform and 1st metatarsal. It is thought to be the main contributor to the plantarflexed first ray seen in cavus feet. METHODS: We studied the insertion of peroneus longus in 26 feet from 14 adult cadavers. The insertional points, presence of sesamoid bone and variations in insertion were noted. RESULTS: The main insertion was to the base of the 1st metatarsal and the medial cuneiform in the majority of feet but variations were observed. A sesamoid bone was present within the tendon under the cuboid in 16 feet, 12 of which had additional lateral insertion bands. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in the insertion of peroneus longus were found and we have described two new lateral bands.

Analysis of footprint and its parts for stature estimation in Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Most often, forensic podiatrists are called upon in crime scene investigations where pedal evidence is encountered at the crime scenes. The main aim of the forensic podiatrist is such case is to contribute towards the establishment of the identity of the suspects on the basis of the evidence. One form of the pedal evidence is footprints that are often recovered at the crime scenes. Estimation of stature from footprints forms a major parameter of personal identification in forensic examinations. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of the present study is to make stature estimation standards based on detailed analysis of length measurements of footprints in Indian population using statistical considerations. METHODS: A sample of 100 young adults (50 males and 50 females) was included in the study conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, India. Footprints were obtained from both the feet of each subject. Besides stature, five length measurements i.e. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were measured on both the footprints of each subject using international standards. Bilateral asymmetry in the measurements on footprints was calculated and tested using paired t-test. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated between stature and various footprint length measurements and the stature was estimated using linear and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Our study observes a statistically significant sex difference (p<0.001) in the footprint length measurements between males and females in both right and left feet. A positive and strong correlation exists between various length measurements of the footprint and stature in both the sexes. Males show relatively higher values of correlation coefficients than females. Bilateral differences (right-left differences) were also observed in some of the footprint length measurements among males and females. Linear and multiple regression models are derived for estimation of stature from various footprint length measurements in males, females and for the pooled sample. CONCLUSIONS: The footprints can provide a reliable estimate of stature in forensic investigations. Sex specific regression models give a more accurate estimate of stature than the pooled sample.

The use of multi-media messaging in the referral of musculoskeletal limb injuries to a tertiary trauma unit using: a 1-month evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: New developments in telecommunications will have a profound effect on the delivery of medical care throughout the world. In Northern Ireland three trauma centres provide fracture care for their own and surrounding Emergency Departments. All trauma referrals are currently taken by telephone. It is our experience that the verbal description of the radiographs of a musculoskeletal limb injury can be inaccurate, necessitating us to view the plain films of the patient. By utilising a recent advance in telecommunications technology, the launch of mobile handsets with multi-media messaging (MMS) service capability, it is now possible to digitally capture and instantly send an image of a plain film. PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of multi-media messaging as a supplement to the telephone referral of musculoskeletal limb injures. METHOD: : Following a referral using, the emergency physician and the trauma surgeon evaluated the multi-media consult through a survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Between the 1st December 2003 and the 1st January 2004, 46 multi-media consultations were performed. Picture quality was acceptable in all but one of the referrals. In 35 of the 46 referrals the multi-media image of the plain films was felt to improve the management of the patient. In 8 of the 46 referrals the multi-media image of the plain films was felt to change the management of the patient. CONCLUSION: A multi-media messaging store- and forward telemedicine system has potential to facilitate the rapid, cost-effective management of musculoskeletal limb injuries thereby enhancing clinical care.

Simultaneous dorsal dislocation of the interphalangeal joints in ring finger with proximal interphalangeal joint dislocation of the middle finger: case report and review of the literature.

A 30-year-old amateur goalkeeper sustained simultaneous dislocation of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the ring finger and of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger following a hyperextension injury. This was reduced under a local anaesthetic. Neighbour finger strapping and early mobilisation achieved an excellent functional outcome when reviewed at eight weeks after the initial injury.